Case Studies

Passion for preserving the rich historical tapestry of our client projects is ingrained within our ethos. Nowhere is this commitment more evident than in our work within Toowoomba and the Darling Downs region, where historical significance abounds. Among these cherished sites stands Rowes, an iconic structure that has graced the Toowoomba skyline since 1892, weaving itself into the very fabric of the community. The ravages of the 2011 floods inflicted their toll on Rowes, inundating its shop floor and leaving behind a trail of devastation. Undeterred, Kehoe Myers embarked on a collaborative journey with Aspect Architects and Northbuild Construction to breathe new life into the revered Rowes Precinct. This revitalised space now boasts contemporary office spaces and a coffee shop, seamlessly blending modern functionality with echoes of the past. Throughout the design process, Kehoe Myers demonstrated adaptability by integrating recycled materials sourced from iconic Toowoomba landmarks, including materials from the Toowoomba Foundry and the brickwork of Rowes' original structure. The resulting design pays homage to the site's illustrious history while embracing the demands of contemporary aesthetics and functionality. Our multidisciplinary team lent their expertise across Structural, Civil, and Hydraulic engineering domains, ensuring that every aspect of the project was design to meet the highest standards. Our Structural engineering team completed the upgrade of internal flooring to align with modern standards, skilfully incorporating original brickwork and materials from other admired Toowoomba building. Notably, designing reinforced masonry load-bearing walls for the lift shaft presented a challenge that our team embraced. On the Civil engineering front, we evaluated the pitch levels of connecting roofs, devising innovative solutions to fulfill Toowoomba Regional Council's Stormwater Collection Requirements. Our scope also included comprehensive siteworks, encompassing building platforms, driveway crossovers, vehicle access and paved pedestrian areas. Our Hydraulic team upgraded the internal domestic water supply and accommodated the trade waste for the new tenancies. We reviewed the Fire Water Supply to ensure compliance with TRC and QFES standards, guaranteeing the utmost safety and security for all occupants. We take immense pride in our role in revitalising the Toowoomba CBD, and Rowes stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of historical preservation and modernisation. It exemplifies the pinnacle of our aspirations – preserving the storied legacy of Toowoomba's past while ushering in a vibrant future for generations to come.