Lawson Flats by Ohlo Studio

Walking through The Esplanade, you may capture a glimpse of possibly one of the last remaining Art Deco apartment buildings in Perth’s CBD, a classic sandstone facade with original signage that reads ‘Lawson’, now fondly known as Lawson Flats.

Stepping inside, it feels somewhat ambiguous at first, only for this to be quickly offset by a sense of intrigue and calm. Ohlo Studio achieves this warm, inviting atmosphere through a sensitive restoration of the heritage property centred on the idea of layered environments.

Ohlo Studio achieves this warm, inviting atmosphere through a sensitive restoration of the heritage property centred on the idea of layered environments.

A modern take on the traditional social club, Lawson Flats is a new-wave, member-only civic space centred on community. While the concept is entrenched in the building’s past, previously housing the private men’s and women’s clubs, The Perth Club and Karrakatta Club, the rejuvenation signals a new era for the building.

Today, the club is set across three levels and separated into zones, each with a distinct feel. The central rooms, the lounge, salon, co-working space and a neighbourhood-style wine bar and bistro are refined, the karaoke, meeting and music rooms are bold and the gym, dance and wellness zones are more nostalgic. A public-facing art gallery blurs the boundary between club members and the public.

The central rooms, the lounge, salon, co-working space and a neighbourhood-style wine bar and bistro are refined, the karaoke, meeting and music rooms are bold and the gym, dance and wellness zones are more nostalgic.

Ohlo Studio elevated the 1937 apartment building by paying homage to a bygone era, culminating in a dynamic and decadent design. The iconic green carpeted floors remain, referenced throughout the colour palette in the upholstery, walls, tiles and decor. Similarly, each space is furnished with reclaimed vintage furniture and iconic classics from the 1970s and ’80s.

Walking through the rooms, one could easily imagine being in the home of a friend’s extravagant grandmother somewhere in Tuscany, steeped in mementos from the 1970s. Dark timber dominates here in Perth though, complemented by soft lighting, eclectic furniture and custom-made cabinetry.

Walking through the rooms, one could easily imagine being in the home of a friend’s extravagant grandmother somewhere in Tuscany, steeped in mementos from the 1970s.

Lawson Flats also feels cultivated, particularly through the many artworks that adorn the walls. Art curator Annika Kristensen has brought together a collection of progressive, local art that is bold and playful yet also plays into the building’s past – various works by Perth artist Gian Manik depict scenes from the original Karrakatta dining room.

After spending time within Lawson Flat’s warm embrace, the layers soon reveal themselves, painting a vivid picture beyond the ambiguity of first impressions. It is a multifaceted space determinedly connected to its past and present in a way that feels refined yet lived in – a welcome injection into Western Australia’s burgeoning creative capital.

Architecture by Finespun. Interior design by Ohlo Studio. Build by Aurora Project Group. Project management by Limnios Projects. Art curation by Annika Kristensen. Heritage consulting by Palassis Architects. Custom furniture manufacture by Remington Matters and Fremantle Furniture.