Makeover for the Australian War Memorial

Makeover for the Australian War MemorialConstruction firm Built has conducted a makeover of the Australian War Memorial World War I Gallery by carrying out a complete strip-out, refurbishment and fit-out of the gallery space.Work was carried out on the heritage building while it remained operational, with refurbishments made to the Orientation, Gallipoli, Western Front, Sinai/Palestine, Legacies and Reflections galleries. In addition, Built provided new services infrastructure, including a compliant fire safety system, new lighting and the installation of a mechanical system capable of providing a humidity-controlled environment for the exhibition space.Among the challenges associated with the project was the need to construct a new plant room through an opening in the existing heritage copper roof, complete with a sandstone-block facade to match the original heritage facade. The quarry from which the original stone was excavated shut down years ago, but Built was able to source matching sandstone from an existing stockpile.Heritage skylights that had been damaged by leaking and material degradation also required refurbishment, with triple-glazed skylights sourced that closely matched the building’s original skylights.Disruption to the public’s enjoyment of the building was minimised as much as possible, with demolished materials removed only after the last post sounded each evening and before the memorial opened the following day.”This project had everything – refurbishment works, a high-quality fit-out, heritage works and building alterations through the roof – and all within a live, operational environment,” says Built senior project manager Joe Tonkovic. “The site team worked extremely well to deliver a top-class project that Australians can be proud of for years to come.”Brendan Nelson, director of the Australian War Memorial, announced that Built has been awarded an additional contract to construct a technology centre at the memorial, as well as redevelop the memorial’s café/restaurant, VIP events area and retail shop.