Sydney Stonemasons is an award-winning specialist in heritage restoration projects and was contracted by Kane Constructions to undertake complex restoration work on the Australian Museum ‘Project Discover’ Redevelopment.

The Australian Museum has been on its present site since the mid-1800’s. The handsome sandstone structure and the priority in the redevelopment work, was to ensure that all modifications fitted seamlessly with the existing sandstone structure. This is where the extensive experience and skilled craftsmanship of Sydney Stonemasons was so invaluable.

Director Roscoe Hannagan, said that as well as ensuring existing sandstone features were not damaged in any way, there was also priority given to protecting all the exhibits throughout the Museum. “Our work was all inside the building, so we had to follow safe practices which took all these factors into account.”

Sydney Stonemasons’ Master Mason Dennis, was called into carry out numerous mortar repairs where he achieved a perfect colour and texture match to the existing stone. Dennis had the task of grinding off the silcon and cement which was stuck to the surface of the stone once the roof had been removed. Once complete the stone was then bush hammered to create the same surface texture, before colour matching to the surrounding stone

The restoration work completed by Sydney Stonemasons included opening new doorways to suit the changes to the Museum layout. “We used sandstone from within the building itself to make the new doorways. Any extra stone that we needed was sourced from the Public Works stockpile,” Roscoe said.

Sydney Stonemasons has a total staff of 25, all with the specialist skills of working with sandstone as a construction material. “As one of the few companies to specialise in heritage restoration, we have a commitment to detail and are always meticulous in our craftsmanship which earns us regular repeat business,” Roscoe said.

For more information contact Sydney Stonemasons, 55 Smith Street, Hillsdale NSW 2036, phone 1300 075 544, email info@sydneystonemasons.com.au, website www.sydneystonemasons.com.au