Amesbury is a grand 10-bedroom Queen Anne style mansion built in 1888 by Mr Norman Selfe (1839-1922) to celebrate the countries Centenary, one of Australia’s foremost engineers during the late 19th and into the 20th century.
Upon completion it was considered the ultimate modern showpiece, presenting more novelties both externally and internally than any other house in the colony.
The tower was purpose built for Selfe to pursue his hobby of astronomy and boasts north easterly views to the harbour.
On December 1st 2020 the spire was struck by lightning which started a fire within the tower. The fire unfortunately caused extensive damage throughout and all timber work needed to be removed due to a make safe work order.
Due to the heritage nature of the building. All new work had to be like for like with what was existing.
Client
Builder: Garnett & Co
Architect: Architectural Projects
Contract Dates
June 2023-September 2023
Scope of work
To restore this beautiful tower to its former glory we were tasked with the following: –
- Relay existing hardwood floor directly above the openings in the tower
- Rebuild new floor frame and lay hardwood floors to the spire substructure
- Install new cranked steel beams to take loads from hips
- Install all new timber roof structure to take plywood sheeting
- Recreate western red cedar gablets exactly like for like and install
- Install oval glass in gablets and make oval glazing beads to suit
- Prime and final coat of paint for gablets
