Architecture
old young's distillery
winner award - while at Cumulus Studio Project Architect, 2 stage international competition Perth, Australia designed in 2023, on-going
At first glance, it may seem that the hills and vineyards have held this place forever, steeped in old stories and quiet traditions. But something new stirs among them now: a distillery that does not whisper, but hums with life and possibility. Here, where the Swan Valley’s gentle fields touch clear skies, we asked: How can we share the craft of gin and vodka in a way that feels both rooted and thrillingly fresh?
We looked to the land and its history — its winding river carved by time, the ancient paths of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people, and a quiet colonial heritage. Then we reached for something else: a sense of play, a willingness to twist a familiar shape until it surprises. Out of a simple shed form, we’ve coaxed a space that feels alive, tipping and bending with a spirited nod to the craft inside. It stands as both a landmark and a friendly invitation, catching the eye from afar and asking visitors to step closer, to wonder, to taste.
As guests arrive, they move from sunlight into a series of small, attentive spaces — sheltered nooks that share glimpses of copper stills, shimmering equipment, and quiet corners where botanicals wait for their next chapter. Inside, the design meanders through layers of experience: a tasting room that hints at secret flavors, an open dining terrace that welcomes laughter and lingering conversation, and a hidden nook that feels like a whispered secret between old friends.
Each choice — of shape, material, window, and angle — honors the Swan Valley’s gentle rhythms. There’s no rush, only curiosity and delight. The building’s subtle skin, its gentle twists, its warm interplay of timber and light, all reflect the brand’s spirited character: honest and ambitious, ready to challenge the ordinary. Surrounded by vineyards and distant hills, the distillery becomes a place to gather and sip, to enjoy what has always been here and what is newly made. In every tasting glass and every open door, we welcome the world to discover a story still unfolding.












