The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Sophia is a heritage-listed church located in Paddington, NSW. Having been consecrated in 1927, the Cathedral has a storied history as one of the first Greek Orthodox Cathedrals in Australia.
The Cathedral had been exposed to multiple elements since it’s construction. As a result, there was significant accumulated structural damage. Parts of the building were crumbling, and large cracks had appeared.
ARA Building Services
The front façade had suffered with large sections of the concrete mix completely saturated, resulting in corrosion of the steel reinforcement. The left and right corners of the upper-level frieze had shifted by up to 20mm and the bedding of the top moulds/corbel had delaminated.
With a strong remedial capability, ARA Building Services was contracted to complete the restoration works on the Cathedral.
Burra Charter principles and standards
Propping system was created to help the entablature, which is 8 meters above the main door portico
Saint Sophia was heritage listed by the NSW Government in 2015, and as such, any work is required to be undertaken in accordance with the Burra Charter principles and standards.
This means that no alterations to the façade of the building are allowed other than to reinstate the original features.
The elevated wall and entablature were repaired. A propping system was designed to support the entablature, which is 8 meters above the main entrance portico.
Waterproofing membrane
An external waterproofing membrane was applied to waterproof the corbels on the building with properties that resist aging. The system was then completed with a liquid membrane coating to match the remainder of the church façade.
An external façade and roof membrane were applied to the façade of the Cathedral, and carbon fiber crack stitching was also installed to help prevent further cracking in the structure.
Risk of internal damage
The roof was completed in stages to minimize exposure to the elements and mitigate the risk
To prevent interior damage when removing the roof tiles and installing the sarking, the roof was completed in stages to minimize exposure to the elements and mitigate the risk of internal damage.
The supporting walls, which underpinned the entablature, were supported off a base slab tied into the structure, forming an intricate gravity-based system to support the main wall and entablature.
New rooftop waterproofing membranes
ARA is also undertaking remedial structural repairs at another Greek Orthodox Church in Surry Hills to restore the aesthetically distinctive facade to its former glory. Additional works on the Church include re-framing and re-leading of the intricate front leadlight windows, and installation of new rooftop waterproofing membranes.
ARA Building Services restores building façades completely, both structurally and aesthetically, with brand new finishes, retaining history through restoring the unique features of heritage buildings and structures.