GARDE HOTEL

Garde Hotel, a new 83-room accommodation in Fremantle, Western Australia, resides within a cherished heritage zone, neighbouring renowned landmarks like the Fremantle Prison, courthouse, and Warders cottages W2.. The site comprises three interconnected heritage blocks: D and E, constructed between 1897 and 1903 as police quarters, and F, a 1978 addition designed by architect R. J. 'Gus' Fergusson. The complexity of the site is heightened by the removal of internal heritage details in Blocks D and E by the previous owner, leaving an empty building shell.

Responding to the client's brief, the design incorporated an additional two floors to Block F to enhance the site's capacity. Careful consideration was given to ensure the new floors seamlessly integrated with Fergusson's distinctive off-form concrete patterns. The internal design navigates the distinct histories of the police quarters and the modern 70s addition, using materials that reflect both eras. This thoughtful approach creates a narrative journey for hotel guests, despite the challenges posed by the building's altered heritage.

This project reached completion in September 2025. Garde Hotel promises a unique and harmonious blend of historical and contemporary elements, contributing to the rich heritage of this intricate site in the heart of Fremantle.

Location: Fremantle, Western Australia

Design Architect: Matthew Crawford Architects

Documentation Architect: MSA

Builder: Buckingham Redevelopment Co

Interiors: Matthew Crawford Architects and Foolscap Studio

Photographer: Jack Lovel

Status: Completed 2025

Modern building entrance with a covered walkway, signage reading 'GARDE,' and glass windows.
Modern hotel lobby with a seating area including two wooden chairs, a black chair, a yellow striped armchair, and a round wooden coffee table with books and a decorative object. The background features a textured beige wall with two artworks, and a b
The image shows a modern multi-story building with large windows and stone facade, with a section labeled 'GARDEN'. There is a covered walkway and a parking area underneath, and a bronze railing surrounding the building.
A hotel room with a bed against a wooden headboard, white pillows and a view of trees and buildings outside a large window.
Long hallway with closed doors on both sides, warm lighting, and a carpeted floor.
Modern multi-story building with large windows, beige stone facade, and a metal roof in a suburban neighborhood at sunset.
Modern bathroom with a freestanding bathtub in front of a large window with a mountain view.
Close-up of a marble or stone countertop and supporting pillar with inset grooves on the side, in a neutral-toned interior.
Modern reception desk with a vase of flowers, dark gray textured wall, colorful abstract painting, and unique hanging light fixtures in a minimalist interior.
Modern building with large windows, a stone wall, and a person riding a bicycle in front.
View of a balcony with two green chairs and a small table, overlooking neighboring buildings and trees during sunset.
View from a hotel room window showing a palm tree, a church with a steeple, and a street scene with cars and a pedestrian
A modern shower area with gray tiled walls and floor, featuring a gold rain showerhead, a separate handheld shower, and three black liquid soap dispensers mounted on the wall.
Modern multi-story building with the sign 'GARDE,' large rectangular windows, and a stone wall entrance. A sidewalk and a person walking are in the foreground, with a clear blue sky in the background.
A bedroom with a white bed, bedside table with a glass water pitcher and glass, and a view into a bathroom with a marble sink, mirror, and exposed brick wall.
Minimalist kitchen with white cabinets, marble backsplash, and a black oven, adjacent to a small nook with a hanging shirt and marble bench.
A cozy living room with a round wooden dining table, two beige upholstered chairs, a burnt orange sofa, a window with brown curtains, and a small modern lamp on the table.
A modern bedroom with a white bed, a wooden side table with glass water bottles, and a tan chair on wooden flooring.