Award of Merit:

Mata Design Studio for Gage Roads Freo Brewery

Mata Design Studio is a distinctive and diverse group of individuals specialising in interior and building design. Our design philosophy is focused on original concepts and evolving ideas to form unique and beautiful solutions. We believe imagination leads to great design. 

Leading Mata is Paul Lim who graduated from Industrial Design at the Central Metropolitan College of TAFE, Perth. This platform exposed him to the potential of design and led him to complete a Bachelor of Interior Design at Curtin University of Technology. The study of two design disciplines has shaped Paul into a designer with an acute attention to detail, constructability and aesthetics. Mata Design Studio is merely an extension of his design philosophies which carry through to the experienced design team, their clients and ultimately the projects. 

With tailored design solutions we produce innovative, sublime spaces created from specific requirements and conditions for high quality residential, commercial, hospitality and retail development. The Mata style is defined only by its constantly evolving nature and vision to produce a premium product. The variety of projects we undertake gives us the opportunity to collaborate, create, define and redefine design. 

Mata Design Studio has long been a staunch supporter of the local Design community both in WA and nationally. It has always been important to have students in our workplace to nurture their development both professionally and personally, but also to have our studio in Perth where we are able to go out and visit venues/offices/urban spaces created by our peers and support them. Professional development is encouraged with regular visits from suppliers and representatives and in our office meetings when we share progress on projects and peer exchange occurs. Every job is a collaboration – between the Client, Builder and Consultants, it is always a fluid process focussed on the best outcome for the project.

About the Project

The design process was one of close collaboration working hand-in-hand with the Client and their team, Architect, Artists, Builder, Suppliers and Consultants from concept to completion. With the best part of the design and construction taking part in the middle of a pandemic the process was also one of fluidity and often required thinking outside the box and working with what was available to us. 

The site was central to the design concept. Located in the A-Shed, the venue overlooks the stretch of ocean that separates Rottnest Island and Fremantle. This strip named ‘Gage Roads’ is what inspired the name of the brewing company. With such strong ties to the site the Brewery was to be considered Gage Roads’ new ‘spiritual home’. It was this idea the formed the basis of the concept as a place or ‘home’ for all. During planning, areas were zoned into the areas of the home including the ‘verge’ (front beer garden), the lounge area, the dining room, the verandah, the games room and the backyard (rear beer garden). Each zone would have different seating types, grouping options and features to engage with patrons and reiterate the Gage Road mantra. 

In order to embrace the portside location bar ledges were positioned to run along the alfresco allowing patrons to overlook the port and watch the activity of incoming and outgoing Cargo ships. Inside the venue TVs with the schedule of cargo ships were also positioned within each area. The “verge” was a space reflective of the scenario of neighbours impromptu congregation on the street while the backyard is more family-focused with seating for larger groups and a playground area for the kids. 

Representing a WA brand it was important for the venue to incorporate materials and finishes sourced locally. Where possible & practical, Jarrah for the bar tops and kitchen counter front were repurposed from the wharf and also sourced from a local timber yard. The main bar front spanning over 17 metres is clad in monolithic slabs of sandstone sourced from a Quarry in Donnybrook WA. Some of the furniture were vintage pieces to help create the “lived in” feel while others were specified through Suppliers that represent reputable brands such as Kettal, Pedrali and Vondom whose design and manufacturing practises are considered and maintained. Colours, materials and finishes are all in some way reflective of the Gage Roads name.

Category: Place

Designers and Project Team:
Lead Designer Paul Lim
Interior Designer Kelly Hughes
Designers Kylene Tan, Cassandra Tan