Featured Case Studies
St Francis Church
Built in 1842, St Francis' Church is Victoria's oldest Catholic church and listed #1 on the Victorian Heritage Register. The church grounds required a series of rectification and upgrade works including water damage remediation in the choir hall following effluent flooding, security upgrades to the heritage perimeter, and concourse rectification above archaeologically sensitive ground. Given the site's significance, every intervention demanded strict compliance with Heritage Victoria requirements and continuous coordination with heritage consultants.
St Francis Church
- Location
Melbourne CBD
- Completion Date
2019
- Scope
Rectification and upgrade works across multiple heritage areas
- Delivery
Under Heritage Victoria supervision and approvals
- Type
Heritage church and grounds
- Key Challenges
State-significant heritage site; archaeologically sensitive areas
- Our Solutions
Continuous Heritage Victoria liaison; heritage-compliant materials and methods
Built in 1842, St Francis' Church is Victoria's oldest Catholic church and listed #1 on the Victorian Heritage Register. The church grounds required a series of rectification and upgrade works including water damage remediation in the choir hall following effluent flooding, security upgrades to the heritage perimeter, and concourse rectification above archaeologically sensitive ground. Given the site's significance, every intervention demanded strict compliance with Heritage Victoria requirements and continuous coordination with heritage consultants.
Lacen Belder was entrusted to deliver the full scope of works. The choir hall was restored to heritage-standard condition, a new heritage perimeter fence was designed and constructed with integrated security access, and concourse rectification was carried out under archaeological supervision incorporating root barriers, drainage upgrades, and heritage paving. All works were completed in full heritage compliance using heritage-compliant materials and methods, enhancing site functionality while preserving the church's historic fabric and architectural character.
Ascot Vale Road
A multi-unit residential building on Ascot Vale Road was suffering from defective balconies where prolonged water ingress from failed membranes had caused structural timber decay and internal ceiling damage. The building remained fully occupied, site access was restricted, and the scale of deterioration meant that multiple balconies would need to be open simultaneously during works. Further structural deterioration uncovered during demolition added complexity beyond the original scope.
Ascot Vale Road
- Location
Flemington
- Completion Date
2025
- Scope
Balcony reconstruction and waterproofing rectification
- Delivery
Occupied building, staged sequencing
- Type
Multi-unit residential balcony remediation
- Key Challenges
Restricted site access; concurrent balcony works; structural deterioration during demolition
- Our Solutions
Staged demolition program; temporary structural supports; engineered drainage
A multi-unit residential building on Ascot Vale Road was suffering from defective balconies where prolonged water ingress from failed membranes had caused structural timber decay and internal ceiling damage. The building remained fully occupied, site access was restricted, and the scale of deterioration meant that multiple balconies would need to be open simultaneously during works. Further structural deterioration uncovered during demolition added complexity beyond the original scope.
Lacen Belder designed and delivered a full remediation program, reconstructing balcony substrates with James Hardie Secura flooring and WPM 1000 sheet membranes, repairing deteriorated LVL beams, and reinstating compliant drainage systems. When demolition revealed additional structural decay, the team adapted with temporary supports and weather protection to maintain program continuity. Materials were craned via side street balconies to overcome access constraints, and all works were carefully staged to maintain resident safety. The balconies were restored to a watertight, structurally sound, and fully compliant condition.
Victoria Street Waterproofing Works
Four interconnected residential buildings above a ground-floor carpark were suffering significant structural damage from sustained water ingress through planter boxes and the concourse area. Lacen Belder's investigation revealed that the damage had reached several structural columns, with failures traced back to non-compliant original construction. The scale of the rectification required removal and reinstatement of 720 cubic metres of soil, extensive concrete pours, and complex logistics - all within a building where residents continued to live.
Victoria Street Waterproofing Works
- Location
Brunswick
- Completion Date
2025
- Scope
Removal of combustible cladding and installation of compliant façade systems
- Delivery
Staged construction within occupied residential complex
- Type
Multi-building waterproofing and structural rectification
- Key Challenges
720 m³ soil removal; extensive concrete pours; complex logistics in live environment
- Our Solutions
Detailed staging plans; creative material handling; coordinated structural strengthening
Four interconnected residential buildings above a ground-floor carpark were suffering significant structural damage from sustained water ingress through planter boxes and the concourse area. Lacen Belder's investigation revealed that the damage had reached several structural columns, with failures traced back to non-compliant original construction. The scale of the rectification required removal and reinstatement of 720 cubic metres of soil, extensive concrete pours, and complex logistics - all within a building where residents continued to live.
Lacen Belder took control of the multi-stage rectification, installing high-performance Wolfin sheet membrane across all common areas with full manufacturer warranty, renewing the topping slab, and carrying out precision concrete remediation to restore compromised columns to full load-bearing capacity. Creative material handling methods including waste chutes and temporary storage zones kept the program moving efficiently, while detailed staging maintained safe resident access throughout. In total, over 2,600 square metres of Wolfin membrane was installed, 70 square metres of topping slab replaced, and over 700 cubic metres of soil removed, filtered, and reinstated - restoring structural integrity, waterproofing performance, and long-term durability across the complex.
Barkly Reclad - Brunswick
A three-level residential building in Brunswick with nine apartments and a ground-floor carpark received a Council Building Order to replace combustible EPS and ACP cladding posing a serious fire risk. During investigation, Lacen Belder identified that the issues extended well beyond the cladding itself - balcony membranes interfacing with the facade had been allowing water ingress for years, widespread detailing defects were present throughout, and the roof structure was unable to support conventional scaffolding loads.
Barkly Reclad - Brunswick
- Location
Brunswick
- Completion Date
2025
- Scope
Removal of combustible cladding and installation of compliant facade systems
- Delivery
Design and construct under Council Building Order
- Type
Multi-residential cladding compliance rectification
- Key Challenges
Non-compliant EPS and ACP facade systems posing fire risk
- Our Solutions
Performance-based fire solution with Hebel and solid aluminium replacement
A three-level residential building in Brunswick with nine apartments and a ground-floor carpark received a Council Building Order to replace combustible EPS and ACP cladding posing a serious fire risk. During investigation, Lacen Belder identified that the issues extended well beyond the cladding itself - balcony membranes interfacing with the facade had been allowing water ingress for years, widespread detailing defects were present throughout, and the roof structure was unable to support conventional scaffolding loads.
Lacen Belder was appointed under a design-and-construct contract and worked closely with a specialist fire engineer to develop a performance-based fire strategy tailored to the building's specific conditions. The non-compliant facade was replaced with 50 mm Hebel panels and 3 mm solid aluminium systems. The team also used the opportunity to resolve longstanding waterproofing failures simultaneously, delivering full balcony waterproofing, tiling replacement, and detailing rectification as part of a single integrated program. To address the roof constraints, Lacen Belder engineered a purpose-built back-propping system and staged access sequence that kept residents safe throughout. The result was a fully compliant, fire-safe, and watertight building envelope delivered while residents remained in their homes.
All Projects
Union Street Reclad
A 2011-built apartment building was showing severe timber cladding deterioration from long-term water exposure, with moisture damage, decayed board ends, and irregular framing compromising facade performance and safety. Variable timber species and inconsistent original installation details meant that a blanket replacement approach carried its own risks, and limited facade access with tight boundary conditions further constrained the options available.
Union Street Reclad
- Location
Brunswick
- Completion Date
2022
- Scope
Design investigation, selective replacement, and protective coating
- Delivery
Prototype-first methodology
- Type
Timber cladding restoration
- Key Challenges
Variable timber species; deteriorated framing; limited facade access
- Our Solutions
Prototype-first approach; value-engineered restoration; improved waterproofing detailing
A 2011-built apartment building was showing severe timber cladding deterioration from long-term water exposure, with moisture damage, decayed board ends, and irregular framing compromising facade performance and safety. Variable timber species and inconsistent original installation details meant that a blanket replacement approach carried its own risks, and limited facade access with tight boundary conditions further constrained the options available.
Rather than defaulting to full replacement, Lacen Belder led a design investigation in collaboration with architects, suppliers, the building surveyor, and council. This included a cost-benefit analysis and prototype testing on a trial section, leading to a selective replacement and protective treatment approach. Targeted timber renewal, corrective framing, and WOCA protective coating were applied following successful prototype validation, with improved waterproofing detailing providing long-term protection. The facade was restored in both performance and appearance without the cost and disruption of full-scale replacement, preserving the building's architectural integrity.
Little Miller Apartments
A six-level mixed-use complex in Fitzroy North was experiencing widespread water ingress soon after completion, with leaks traced to balconies, planter boxes, facades, and plumbing systems causing damage throughout apartments, common areas, and the basement carpark. The defects spanned multiple building systems, the building remained occupied, and the Owners Corporation faced budget constraints that meant every dollar of remediation needed to deliver value.
Little Miller Apartments
- Location
Fitzroy North
- Completion Date
2022
- Scope
Water ingress investigation and multi-system remedial works
- Delivery
Occupied site with staged sequencing
- Type
Six-level mixed-use building
- Key Challenges
Extensive multi-system defects; client budget constraints
- Our Solutions
Tiered rectification options with cost-risk comparisons
A six-level mixed-use complex in Fitzroy North was experiencing widespread water ingress soon after completion, with leaks traced to balconies, planter boxes, facades, and plumbing systems causing damage throughout apartments, common areas, and the basement carpark. The defects spanned multiple building systems, the building remained occupied, and the Owners Corporation faced budget constraints that meant every dollar of remediation needed to deliver value.
Lacen Belder undertook detailed inspections, testing, and destructive investigations to identify root causes across every affected system, then presented tiered rectification options with transparent cost-risk comparisons so the client could make informed decisions. Full-system replacements were applied where critical, and targeted repairs where feasible. The team replaced failed membranes, rectified facade and window junctions, repaired plumbing and drainage, and restored moisture-damaged structural elements - reinstating waterproofing integrity, structure, and durability while keeping the program financially viable for the Owners Corporation.
Harrison Street Remediation
A residential development was suffering from extensive defective workmanship that had caused major water ingress through cladding, balconies, and windows. Drainage design was inadequate with missing overflow provisions, windows had been installed without proper sub-sills or waterproofing, and the cladding itself was non-compliant. Compounding these issues, the site offered constrained access and works needed to be delivered during adverse winter conditions while residents remained in the building.
Harrison Street Remediation
- Location
Brunswick East
- Completion Date
2017
- Scope
Facade, balcony, and window rectification
- Delivery
Complex works in constrained, occupied site
- Type
Residential facade and waterproofing rectification
- Key Challenges
Inadequate drainage; windows without sub-sills; constrained access, winter conditions
- Our Solutions
Redesigned drainage and overflow detailing; staged logistics; weather-resistant sequencing
A residential development was suffering from extensive defective workmanship that had caused major water ingress through cladding, balconies, and windows. Drainage design was inadequate with missing overflow provisions, windows had been installed without proper sub-sills or waterproofing, and the cladding itself was non-compliant. Compounding these issues, the site offered constrained access and works needed to be delivered during adverse winter conditions while residents remained in the building.
Lacen Belder delivered a comprehensive facade and waterproofing rectification, replacing all non-compliant cladding with Hebel systems, reconstructing every balcony with new membranes, drainage, and tiling, and reinstating all windows with compliant sub-sills and full flashing integration. The team redesigned balcony drainage and overflow detailing for compliance, managed staged logistics within limited space, and resequenced trades to ensure membrane curing during wet weather. The building envelope was fully restored to compliant, watertight condition, reinstating safety, performance, and long-term value.
Seymour Apartments
The Seymour Apartments - a boutique development of 18 high-end residences above a basement carpark designed by Cassisi Architects - required construction precision that matched the ambition of the architectural design. The brief presented a tight urban footprint, groundwater to manage at basement level, and the need to maintain exacting architectural standards consistently across all 18 residences.
Seymour Apartments
- Location
Camberwell
- Completion Date
2015
- Scope
Design and construction of 18 apartments with basement carpark
- Delivery
Collaborative design and construct
- Type
Boutique multi-residential development
- Key Challenges
Tight urban footprint; groundwater management; architectural precision
- Our Solutions
Design-led coordination; engineered basement waterproofing; meticulous QC
The Seymour Apartments - a boutique development of 18 high-end residences above a basement carpark designed by Cassisi Architects - required construction precision that matched the ambition of the architectural design. The brief presented a tight urban footprint, groundwater to manage at basement level, and the need to maintain exacting architectural standards consistently across all 18 residences.
Lacen Belder collaborated closely with the architects and consultants from the earliest design stages, aligning design intent with structural, services, and compliance requirements before construction began. The semi-dry basement was engineered for effective groundwater management while maximising usable space, and apartments were finished to a luxury standard with precise detailing and durable materials. The development delivered premium finishes and structural precision - translating an ambitious architectural vision into a high-quality, enduring result.
York Street Defective Facade and Investigation
At York Street, Fitzroy North, an operable bi-fold facade screen system was failing - and the cause was unclear. The system had resulted in unsafe operation and deterioration, with potential factors including design and compliance oversights, mechanical and structural inadequacies, and long-term performance issues. Investigating within an occupied, multi-storey environment further constrained by adjacent high-voltage power lines added complexity to every access and testing decision.
York Street Defective Facade and Investigation
- Location
Fitzroy North
- Completion Date
2024
- Scope
Full diagnostic investigation, stakeholder liaison, engineering review, and cost planning
- Delivery
Multi-disciplinary investigation and reporting
- Type
Building defects & safety investigation
- Key Challenges
Interplay of design, installation, and material factors; high-voltage power lines
- Our Solutions
Structured diagnostic testing; costed rectification roadmaps with risk comparisons
At York Street, Fitzroy North, an operable bi-fold facade screen system was failing - and the cause was unclear. The system had resulted in unsafe operation and deterioration, with potential factors including design and compliance oversights, mechanical and structural inadequacies, and long-term performance issues. Investigating within an occupied, multi-storey environment further constrained by adjacent high-voltage power lines added complexity to every access and testing decision.
Lacen Belder was appointed to lead a comprehensive multi-disciplinary investigation, coordinating with the original designers and engineers, product manufacturers, and independent consultants, supported by detailed field inspections and component testing. The investigation identified key causes of failure including under-engineered hinge mechanisms, non-compliant installations, and progressive mechanical fatigue. The Owners Corporation received clear technical findings, risk-based recommendations, and costed rectification pathways with risk and benefit comparisons - transforming a critical safety issue into an informed decision-making framework.
Federation House
A heritage-listed early 1900s Federation house in Kew East required major structural alterations and a basement extension while preserving its original character. The project presented significant technical challenges: limited access within the heritage-listed structure, the need to excavate beneath existing load-bearing walls, and the requirement to preserve ornate original features including plaster ceilings, a fireplace and chimney, and the home's Federation-era detailing throughout.
Federation House
- Location
Kew
- Completion Date
2003
- Scope
Structural alterations and basement extension
- Delivery
Design management and construction
- Type
Heritage residential restoration
- Key Challenges
Heritage-listed structure with limited access; excavation beneath load-bearing walls
- Our Solutions
"Hit and miss" underpinning; precise staging and collaborative design management
A heritage-listed early 1900s Federation house in Kew East required major structural alterations and a basement extension while preserving its original character. The project presented significant technical challenges: limited access within the heritage-listed structure, the need to excavate beneath existing load-bearing walls, and the requirement to preserve ornate original features including plaster ceilings, a fireplace and chimney, and the home's Federation-era detailing throughout.
Lacen Belder led the design process and delivered the full scope of engineering and construction. The rear was propped for wall removal and reconfigured with a new steel frame, ornate plaster ceilings were painstakingly reinstated, and the original fireplace and chimney were relocated. New American Oak flooring was installed with improved sub-floor insulation. A new basement was formed beneath the existing structure using the "hit and miss" underpinning method with integrated drainage, sump, and pump systems, while the upper level was extended with matching cedar shingle cladding and stained-glass windows. The result was a structurally robust, modernised Federation home where new and existing works integrated seamlessly, preserving heritage character with exceptional craftsmanship.
Riversdale Apartments
The Riversdale Road Apartments required a premium residential development of 21 apartments and a basement carpark tailored specifically for elderly residents, with fully DDA-compliant design throughout. Located in Melbourne's inner east, the project needed to deliver genuine accessibility within a constrained urban site without compromising architectural form or the character of the surrounding streetscape.
Riversdale Apartments
- Location
Hawthorn
- Completion Date
2013
- Scope
Design and construction of 21 apartments with basement carpark
- Delivery
Design and construct
- Type
Premium residential development for elderly residents
- Key Challenges
DDA compliance within constrained site; accessibility without compromising form
- Our Solutions
Collaborative design aligning accessibility, structure, and aesthetics
The Riversdale Road Apartments required a premium residential development of 21 apartments and a basement carpark tailored specifically for elderly residents, with fully DDA-compliant design throughout. Located in Melbourne's inner east, the project needed to deliver genuine accessibility within a constrained urban site without compromising architectural form or the character of the surrounding streetscape.
Lacen Belder delivered the design and construction, integrating DDA compliance throughout the architecture rather than treating it as an overlay. A collaborative design approach aligned accessibility, structure, and aesthetics from the outset, with detailed consultant coordination achieving seamless compliance. The refined facade palette respects the inner-east streetscape while the interior layouts provide the functionality, comfort, and dignity the building's residents require - delivered on time and to specification.
Contemporary Belford Residence
A contemporary two-storey residence on a triangular urban site presented complex buildability challenges. The irregular geometry required custom structural approaches, site access was constrained with limited storage, and tight sequencing of trades within overlapping work zones left no room for imprecise coordination. Every junction across three different facade materials - Alucobond cladding, stone, and Spotted Gum timber - would be visible, making tolerance control critical throughout.
Contemporary Belford Residence
- Location
Kew East
- Completion Date
2014
- Scope
Full structural, architectural, and interior delivery
- Delivery
Design and construct on constrained triangular site
- Type
Contemporary residential - single dwelling
- Key Challenges
Complex geometry; constrained access; tight trade sequencing
- Our Solutions
Engineered staging; prefabricated components; close trade coordination
A contemporary two-storey residence on a triangular urban site presented complex buildability challenges. The irregular geometry required custom structural approaches, site access was constrained with limited storage, and tight sequencing of trades within overlapping work zones left no room for imprecise coordination. Every junction across three different facade materials - Alucobond cladding, stone, and Spotted Gum timber - would be visible, making tolerance control critical throughout.
Lacen Belder delivered the design and construction, combining a reinforced concrete base with structural-steel framing shaped to the triangular geometry. Engineered staging and propping systems enabled construction within restricted boundaries, while prefabricated framing and facade components ensured the accuracy the geometry demanded. Inside, seamless material transitions, custom joinery, and high-accuracy detailing maintain the architectural clarity of the design. The project transformed a restricted, irregular block into a robust, finely built modern residence.
Clarion Suites Gateway
A penthouse-level apartment within the Clarion Suites Gateway hotel at 1 William Street was experiencing persistent water ingress from the roof structure, resulting in damage to ceiling linings, kitchen finishes, and flooring. The leak source was concealed within the roof system of a multi-storey building, and all investigation and rectification work needed to be delivered within a live CBD hotel environment where ongoing operations could not be disrupted.
Clarion Suites Gateway
- Location
Melbourne CBD
- Completion Date
2019
- Scope
Leak investigation, waterproofing remediation, and interior reinstatement
- Delivery
Within live CBD hotel environment
- Type
CBD hotel penthouse rectification
- Key Challenges
Concealed roof leaks in multi-storey building; operational hotel; confined area
- Our Solutions
Systematic investigation; targeted rectification; coordinated reinstatement
A penthouse-level apartment within the Clarion Suites Gateway hotel at 1 William Street was experiencing persistent water ingress from the roof structure, resulting in damage to ceiling linings, kitchen finishes, and flooring. The leak source was concealed within the roof system of a multi-storey building, and all investigation and rectification work needed to be delivered within a live CBD hotel environment where ongoing operations could not be disrupted.
Lacen Belder was engaged to trace the problem to its source through detailed inspections and selective opening-up works, identifying the failure points within the roof waterproofing and ceiling interfaces. Targeted rectification permanently resolved the leak pathway, and the penthouse suite was reinstated with replacement ceiling linings and upgraded internal finishes including new kitchen elements and flooring. All works were carefully staged in coordination with building management, ensuring safe access and uninterrupted hotel operations at every stage.
Catholic Ladies' College - CLC
Catholic Ladies' College in Eltham needed improved accessibility between the main school building and the lower oval, with existing access routes failing to provide a compliant pathway for students and staff with mobility requirements. The project required a new DDA-compliant ramp, pathway, stair access, and podium deck structure - all constructed within an operational school environment where child-safety requirements, including working-with-children checks for every contractor, governed every decision.
Catholic Ladies' College - CLC
- Location
Eltham
- Completion Date
2017
- Scope
DDA-compliant ramp, pathways, stairs, and deck
- Delivery
Design and construct within operational school
- Type
Educational campus accessibility upgrade
- Key Challenges
Active school campus; constrained site levels; child-safety compliance
- Our Solutions
Coordinated D&C approach; staged works with school safety protocols
Catholic Ladies' College in Eltham needed improved accessibility between the main school building and the lower oval, with existing access routes failing to provide a compliant pathway for students and staff with mobility requirements. The project required a new DDA-compliant ramp, pathway, stair access, and podium deck structure - all constructed within an operational school environment where child-safety requirements, including working-with-children checks for every contractor, governed every decision.
Lacen Belder designed and constructed the full scope, coordinating drainage installation, earthworks, reinforced concrete, structural steel, and carpentry works through staged delivery with careful site separation. Strict adherence to child-safety protocols maintained safe school operations throughout construction. The completed works delivered a compliant and durable access route that integrated naturally within the existing campus landscape, significantly improving accessibility between the main building and the oval for all students and staff.
The Strand Arcade / Somerset Hotel
Spa facilities within the Somerset Hotel at 250 Elizabeth Street, located in Melbourne's historic Strand Arcade precinct, had been experiencing prolonged water leakage affecting guest rooms below. Water from the spa and pool surround had gradually penetrated the floor structure over time, damaging ceilings and finishes and raising concerns about the integrity of the supporting structure. All investigation and remediation works needed to be coordinated and delivered during COVID-19 restrictions, requiring careful planning around government regulations, including workforce limitations, social distancing requirements, site access controls, hygiene protocols, and coordination with reduced hotel operations.
The Strand Arcade / Somerset Hotel
- Location
Melbourne CBD
- Completion Date
2020
- Scope
Leak investigation, structural remediation, and spa reconstruction
- Delivery
Within operational CBD hospitality environment
- Type
CBD hotel spa rectification
- Key Challenges
Concealed ingress from spa surrounds; structural deterioration; operational hotel
- Our Solutions
Systematic investigations; new steel supports; reconfigured plumbing; rebuilt spa facilities
Spa facilities within the Somerset Hotel at 250 Elizabeth Street, located in Melbourne's historic Strand Arcade precinct, had been experiencing prolonged water leakage affecting guest rooms below. Water from the spa and pool surround had gradually penetrated the floor structure over time, damaging ceilings and finishes and raising concerns about the integrity of the supporting structure. All investigation and remediation works needed to be coordinated and delivered during COVID-19 restrictions, requiring careful planning around government regulations, including workforce limitations, social distancing requirements, site access controls, hygiene protocols, and coordination with reduced hotel operations.
Lacen Belder was engaged to investigate the source and assess the structural impact, identifying failures within the spa surround waterproofing system and associated service penetrations. The team then delivered a comprehensive remediation - removing existing spa installations to expose concealed damage, rectifying water-damaged structural elements, reconfiguring pool plumbing, and installing new steel support framing to accommodate the revised spa and day-spa layout. Works were carefully staged in line with COVID-19 requirements through controlled site access, workforce management, enhanced hygiene protocols, and coordination with hotel operations. The facilities were rebuilt with upgraded waterproofing systems and improved structural detailing, eliminating the source of water ingress and restoring the integrity of the affected structure.
Spanish Colonial Revival Renovation
This Spanish Colonial Revival residence in Kooyong - characterised by warm stucco facades, red-clay roof tiles, arched openings, and wrought-iron detailing - required a comprehensive refurbishment including pool replacement, full interior upgrade, and selective facade restoration. The existing pool was asbestos-contaminated, concealed timber deterioration was present, and achieving pool-safety compliance under AS 1926.1:2024 without visible fencing was essential to preserving the home's architectural integrity.
Spanish Colonial Revival Renovation
- Location
Kooyong
- Completion Date
2020
- Scope
Pool replacement, interior refurbishment, and facade restoration
- Delivery
Design and construct
- Type
Heritage residential refurbishment
- Key Challenges
Pool-safety compliance without fencing; asbestos-contaminated pool; hidden timber decay
- Our Solutions
Discreet compliance detailing (AS 1926.1); controlled asbestos removal; timber remediation
This Spanish Colonial Revival residence in Kooyong - characterised by warm stucco facades, red-clay roof tiles, arched openings, and wrought-iron detailing - required a comprehensive refurbishment including pool replacement, full interior upgrade, and selective facade restoration. The existing pool was asbestos-contaminated, concealed timber deterioration was present, and achieving pool-safety compliance under AS 1926.1:2024 without visible fencing was essential to preserving the home's architectural integrity.
Lacen Belder delivered the project under a design-and-construct contract, managing asbestos-contaminated demolition under strict environmental protocols, remediating concealed timber deterioration, and coordinating heritage materials with modern drainage systems. The team developed an inventive design solution that achieved full pool-safety compliance without a single visible fence, preserving the home's character where a standard approach would have compromised it. The completed residence blended heritage character with contemporary amenity - refined interiors, upgraded services, and a seamlessly integrated outdoor environment.
