Drawing numbers 1-2 with sketch plans for floor plan, and elevations and sections, drawing by AA, 6 Nov 1970.

Architectural drawings, photographs and some associated records relating to the design and construction of the Torbreck residential complex at Highgate Hill, Brisbane. The Torbreck complex was constructed in 1958-1960, and was the first multistoreyed home unit development in Queensland. Rising prominently from the crest of Highgate Hill, Torbreck comprises 150 units spread across an eightstorey garden block and a fourteen-storey tower block, surrounded by landscaped gardens on a one and a half acre site. The complex was designed by Queensland architects A.H. Job and R.P. Froud, whose design ideas and innovative use of old and new materials were adaptations of the post-war International Style, in particular the North American model. At the time of its conception, Torbreck received support from the Queensland Government which considered high-density residential developments of this kind as one possible solution to Brisbane’s emerging suburban sprawl. After construction, the project’s developer, Torbeck Pty Ltd (later Torbreck Home Units Ltd), retained company title over the units. Unit owners became share holders in the company to the value of their unit’s purchase price, an arrangement that has persisted despite the introduction of the more popular strata title option in 1965. Torbreck remains substantially intact and continues to rank as one of Brisbane’s most prominent architectural landmarks.

This file has 26 drawings:

Twelve working drawings (71 x 100 cm.), ink line drawings on tracing paper. From the Title Block: The Heather Thiedeke Group, architects and planners. Client: Brendan Edwards. Brief: Design and documentation of a three storey, beachfront complex of two x three bed apartments plus roof garden and basement. This was to be on the last undeveloped beach house site on Main Beach Parade. It was not built. Project number 814.83. Working drawings numbered: WD.01 to WD.08; WD.13 to WD.14; and WD27 to WD.28. Dated 10 Mar 1989 to 28 Aug 1989.

Fourteen drawings (sizes vary), pencil and coloured ink line drawings on tracing paper. No Title Block. Client: Brendan Edwards. Job: Duplex, 3567 Main Beach Parade. No project number. Undated.