Horse Arenas Queensland | R&F Steel Buildings

Project Details

Location : Merritts Creek, QLD
Category : Farm Sheds & Horse Area
Building Type : R&F Steel Portal Frame
Use : Horse Area & Livestock Shelter

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Overview

Set among the scenic rural landscape of Merritts Creek, just north-east of Toowoomba, this property called for more than a single shed. It needed practical, durable farm infrastructure designed around horses, livestock, feed storage and the day-to-day demands of rural life. Working closely with the client, R&F Steel Buildings Toowoomba developed a collection of custom structures across the property, including a substantial horse area, livestock shelters, shelter for holding pens and covered feed storage.

This project took place over multiple stages, and the result is a group of purpose-built structures that make better use of the property while providing the flexibility and protection needed for animals, equipment and everyday farm activities. A lifestyle many dream of made easier with thoughtful design.

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Main Horse Area

A horse area designed for more

The centrepiece of the project is a large 416m² horse area, built using R&Fs signature welded and bolted steel portal frame system, custom designed with a 20.8m span and 20m length. Rather than simply enclosing the space, the design incorporates two skillion roof extensions, adding another 250m² of covered area. This creates a generous 666m² of combined open and sheltered space, with the extensions creating an efficient, easily assessable layout for training and daily care.

Covered Extensions

Designed to simplify day-to-day life

The main horse area features a 5.2m eave height and 10-degree roof pitch, with skillion extensions providing additional covered areas and clearances suited to their individual purposes. One side incorporates a drive-through bay with partial sidewalls, providing a protected space for parking horse floats, unloading horses and moving equipment in and out of the building, while keeping the area sheltered from the weather. The opposite extension provides a fully enclosed storage area, with a large roller door positioned centrally for easy access to the horse pens and surrounding areas.

Large open spaces, skylights and partial sidewalls bring plenty of natural light and airflow into the building while maintaining protection from the elements — creating a practical, comfortable environment designed around the needs of both horses and their owners.

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Livestock Shelter & Feed Storage

Practical space. Efficiently laid out.

Further across the property, a 82m² skillion-roof shed provides dedicated space for livestock shelter and feed storage. The building includes one enclosed bay alongside three additional open-front bays with side protection. This gives the property a practical place to keep feed and equipment close to the paddocks while helping protect it from Queensland’s weather. The open-front design also makes access simple when moving feed, equipment and livestock around the property.

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Paddock Shelter & Holding Pen

Purpose-built for livestock management

Two additional skillion-roof structures provide dedicated livestock holding and shelter areas. The larger holding pen roof area measures approximately 9m x 9m, with a 3m eave height and 2.7m clearance underneath. A smaller 23m² skillion shed provides another sheltered holding area, measuring approximately 5.3m x 4.3m. Together, the structures provide additional flexibility across the property, allowing different areas to be used for livestock management, shelter and everyday farm operations.

Project Features & Design Options

Designed for the property, not just the postcode

Every R&F Steel Buildings project is designed around the specific requirements of the client and exact site. For this Merritts Creek property, that meant looking beyond a single shed and considering how multiple structures could work together across the farm. From the large horse area and covered extensions to feed storage, livestock shelters and holding pens, each structure has a practical purpose. The result is a collection of custom-engineered steel buildings designed to work as hard as the property and its owners.

Features (Design Options)
Colours (COLORBOND® steel)

Project Gallery

Designed for the property, not just the postcode

Every R&F Steel Buildings project is designed around the specific requirements of the client and exact site. For this Merritts Creek property, that meant looking beyond a single shed and considering how multiple structures could work together across the farm. From the large horse area and covered extensions to feed storage, livestock shelters and holding pens, each structure has a practical purpose. The result is a collection of custom-engineered steel buildings designed to work as hard as the property and its owners.