Matso’s Eumundi is a 1000m² adaptive reuse hospitality project that brings new life to the heritage-listed ‘Joe’s Waterhole,’ a historic timber and tin hotel originally erected in 1891 along Main Road in Eumundi, Queensland. The project, designed by Five Mile Radius and Knight Wilson, with Hutchinson Builders as the lead contractor, began in early 2022 and was completed in late 2023. Commissioned by Matso’s, an independent brewer and hospitality brand from Broome, Western Australia, this project marks their expansion to the east coast.

The brief for the project involved the meticulous restoration of the 1920s timber and tin pub, along with the demolition of water-damaged additions to make way for a new brewery, restaurant, beer garden, and landscaped area to the rear of the pub. The new addition features four gable-roofed pavilions that mirror the proportions of the heritage-listed pub, providing a clear and adaptable structure for future generations while respecting the site’s historical significance.

Central to the design ethos was the use of recycled materials, both in construction and furnishings. A comprehensive survey of salvageable demolition materials was conducted, and many elements of the new build were crafted from these recycled resources. The Five Mile Radius workshop reworked much of the original pub furniture, resulting in a unique palette of recycled and Australian hardwood-based furnishings that align with the project’s sustainable objectives.

The design also focused on regenerating the extensive garden at the rear of the site and creating a seamless connection between the garden and the street. Positioned opposite the famous Eumundi markets, the new development was designed to integrate with the local context, maintain the character of the original pub, and establish a lively connection between the venue and the surrounding community. Matso’s Eumundi stands as a testament to the successful blending of heritage preservation, sustainable design, and community engagement in hospitality projects.

Photography by Yaseera Moosa