RMIT School of Art (Building 24) Successful Project Management Adam Mattioli – Director
History - RMIT University, Building 24 La Trobe St Facade Treatment
Foresters’ Hall was completed in 1888 for the Ancient Order of Foresters (AOF) by the architects George Ravenscroft and Freeman. The building remained in use as the AOF headquarters until the 1960s when it was purchased by the Victoria Education Department for RMIT’s Student Union. A notable example of the many public and private institutions established during the 1880s and is indicative of the prominent role played by friendly societies in the development of Melbourne during this period
External Finishes History.... The Faรงade has had a number of paint finishes applied over its 125 year history.
The most recent is an Deep Indian Red with contrasting cream painted window arches In some areas up to 9 different layers were revealed the original render finish was of a natural grey stone colour The faรงade analysis also revealed the use of a variety of colours to highlight the decorative elements on the faรงade. This included gold leaf lettering and ultramarine blue which was used to define the coats worn by the figures within the Coat of Arms.
Facade Analysis The recent investigation of the paint layers and render identified the occurrence of lead (Pb) in the applied paint finish Low levels of lead contamination where also found in the render layer, however the levels are sufficiently low that they are considered to not pose a risk under the current Australian Standards
Doing the paint homework Examples of the Ancient Order of Foresters’ Crest “There are a number of versions of the AOF coat of arms which could be adopted should the decision be made to proceed with highlighting this and other decorative elements.”
Former Foresters’ Hall La Trobe Street crest - colour proposal
PM Basic Principles.....
Benefit
Risk
Cost
Quality
Scope
Time
RMIT – Heritage Restoration Scope Identified hazardous paint materials are to be removed under controlled conditions. The façade, window surrounds and door frames are to be restored. Permit requirements Scaffolding assembly
Pedestrian traffic management Hoardings Restricting access to the containment zone, Provision of relevant warning signage Appointment of a coating inspector must also take place for inspection and testing of the protective coating system.
RMIT – Heritage Restoration
Time
The project started back in October 2014 with an anticipated completion date of Dec 2014 'The restoration would include the removal of several layers of lead paint within a contained zone
On completion of the lead removal a larger render issue was identified during the start of the works which changed a significant part of the contract which ended taking the project from 3 months to 10 months completion
RMIT – Heritage Restoration Risk
Full encapsulation and ongoing testing of airborne particle were now required through the entire paint removal process To minimise airborne particles that would affect the public and students alike we proposed a smart spray applied paint removal system .............
What were the stages.... Quality
Mobilisation and Pre Stripping Paint Stripping & Removal Render Repairs Facade Moisture Testing Paint Test Patches Preparing to paint Painting
Lead Flashing Gold Leaf Application Bird Proof Installation Removal Stepping back and enjoying the completed project Defect rectification
Public Access & Pre Stripping
Paint Stripping
Render Repairs
Moisture Testing
Colour Sampling and adhesion testing
Lead flashing.....
Gold leaf application...
Bird proof installation
The Big Reveal
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