Inconspicuously nestled amongst a row of shop rears in what was previously a fishmonger’s factory, sits Host. With a strong connection to place, Host draws upon the eclectic, diverse, industrial and creative qualities of its Brunswick neighbourhood. Through the gate and past the front garden, you are welcomed at the front door.
Once stepping inside, you instantly feel at home. Exposed brick walls and steel trusses reference the building’s past life. Exposed reclaimed timber stud walls with flyscreen mesh frame an intimate dining room whilst a series of arched timber lath dining booths line one wall. As you journey through, the space opens up to a bar and another ‘dining room’, with all back of house, bathrooms and kitchen beyond.
Host is a home away from home for its neighbours. At its heart, it is about becoming part of and giving back to its community.
Photography by Kristoffer Paulsen
We are proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which Host stands. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
Australia’s most awarded sustainable design firm, and its most dependable.
Our Approach
Breathe undertakes meaningful projects we can be proud of — those that align with our purpose and values.
Since we focus on maximising positive impact, many of our projects don’t fit the common definition of ‘architecture’.
We work to understand who we’re designing for. We strive to inspire, engage and support our clients and the broader communities we serve.
We prioritise social, environmental and economic sustainability in every project. We question the status quo to pursue outcomes that are informed by, and seek to better, those that came before.
Above all, we prioritise ethics along with aesthetics, and design without ego, to create the best outcomes for our clients and their communities.