Interior Design, Joinery Design

‘That limestone building on the corner' is the charmingly iconic Fremantle pub, the Norfolk Hotel, located on the corner of South Terrace and Norfolk Street. Often referred to as an institution, a classic pub in more of the English sense, the stone building was originally built in 1887 by former Fremantle Mayor, George Alfred Davies and opened as the Oddfellows Hotel before being renamed the Norfolk Hotel in 1985.

Although the Norfolk Hotel had undergone extensive renovations in recent years, its corner courtyard area remained untouched — a maze of pot plants and furniture that had accumulated over time, creating an awkward sequence for patrons entering the venue.

Design Theory set out to transform the courtyard, replanning the layout to create a welcoming outdoor setting that also improved the arrival experience for Norfolk’s customers. Seating options and flexibility to cater to different group sizes were reconsidered, along with the addition of custom-built timber furniture and planting features to help guide entry whilst also providing passive separation for the venue’s smoking and non-smoking areas.

Specification of Feelgood Design chairs, umbrellas for shade and soft planting have helped invigorate this underutilised space, effortlessly integrating with the interior updates while staying true to the casually nostalgic Norfolk Hotel pub experience.