Facade Upgrade & Rooftop Waterproofing in Bondi Beach: Remedial Works on an Occupied Apartment Building

Project Overview

This multi-storey residential apartment building, located in the coastal suburb of Bondi Beach, Sydney, needed comprehensive remedial building works to upgrade the exterior façade and the roof waterproofing system. As a coastal building, it constantly faces a range of weather conditions, including wind-driven rain and sea mist. The protection of the building's envelope is essential to the long-term protection of the property.

Quin Projects was contracted to carry out the remedial works to upgrade the exterior façade and roof. The works were to be carried out while the building was occupied. Due to the nature of the works, a high degree of site management was required to minimise disruption to the occupants.

The project was completed over five months, with the building remaining occupied throughout the works.

The Challenge: Coastal Exposure and Building Protection

In the Bondi Beach area, the elements constantly expose buildings, especially the rooftops. Sea winds can carry salt spray, which can affect roof finishes. The roof structure in this case required a complete rebuild, along with the installation of a waterproofing system to protect the building from the elements.

The exterior facade of the building also required upgrading to provide a more durable finish and improve the building's appearance.

Complexities around working on an occupied residential building included organising construction activities to coordinate with the routine of the building’s residents, as well as appropriate site controls and safe access. Constant communication was essential throughout the entire project.

Our Approach: Integrated Façade and Rooftop Remediation

Quin Projects approached the project with an integrated construction methodology to remediate the rooftop and façade upgrades concurrently.

1. Rooftop Reconstruction and Waterproofing

Of the two elements, the reconstruction and waterproofing of the roof took priority. The uppermost element of a building is one of the first to experience the effects of moisture and weather conditions, and an effective waterproofing membrane is one of the best barriers to protect the structure from moisture.

The works consisted of reconstructing the roof in accordance with the requirements of the waterproofing membrane as set out in AS 4654.2. A key aspect of waterproofing is the detailing that facilitates a reliable barrier against water ingress.

A waterproofing system helps lessen the likelihood of leaks and the subsequent problems associated with the effects of moisture on building elements.

2. External Facade Upgrade

Improving the building’s external facade was undertaken in conjunction with the rooftop works.

Exposure to varying environmental conditions results in the deterioration of a building’s external elements, and coastal buildings experience this process more rapidly. An integrated building upgrade helps to protect the building’s elements and framework and lessen the demand for future maintenance.

The works to the façade and rooftop were coordinated to ensure the construction sequence of both elements of the building was integrated.

3. Construction Management in an Occupied Building

Being able to complete a significant amount of remedial work while keeping residents in their apartments was a major achievement for this project.

The management of construction activities, access and the safety of residents all need to be integrated to ensure a successful outcome when working in an occupied apartment building. Quin Projects considered the use of the building and the requirements of residents to provide a balance between completing the works and allowing residents access to their apartments so they could maintain normal use of the property.

The construction works spanned five months and were completed while residents continued to occupy the apartments.

Project Outcome: Improved Building Protection and External Presentation

The project provided improved building protection and a more pleasing building façade for the residents of the Bondi Beach building.

The completed works met the requirements of AS 4654.2 for the design and installation of roofing membranes. It also included the reconstruction of the roof and a significant upgrade of the external building façade as part of a remedial works integrated solution.

It demonstrates the benefits of using a remedial building contractor who can integrate design and construct solutions for the reconstruction of building envelopes and building upgrades, particularly for occupancy sites in coastal locations.