Prahan Hotel by Techné Architects

Melbourne, Australia’s Prahan Hotel recently completed an adventurous expansion this past month thanks to the creative design team of Techné Architects. Utilizing 17 concrete pipes, the two created a three-story facade that is not only a fully functional living space, but also very energy efficient as well. Techne Director and Project Architect Justin Northrop speaks of its inspiration saying, “It stemmed from initially thinking about how to incorporate art deco circular motifs into the design which are prevalent in the original part of the pub at the front. The pipes idea was an evolution of design thinking that moved from simply being a graphic consideration to a structural and programmatic solution.” The pipes are actually more than a facade however, as they are also used for dining and drinking as an extension of Prahan’s attached bar. Seen from the street, each booth seats up to 12 and features leather upholstered banquettes lined with recycled spotted gum slats and acoustic absorption mats.