Project Overview: Preserving History During Partial Demolition
Our client was tasked with removing the upper storey of a heritage listed school building in Victoria while carefully preserving the historically significant lower structure. This lead to the project requiring a combination of precise engineering, and innovative temporary works design.
There was a clear need for a temporary propping system as part of the engineered support solution, combined with on-site problem solving to ensure the building’s protected elements remained safe throughout demolition.
From the outset, the priority was clear: protect the heritage structure below while keeping the project moving forward on schedule.
The Engineering Challenge: Maintaining Stability During Demolition
Removing part of a heritage building while keeping the remainder intact presents unique challenges. On this project, several critical factors had to be managed simultaneously:
- Structural stability: The lower-level structure required continuous protection while the upper floor and roof framing were removed, demanding a carefully engineered temporary support system.
- Restricted site access: The client needed the adjacent driveway to remain operational throughout the works, ruling out many conventional support and access solutions.
- Heritage compliance: Strict heritage requirements meant there was zero tolerance for damage or movement of the existing structure.
- Unpredictable conditions: Working within an aging building on a confined site required a flexible approach that could adapt as hidden conditions were uncovered during demolition.
Our Engineered Solution: Legend Hire Propping System
Our team working closely with the client’s permanent works engineer, we reviewed the original concept design and developed a refined, site-specific temporary works solution that balanced structural performance with practical installation.
Key elements of the system included:
- Engineered props were installed to provide targeted support in areas where demolition created temporary instability.
- Strategically positioned props improved load distribution and overall system stability, eliminating the need for intrusive ground anchoring.
- The support layout was designed to keep the driveway fully operational, allowing site access to continue without disruption.
Our team’s experience, alongside the demolition contractors allowed for adjusting the system in real time as conditions changed and previously concealed structural elements were exposed.
Our hands on, collaborative approach ensured the structure remained stable at every stage while allowing demolition works to progress safely and efficiently.
