"It takes a village to raise a child" - yeah you know this old adage...... unfortunately in todays age of double fronted garages, stupid fucking 'smart' devices, sprawling suburbia, built to boundary McMansions, less trees and more fake grass - the village can be hard to find.
Every now and again a project comes along which gives you faith in the village, its people and humanity at large (relax im not going hippie on you...... its just an observation).
The A Shed Refurbishment project for Gage Roads Brew Co. in Fremantle WA happens to be one of those moments. A working brewery, a tourism hub, a food and beverage destination and an intrinsic part of the Fremantle Port.
Located on the Walyalup Waterfront, the intent of Gage Roads Freo was to bring new life to Fremantle’s Port (big thanks goes to Fremantle Port Authority), transforming the area’s iconic “A Shed” into a brewery, restaurant, bar and family-friendly venue.
It was the chance to breathe new life into a very old (built 1926) and very important timber shed. One where war ships embarked and immigrants landed. One which will be the catalyst for the Fremantle Port, its connection to the greater Fremantle town centre and its venture into a new era - a once in a lifetime opportunity.
So many good people took up the challenge in challenging times to get it done, to call it their own and make it happen...... its not a polished building by any means, its old and rickety and not a true timber in the joint - and thats the way we like it. I reckon you can feel the spirit behind those who pushed their time into stripping the building apart and putting it back togethe;
Built: ICS Australia
Project Manager: ARIA Projects
Structrual Enginneer: Marcocchi Engineering Group
Interior: MATA Design
Heritage: Griffiths Architects
Services: LCI Consultants
CAD: Parametric
Acoustics: Acoutic Consultants Australia
Fire: Warrington Fire
Certifier: Russel Building Approvals
Plumbing: Fairview Plumbing
Electrical: Techworks Group
Roofing: Delta Roofing
Carpentry: DNC Projects
Painting: Impression Painting
Furniture: MADE Furniture
Lighting: Unios Light
Play Zone: Van Ryt Industries
Kitchen / Bar: Caterlink
Audio Visual: PAV
Traffic: i3 Consultants
Operable Windows: Smartech
Beer System: Barons
Art: Nixon Creative
Signage: WASP
Signwriting: CG Signage
Plants: Bar Botanik
Stonemason: Featurestone Masons
I told you it takes a village! Im sure ive left some out........
The Architect....... I see myself more as a bus driver lately (double denim uniform of course)..... i start up the engine, know the destination and pick up passengers along the way. My role is to ensure i get the bus to its intended end point, safely and in a timely manner.
Of course, there are many unavoidable speed humps and a couple of passengers who need to be kicked off the bus. There are always new routes.... which take the bus on a different path - but the ultimate goal is the destination.
If the bus turns up at its final stop mostly unscathed with (most of) the passengers grinning and proud of the end result - then the job is done.
Welcome home Gage Roads Brew Co. to your new (old) spiritual home. Its been a great ride!