Mess Hall
Mess Hall is a unique and versatile family venue designed to foster connection, creativity, and community. Located in a beautifully reimagined 1870s Victorian terrace, it combines historic charm with thoughtful contemporary design. With its open-plan living spaces, timber-lined library corner, sunlit courtyard, and garden-facing studio, Mess Hall is an ideal setting for family time, community events, and artistic pursuits.
Whether you’re hosting a recital in the parlour, a hands-on art workshop in the garden studio, a reading in the main hall, or gathering loved ones for an intimate meal around the kitchen island, Mess Hall’s mobile furniture supports seamless adaptation to a wide range of activities. Bathed in natural light and infused with a welcoming ambiance, it is a space where creativity and connection come to life.
Book Mess Hall today* and make it the heart of your next community event.
| Location | Carlton |
| Completed | 2023 |
| Construction | I.D Built |
| Landscape | Shape & Form |
| Photography | Tom Ross |
| Details | See floorplans |
Mondays & Thursdays
9:00am – 1:00pm: Artist Residence
The garden studio welcomes an artist-in-residence. With its timber-lined walls, extensive art library, and garden outlook, this serene space inspires creativity and focus.
12:00pm – 3:00pm: Theatre Workshops & Readings
The highly adaptable main hall is arranged to welcome local theatre groups and writers for a curated series of readings and workshops, with access to Mess Hall’s kitchen, sunlit courtyard and extensive literary library.
4:00pm – 6:00pm: Kids’ After-School Program
The kitchen trestles are repositioned and repurposed, spread with art supplies, books, and games for a fun-filled afternoon of creativity, while the garden studio offers space for painting workshops.
7:00pm – 9:00pm: Piano Recital & Open Mic
The parlour hosts an intimate evening of music and spoken word. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage and enjoy the warm, inviting atmosphere.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays
8:00am – 10:00am: Morning Yoga and Reflections
Start the week with calm and focus in the main hall. Soft, filtered morning light illuminates the glass-block wall, creating a peaceful environment for yoga and quiet journaling.
12:30pm – 3:30pm: Lunchtime Reading Circle
The parlour transforms into a haven for literary enthusiasts. Participants gather by the moody timber bookcase to read and discuss a curated selection of short stories and poetry.
4:00pm – 6:30pm: Family Cooking Workshop
The adaptable kitchen hosts a variety of hands-on culinary sessions. Families come together to create simple, wholesome meals, with the option to grill outdoors in the garden courtyard.
8:00pm – 10:00pm: Film Club
Family and friends come together for a midweek movie night in the parlour. Afterwards, guests gather in the library corner to discuss the film over light refreshments.
We’ve had fun working with Architecture architecture. Their whole team is friendly, optimistic and totally solution focused. Every request we made was one piece of a fabulous puzzle. They understood we wanted a home where we can host big family parties, where we can work and where teenagers feel welcome to congregate. Their design has given us true flexibility and a gorgeous space to live in every day.
Chris and Angela
Saturdays & Sundays
9:00am – 11:00am: Breakfast Social
Families and friends are invited to gather around the island bench for a leisurely breakfast. The kitchen hums with conversation and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
1:00pm – 4:00pm: Youth Creative Workshop
Young community members gather for a workshop combining visual art, writing, and performance. Mess Hall’s adaptable spaces encourage exploration and collaboration, while the garden studio offers opportunities for creative retreat.
4:00pm – 7:00pm: Sunset Music Salon
The weekend concludes with a rotating roster of musicians performing in the main hall. With late afternoon sun illuminating the translucent glass screen wall, this intimate event is a perfect close to the week.
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*Mess Hall is fully booked for the foreseeable future.
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