Whistling Sisters Beer Co.

This smart new brewpub on a busy Wellington street corner combines a number of distinctive structural elements. It was a five-month project, involving a lot of work outside peak hours and on weekends, and close coordination with subcontractors and clients.

In the first stage, the original concrete ceilings were water blasted to expose the aggregate and bring the ceilings back to their original condition. The brewery phase was then completed, with full-height glass partitions installed on the mezzanine floor tasting room to overlook the brewery below.

Formwork for the ground floor bar front was constructed from rough sawn timber planks that run horizontally around the bar’s perimeter. Concrete was poured to create a rustic finish in keeping with the concrete columns and beams. Large stainless steel tubes that run from the brewery to the bar enclose all the beer lines connecting to the beer taps.

On the roof, a new steel structure was installed for all the restaurant and brewery services. New concrete plinths connect it to the existing building, and the plant deck was prefabricated off site ready to be craned on to the roof.

The finish includes a striking mural on a central wall, feature light fittings and a perforated balustrade.