Iconic Yungaba House at Kangaroo Point was lovingly restored and developed by Hutchinson Builders for Frasers Property Australia. The 130 year old building holds deep historical value, beginning its life as the original State Immigration Centre, and Hutchies was honoured to be a part of its preservation and transformation.

Undertaking restoration works on a building aged over 130 years old presented a number of construction challenges. These included extensive structural repairs, alterations, and strengthening works to the existing structure, which all required careful planning, sequencing, and procurement in confined areas of access. The roofing was completely replaced with meticulous attention paid to maintaining the heritage characteristics of the building.

We also completed a full restoration and upgrade of the existing sash windows and joinery, including all pest affected areas. All windows were replaced with specialised acoustic glass, together with high-end door seals and window seals.

The restoration required the removal of beads and sashes, which had to be individually catalogued and labelled. On refitting, each window was balanced and re-weighted with extra lead as needed to ensure smooth operation.

Hutchies brought in a team of specialist trades from Tasmania to restore 135 windows, replacing 400 pieces of glass in total. Fire and acoustic provisions within the building structure were integral in the design of the new apartments.