Lola’s by Peter Frederick Cole Architect

Set within a heritage building in Fremantle, Lola’s retains the historical appeal of the locale while injecting fresh energy into Market Street, echoing the eclectic vernacular of Perth’s arts and cultural hub.

Located inside the Imperial Chambers building, the existing structure is given new life as a contemporary Italian restaurant. From the street, the warmth inside seems to radiate through the floor-to-ceiling, steel-framed glazing, with the steel frames referencing and honouring the local influence of the late architect Brian Klopper. The glass windows links the street and interior space, imbuing a deep connection with the locale and its surroundings.

Despite being a small space, there are various sections to experience, such as a communal dining table in the centre, singular tables for more intimate dining as well as window bar seating that overlooks the bustling street.

Stepping inside Lola’s, there is an immediate sense of cosiness. Despite being a small space, there are various sections to experience, such as a communal dining table in the centre, singular tables for more intimate dining as well as window bar seating that overlooks the bustling street. An open kitchen allows diners to see all the tantalising food being prepared, creating a sense of connection that echoes the experience of dining at home or at a friend’s house.

Peter Frederick Cole Architect’s design was inspired by the history of the original building. A long record of varied tenancies revealed interesting remnants that went on to inform the project; for example, the layers of different paint and wallpaper, which were expressed as finished wall surfaces – a nod to the form’s colourful past.

Finer details like terracotta wine holders and decor such as bright floral arrangements and scattered wine bottles add unexpected moments of nostalgia.

The building’s previous chapters also informed the material palette. Dominated by salvaged jarrah timber, earthy tones and natural beetroot-coloured stone that references the culture of the port city, the design harmonises with the historical palette of the local area. Similarly, finer details like terracotta wine holders and decor such as bright floral arrangements and scattered wine bottles add unexpected moments of nostalgia.

A highly sensitive restoration that feels warm, authentic and unpretentious, Peter Frederick Cole Architect harnesses Fremantle’s contemporary artistic energy to create a pizza restaurant that looks perfect in place – like it has always been there, welcoming diners for generations as a space to come and enjoy the food, drink wine and feel at home.

Architecture by Peter Frederick Cole Architect. Build by Gorilla Construction & Maintenance.