Case Study: Project 125 — A Calm, Connected Family Home in New Farm.

Project 125 sits in the heart of New Farm, one of Brisbane’s most tightly held suburbs — and one known for its challenging small‑lot conditions. What began as a standard project home has been transformed into a refined, architecturally resolved family residence that celebrates calm living, natural materials, and seamless indoor–outdoor connection.

Working closely with the clients and their architect, Allen Brothers Construction delivered a bespoke renovation that repositions the home around the garden, creating a sanctuary that feels grounded, warm, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Design Intent: A Home That Lives at the Garden’s Edge

The clients wanted their home to better reflect how they live day‑to‑day. The existing layout placed the kitchen away from the garden — the opposite of how they used the space.

Their brief centered on:

Relocating the kitchen to the rear of the home
Creating a calm, relaxing environment
Strengthening indoor–outdoor flow
Using natural materials to bring warmth and texture

This renovation wasn’t about adding more space — it was about creating better space.

Site Constraints: Classic New Farm Challenges

As expected for New Farm, the site presented several constraints:

Small lot with limited access
The need to work around existing established trees
Tight boundaries restricting machinery movement
Complex demolition conditions
Structural steel requiring staged installation

These challenges demanded careful planning, sequencing, and collaboration between the architect, engineers, and our construction team.

Engineering Challenges & Smart Problem‑Solving

During demolition, we uncovered that the existing rear slab was a waffle pod system. This required:

Deep excavation
Importing suitable fill
Compaction to Level 1 standard

A significant early variation — handled without compromising program or quality.

Structural Steel as Architecture

Structural steel forming the extension - New Farm

The renovation relied heavily on exposed structural steel, forming part of the aesthetic. With limited crane access, we staged the installation in carefully planned phases to ensure accuracy, safety, and design fidelity.

Front Entry Redesign

Mid‑build, it became clear that the proposed front entry reconfiguration would require removing the existing driveway due to a main sewer line beneath.

Instead of accepting unnecessary cost and disruption, we:

Met onsite with the architect and engineers
Explored alternative solutions
Developed a cost‑effective approach
Preserved the driveway
Maintained the design intent

This collaborative approach ensured the best outcome for both design and budget.

Materiality & Craftsmanship

Project 125 is defined by its natural materials, refined detailing, and the craftsmanship that Allen Brothers Construction is known for.

Concrete & Steel

The completed home is a fine example of how a standard project home can be transformed into a bespoke architectural residence. The result is:

Calm, warm, and materially rich
Deeply connected to the garden
Designed around family life
A seamless blend of timber, concrete, and steel

It feels effortless — the kind of simplicity that only comes from thoughtful design and exceptional craftsmanship.

Client Testimonial

“Allen Brothers carried out a major renovation on our home in conjunction with our architect. They did an excellent job. The team was highly skilled, organised and professional. Throughout the process, we were kept informed with daily updates. They engaged well with our architect, attending weekly meetings. When the inevitable, unforeseen issues arose, they were handled with consideration and fairness. We have been very happy with the quality of the build and the service provided to us since completion. I would happily recommend Allen Brothers and would use them again in the future.”

Credits:

Architect: Keiron Gait

Photography: Christopher Frederick Jones

Case Study: Project 125 — A Calm, Connected Family Home in New Farm