Announcement
HERITAGE
Commendation
Brookman Building Conservation Works – Grieve Gillett
The Brookman Building was erected in 1903 to
accommodate the South Australian School of Mines and Industries. The
building now provides the focus for the City east Campus of the University
of South Australia. The building was in sound condition but embedded
metalwork in the parapets were causing stonework to become dislodged and
were causing a public risk. The University undertook to address the parapet
problem, improve the seismic stability of the building, clean and stabilize
external masonry and renew the damp proof course and improve the drainage of
the window wells at the base of the building.
The Architects scoped and documented the conservation works in accordance
with the Australian ICOMOS Burra Charter conservation principles, in
consultation with materials conservator and engineers. Conservation of the
stonework has been undertaken with care to minimize disruption. Where
required, stonework was dismantled, numbered and reassembled. Embedded
metalwork has been removed and structural upgrades have been implemented
unobtrusively with a view to longevity.
Mortars and shelter coats are of traditional lime putty based mixes to
ensure breathability and moisture balance of existing masonry building
fabric. Facades were treated with biocide to remove organic growths and were
then cleaned using glass bead vortex blasting.
Conservation works have been undertaken with an understanding of the need to
alter as little as possible to maintain heritage significance. Where
physical intervention was required, design solutions were based on
traditional building methodologies, robustness of detailing, reversibility
and sensitivity to the heritage values of the building.
The restoration of the Brookman Building has increased the vibrancy and
visual amenity on this significant North Terrace corner. The jury
appreciated the care and detail required to restore this building to its
former glory and bring it into line with current standards. Conservation
work of this nature requires an understanding of materials and building
processes in order to provide a seamless and authentic outcome. The building
owners and Architects are to be commended for bringing a previously hidden
building back to life. The upgraded Brookman Building now provides a
significant heritage asset to Adelaide’s cultural boulevard.