A complex underground build with the end result calling to mind the 1930’s in its heyday
The Caterpillar Club was about translating Swillhouse’s ambition into a highly layered, late-night venue that feels immersive, tactile and effortless to occupy. Working beneath Pitt Street, we delivered a complex underground build that balanced heritage character with modern performance, coordinating structure, services, acoustics and finishes within a tight footprint and program. Close collaboration with Swillhouse and the wider creative team ensured the venue sat comfortably alongside their established Sydney institutions, including Le Foote and Hubert, while carving out its own identity.
The project involved careful sequencing to support bespoke interior elements, hand-finished surfaces and the installation of extensive joinery, including the bar-length vinyl archive. Live-music performance requirements, late-night food service and multiple atmospheric zones — from the Den to the Bamboo Room — demanded precision in detailing and coordination. The result is a richly textured, high-energy space built to endure long nights, heavy use and constant movement, without ever feeling overworked.
