The openings just keep coming at Howard Smith Wharves, with The Houses event spaces having held the first of many events at Bougainvillea House. Nestled amongst the cliffs on the banks of the Brisbane River, each of the four houses, known as Bougainvillea, Greenhouse, Citrus and Wisteria, open out on to the lawns of Howard Smith Wharves, creating the perfect location for unique and unforgettable weddings and events. 

The four boutique event spaces are ideal for weddings and bespoke events, with Howard Smith Wharves’ team of event and wedding planners and award-winning chefs on hand to ensure a memorable experience, whatever your event may be. Designed by Fellow Interiors, a design studio based in Brisbane and Byron Bay, each of The Houses offers up a location for special events that is unique and charming and a welcome new addition the Brisbane venue choices. 

“We have created a collection of unique and intimate spaces, with our vision being to evoke the feeling of a beautiful home rather than a typical function space, each with its own story. Overarchingly, we aimed to create contemporary yet timeless spaces, where every detail has been considered,” said Samantha Leigh, co-founder of Fellow Interiors.

Inspired by summer holidays in the Mediterranean and the relaxed Queensland lifestyle, the largest of The Houses, Bougainvillea, which can host events of up to 200 people, features a wrap-around veranda with breathtaking views overlooking the Story Bridge and city skyline. Those who hold an event at this house will be taken by the French oak, aged zinc, marble and antique brass found inside – almost every element of Bougainvillea’s interiors is bespoke, right down to the specially commissioned artwork. 

“At Bougainvillea, we wanted to create an environment where guests feel as if they have momentarily escaped the noise and pace of the city upon entering,” said Samantha. 

Greenhouse, is nestled right in the heart of Howard Smith Wharves’ gardens, offering an inner city escape for guests. Greenhouse, which can host events of up to 125 people, overlooks the precinct’s Olive Grove and opens onto a veranda, creating an alfresco dining or breakout area. Featuring soft pink and green huesand connecting with the greenery flowing from the cliffs above, Greenhouse is reminiscent of a beautiful English glasshouse.   

Fellow Interiors wanted Greenhouse to represent a more feminine space, and have achieved this through the use of Italian marble tiling and custom tiled artwork, botanical fabric and framed botanical etchings, and one-of-a-kind vintage items sourced from all over the world. 

The final two houses: Citrus and Wisteria were opened on late March. Smaller than Bougainvillea and Greenhouse, Citrus and Wisteria are perfect venues for intimate events, such as bridal showers and small meetings and gatherings. 

Scott Bayne, General Manager of Events at Howard Smith Wharves, said the opening of The Houses means there is a venue for everyone at the precinct. “We have Howard’s Hall and The Rivershed which are great for larger events, but The Houses are a unique offering in the Brisbane event scene for smaller-scale events. Whether it’s a meeting which utilises both a house and the lawns for breakouts, or for a beautiful wedding, these spaces set the scene for an unforgettable event.”

Howard Smith Wharves also provides catering for events held in The Houses. Whether it’s an intimate dinner overlooking the Brisbane River, alfresco dining on one of The House’s verandas, outdoor cooking, a grazing menu or a relaxed picnic-style meal, Howard Smith Wharves’ The Houses are the perfect venue for your next event.

the bigger plans

Brisbane City Council’s Howard Smith Wharves project is part of a large-scale vision to transform the precinct into a world-class tourism, recreation, dining and lifestyle destination, offering access to and from the river in a way that’s sensitive to its history and to the city’s future needs.

While the project will include a 164 room, 5-star Art Series The Fantauzzo hotel, and function spaces able to accommodate up to 1,000 guests, the focus is overwhelmingly on generating spaces for locally made food and beverages to thrive. At HSW, visitors can dine at unique restaurants with both rising stars and acclaimed chefs at their helm. They can also sample locally-brewed schooners at Felons Brewing Co, the only brewery located on the Brisbane river.

 Later in 2019, HSW Nominees will launch a series of pioneering food and culture festivals to activate the site further, cementing Brisbane as the must-visit Australian city. 

https://howardsmithwharves.com/events/