Matso’s Eumundi is a 1000m² adaptive reuse project that revitalises the heritage-listed ‘Joe’s Waterhole’ in Eumundi, Queensland. Designed by Five Mile Radius and Knight Wilson, with Hutchinson Builders as the lead contractor, the project was initiated in early 2022 and completed in late 2023. The project was commissioned by Matso’s, an independent brewer and hospitality brand from Broome, Western Australia, as part of their expansion to the east coast.

The project involved the careful restoration of the 1920s timber and tin pub while removing various water-damaged additions to make space for new facilities, including a brewery, restaurant, beer garden, and landscaped area at the rear. The new additions feature four gable-roofed pavilions that reflect the proportions of the original heritage-listed pub, creating a cohesive and adaptable space for future use.

A significant focus was placed on sustainability, with recycled materials playing a central role in the construction and furnishings. A thorough survey identified salvageable materials from the original structure, which were repurposed in the new design. The Five Mile Radius workshop reworked much of the pub’s original furniture, ensuring that the new venue’s furnishings were made from recycled and Australian hardwood.

The design also aimed to regenerate the extensive garden at the rear of the site, connecting it seamlessly with the street and integrating the venue into the local context, especially given its proximity to the famous Eumundi markets. This thoughtful approach respects the character of the original pub while fostering a lively connection between the site and the surrounding community.

Photography by Yassera Moosa