Picture a male-only entertaining space, where men can kick back and enjoy a beer in their very own sanctuary.

A third-year Lincoln University student has created just such a state.

Ryan Morton, 20, formed a "man sanctuary", or Mantuary, for the Ellerslie Flower Show.

His rooftop garden was "the last bastion of masculinity", he said.

Morton said he wanted to create a space in which the host could hold quiet drinks, have friends around to watch the big game or even host a dance party.

"As a guy, designing a space for a guy has been a lot easier as I have thought about what me and my mates would want and would be practical for us."

He pictured his client as a 28-year-old male engineer returning to his home city of Christchurch.

The rooftop entertaining space had a very "bachelor pad" feel, he said.

The garden features a large screen television, a beer cooler and a grass-topped dining table.

Despite the space being built for a man, flowers are planted in overhead spouting, creating a "living roof".

"The playful colour of the planting also adds an element of the softer side of the bachelor pad."

He was sure the men would eventually remember to water the flowers.

"They can pick up the watering can in between beers."

Morton's sister, Shannon, was the only woman allowed into the man cave.

"She helped me finisheverything off. I couldn't have done it without her."

Morton's Mantuary earned him a silver award at Ellerslie. The work had also proved a "big hit" with the crowds.

"A lot of men have walked by and said they think it's the perfect space. Some women have said if you put some wines in the chiller they would come in too."

Morton is studying to graduate with a degree in landscape architecture at the end of 2014.

"Hopefully one day I'll be able to afford a place with a garden like this for myself."

- © Fairfax NZ News

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