Mandalay’s external facade and internal common areas hadn’t undergone a major refurbishment since the mid 1990s. Over time, the building’s masonry had become damaged and weathered, with severe colour fading. Inside, common areas were showing significant wear and tear from a dated colour scheme. Exterior steel substrates including handrails, poles and balustrades were also flaking.

The rear apartment building, built in 1988, was designed to contrast with the original building. It was constructed using modern materials, including concrete-rendered panels and aluminium windows. Significant expertise and careful consideration were required to develop a proposed system of products to repaint the internal and external substrates as part of the refurbishment. Mandalay’s proximity to the ocean means it is subject to extreme weather, the existing coatings were in various states of disrepair, and the building would be occupied during the refurbishment. Restoring Mandalay’s heritage facade to reflect its 1930s palette and blending the original and new sections of the building were critical aspects of this project.

The Dulux Construction Solutions Property Services team worked closely with Programmed Property Services and Mandalay’s body corporate manager, Gough Partners and Associates, to develop a detailed project specification and proposed colour scheme for the refurbishment project.

Heritage-driven colour scheme

Dulux supported Programmed Property Services with colour advice and onsite samples to aim for a range of colour schemes. The aims was to restore the front facade to its original colours while providing a timeless, modern and considered palette that united the old and new sections of the complex.

Due to the Mandalay’s exposed coastal position, the facade’s original colours had faded significantly, and the paint had weathered. By assessing the spectrum of each of the remaining colours, Dulux made recommendations on the most appropriate palettes to use to replicate the 1930s facade.

In consultation with Programmed Property Services, the Dulux Construction Solutions team created proposed colour schemes for the entire complex. Then, using a range of digital overlays, A4 colour Dulux brush-outs, sample pots and onsite testing, we supported the body corporate committee in making a final decision on the colours to be used.

Facade and external masonry restoration

Remediation of the heritage facade and external masonry walls required careful consideration as the substrate condition varied across the complex. Sections included oxidised render with embedded rust spots, peeling and flaking of the existing render, and bridge cracks.

In consultation with the technical specification team at Dulux, Intergrain UltraPrep Cleaner and Dulux Protective Coatings Durebild STE were specified. Intergrain UltraPrep Cleaner was applied to clean the surface and Durebild STE to treat the rust spots and act as a barrier coating to prevent the rust from reappearing. A high build protective elastomeric membrane coating of Dulux Acratex AcraSkin was then used as a topcoat. Dulux AcraSkin conforms to AS4548 Long Life Coatings for Masonry Protection, it provides long lasting protection due to its crack bridging capabilities, water resistance and anti-carbonation properties and is perfect for protection of masonry in a coastal environment.

Ensuring indoor air quality

Due to the building being occupied during the restoration project, a very low volatile organic compound (VOC) system of Dulux envirO2 was applied on the internal masonry walls. Dulux envirO2 is a low-odour, stain-resistant and washable solution that offers a durable finish.

Protecting steel substrates

The Mandalay’s location is in a highly corrosive coastal environment, therefore, all external steel substrates exposed to the elements required a protective coatings system. External steel handrails, balustrades, poles and gates were painted with Dulux Protective Coatings Durebild STE and Weathermax HBR to ensure longevity and maximum protection.

The owners were appreciative that the building was able to be restored and in particular preserved with colours that blend the old and new sections of the building as well as compliment the brick work.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish with the painting restoration at Mandalay, St Kilda. Working with Dulux on the specification ensured the correct application and methodology appropriate to both heritage listed and modern apartment blocks on site. Collaboration and teamwork has led to a fantastic outcome for this iconic Melbourne property.”- Jack Biggs, Senior Business Development Manager. Programmed Property Services.