PROJECT OVERVIEW

The construction of St John’s Cathedral Brisbane began in 1906 and has spanned over two centuries, being built in three phases. Barnes Construction and Joinery was initially engaged as the carpenter and joiner for Stage 3 of the completion project in 2000 and has extended into construction services and detailed interiors as the project has progressed. Our work at St John’s continues.

Instrumental to this project is our commitment to honouring the original intentions of the architect (John Pearson) in order to bring his vision to life. This was achieved by studying the original sketches of the building as detailed plans were not available for all elements of the design. We also identified how the first two phases of construction diverted from the original architectural drawings to ensure the work that we did produced an end result in line with the intended architectural design.

The methods of construction used in this project have been consistent with the design era (late gothic). Barnes Construction & Joinery has been utilised for its skills and experience in traditional timber construction, heavy mortice and tenon roofing construction and articulation (where you join new construction to old construction).

Our work on this project continues with the Oratory Chapel.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

• A key challenge of this project has been sourcing materials that are consistent with the existing fabric. Considerable effort has been made to match the dimensions and species of timbers used. The design life of a cathedral is 1000 years so sourcing materials with the durability to represent the life of the building is crucial.
• With Project Management and architects we undertook a detailed study of the original sketches of the building in order to remain true to the design of the original architect (John Pearson).
• In line with the philosophy and approach of conservation work, we are committed to doing only what is necessary with the intent to retain as much of the original substrate as possible.
• This project has required considerable collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Architect (Mike Kennedy), the Head Mason and Project Manager (Peter Dare), the respective Deans over time, and various experts and companies in the supply chain providing rare materials.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Deanery was built in the early 1850s and is a heritage-listed detached house sitting within the grounds of St John’s Cathedral. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992 and holds cultural significance as Queensland’s first Government House and the site where Queensland was proclaimed a colony. The verandah on the Eastern Facade is where the proclamation of Queensland was read. Today, it is home to the Dean of St John’s Cathedral.

The Deanery is also significant as an example of the work of architect and builder, Andrew Petrie, who constructed many of Brisbane’s early buildings.

In 2019, Barnes Construction & Joinery was engaged to conduct conservation works on the Eastern Facade of Adelaide House. The focus was on stabilising, preserving and rebuilding the Facade that had deteriorated significantly over time.

This was a complex project due to the need to separate all non-original fabric from the original fabric and rebuild the frame within the original dimensions without removing the original architecture. This showcases the difference between general builders, who would remove all original fabric and rebuild, from a conservation builder who is engaged to ensure the architectural history of the building is retained and rebuilt as authentically as possible.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

• This was a complex and delicate project due to the need to separate all non-original fabric from original fabric. As the original fabric was dilapidated, we rebuilt the frame without expanding the original dimensions in a way that would make it compliant but not remove the original architecture.
• A significant achievement for this project was delivering it on budget while still adhering to the principles of conservation.
• For this project, we worked with Ivan McDonald (Architect) and Andrew Barnes from Acor Consultants (Consulting Engineer).

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The organ was built in 1891-92 by Henry Willis and Sons, London, for the Brisbane Exhibition Building (subsequently the Queensland Art Gallery and Museum) in Bowen Park. The organ was purchased in January 1900 by the Brisbane City Council, and it remained in the Exhibition Building until it was removed in 1927 for rebuilding, enlarging and installation in the new Brisbane City Hall.

In 2010, Pierce Pipe Organs was engaged by Brisbane City Council to remove, restore and reinstall the organ. Pierce Pipe Organs subcontracted the French polishing component of the restoration to Barnes Construction & Joinery. French polishing is a wood finishing technique that results in a very high gloss surface.

This project required delicate work over a large volume of material, incorporating the removal of existing coatings without damaging the wood and then French polishing. Barnes Construction & Joinery also assisted with the reinstalling of the casework into Brisbane City Hall.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

• A key challenge of this project involved removing existing polyurethane coatings without solvents. This was done mechanically so not as to damage / impact the wood. Removal of the coatings was in line with the Burra Charter.
• This was a large scale polishing project requiring considerable labour and meticulous attention to detail.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

During its early life, the 24-foot table was altered, at the request of Lady Lamington, to make two tables. The table was originally housed in Old Government House but is now housed at Queensland’s Government House (aka. Fernberg House).

Barnes Construction & Joinery was approached by Government House and engaged to develop a solution after an issue with the tables was not able to be solved via other Government contractors.

The problem to be solved was how to retain the two tables (as per Lady Lamington’s wishes) while improving the functionality of the tables when they were placed together to create one long table. It is customary at Government House functions for the Head of the Table to be seated halfway along the side of the table, rather than at the end. In its existing state, the Head of the Table had to negotiate the legs where the two tables join, making it awkward.

The solution we devised allows for the legs to be moved via a winding mechanism when the two tables are joined together.

As part of this project, we repaired all joinery, serviced the mechanical winding, repaired and adjusted all runners, repaired all original leg castors, rebuilt the central supporting leg stocks, designed and installed a trapezoidial thread to relocate the legs for the comfort of diners and repaired and polished the coatings.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

• Government House had difficulty finding a solution and was referred to Barnes Construction & Joinery
• Finding a solution for this project required considerable skill in engineering and design and demonstrates the breadth of skills available to our clients.
• Another advantage to Government House engaging Barnes Construction & Joinery to carry out the physical work on the table was that we didn’t need to remove the table from the house in order to do the work. This also helped with the speed of the project
• The work on the table ultimately involved, returning the tables back to full functionality (being able to be extended and retracted) being adapted to suit the Government’s preferred seating location, and management of a non-reversible change to the table frame to best suit its functionality in its current location.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The reredos was being built for an altar that was originally part of the pro-cathedral. This altar had been restored by Barnes Construction & Joinery as part of a previous commission and we also built the accompanying tabernacle. 

The project involved the development of a design, gaining approval from St John’s, applying for approval from the Cathedral Fabric Commission, creating the piece and conducting the installation. The reredos was consecrated by the Church in 2019.

The design developed by Jack Barnes, included a stainless steel safe at the base to house the sacraments, intricate wood carving using Queensland maple and polychrome woodwork using gesso oil paints and 24 carat gold leaf.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

• This was an opportunity for Jack Barnes to demonstrate his knowledge of gothic design and artistic talent to produce a unique piece that is both practical and beautiful

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Construction on the original Roma Street Station began in 1873 and grew to become a major train and transport hub. Barnes Construction & Joinery was engaged to return the original joinery throughout the building back to full functionality as it had deteriorated over time.

Barnes Construction & Joinery undertook a detailed assessment of what was required, made recommendations to Queensland Rail and was subsequently retained to carry out the conservation work.  Wherever possible, the existing fabric of the building was retained and if it wasn’t there it was reproduced using matching species and in keeping with original construction methods.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

• The main challenges for this project were the large volume of labour required while executing a high detail of work in a defined period of time.  There was no scope for running over time and we worked to ensure the project was delivered accordingly.
• The project was recognised by the National Trust Heritage Awards in 2018.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

• National Trust Heritage Awards (Queensland) 2018 – Agency Conservation Programs Gold Award for the Queensland Rail Heritage Program 2017