More than just a pub, Northern Grounds is a true celebration of the Australian outdoors — a place where the fire is always burning and the door is always open.
Perched on the shores of the Maroochy River in Diddillibah on the Queensland Sunshine Coast, the venue’s picturesque location has clearly helped influence the overall style of the build, making the latest addition to the hospitality industry a breathtaking game-changer that captures the true essence of Australia’s adventurous lifestyle.
Publican at Northern Grounds Jarrod Harm said ‘opening’ the building as much as possible was key to achieving the desired environment and overall feel of the pub.
“And this concept is all about enjoying the great outdoors with mates and friends,” Harm said. “We’ve opened the ceilings to get extra height, and we’ve removed walls between the old sports bar and bistro to make one large, spacious food and beverage area.
“We were passionate about using local recycled timbers and natural fibres while bringing the outdoors inside.”
Northern Grounds is all about coming together and sharing an experience — a concept deeply rooted throughout the venue, from its architectural design to its dining services, and is partnering with leading commercial architect Cayas + Ward to develop and deliver a design
Director Jeremy Ward said the project was a natural fit, considering their track record and storied relationship with the Endeavour Group and ALH Hotels.
“We’ve been working together for more than two decades, delivering hundreds of pub renovations and new builds right across Australia.
“The initial branding and aesthetic concept at Diddillibah had already been prepared, so we were asked to take that and translate it into a full architectural fit-out for what became Northern Grounds.
“That direction called for raw, honest materials — lots of timber and an exposed structure.
“From there, it was about making the venue feel like the outdoors had been pulled inside.
Jeremy Harm said the architects took complete control and management from start to finish to help alleviate the stress that can sometimes be involved for clients.
Northern Ground’s use of timbers, warm lighting, and other natural features heavily contributed to the welcoming ambience that you feel instantly upon entering its doors.
Kennedy’s Timbers was approached to provide the timber, which founder and CEO Michael Kennedy said had more than just an aesthetic impact.
“I always say, if you want to sell beer, put timber in your pub’ Kennedy enthused.
“And that’s never been truer than it is today. There’s what they call a ‘biophilia’ aspect of timber – an actual scientific and chemical reaction that occurs when you put natural products into a built environment.
“When you step into a hotel that has timber and natural elements in it, you feel a lot more relaxed. It makes you want to stay longer, as you feel more comfortable,” he said. “When selecting the timber for the build, Northern Grounds wanted to use recycled materials that were attractive, long-lasting, and had a low carbon footprint.”
Kennedy’s Timbers’ extensive range and knowledge if timbers positioned them perfectly to accommodate the request.
“People are very interested in using sustainable products and are a lot more informed these days,” Kennedy said. “They make decisions based on facts, so you’ve got to be able to give them those facts and be able to back them up. That’s why our timber ticks all the boxes.”
Please note: extracts from this story were originally published in Horse and Water, a brand strategy and development magazine.
