| The building at 2-26 Elizabeth St in Melbourne is located on one of Melbourne’s busiest intersections of Flinders and Elizabeth Streets directly opposite Flinders St Station. Built in 1968 the building has been widely known as the Commonwealth Bank Building. |
| |
| It comprises a 4 storey podium and 17 storey tower, with the façade made up of precast concrete columns, with an acid etched exposed aggregate grano finish, and spandrels clad with mosaic tiles. Over time, the concrete elements of the façade have suffered the effects of carbonation resulting in significant spalling of concrete from the columns, and the loss of numerous mosaic tiles from the spandrels. A number of years ago Structural Systems were contracted to ‘make safe’ the façade using abseiling techniques, however it was now time that the façade underwent a refurbishment. |
| |
| Structural Systems were engaged on behalf of the owners of the building by architects Baldasso Cortese Pty Ltd to carry out major repair works to the façade, to a detailed specification prepared by Arup Façade Engineering. |
| |
| The works included concrete repair, anti carbonation coatings, and joint / window sealant replacement, and were designed to extend the service life of the façade. Furthermore the tiled spandrels were over-clad with an aluminium composite, thus creating a contemporary and attractive appearance to a previously drab 1960’s façade. |
| |
| The works, completed to Structural Systems recognized high standard of quality and professionalism, have more than met the expectations of the project team including the client, architects and engineering consultants. |
| |
| |
