Victoria
The ceiling stabilisation and conservation project at Fitzroy Town Hall includes the repair of 24 ceilings of varying scale and complexity. Three primary stabilisation methods were employed in the conservation of the ceilings, each method specially developed to address the specific materials and original construction techniques. Restoration of appropriate paint schemes using detailed paint sample analysis has revitalised the Main Hall whilst managing budget constraints.
The structural remediation of the main hall trusses was carefully planned and designed to avoid further movement in the roof and ceiling structure, and for the difficult installation processes.
Addressing the mould affected papered ceiling in the Council Chamber was challenging, to accept the loss of approximately 50% of the ceiling. The conservation of the remaining decoratively painted paper ceiling is an honest approach that respects the retained original fabric, whilst integrating clearly identifiably new fabric using traditional materials and techniques.
The ceiling stabilisation project at Fitzroy Town Hall has allowed City of Yarra to safely reopen spaces such as the Council Chamber and Main Hall which host a variety of Council and Public events. The stabilisation works were also undertaken in many of the buildings tenancies which are occupied by a not-for-profit organisation.
The works to the roof trusses in the Main Hall not only remediated their condition, but also increased their loading capacity for future services upgrades in the roof cavity.
Overall, the project has supported the ongoing use of Fitzroy Town Hall.
Cara Banks, Graduate of Architecture
Dan Blake, Project Architect
Fabiola Solari, Graduate of Architecture
Harrison Jess, Project Architect
Ned McDonald, Graduate of Architecture
International Conservation Services, Materials Conservator
Melbourne Quantity Surveyors, Quantity Surveyor
Robert Bird Group, Structural Engineer
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
