BEAT Architects open new office at 27 East Street, Rockhampton

BEAT Architects have renovated a historic building in Rockhampton’s CBD, reviving the original timber trusses and Bouldercombe bricks. SEE INSIDE.

BEAT Architects staff: Carl Brown, Troy Gesler, Chris Irwin, Malcolm Williamson, Gerard Cullinane, Annita McDonald, Robyn Holliday and Elmira Esfahani.

One of East St’s historic buildings has been given a breath of new life with BEAT Architects moving in and reviving the character of the former steam joinery.

The building at 27 East St was a steam joinery for 130 years, curving timber for colonial windows and archways, including at Mater Hospital’s Kenmore House.

Renovations began in October last year which included removing the rendering to expose the

original Bouldercombe Brickworks bricks and ornate timber trusses.

“We wanted to keep a part of that heritage,” BEAT Architects director Carl Brown said.

A bright mural at the back of the building on East Lane.

They also added features to the front of the building and a bright artwork visible from the rear lane.

The style started out as industrial and steampunk but has evolved to more of a Melbourne, art studio, warehouse vibe with a modern twist.

“It’s important to say who you are without saying any words,” Mr Brown said.

“You want clients to come in and feel, I am in the right place, but you can’t look expensive, because then they think I can‘t afford it here, so you’ve got to find that blend of quality at a reasonable price.”

In the meeting room at the BEAT Architects office.

He said the look also aimed to show BEAT Architects could offer the same as city offices.

“We feel a lot of consultants in Rockhampton aren’t treated as seriously because they are in the cities,” Mr Brown said.

“But there are really great qualified professionals here, engineers, doctors, solicitors, architects, surgeons in Rockhampton.”

Mr Brown said he had been scouting for a new business location for 12 months before finding East St.

Features of the historic steamery building.

“We felt it was a fitting, local building with heritage,” he said.

“I was a bit worried at first (the location), but I noticed a number of buildings being done up so this is becoming more of a hub.

“More professionals are moving and spaces are filling up, there aren’t many vacancies here.”

The move paid off, with the new office attracting “nothing but good responses” from clients who visit.

“They all like it, we didn’t want to go over the top, just wanted a nice pleasant space,” he said.

“I think it gives clients more confidence.”

Staff from BEAT Architects at the front of their East Street. Pictured left to right: Carl Brown, Troy Gesler, Chris Irwin, Malcolm Williamson, Gerard Cullinane, Annita McDonald, Robyn Holliday and Elmira Esfahani.

BEAT Architects has operated for more than 30 years and is a medium-sized architectural, interior and graphic design practice with 10 staff, including fifth-generation Rockhampton locals.

Originally founded as Carl Brown Architects, it then became Brown Evans Architects.

Mr Brown acquired Tropical Architects when Paul Cruice retired in 2009, then creating BEAT Architects – standing for Brown, Evans and Tropical.

Some of the firm’s iconic commercial work in the region include The Terrace food court at Stockland Rockhampton and Yeppoon Town Hall.