BROOKFIELD FARMHOUSE
BUILDER – MCD
ARCHITECT – MARC & CO
PHOTOGRAPHER – JACK GIBSON
Commencing in 2017, our team was commissioned to execute the solid bluestone walling. Throughout the Japanese themed modernist farmhouse we used over 80 tonne of bluestone, all of which was hand picked from a local quarry.
The bluestone sourced locally is perhaps the most dense and strong throughout the Brisbane geo-map, surpassing the strength of the Keperra granite. It was the perfect natural building product, however it came with its demands.
A challenge for our stonemasons using such a dense heavy product was the shaping and dressing of each stone. Using tungsten tipped hammers we dressed each stone along with sledgehammers to breakdown boulders. The boulders were split and used as corner stones, we had a mason specifically carrying out that role.
Our brief was to build 500 thick retaining walls, including freestanding feature walls at the entry. The stonework was also used structurally for the build, with the concrete slab sitting on top of the southern elevation. This also created an interesting detail for the astute eyed.
At the entry we created step downs in the freestanding wall to complement the residences bold lines and finishes.
Throughout the project we endured an oppressive heatwave followed by torrential rain which was relentless. Despite the wet and a few bogged vehicles, we persevered and delivered a very special project for our team.
Since the original works, we have engaged in subsequent stages including large stone retaining walls and a stone staircase.
