Established in 1865, the American Hotel was revitalised by Brandrick Architects after closing in 2008.

The American Hotel is a commanding two storey corner pub, with a striking, heritage brick façade, complimented by painted cream details and ornate, rendered parapets. The rear of the venue was found worn, with the extension calling for dramatic demolition and replacement. After initial demolition, probing found the initial foundations were not significant therefore the internal structure had to be self-supporting.

Brandrick Architects used existing spaces and ensured the scale of new spaces matched existing.

Reuse of redgum timber throughout the hotel, as cladding, bar tops and benches, provided the perfect opportunity to give the timber, salvaged from the Echuca Wharf revitalisation, a new lease on life.

Copper fixtures and features curl their way through the interior, with custom lighting and beer taps, adding a polished effect to the otherwise casual ambience.

“We used raw, honest materials, executed through copper light fittings left to naturally oxidise and high quality timber finishes,” commented Shannon Johns, Brandrick Architects’ main designer on the project.”In particular the redgum restored from the wharf revitalisation helps create a harmonious connection between spaces.”

Heavy steel sections, reused from Echuca Flour Mill, add to the industrial, raw finish, honoured by aged bottle-lined walls.

“The spiral staircase connecting courtyards ties the design together,” added Shannon.

While physically impressive, the design’s success is reliant on the character and intimacy created by the interior. Significant effort was made to ensure patrons have a variety of ways to enter the building, with numerous ways of gathering, in small groups or larger functions, catered for.

The large first floor balcony pays tribute to the advantageous address with spectacular views of the mighty Murray River, honouring the neighbouring gumtrees through rustic and polished high quality fittings and furnishings.

Masson for Light were commissioned by Beatrix Rowe Interior Design and Brandrick Architects, to produce 21 types of custom copper chandeliers and wallight for the refurbishment of the iconic American Hotel, Echuca.

The copper tube lights were designed by Beatrix Rowe in consultation with Masson For Light. Specially made copper tube was sourced and produced locally for the project. Left untreated to naturally patina over the coming years. A natural black metal finish for the brackets, ceiling plates and other detail was developed by Masson For Light. American Oak was also incorporated into selected copper tube lights for the upstairs dining room.

Also included in the project were textured powder coat black MONDO BLOK surface and track mount adjustable down lights made from locally produced extruded aluminium.

Mondo MR16 Trimless fittings were used for selected areas along with Mondo Blok Mini exterior wall lights for the outside areas.

The American Hotel is one of the oldest pub in the region and features much local heritage and is family owned and operated with great passion. This passion translated into its refurbishment and many of the original materials were recycled. It was intended the custom copper lights were to be fabricated from period materials with the vicinity. Unfortunately that was not possible and therefore Masson For Light, one of Australia’s very few remaining fabricators of light fixtures were appointed.

The light sources are 39W incandescent “squirrel cage” lamps which enhance the period feel.