The redevelopment of Melbourne's historic Old Customs House comprised a three-level refurbishment and adaption of this 1870's building in three stages. Materials used included significant stone and brick for the carcass and external render facades, timber-framed floors, pop-riveted girders and a copper corrugated roof. A particularly demanding task was the re-conditioning of existing plaster work and the incorporation of the original Oregon timber roof trusses. The works included the development of a series of courtyards, outdoor eating areas, contemplative areas and urban gardens suitable for festivals and events. Inside, a theatrette was constructed with a state of the art audio-visual facility ingeniously intergrated without comprising the aesthetics of the room. Spectacular views were achieved from glazed lifts due to accurate and meticulous work by the designers, building surveyor, builder and sub-contactors.
In the judges view, this project has delivered a functional use of a sensitive heritage building in a way that provides a stimulating enviroment for the public's enjoyment and a first-class result for the client.
Due to the nature of the project, the construction program was monitored closely, as continual modifications by the client had the potential to blow out costs and the completion date. LU Simons - in conjunction with the client and designers - was able to engineer cost savings of up to $2.5 million without jeopardising the original structure or design. This was done by reworking the original specification and substuting alternatives for external glazing, external finishes, lighting and external paving.
L.U. Simon Builders Pty Ltd
818 Nicholson Street, North Fitzroy  3068  Victoria Australia
Phone : +61 3 9488-0000 Fax:+61 3 9481-8988
Email: mail@lusimon.com.au