MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION

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MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION
MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION
VICTORIA STREET, MARYBOROUGH
RAIA ARCHITECTURE AWARDS 2008 AWARD for HERITAGE
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HISTORY
MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION

• Completed in 1891 (replaced the undersized 1874
  station).
• Designed by Railways Department, but the
  architect is claimed to be
• Philip Kennedy (architect for Shamrock Hotel
  ,Bendigo, School of Mines Maryborough, St
  Vincent's Hospital (part))
• Built by D A Swanson of St Kilda (also built City
  Baths amongst others)
• Included on the Victorian Heritage Register
  (probably of National Heritage Significance) .
  Continues as a freight terminal and also a
  popular tourist destination on the Victorian
  Goldfields route

ARCHITECTS CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS
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CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE VHR 1577
MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION

• (Reference Heritage Victoria 2007)

The face red brick, the rendered and painted
cement mouldings, the prominent Dutch gables, and
variety of features on the roof line such as
tower, square lantern, faceted tall chimneys, and
double hung sash windows are characteristic of
this style. The composition however is
distinctive and has been deftly handled..
is architecturally significant as a fine
illustration of the Anglo-Dutch Style, of which
there are few remaining examples in Victoria or
even the Eastern states of Australia, and few
rival in scale.
The Maryborough Railway Station is historically
significant as being probably the grandest of the
Victorian railway stations built during the
second half of the nineteenth century and its
construction marks the end of the era of the wave
of expansion of the railway system in Victoria.
ARCHITECTS CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS

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CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN (CMP)
MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION

• Prepared by RBA Architects Conservation
  Consultants (2002)
• CMP confirms heritage significance and notes
  critical deterioration of external and internal
  building fabric due to poor maintenance
  procedures.
• Many of the recommended conservation works
  implemented as part of this project. 2 parts over
  4 years. Total cost c. M2

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MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION
CONSERVATION WORKS - ASSESSMENT

• First step was to undertake a more detailed
  forensic survey of existing conditions,
• A specialist materials scientist was employed to
  advise on observed modes of decay and sustainable
  and viable remediation options (render, slate,
  glass, lead and faience/terracotta)
• Research undertaken in consultation with glass
  and faience (terracotta) conservation experts
  (incl. in UK) in relation to unusual replacement
  materials where necessary
• All conservation methods assessed n accordance
  with the Burra Charter guidelines

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EXISTING CONDITIONS - RENDER
MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION

• Detailed external faience and cement render
  surfaces all found coated with inappropriate
  acrylic paint which disguised underlying defects
  and, by locking in moisture, leads to
  accellerated decay (spalling and cracking),
• Substantial 3rd degree render failure oberved
• Secondary but equally significant issue was the
  substantial loss of one key component of the
  original design intent with the complete loss of
  the original stone coloured (non painted) render
  skim coat. This impact severely limited an
  ability to accurately interpret the architectural
  significance

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MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION
CONSERVATION WORKS Render Colour

• Scant, but convincing evidence of the original
  colored render skim (finish) coat found and sent
  to materials scientist for analysis
• Components found to include stone dust, lime and
  cement plus fools gold and haematite.
  (possibly ox blood) ie the subtle and unique
  colour was achieved via a complex mixture of
  locally available materials
• Other contemporary examples illustrating beauty
  of the original finish located in central
  victoria
• A contemporary replica of original mix was
  developed after a complex series of trials
  including accellerated aging mechanisms,

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MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION
CONSERVATION WORKS Render Moulds

• Work with trades to achieve a homogenous finish
  over large areas.
• Detailed moulds of pressed cement orbs and
  chimney caps constructed to re-produce original
  detail.
• Large amounts of damaged detail render was
  stripped back to brickwork and replaced entirely
  using traditional in situ render craftsmanship
• New colored skim coat painstakingly applied after
  training of plasterers

ARCHITECTS CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS
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EXISTING CONDITIONS - TERRACOTTA
MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION

• Original terracotta ridge capping to roof had
  been removed.
• Original terracotta detailing to VR shield and
  terracotta balustrades had been masked by acrylic
  paint
• Paint finish sealing moisture against terracotta
  finish and causing
• accelerated decay

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MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION
CONSERVATION WORKS Terracotta

• Detailed assessment and research plus
  consultation with terracotta conservation experts
  (incl. in the UK) to resolve conservation
  strategy of this quite unique installation which
  was carefully restore d in situ albeit without
  complete repair of some damage (in lieu of whole
  sale replacement)
• Sourced custom made terracotta ridge capping from
  interstate small scale suppliers based on
  original detail, researched and detailed by RBA
  Architects.

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EXISTING CONDITIONS ROOF ROOF PLUMBING
6. SCOTTISH HOUSE FACADE RESTORATION

• Extensive Welsh slate roof in very poor condition
  with several areas exhibiting unsuitable patch
  repairs.
• Cast iron roof plumbing severally damaged and in
  need of urgent repair.
• Large expanses of detailed lead work found
  decayed

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MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION
CONSERVATION WORKS Slate roof

• Worked closely with slate roofer to achieve
  homogenous finish using introduced secondhand and
  salvaged, original slates.
• New slates used in less noticeable areas.
• Cast iron guttering and downpipes salvaged,
  repaired and repainted prior to reinstatement, to
  match original detail

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MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION
CONSERVATION WORKS Cupolas Clocktower

• New lead sheeting hand-beaten to match original
  profile
• Rolled joints and details match traditional lead
  work and ensure long-term viability.

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MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION
CONSERVATION WORKS Various other works

• Restoration and digitization of original clock
• Traditional lighting protection reinstated to
  flagpole
• Tessellated tiles restoration to entry porch
• Restoration of internal lantern to café area,
  using custom made pattern glass
• Extensive underground stormwater rectification
  works

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MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION
COMPLETED WORKS
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MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION
THANK YOU
ARCHITECTS CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS