Breeders Farm

<p class="rteBlock">Partway through this build, the stable complex changed hands to David Moodie’s Hesket Bloodstock and was renamed Breeders Farm. However, when Steelcorp first became involved in this project, our team worked with the former owner of Spendthrift Australia, B. Wayne Hughes. Mr Hughes passed away in 2021 and will be fondly remembered.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">Breeders Farm is a large breeding operation based in Kerrie in the Macedon Ranges region of Victoria. Headed up by long-time Victorian owner and breeder, David Moodie, their stallion roster includes Overshare, Swear, Gold Standard and Dirty Work whilst shuttling stallions such as Omaha Beach and Vino Rosso.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">The business owns approximately 50 broodmares along with their foals and yearlings, and is the naming rights sponsor of Werribee racecourse.</p>

<p class="rteBlock">As they continued to grow and acquire world-class stallions, Breeders Farm began to outgrow their previous facilities and needed additional space to care for the mares and foals. Further to this, they had bold plans to improve the appearance of the farm entrance with a striking architecturally-designed barn.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">Whilst the overall appearance of the structure was an important consideration, providing a calming, safe and comfortable working environment for their staff and horses was the most important goal.</p>

<p class="rteBlock">Steelcorp’s design team created 3D structural steel drawings and provided the engineering certificate &amp; computations, resulting in a strong, practical and good-looking structure.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">This consisted of a fabricated hot-dipped galvanised steel package including purlins and girts, internal and external steel cladding, and eave lining for the surrounding overhanging eaves. We also took care of the guttering and above-ground rainwater systems, roof and wall insulation, and delivered several custom features to ensure excellent ventilation and comfort for the horses. These included custom day yard doors, custom automatic operable louvres and a central raised roof with lined overhanging eaves. Steel sliding door tracks completed the scope, enabling easy access.</p>

<p class="rteBlock">The Macedon region is renowned for its year-round wet weather, and although this didn’t significantly impact the project timeline, our contractors were certainly glad to have the shelter of the 900mm eaves to work under.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">The structure’s internal lining also presented a challenge for the team, however the end result we achieved for Breeders Farm showcases the attention to detail that is part of the Steelcorp experience. This is evident in the custom flashing finishes which have been constructed with precision and care.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">The centre raised roof was an engineering challenge, especially combined with the large hip roof section of the entrance. To overcome this and deliver a strong, functional design, Steelcorp designed a frame solution using a variety of connections and torsion beams.</p>

<p class="rteBlock">The end result is a state-of-the-art stable complex with unique features such as architectural cladding, a soaring raised centre roof section, and luxurious overhanging eaves that provide additional weather protection.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">With full-length side adjustable louvres, internal ceiling lining and natural timber sliding and day yard doors, the stable environment can be adjusted to suit the weather.</p>