methodist ladies' college cupola_
The removal, dismantling, reconstructing and replacing of the Methodist Ladies College Centenary Building Cupola.
Statement of Significance
The Methodist Ladies' College precinct contains elements of cultural heritage significance dating from 1888. The Centenary Building, of which the Cupola is considered a central focus, has been:
- classified by the National Trust of Australia (WA) in November 1981
- placed on the Register of The National Estate by the Australian Heritage Commission in August 1987
- is on the database of the Australian Heritage Council of Western Australia, place number 3497
- is listed as a Heritage Building within the Heritage Scheme of the Town of Claremont.
Construction process
Fabrication of a stainless steel base to provide:
- a construction platform for re-assembly of the Cupola with sufficient structural integrity to withstand road transport and lifting
- a waterproof 'cap' to the existing Cupola pedestal
- safe access and safety harness points for roof maintenance
- lightning conduction at this, the elevated part of the campus.
Materials
Materials were selected for the following reasons:
- copper cladding to replace galvanised iron for as long a lifetime as possible
- stainless steel for an electrolytically inert, long-life construction base with the capacity to withstand road transport and lifting
- retention after repair, of the original rude jarrah framing and Oregon dome ribs.
The reconstruction of the Cupola heralds the completion of re-roofing of the MLC Centenary Building in accordance with its Conservation Plan.