Strange Company
Category: Hospitality
Location: Fremantle
Status: Completed 2015
Awards:
AIA (WA Chapter) Architecture Award for Interior Architecture 2017
AIA (WA Chapter) Commendation – Mondoluce Lighting Award 2017
Project Team:
Michael Patroni
Clayton Edwards
Builder:
Texo.
Photographer:
Lana Gonsalves
Michael Patroni
Dimmity walker
Project Description:
Strange Company is a small bar in Fremantle’s west end within an existing unremarkable brick and tin shed, C1950.
We treated the existing shed as background, suspending a new timber ceiling element that compresses and releases the space, providing the drama of varied spatial qualities within the open plan bar. During the day the interior walls are washed with natural light from above and bamboo planting below creates the impression of a garden courtyard at the rear that draws people into the space.
The bar sits centrally in the space creating different seating environments around it. Custom designed furniture, including stools and tables, characterises each area: on one side the large table offers a convivial, communal experience; outdoor seating in the front garden; the tall tables and stools are a more lively combination of sitting and standing that can be configured to suit various sized groups; while the lounge area is illuminated by dramatic light funnels in the ceiling.
Located on a side street, the neighbourhood bar is discovered rather than announced and has a relaxed, informal feel, which suits its Fremantle locale, it is a place where locals meet and linger over cool music, local produce and good times.