Gazebo Apartments
Case study
The refurbishment project aimed to recapture the building’s architectural character through a complete renewal of the external façade, in keeping with the site's heritage requirements.
Project overview
Project: Gazebo Apartments
Location: Elizabeth Bay, NSW
Building manager: Excel Building Management
Strata manager: Strata Choice
Engineer: Diagnostech
Contractor: Remedial Building Services
Project date: November 2020 – January 2022
Background
Gazebo Apartments is a multi-storey residential strata complex located in Elizabeth Bay NSW, consisting of two buildings with 159 lots and features a unique 18-storey cylindrical design. It opened in May 1969 and is now a heritage-listed building.
The Gazebo’s combination of curved columns and balconies, the decorative summit and the materials such as white marble aggregate finish and pre-cast panels gave the building its original aesthetic appeal.
In its heyday, the Gazebo saw its share of well-known local and international guests and was used as a setting for film and television productions. The Gazebo ceased operating as a hotel in the late 1990s and in 2005, its conversion to apartments was complete.
The challenge
The exterior of the Gazebo Apartments had not undergone a major refurbishment since 1969. Over the years, the building had suffered water ingress in the balcony tiled beds, allowing water to seep through to underside soffits. This caused bubbling and hydrostatic pressure and the concrete façade was showing signs of cracks and deterioration.
As a result, the building required a complete refurbishment. Careful consideration was given to the products selected for the project due to its Heritage listing and location. A high-performance, breathable system was required to repaint the soffits. The balcony tiles were not able to be removed and resurfaced with a waterproofing membrane.
The balcony balustrades, permanently embedded into the balcony walls and floors, were also unable to be removed due to the building’s heritage listing and unique design. The coastal location also required a high-performance membrane solution that was in keeping with the iconic façade.
The solution
Project outcomes
The restoration of Gazebo Apartments has returned the building’s unique façade to its original splendour, and the quality of products used will ensure the long-term protection of this iconic, heritage listed building.
Products specified
Porter's Paints
Balcony soffits
Dulux
Timber doors and frames
Dulux Protective Coatings
Balcony balustrade – steel
Balcony balustrade - Powder coated
Dulux Acratex®
Masonry facade and walls
Backing the experts
We leverage our deep expertise to support architects, interior designers, builders and engineers to design and build with confidence. More than 100 years of experience and an unrelenting focus on quality and innovation allow us to back the experts with premium products, industry-leading service and trusted advice.