DESCRIPTION 

The MacLaurin Hall is an important piece of heritage of the University Quadrangle Building. Designed by the Government Architect of the day Walter Liberty Vernon it was constructed in 1911 as the Fisher Library. In 1963 when the Fisher Library was opened the library relocated to the current building.

In October 2007, the University of Sydney began conservation work on the façade. The conservation work includes the sandstone walls, gargoyles and bosses, and windows. The conservation work is part of the University heritage conservation program and the project is a 1 every 50 years conservation work project.
Previous conservation work has been done in the 1960s as evidenced by the grey colour of the new stone and coarser quality in the carving. This is also evident on the south wall of the Great Hall where some pinnacles and parapets have been replaced also in the 1960s.

Materials used include Macaffrey sandstone from the NSW Department of Commerce Centenary Stonework Program reserve (sourced from recent excavations at Pyrmont). The lighter colour in the sandstone is a natural feature of sandstone which turns yellow over time as the iron particles in the binder starts to oxidize. In some stones this colour can be brown/red (refer to the belvedere stairs to Victoria Park constructed in 2000).
The work to extend the life of the façade is being done in accordance with the recommendations of the 1999 Heritage Fabric Survey and inspections during 2003 and 2006. A number of the gargoyles were showing signs of splitting and falling and there is structural crack in the external walls halfway along the south and north walls of the hall. The windows were due for cleaning and replacement of some sash framework.
The conservation work includes:

• Façade cleaning using gentle water spray methods (Joss System).
• Façade desalination using a poultice (Cacoon from Westox).
• Re-pointing using composition mortar with slaked lime, sand and cement.
• Epoxy repair and stainless steel wire reinforcement of loose projecting stones which are substantially intact.
• Replacement of carved sandstone parapets, bosses, stringcourses and ashlar stones.
  Construction of lead sill flashings which will protect the stringcourses, bosses and gargoyles.
• Cleaning and repair of leadlight windows.

Work is scheduled to finish in November 2008.

• December 2007
• April 2 2008
• April 30 2008

Back to progress photos

Back to progress photos

Back to progress photos