Waterproofing the Perth Observatory

Client: The National Trust

The Waterproofing Applicator: Rescue My Concrete, Supreme Coating Systems

Task: Designer Options, Water-Proofing, Anti-Slip Solutions, Repair and Restoration

Skills: Surface Preparation, Over-spray Control, Product Selection, Application Conditions, Even and Appropriate Application

The customer asked to provide different options to permanently waterproof a historic building in the heart of Perth. After the best option was decided upon, legacy material and contaminations had to be carefully removed (including lead flashings and asbestos layers).

Finished membrane with custom top coat. Drain channel contour re-stored

The original concrete roof top emerged with its beautiful architectural features (like drainage channels, step downs, and ornaments) and was prepared to receive a high-tech, seamless polyurethane membrane. The outcome delivered a stunning return to its original beauty, functionality and appearance. The UV stable topcoat colour was customised to match the original look. The roof top shed hundreds of kilos of unnecessary by-products and is now 100% protected from the elements. Our specialised methods also meant that the historic geolocation datum did not have to be moved as we were able to encapsulate and overcoat crucial contaminated areas of the footing (this alone saved the customer about A$40,000).

Waterproofing the Old Perth Observatory

The original Perth Observatory was constructed in 1896 and was officially opened in 1900 by John Forrest, the first premier of Western Australia. The old Observatory is located at Mount Eliza overlooking the city of Perth and is providing office space for the National Trust today. Its chief roles were keeping Standard Time for Western Australia and collecting meteorological data. It was also closely associated with the co-ordination of the surveys and the mapping of the State. In November 1900, the centre of the Transit Circle mounting at the Observatory was connected to the State triangulation system and, in 1901, was adopted as the origin of Western Australian Surveys. This historic Datum (and the entire roof top) had been contaminated with asbestos over the years as different methods of waterproofing were employed. Our solutions not only provided non-toxic and environmentally friendly permanent waterproofing, but also re-established the original design for this part of the building.

ANOTHER VERY HAPPY CUSTOMER!