National Portrait Gallery Stage 2

A decade after construction of the National Portrait Gallery, the basement waterproof membrane showed signs of failure, threatening the integrity of the building and valuable artworks. To remediate the issue, a new waterproof membrane was proposed to be installed over two stages.

Following the successful delivery of Stage 1 Investigation Works, the second stage of works included replacement of the failed waterproof membrane at the podium and entrance, structural concrete remediation, replacement of window units and replacement of timber floor and subfloors throughout the galleries.

Value: $13M

Year: 2019-2020

Duration: 14 months

Client: Department of Finance

Project Overview

Installation of the replacement waterproofing membrane required demolition and reinstatement of all exterior architectural toppings. To mitigate against the risk of potential damage to the new membrane during reinstatement works, the team developed an innovative permanent floating aluminium formwork system, which simplified construction and defines the contrast of polished concrete toppings throughout the podium.

Other key features of the project included complex artwork lifts, balustrade replacements, mobile display wall construction and architectural lighting.