DHA Heritage House
Project description
Remediation and/or replacement of the garden walls made of sandstone rubble with either dry jointed or mortar jointed. Replacement of concrete and timber stairs, paving and landscape works as well as refurbishment of the entire heritage house.
Construction Methodology
DHA Heritage House works comprised of the restoration of heritage drystone terraced retaining walls to their former glory and upgrade to the homestead.
The garden setting contributes significantly to the heritage values of the site through its aesthetic and historical values. DHA Heritage House works comprised of the restoration of heritage drystone terraced retaining walls to their former glory and upgrade to the homestead.
The gardens, with open lawns, terraces, garden beds, hedging and mature trees, provide a complimentary setting for the house, and the consistent use of rubble sandstone for walling and garden edging visually connects the sandstone house to its surroundings. The gardens retain features and characteristics from their 1930s origins, including its intact original garden layout defined and delineated by its sandstone walls.
Remediation works to the garden walls were intended to ensure their longevity while retaining the rustic character and patina of age that has developed over time. The existing and historic qualities of the gardens were conserved, and the finished works matched the existing elements in detail. Existing vegetation was protected during construction and retained where it was possible.
The following general principles were followed during the works:
Sound rubble stone walls and elements were conserved. Remediation works did not extend beyond the scheduled areas. Exclusion zones were established.
When existing stonework was carefully dismantled, the salvaged stone was cleaned and reused in its original location, where possible.
Prior to commencement, a section of original stonework was selected to ensure that all networks matched existing 1930s walls in material and detail.
All works were undertaken in a manner that minimized damage and impact on the existing garden and vegetation garden walls.
Works undertaken by hand/using hand tools, and the use of heavy machinery were not permitted.
Weekly meetings and regular structural inspections were carried out throughout the works.
Heritage features and fabric that were at risk of damage due to their proximity to the works were physically protected with special covering or barriers.
Heritage fabric and components were protected from vibrations during the works. Sledgehammers, kanga hammers and other large mechanized implements that vibrate nearby structures were not used.
Where parts of a garden wall were removed, adequate support was provided to prevent stress and damage to the remaining portions.
Prior to dismantling photographic record of the stonework/element was made. This record was used as a reference in the reconstruction works to ensure that the general appearance of the original stonework was reinstated.
Plants were relocated during the works for replanting on completion
Salvaged stone rubble from the garden walls was stored with other stones from the same location, with the original location of the stone labelled.
