The iconic art deco building was originally Canberra's first high school. Designed by Cuthbert Whitley and E.H. Henderson, the building has since undergone numerous alterations and extensions by various architects and has been recognised for its significant heritage.
The ANU Hail Remediation Team have worked closely with Lovell Chen Heritage Architects and consulted with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) regarding the proposed repairs needed to restore the building.
Following the hailstorm, all windows were immediately repaired to ensure the building was made watertight and safe.
The second stage of repairs is due to commence in Semester 2with an expected duration of 12 months. These building works will see all damaged roof areas replaced, required compliance upgrades to roof rainwater systems, as well as targeted hazmat removal to ensure safe working areas for the construction team.
The construction works will be staged in close consultation with the School of Art and Design Management to ensure that their operations can continue in some capacity whilst these works occur. All spaces directly below the re-roof activity will be designated construction exclusion zones.
The building will have full perimeter scaffold installed (also in a staged fashion) to allow the re-roof to occur, along with the use of mobile cranes.
Through a partnership between ANU and the Rotary Clubs of Bungendore and Tumut, roof sheets that are not contaminated with any hazmat will be re-used by farmers that have had their outbuildings affected by bushfires.
Read more about that sustainable initiative here.
