DTB Architects has for more than 20 years carried out over 300 projects of all sizes and complexities for the University of Sydney, many of them involving items of Heritage significance. All heritage buildings within the University operate under approved Conservation Management Plans.
With the aging of the most exposed elements of buildings, roof and facade refurbishments have been carried out to many of the buildings including Anderson Stuart, Chemistry, Main Quadrangle, Old Bank Building.
Modern Work Health & Safety requirements have required the introduction or improvement to access and safety systems on and around roofs.
Aged infrastructure within the heritage buildings has required the replacement, augmentation and upgrading of services infrastructure including electrical equipment and fire safety systems. Others have involved the fitout of 21st Century research laboratories in 19th and early 20th Century buildings.
The majority of projects have been carried out with DTB providing full design and design documentation service. Most of these projects have proceeded to full construction and contract administration.
The Quadrangle
The group of Gothic Revival buildings forming the Main Quadrangle probably represent the most significant group of Gothic Revival buildings in Australia. The Quadrangle has been successful in its use of architectural symbolism to connote knowledge and prestige. The original architect was Edmund Blacket with additions in the early 1900;s by Walter Liberty Vernon and Leslie Wilkinson. Maclaurin Hall, the first of the 20th C buildings was built in 1902.
DTB Architects has been involved in many aspects of the refurbishment of these prestigious buildings including resolving rising damp, access for sub-floor and roof void inspections, services, slate roofs, air-intake louvres, window winders, internal rennovations including Conference Room and Corporate Services Offices.
The Carillon
The main entrance to the Quadrangle is located underneath the clock tower, which holds one of only two carillons in Australia. The baroque organ is among the largest musical instruments in the world. It was dedicated in 1928 to the undergraduates, graduates and staff who gave their lives in the First World War.
Safe internal access was required to be installed to the bell chamber for tuning of the bells. The unique work environment of the bell chamber meant that strict compliance with regulations was not possible without detrimentally affecting the sound of the bells. DTB was engage to design and detail the access ways with due consideration to the continued operation of the bells as well as the heritage features of the building. Comprehensive acoustic assessment of structure types, materials and fixing methods was integral to the process. Visual obstruction of the bells awa also a major consideration, while materials handling and construction around the bells was also a factor. All proposals needed to be reviewed and accepted by the two incumbent Carillonists.
DTB Architects has for more than 20 years carried out over 300 projects of all sizes and complexities for the University of Sydney, many of them involving items of Heritage significance. All heritage buildings within the University operate under approved Conservation Management Plans.
With the aging of the most exposed elements of buildings, roof and facade refurbishments have been carried out to many of the buildings including Anderson Stuart, Chemistry, Main Quadrangle, Old Bank Building.
Modern Work Health & Safety requirements have required the introduction or improvement to access and safety systems on and around roofs.
Aged infrastructure within the heritage buildings has required the replacement, augmentation and upgrading of services infrastructure including electrical equipment and fire safety systems. Otehrs have involved the fitout of 21st Century research laboratories in the 19th and early 20th Century buildings.
The majority of projects have been carried out with DTB providing full design and design documentation service. Most of these projects have proceeded to full construction and contract administration.
Nicholson Museum
Located in the historic Main Quadrangle, the Nicholson Museum is Australia's oldest University museum and home to the largest collection of antiquities in the Southern Hemisphere. It was founded in 1860.
The project comprised in the first instance, researching the nature and history of the existing timber flooring, then resolving and reporting on the cause of the deterioration of the flooring. Ultimately, incompatible cleaning methods (daily wet mopping) were required to be addressed and the resultant damage repaired. Investigations then moved to researching suitable alternative methods for repair and upgrade. Aged jointing material required stripping out and replacing, re staining and recoating of floors, walls, ceilings and shelving was required within the exhibition and seminar spaces. All investigation and work was carried our with the majority of the exhibition intact.
DTB Architects has for more than 22 years carried out over 300 projects of all sizes and complexities for the University of Sydney, many of them involving items of Heritage significance. All heritage buildings within the University operate under approved Conservation Management Plans.
With the aging of the most exposed elements of buildings, roof and facade refurbishments have been carried out to many of the buildings including Anderson Stuart, Chemistry, Main Quadrangle, Old Bank Building.
Modern Work Health & Safety requirements have required the introduction or improvement to access and safety systems on and around roofs.
Aged infrastructure within the heritage buildings has required the replacement, augmentation and upgrading of services infrastructure including electrical equipment and fire safety systems. Others have involved the fitout of 21st Century research laboratories in 19th and early 20th Century buildings.
The majority of projects have been carried out with DTB providing full design and design documentation service. Most of these projects have proceeded to full construction and contract administration.
Anderson Stuart Building
Previously known as the "Old Medical School", the Anderson Stuart Building is an example of neo-gothic architecture and is located next to the Main Quadrangle. Carved from Sydney sandstone the building exhibits many gargoyles, superb stained-glass windows and carvings. It was designed by James Barnet and was added to by Walter Liberty Vernon and Leslie Wilkinson. The building is currently home to the School of Medical Sciences Bosch Institute, Disciplines of Anatomy & Histology and Physiology.
DTB Architects has been chosen for their sensitivity to the heritage value and careful detailing, to provide the design, documentation and construction administration to many of the refurbishment, upgrading and new uses within the building. Projects have included external repair of timber and steel window frames, slate roofs and access systems, skylight flashings and gutter overflows.
PROJECT INFORMATION:
Typically with heritage projects the Contract Specification is carefully detailed for work methods, safety considerations (particularly with the likes of existing lead based paint etc.), materials, protection of adjoining materials, finishes & areas and replacement of non-recoverable fittings with suitable alternatives. Equally carefully scrutinised is the experience of the contractors who are invited to tender for the works.
The majority of the works are performed during study recess, however in many instances this is not possible and works are required to be carried out on live sites with careful attention to available work periods and noise levels affecting the teaching environment particularly during exam time.
Budget is always a key consideration for the University with the Brief usually requiring reuse of all salvageable items. This increases the level of upfront site investigation, measurement & recording prior to Concept Design commencement.
Repair and maintenance of slate roofing and rainwater movement has also commonly required the addition of new and compliant Work, Health & Safety items such as access hatches, guardrails & safety barriers within the heritage fabric and improvement to natural and/or mechanical ventilation to the internal spaces (particularly laboratories).
DTB have been involved over the years in assisting the University to develop standardised detailing for the repair and maintenance of standard heritage items which also reduces time and cost for the ongoing works over the entire Campus.
LOCATION
University of Sydney, Anderson Stuart Building
Vesalian Lecture Theatre & Laboratories
DATE:
2016-2019
AUTHORITY:
University of Sydney
CONSULTANTS:
Acoustic, Audio Visual, BCA, Fire Engineer, Heritage, Mechanical, Electrical
DESCRIPTION:
Previously known as the “Old Medical School”, the Anderson Stuart Building is an example of neo-gothic architecture and is located next to the main quadrangle. Carved from Sydney sandstone the building exhibits many gargoyles, superb stained glass windows and carvings. It was designed by James Barnet and was added to by Walter Liberty Vernon and Leslie Wilkinson. It has been in continuous use for medical research and teaching since its construction in the 1890’s.
DTB Architects was chosen to provide the design, documentation and construction administration to many of the refurbishment, upgrading and new uses within the building, because of DTB’s sensitivity to the heritage value and detailing of the original building.
Construction is now complete for the upgraded teaching, research, student facilities and infrastructure works within the building including the Vesalian Lecture Theatre, Prosection Preparation Store, Dry teaching laboratories, Wet Anatomy laboratories, Opthalmology Research, Post-Graduate Student offices, four Communications Server Rooms and HVAC infrastructure upgrade.
PROJECT INFORMATION:
The Vesalian Lecture Theatre previously classed as an item of compromised significance has been restored to the theatre’s original spatial character as a tiered lecture theatre.
The Retzius Lab, ranked as an item of high significance was built as part of the 1908-1910 extension, its space substantially intact with part of the wall being retained to support the original chimney stack above has been converted to a modern Anatomy Dry Teaching Lab.
The original Anderson Stuart lecture theatre had been compromised by obscuring of its original elaborate and open timber roof structure, it has been upgraded to a modern Anatomy Wet Teaching Lab.
The original Anderson Stuart lecture theatre had been compromised by obscuring of its original elaborate and open timber roof structure, it has been upgraded to a modern Anatomy Wet Teaching Lab.
Hidden heritage ‘surprises’ within existing walls required on-the-spot alterations to planning and design to allow adequate homage to heritage items within clean, laboratory spaces and within the tight construction timeframe of student recess.
DTB Architects has for more than 22 years carried out over 300 projects of all sizes and complexities for the University of Sydney, many of them involving items of Heritage significance. All heritage buildings within the University operate under approved Conservation Management Plans.
With the aging of the most exposed elements of buildings, roof and facade refurbishments have been carried out to many of the buildings including Anderson Stuart, Chemistry, Main Quadrangle, Old Bank Building.
Modern Work Health & Safety requirements have required the introduction or improvement to access and safety systems on and around roofs.
Aged infrastructure within the heritage buildings has required the replacement, augmentation and upgrading of services infrastructure including electrical equipment and fire safety systems. Others have involved the fitout of 21st Century research laboratories in 19th and early 20th Century buildings.
The majority of projects have been carried out with DTB providing full design and design documentation service. Most of these projects have proceeded to full construction and contract administration.
The Old Bank Building (Pharmacy)
The Old Bank Building, a sandstone, Victorian Academic Classical building by architect John Hilly, built in 1854 was the Commonwealth Bank head quarters in George Street, Sydney CBD. In 1923 the facade was donated to the University and relocated to Science Road to be incorporated into Leslie Wilkinsons' building for the study of science. Wilkinson, in his characteristic style added the fleche to the roof topfor light and ventilation.
The building, one of many operating under a Conservation Management Plan required replacement of the roof tiles, remedial works to chimneys, access hatch, flashing, cappings, gables, roof timbers, reconstruction of the timber fleche and installation of a new roof safety anchor system.
DTBs' commission included assisting with the Tender process, site inspections, on-going liaison with and technical advice to the Contractor and consultation with the University's nominated heritage architect on the sandstone facade repairs.
DTB Architects has for more than 22 years carried out over 300 projects of all sizes and complexities for the University of Sydney, many of them involving items of Heritage significance. All heritage buildings within the University operate under approved Conservation Management Plans.
With the aging of the most exposed elements of buildings, roof and facade refurbishments have been carried out to many of the buildings including Anderson Stuart, Chemistry, Main Quadrangle, Old Bank Building.
Modern Work Health & Safety requirements have required the introduction or improvement to access and safety systems on and around roofs.
Aged infrastructure within the heritage buildings has required the replacement, augmentation and upgrading of services infrastructure including electrical equipment and fire safety systems. Others have involved the fitout of 21st Century research laboratories in 19th and early 20th Century buildings.
The majority of projects have been carried out with DTB providing full design and design documentation service. Most of these projects have proceeded to full construction and contract administration.
Chemistry Building
While not officially of 'heritage significance' the Chemistry Building is notable architecturally as one of the earliest structures in Australia with a curtain-wall and its' "far-sighted" arrangement to retain "maximum future flexibility" by construction internal walls of breeze blocks, glass and light-weight partitions. It was formally opened in 1960 with the initials of the Design Architects Webber and Woolley in the courtyard undercroft mosaics.
DTB were commissioned to research, design and document preventative maintenance measures to the Sun Louvres on the main Eastern of the building. Over time, the spacer blocks of the original louvres had deteriorated due to sun and water wear, thus threatening the main architectural features of the building.
DTB have completed numerous projects to restore, refurbish and replace facade elements including windows, repair fire damaged roof membrane and remedial works to roof membrane, roof sheeting & rainwater elements, replacement of existing skylights with ventilated skylights, re-roofing to lecture theatres and main west wing, construction of new equipment platforms and refurbishment of the Staff Common Room.
DTB Architects has for more than 22 years carried out over 300 projects of all sizes and complexities for the University of Sydney, many of them involving items of Heritage significance. All heritage buildings within the University operate under approved Conservation Management Plans.
With the aging of the most exposed elements of buildings, roof and facade refurbishments have been carried out to many of the buildings including Anderson Stuart, Chemistry, Main Quadrangle, Old Bank Building.
Modern Work Health & Safety requirements have required the introduction or improvement to access and safety systems on and around roofs.
Aged infrastructure within the heritage buildings has required the replacement, augmentation and upgrading of services infrastructure including electrical equipment and fire safety systems. Others have involved the fitout of 21st Century research laboratories in 19th and early 20th Century buildings.
The majority of projects have been carried out with DTB providing full design and design documentation service. Most of these projects have proceeded to full construction and contract administration.
The Blackburn Building
The Blackburn Building (previously The Rockfeller New Medical School) was opened in 1933. It was designed by Government Architect Evan Smith to create a direct link bewtwen the campus Faculty and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. It's heritage significance lies in the connection between two institutions - Hospital and University and as an example of the work of Evan Smith.
Over a 10 year period DTB Architects has been involved in various projects within this building, including refurbishments to General, Chemistry, Infectious Diseases and PC2 Laboratories, Liquid Nitrogen Store, Sub Labs (Wet Work), Central ULT Freezer Facility, New Main Switchboard, Public Corridors and balustrades, roof membrane replacement and safety access systems.
In 2007 DTB were required to work with Facilities Management and Stakeholders to determine how laboratories and their ancillary spaces could be upgraded to comply with current Work Health & Safety standards. Some laboratories with original features could not be made to comply and still retain the original features. A strategy was developed by DTB in conjuction with key stakeholders, laboratory managers and interested parties to create a Blackburn memorabilia display in the public corridor to house historical photos, equipment and items from the past.
The building also generally required upgrading for BCA compliance, and upgrading of Public Spaces and Amenities, replacement of Electrical infrastructure and Essential Services including a backup generator. Maintaining a core original feature and increasing the height of the main internal stair handrail to comply with BCA was a particular challenge of this project. Subsequently, the brief was extended to include refurbishment of the Attendant's Office, Gas cylinder storage and further alterations to the Electrical infrastructure to house the increasing size of equipment.
