Wandana Flats, located in the Perth suburb of Subiaco, was the first high-rise public housing development constructed in WA. Consisting of 242 flats, the complex was built in the mid-1950s and was in need of remediation works, most notably, concrete repairs.
Scope of works
- Duratec was engaged to undertake stage 2 of the works, starting with a condition assessment which was conducted during Stage 1. This assessment included delamination test on concrete surfaces for 108 balconies and Stage 2included C Block previously determined concrete defects on walkways and ground balconies as concrete repair
- Completion of the concrete repair at A Block balcony, waterproofing was applied to all balconies
- As scaffolding was utilised for access, repointing was completed at various points in the complex
- Compliance works were also completed which covered the ACM removal from A Block Southeast and Northwest glazing by removing existing putty
- Lead paint previously determined including A Block Southeast and Northwest in window frames and B and C Block stair handrails was completely removed in the nominated areas
- Deli previously utilised structure has been refurbished and delivered to client at the end of the project
- During the inspection, Duratec discovered several other issues, so a structural engineer was engaged to provide methodologies for both conventional and nonconventional concrete repairs
- Cover issues had caused considerable concrete deterioration, especially to balconies, requiring Duratec to undertake repairs involving the breaking out of concrete, mortaring using Renderoc ST 06 and rendering
- Unconventional repairs included structural cracking, for which Duratec carried out large concrete breakouts, prepared formwork and poured Renderoc LA55Plus. Painting was undertaken to A Block balcony faces and soffit that were accessible
Highlights
- Substantial measures were taken to preserve Wandana Flats’ heritage significance, e.g. matching colours and materials like-for-like
- Works were completed in a live, operational environment, i.e. the building was still tenanted, and public safety was paramount
