Our work has seen the completion of conservation projects at Building 24 the National Art School, Building C at Ultimo TAFE, and Annandale North Public School.  All three projects centred around the provision of heritage architect services to document facade conservation works, primarily to stone, brick, timber work, and rainwater goods.

Building 24 at the National Art School sits on the site of the former Darlinghurst Gaol in Sydney. Works included the review, finalisation of documentation, and provision of services during construction.  Dating from 1849, Building 24 forms part of the first phase of development of the gaol under Colonial Architect, Mortimer Lewis. The building was gutted and converted for education use in the 1930s, including the raising of the original roof to provide for a new floor level. Careful unpicking and removal of later modifications revealed cast iron gaol bars within several of the original openings, and, where possible, this unexpected and exciting find was left exposed.

Building C at Ultimo TAFE was constructed in 1892-3 as the Museum of Technology, part of the Sydney Institute of Technology complex. Collaborating with Heritage Stonework’s, Purcell documented the conservation work scope, including masonry repairs, terracotta tiling, and timber repairs. During construction, Purcell conducted inspections to ensure quality and compliance with the documentation.

Finally, Purcell worked with NSW Public Works and Schools Infrastructure to provide heritage services for the conservation and repair of the 1907-1914 Annandale North Public School in inner Sydney. The works include the replacement of the cement tile roof with new slate, reflecting the original construction of the building, and repairs to rainwater goods, roof flashings, brick and stone facades and timber windows, reinstating original detailing where possible.

In 2023 Purcell’s Anita Krivickas and Lucy Burke-Smith were featured in the Ministers Stonework Program coffee table book; State of Stone. Purcell continue work with NSW Public Works on their Minister’s Stonework Program.