Barwon Heads Golf Club Clubhouse Undergoes Major Revitalization
Barwon Heads, Victoria – A significant and meticulously planned $20 million renovation has breathed new life into the historic clubhouse of the Barwon Heads Golf Club. This ambitious project, spanning approximately six years from conception to completion late last year, has successfully revitalized the iconic 13th Beach-overlooking building, a landmark of the Bellarine Peninsula.
A Fusion of Heritage and Modernity
The Barwon Heads Golf Club clubhouse, a Victorian Heritage Register-listed gem, boasts over a century of history. Established in 1924, it holds the distinction of being Victoria's first country club and a pioneer private residential golf club to offer accommodation. The recent extensive overhaul, spearheaded by the architectural firm Demaine Partnership, with interiors by Nexus Designs and project management by BVC Projects, aimed to honor this rich legacy while integrating contemporary functionality.
The comprehensive works included a complete refurbishment of the club's accommodation, a redevelopment of conference facilities, an upgrade to the dining areas, a modernized billiard room, improved amenities, and a redesign of administrative spaces. A striking new feature interconnecting staircase now enhances the flow between levels, complemented by remodelled back-of-house facilities designed for peak operational efficiency.
Addressing the Needs of a Modern Club
Michael Jeffreson, Design Director at Demaine Partnership, explained the impetus behind the extensive renovation. "The building was getting pretty tired," he stated. "There were a number of things about the clubhouse – the way it worked for the members and for running functions, a number of other services and technical problems as well. So they went out to market and sought different architects to look at giving the whole building a pretty comprehensive overhaul."
The club had seen some expansion and kitchen refurbishment in 1995, but the core structure and internal layout were no longer meeting the demands of a vibrant, modern golf club and its discerning membership. The primary objective of the redesign was to create a cohesive and connected space, allowing the building to "sing from the same songsheet," as Jeffreson put it.
Enhancing Connectivity and Member Experience
A key focus of Demaine Partnership's design was to improve the connectivity of the clubhouse's main floor. Previously, the space was fragmented into distinct, often unrelated zones. "When you come into the clubhouse there is a kind of formal heritage area at the front of the building that you obviously want to keep all intact and restored," Jeffreson elaborated. "But beyond that, there was a whole lot of quite unrelated spaces – a casual bar connecting to the formal bar, an area that was kind of a transition zone between the commercial kitchen and the formal dining room that was used for administration, so it didn’t really have a proper place to set up for staff and the other things you need to do to run a modern golf club."
The previous layout suffered from a lack of clear sightlines into the main social areas, with corridors, staircases, and amenities creating a broken and less inviting atmosphere. The new design has dramatically improved this, offering a unified and grander sense of arrival. "Now, the whole club when you walk through it, feels of one piece rather than being sort of broken into different areas of different character across the whole of the building."
Respecting and Preserving Heritage
The consultation process with Barwon Heads Golf Club members was extensive, particularly concerning the heritage elements of the 1924-built clubhouse. The eastern-facing front of the building, with its original facades and immediate interior spaces, was a priority for preservation. "So it was a matter of keeping those intact, not doing anything that was going to detract from those, and then to rework some of the newer spaces to make the whole building kind of sing from the same songbook, if you like," Jeffreson noted.
Demaine Partnership utilized advanced 3D computer modeling and renders to present their vision to the membership. This transparency ensured that the final outcome closely mirrored the initial proposals, leading to a high level of satisfaction among the members. "Most of the members understood the building needed a major overhaul, just in relation to compliance and regulations, but there were things that really needed to be addressed – air conditioning and heating and cooling," Jeffreson added, highlighting the critical need for updated infrastructure.
A Beacon for the Bellarine
The successful revitalization of the Barwon Heads Golf Club clubhouse is a testament to thoughtful design, collaborative effort, and a deep respect for heritage. The project not only modernizes the facilities to meet the demands of contemporary golf and hospitality but also enhances the aesthetic appeal and functional flow of a cherished historic building. This significant investment ensures that the Barwon Heads Golf Club remains a premier destination on the Bellarine Peninsula for years to come, offering an unparalleled experience for its members and visitors alike.
