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Information of a Torbreck condominium on the market strikes quick amongst Brisbane’s structure fanatics.
Prominently positioned on the crest of Highgate Hill, this multi-residential landmark contains two modernist-influenced strengthened concrete and brick buildings (the tower and backyard blocks) topped by a glass statement room.
Designed by architects Aubrey Job and Robert Froud in 1957 and constructed from 1958 to 1960, Torbreck is a major early instance of high-rise dwelling in Queensland. A definite characteristic of the event are the blue pre-colour coated metallic louvres fastened vertically to guard central balconies within the tower block. These adjustable vertical solar ‘fins’ create dynamic random patterns of color and texture as residents reposition the blades for his or her particular person necessities.
Buddies knew David Clarke and Nic Freeman had been hoping to purchase a small house near town, in order that they had been rapidly alerted to a Torbreck condominium on the market in 2016. ‘We acquired two separate messages concerning the sale from shut mates (an architect and a designer) on the identical day, realizing it seemed good for us and was in our neighbourhood,’ says David.
The condominium in query had not too long ago undergone a complete makeover designed by the seller, architect Aaron Peters of Vokes and Peters. ‘We liked every little thing concerning the renovation they did, particularly the nods to modernism and all of the timber and particulars within the bespoke cabinetry,’ says Nic.
So taken with Aaron Peters’ imaginative and prescient, David and Nic have made a aware effort to not alter the condominium since taking possession. David says, ‘We spent ages sweating the choice to place a ceiling fan within the bed room, making an attempt to maintain the clear traces but additionally survive the balmy Brisbane summers!’
Lots of the different Torbreck residences stay within the authentic homeowners’ palms, or in some situations have been scooped up by present residents searching for a barely bigger place!
Natalie and James Lewandowski-Cox first noticed the constructing on a piece journey earlier than transferring to Brisbane, and it had caught of their minds ever since. ‘We stored considering, “What’s that constructing with the air site visitors management tower on prime of it?!” James says. They finally bought their first condominium in 2015, earlier than not too long ago relocating to a bigger residence after a serious renovation.
Working with architect Bruce Wolfe of Studio Wolfe and a group of stellar trades together with NuTide Constructions, Natalie and James turned the house from a concrete shell right into a bespoke undertaking in simply three months. The result’s a extra light-filled, spacious, and heat house, but so consistent with the constructing’s bones that one might simply assume the timber kitchen bench is an authentic characteristic.
Mat Williams additionally bought a smaller Torbreck condominium again in 2009 earlier than upgrading to a bigger place with spouse Steph Cooper. Their condominium had been closely renovated within the ‘90s, in order that they engaged Kin Architects to reinstate its modernist sensibilities together with a ‘Jetsons-inspired kitchen.’
The communal areas of Torbreck seemingly stay as they had been in 1960, full with timber panelling and framed sketches of the unique constructing ideas and plans that hold within the lobby.
‘Each ground within the constructing has a special color for the hallway lino, however all of us have some widespread options, like letterboxes and rubbish shoots on every ground, and corridor entry milk cabinets that had been initially meant for meals deliveries to every condominium,’ says David Clarke.
It’s these communal areas which have fostered the robust sense of neighborhood at Torbreck. David, Nic, Natalie, James, Mat and Steph (self-described because the ‘Torbreck lovers’) have all grow to be mates on account of dwelling within the constructing, usually coming collectively to look at the sundown, get pleasure from a glass of wine, or dance. There’s additionally a Torbreck gardening group and ebook membership, along with neighbourly cake swaps, barbecues, and pool hangs.
‘Some individuals may see challenges in not having a storage, [having to] share a lobby and never having your individual yard, however we’ve realized to like these components of condominium dwelling,’ says David. ‘That’s how we’ve come to know so many neighbours.’
These owner-occupiers all really feel proud to personal a slice of Brisbane architectural historical past that gives views throughout the Brisbane River all the best way to the Glass Home Mountains and Moreton Island on a transparent day.
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