The design of the Bloke’s Shed has won Curtin University’s interior architecture student Kara Van Lieshout a commendation at the recent WA Design Institute of Australia Awards.
Modelled on traditional notions of a man’s shed, the space provides a targeted support service for men experiencing relationship breakdowns.
The fourth year student, of North Lake, said the project brief set for them by Curtin was to design for a minority group in Fremantle.
“The Bloke’s Shed is designed to occupy the Moore’s Building in Fremantle. I wanted to design a facility that encouraged unity and support through easy interaction,” Kara said.
“The design incorporates sustainable materials and principles and the interiors and spaces have the feel of a working shed.
“Fremantle has its own men’s shed, The Fremanshed, which I visited to conduct some research. The men were extremely helpful and I would really like for the guys to see what their collaboration inspired me to design.”
Kara’s design comes with a fully equipped woodwork, metalwork, welding and grinding area, a general workspace and social areas, outdoor garden, garden tools and a barbeque area.
“The idea of a men’s shed provides an effective, yet subtle support service for men and encourages team work to help the men of Fremantle as well as the wider community.”
