“Heritage Renovation: Compliance Time"

Bridgit
May 31
4 min read

When you’re restoring a century-old church, you don’t just grab a paintbrush and go to town. Heritage renovation compliance is real! And as it turns out, we were more compliant than we even realised.

How We Found Out We’d Followed the Heritage Guidelines

Any heritage-listed asset undergoing a change of use requires a Development Application submitted to Council. As part of this process, we were also required to include a Statement of Heritage Impact, prepared by a qualified Heritage Consultant Architect.
Our consultant followed the methodology outlined in Heritage Assessments and Statements of Heritage Impact (Heritage Office & Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, 1996), in line with the Burra Charter, 2013.
This kind of report isn’t cheap — and getting it done took some persistence. The consultant we engaged was efficient and communicative (even letting us know he was running late due to stop-start roadworks on Bucketts Way - classic), which felt like a good omen.
We were particularly anxious about the leaking leadlight windows and our hope to replace them with architecturally sympathetic, energy-efficient alternatives to meet 2025 BASIX standards.
The consultants listened carefully, asked questions about our broader plans, then inspected and photographed every inch of the building. Honestly, it felt a bit invasive at the time. Like someone reading your diary, but the intent was clear: protect the past, even as we prepare for the future. A printed copy of their report now sits in the church for visitors to browse.

We expected a list of “what not to do.” Instead, we got a cautious green light, and then the real compliance work began.

Our Work vs. the Heritage Renovation Guidelines

Windows

What the report said:

“The existing windows should be repaired and restored over time. Whilst these repairs are necessary now, the cost of restoration of all windows is cost prohibitive and does not meet present day requirements for energy performance. It is recommended that if the thermal performance of windows requires improvement, that secondary glazing is used internally to preserve original windows until such a time that they can be repaired.”

What we did: All windows — except the memorial window — were removed, re-leaded, double glazed for energy efficiency and longevity, and returned to their original positions. It was a painstaking process, balancing preservation with practicality.

Finding a company to take on the job was a challenge. Just when we thought we’d run out of options, Thermawood popped up in a last-ditch internet search — a complete fluke that turned into a breakthrough.

Lead light window - blue in colour — **Preserving the past - now restored to last:** Over 1,300 glass pieces and 3,000 solder points — these windows now shine with their original charm and modern strength.

The memorial window, however was untouched, remains just as it was — a quiet, colourful witness to countless Sundays and dedicated to Gertrude Florence Vallis, a much-loved wife and long-time organist.

Flooring

What the report said:

“The existing floor joists have deteriorated and require replacement. However, existing floorboards shall be retained and reinstalled, which should be considered positively. A new injected damp-proof course is proposed to treat rising damp within masonry perimeter walls, providing ongoing management of this issue and protecting the reconstructed floors into the future.”

What we did: Every single floorboard was removed, de-nailed (a dreadful, painstaking process), and sent to Round 2 Timbers, where they were machined, tongue-and-grooved.

Even the joists were reused — they were removed, machined, and now serve in several spots around the church, including as support beams for the mezzanine level.

The Pulpit

What the report said:

“The proposed alterations include the integration of some existing joinery. The existing pulpit is to be repurposed to become part of the new proposed kitchen joinery. The reuse of existing joinery and interior features allows interpretation of the past use of the building whilst maintaining relevance for the proposed new use, adding to the building's story of use over time.”

What we did: The original red western cedar pulpit — beautifully crafted but no longer needed in its formal role — has been boldly repurposed as a breakfast bar, taking pride of place along the back wall. It’s the first thing you see as you enter. Standing exactly where it always belonged in a functioning church. Just behind it, the church’s original title deeds are framed, reinforcing the sense of history and continuity. Together, they form a striking visual tribute to the building’s past and its evolving story.

Use of timber - floors, beams and handrails — **History underfoot and all around:** Original floorboards, reused joists, and the repurposed cedar pulpit — each piece tells a story, restored and reimagined for the next chapter.

Why It Worked

A natural respect for the building’s history: Everyone involved — from tradespeople to parishioners — saw the church as more than bricks and mortar.
Good taste (and maybe a bit of divine luck): What we loved often aligned with the guidelines. Serendipity? Maybe.
Local sourcing and traditional methods: We hired a builder with heritage experience and spent months chasing the right craftspeople for every job — people who cared about the details as much as we did. Like the master craftsman - Wayne Mavin who crafted the staircase hand rails from original joist timbers - he also crafted the new front door.