dubois: we rationalised and simplified the existing layout and flow of this iconic venue. Drawing inspiration and similarities with venues from Long Island in New York, the architecture and interiors are nautical and classic, and are consistent with the features and treatments of the original building.
a new commercial kitchen, strategic lighting and furniture throughout, a new public bar was crafted to lure patrons in the cooler months with deep dark green leather booth seating and original wood log fire places.
the new Longshore room overlooking the bay was created by enclosing the existing veranda space with timber and glass bi-fold windows and doors and lining the ceilings with sandblasted timber battens.
the hotel guest suites upstairs have been updated with new sisal seagrass carpets, shiplap lining boards, fresh paint scheme and thick navy linen curtains and custom bedheads.
the enormous new beer garden uses differing levels, built in garden beds and circular planter boxes strategically landscaped to create varied spaces and zones. Timber decking and cedar shingle cladding has been left to bleach in the sun, while large white and navy striped umbrellas are placed throughout the garden for shade. A large fresh white pergola with timber battens to its ceiling, sits central to the beer garden and will eventually be covered with green climbing plants in time.
completed:
2018
photography:
Michelle Williams Photography
Professionals used in
Portsea Hotel
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DUBOIS
About the
Professional
building design + interior architecture
The studio was founded in 2010 by David Dubois: an all round creative with a unique skill set for both high end design and building development.
Initially undertaking a Commerce Science degree, a gap year of travelling and working across Scandinavia instigated a passion for well considered, practical and beautiful design. David returned to Melbourne to complete a Bachelor of Interior Architecture at Monash University, graduating with honours in 2004. With a fearless and confident approach, David quickly acquired valuable experience and opportunities with some of Melbourne’s top tier Architecture firms.
Constantly pushing boundaries and seeking a challenge, David purchased his first property in 2007, a vacant 60m2 lot down a narrow blue stone lane in South Melbourne, considered by most to be too difficult or small to build on. With no previous building or development experience, David set about gaining approval and building on weekends, a four storey tower, containing two car garage, studio office, two bedrooms, three bathrooms and a rooftop deck with 360 degree views of Melbourne’s city skyline. All whilst working full time and on a tight budget.
David has stayed true and is focused on delivering well considered, practical and beautiful designs for all clients projects big or small. On the back of his first development success, small private commissions began to find their way onto David’s drafting board, and it was not long before David decided to strike out on his own and founded dubois:
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