Project background
Coopers has thrown open the doors to a bold new chapter at Regency Park, unveiling a $70 million Brand Home that redefines what a brewery experience can be. A purpose-built visitors centre, microbrewery and whisky distillery that transforms the way people engage with the iconic South Australian brewery.
Delivered in collaboration with Studio Nine Architects, Built, SA Construct and Fielders, the project brings together architectural ambition and industrial precision within a circular, elevated structure. Inside, guests move through a curated experience that includes a working microbrewery, whisky distillery, interactive museum, tasting spaces and dining venues.
“The agenda was always that they had ambitions to create the best beer experience in Australia,” said Simon Tothill, Associate Architect at Studio Nine. “It was about making ambassadors out of visitors and showing them the process, the place and the provenance behind every product.”
The brief called for a facility that would honour Coopers’ 162-year legacy while embracing a contemporary, guest-focused vision. The result is a modern landmark for South Australia, rooted in an iconic brand’s heritage and crafted for what comes next.
The Fielders solution
Delivering a curved roof with architectural precision required a product that could follow the geometry without compromising the clean, contemporary design intent. Fielders FreeForm® was the clear choice.
“Fielders FreeForm® was selected for this project due to the shape of the structure, and the tapering ability of the FreeForm® meant it was the perfect solution for the design,” said Luke Bassham, Sales Lead, SA at Fielders.
The 0.55mm tapered profile in COLORBOND® Surfmist® provided both the visual purity and technical performance the project demanded. Its seamless, interlocking format aligned with the minimalist roof expression, while the Surfmist® finish delivered clarity, durability and a strong visual presence.
“When we looked at the shape of the building, FreeForm® was the absolute logical product for that,” said Tothill. “By selecting FreeForm®, we ended up with a single, simple roof shape… it carried the simplicity of a single form.”
Fielders worked closely with SA Construct and Built to deliver the custom-tapered sheets, which were mobile milled on-site to ensure accuracy and reduce handling risks. This hands-on approach enabled precise alignment with the building’s circular footprint and supported faster, cleaner installation.
Project execution
Studio Nine’s vision, bridging hospitality and industry through history, shaped every design decision. The circular form echoed Coopers’ roundel and brewing vessels, creating a seamless connection between public experience and industrial function.
“We realised that barrel-strength whisky has the same hazard rating as petrol… and we’re storing a million litres of it,” said Tothill. “The challenge was making something so complex look simple.”
That clarity was shared across the team. Built led construction, with SA Construct installing the curved FreeForm® roof, custom-tapered and mobile milled on site.
“There are four ingredients in beer, so we wanted a really restrained palette,” said Tothill. “Using locally made COLORBOND® steel in Surfmist allowed us to maintain that simplicity while delivering on performance and provenance.”
“The main feature is the ability to curve,” added Bassham. “We were also able to use a higher clip, which removed the need for insulation spacers, removing cost to the build.”
Installation required precision across the radial layout and integrated services.
“Fielders collaborated closely with SA Construct and Built to deliver the profile, mobile milled on site for installation. This allowed us to work closely to ensure the tapering met the requirements to allow the sheets to take the shape of the building,” said Bassham.
The result is a refined, cohesive structure built clarity and collective purpose.
Outcomes
The completed Coopers Brand Home stands as a new landmark in South Australian architecture, transforming a private industrial site into a bold, public-facing destination. It fulfils the original brief and then some, combining immersive storytelling with technical rigour.
“This has become a building of more than just national importance… this is a home for their brand to be manifest,” said Tothill.
The curved form and elevated profile demanded a roofing solution that could match the ambition of the design. Fielders FreeForm® made that possible, enabling the distinctive geometry while aligning with Coopers’ values of craftsmanship, innovation and local sourcing.
“This project showcases Fielders' unique product portfolio to be able to offer the market, where complex design can be achieved, particularly in curved design,” said Bassham.
The Brand Home is now a statement of identity, of legacy, and of what’s next for Coopers.
Learnings
- Form follows flexibility - FreeForm®’s tapering capability allowed the roof to follow the building’s radial geometry without compromise, proving the value of adaptive, fit-for-purpose materials in complex architecture.
- Design clarity sets the tone - Choosing a clean, minimal profile established a visual language that informed the detailing of other systems. With fewer penetrations and a restrained material palette, the result is cohesive and enduring.
- Collaboration drives outcomes - From early design development to final installation, consistent collaboration between architect, builder, installer and supplier ensured the vision was delivered with precision.
Conclusion
Designed with precision and purpose, Coopers’ new Brand Home transforms a private manufacturing site into a public icon, bridging the technical demands of brewing with the emotional pull of storytelling.
With Fielders FreeForm® enabling the distinctive roof form, the project demonstrates what’s possible when design intent is matched by material capability and team collaboration.
It’s a landmark that honours South Australia’s brewing heritage, while raising the bar for brand-led destinations everywhere.