MLC Centenary Building Cupola restoration in line for conservation award

26/5/03
The restoration of the Methodist Ladies College Centenary Building Cupola is one of the nominees for this year's Heritage Council Conservation Award category of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) Architectural Awards.
The project, co-ordinated by Cox Howlett and Bailey Woodland in association with Hocking Planning and Architecture, is among six other nominees in the running for the prestigious award.
"Other nominees for the award include a restored Peppermint Grove residence, the Perth Town Hall and the Perth Oval Gates, to name a few," Environment and Heritage Minister Judy Edwards said.
The award recognises best practice in heritage conservations, and includes the conservation, restoration or development of a commercial, community or domestic project that maintains the heritage integrity of a place.
Dr Edwards said the Heritage Council Conservation Award was important in acknowledging the commitment of architects and owners in conserving places of heritage significance as a solution, rather than new construction.
"The primary focus of the original 'Centenary' building on the Methodist Ladies College Campus in Claremont, the Cupola, has been conserved and restored," she said.
"The cupola was removed from the building during major reconstruction and repair work to the roof of the building in 1995. Due to its poor condition, the cupola was not replaced until early this year."
In order to restore the cupola, the original painted galvanised 'tiles' were replaced with copper to make the structure maintenance free, while still matching the pattern of the original tiles.
The base on which the cupola sits was also replaced with a more durable stainless steel platform due to degradation of the original timber structure.
The winner of the Heritage Council Conservation Award will be announced at the RAIA Architectural Awards Gala Ceremony on Friday, June 6.
Minister's Office - 9220 5050