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.

171 architectural plans and drawings relating to the work of Greg Berkman. He frequently completed work for Harry and Ann Garms. Drawings from his architectural degree are also included.

18 drawings by architect G.M. Berkman for clients Harry and Ann Garms at 79 King Arthur Terrace, Tennyson. Drawings include floor plan, site and foundation plan, elevations, lighting pan, roof plan, door plan, fireplace and lintel set out, link plan, kitchen details, stair details and window details.

Two drawings of door and window details by architect G.M. Berkman for clients Harry and Ann Garms at 12 Days Road, The Grange. Drawing numbers: 830107 (Job no. 11-1) and 830108 (Job no. 11-2)

Five drawings by architect G.M. Berkman for client Babsong Pty Ltd at Lot 261 Wugga Place, Mt Cootha Park Estate, Chapel Hill. Drawings are: sketch plans, main floor plan (drawing no. 84201) , elevations (drawing no. 84202), concept drawing and contour of plan.

12 unnumbered drawings by architect G.M. Berkman for clients H.W. and A.M. Garms, 242-250 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane, for renovation to the existing building.

Four drawings by G.M. Berkman for clients L. & A. Hoepper for house on the corner of Wobur and Waruda Streets, Brackenridge. Plans included are site and drainage plan, wardrobe and cupboard details, kitchen cupboard details and electrical plan.

3 drawings, undated, by architect G.M. Berkman for Harry and Ann Garms at the rear of 17 Longman Terrace, Chelmer. Drawings are numbered: WD1 (Job no. 6-1); WD2 (Job no. 6-2); and WD3 (Job no. 6-3)

15 drawings by architect G.M. Berkman for clients G.M. and G.E.M. Berkman at 15 Longman Terrace, Chelmer. Includes kitchen details, foundation setout, electrical plan, floor slab and partition setout, timber framing details and wardrobe details. Three plans, Job no. 7-1a to 7-1c are dated Jan 1977 and have no drawing numbers. All other plans are undated. Drawing numbers are: WD1 (Job no. 7-2); WD2 (Job no. 7-3); WD3 (Job no. 7-4); WD4 (Job no. 7-5); WD5 (Job no. 7-6); WD6A (Job no. 7-7); WD6B (Job no. 7-8); WD7 (Job no. 7-9); WD8 (Job no. 7-10); WD9 (Job no. 7-11); WD10 (Job no. 7-12); and WD11 (Job no. 7-13).

Two unnumbered and undated plans by architect G.M. Berkman for Mr & Mrs N. Fry for an extension to the residence "Copperfields", 199 Rafting Ground Road Brookfield.