Mayne Medical Building re-roof and dome restoration
The University of Queensland
We completed the full heritage reroof of UQ’s Mayne Medical Building, replacing the copper roof and dome without disrupting ongoing campus operations. Delivered ahead of schedule through strategic staging and expert collaboration, the project safeguards the building’s heritage and eliminates long‑standing water ingress challenges.
- Complex access and scaffolding
- Live, operational campus
- Navigating heritage constraints
- Commercial
- Heritage
Live Environment
Occupied Space
Jon Williamson
The Brief
The University of Queensland (UQ) sought to address longstanding water ingress issues and deterioration of the ageing copper roofing at the historic Mayne Medical Building. With the building’s heritage significance and complexity of the roofing system – including the copper dome, internal downpipes, and detailed architectural elements – the project required a specialist contractor with a proven track record in heritage reroofing.
The building was to remain operational throughout the project, with only the ES Myers Lecture Theatre scheduled to be vacated for a short, defined period. This placed a premium on careful staging, safety management, and meticulous planning.
Having recently completed similar heritage roofing works for UQ at Customs House, our team was well positioned to provide the expertise, specialist trades and coordinated methodology required for a successful outcome.
Our contribution
We were engaged to deliver the full removal and replacement of the copper roof system and heritage dome, alongside extensive upgrades to drainage, waterproofing, services, and roof-access elements.
Drawing on our experience at Customs House, we partnered early with the same specialist supply chain – including Sustainable Roofing and Cladding, Premier Scaffolds, Brisbane Pipe Relining and Sealed Up Waterproofing – to ensure the project benefitted from proven heritage capability and continuity of knowledge.
A key driver of project success was our proactive approach to staging. By re-sequencing demolition and asbestos removal activities, our team compressed the roof program and enabled earlier installation phases. This strategy played a major role in achieving delivery ahead of schedule.
During the relining of the internal downpipes, a latent condition emerged when one pipe failed due to its deteriorated state. Working collaboratively with UQ and the consultant team, we developed and implemented an alternative methodology, installing a new internal downpipe and applying an epoxy paint system to protect the remaining pipes. This solution maintained program momentum while mitigating future risk.
In addition to the roofing works, our team delivered enabling works to support upcoming mould remediation and electrical upgrades to the ES Myers Lecture Theatre, ensuring UQ could continue with its broader asset improvement objectives seamlessly.
Throughout the project, we maintained safe access and continuity of operations for staff, students and visitors across the active medical campus – balancing heritage care, operational constraints and complex technical requirements.
The remarkable project outcome
The project was delivered ahead of schedule, a reflection of early planning, specialist coordination, and adaptive staging strategies.
The new copper roof and restored dome not only preserve the building’s heritage value but provide UQ with a durable, long-term roofing system designed to minimise ongoing maintenance and protect critical internal spaces.
Our approach to managing latent conditions, our early involvement in programming and detailing, and our close partnership with UQ and the consultant team ensured a smooth project journey with minimal disruption to campus operations.
The Mayne Medical Building roof replacement stands as a successful continuation of our ongoing relationship with UQ – delivering a complex heritage renewal with the same trusted team that completed Customs House and reinforcing our reputation for excellence in heritage and technically challenging roofing projects.
