Open House Bendigo 2019

Design - by Open Journal

Kooroork House II photographed by Glenn Hester

October 2nd, 2019.

Bendigo Open House launched their 2019 program on Monday and, with nearly 30% more buildings and events added across the weekend of October 26-27, this year is set to deliver some outstanding architectural and historical experiences.

Bendigo is a City renown for its colourful and rich history which subsequently produced a plethora of classical and ornate architectural delights. More recently however, the lure of the City of Bendigo has seen a profound increase in the development of inspired new builds that rival Australia’s larger cities in terms of design, sustainability, and the development and use of cutting edge building materials and standards. Bendigo’s Open House event is the annual opportunity for old and new buildings alike to throw their doors open to the accolades of the public masses.

Last years inaugural Open House event in Bendigo fulfilled expectations that the strength of the cities art scence (think Bendgo Art Gallery) and outstanding tourism and hospitality industy would spill over to draw in the equally inspired jewels of its built environment. Unlike any other city, Bendigo is held together by a profound offering of buildings that echo the narrative of its urban development. On the more recent end of the spectrum is Kooroork House II.

Designed and built by architect Lucas Hodgens of e+ architecture, Kooroork House II (pictured above) exemplifies the architect’s desire to create imaginative containers for living. A concept based on ‘making camp’ drove the conceptual design. The central space where the family comes together around the fire is flanked by four rooms of flexible proportions allowing for a series of different uses. At only 160 square metres, Kooroork House II highlights how family homes on a budget are possible without compromising on sustainable and design aspirations.

Beehive Building, Bendigo Mining Exchange photographed by Craig Lightfoot

Rewind almost 150 years and the ornate beauty of the Charles Webb’s Beehive Building at the Bendigo Mining Exchange. Meticulously restored by DBG Projects with Williams Boag Architects design, Open House visitors will be the first to experience the restoration of the refined elegance of the intricate glass and decorative steelwork that has been unveiled throughout the arcade for the first time in decades.

The former Eaglehawk Town Hall, now the Star Cinema, brings the historic side of Bendigo full circle. Built in 1901 by Melbourne architects Wilkinson and Permewan, the sumptuous building of brick and stone features a central clock tower and reflects the prevailing architectural fashion. At the time of its construction it was a remarkable investment for a town consisting predominantly of poor mining families.