Customs House re-roof and dome refurbishment
The University of Queensland
Working closely with UQ and heritage specialists under an ECI model, we provided early design input, buildability advice and value engineering to protect the dome’s integrity while meeting modern standards. Our team carefully restored original elements, replicated intricate copperwork, and upgraded the drainage and structure – all while the venue remained fully operational.
- Live, operational venue
- Navigating heritage constraints
- Complex access and scaffolding systems
- Commercial
- Education
- Heritage
- Universities
The Brief
Customs House, one of Brisbane’s most iconic heritage landmarks, required an intricate restoration to its copper dome and roof – elements that had largely remained untouched for over a century. Following recent extreme weather events, The University of Queensland recognised the need to undertake a full-scale restoration to protect the structural integrity and extend the life of the building. The works needed to respect the historical significance of the 136-year-old structure, meet modern construction standards, and maintain operational continuity as a premier dining and events venue throughout the project.
Restoring a building of this scale and heritage required a contractor with a deep understanding of traditional craftsmanship, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to solve problems in real-time. UQ sought a partner who could deliver quality, heritage-aligned outcomes while navigating tight site logistics, complex approvals, and the challenges of Queensland’s volatile climate.
Our contribution
Engaged under an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) model, we worked alongside UQ, Architectus Conrad Gargett, and a team of heritage consultants, engineers, and subcontractors to deliver design input, value engineering, and buildability expertise. This approach allowed us to de-risk the project early, establish a clear delivery methodology, and transition smoothly into a negotiated Design and Construct (D&C) contract.
As lead contractor, we meticulously removed, assessed and catalogued the original copper components of the dome – retaining and restoring what we could and replicating intricate elements using traditional blacksmithing techniques. Where replacements were required, we worked with specialist fabricators to hand-form new copper elements to match the original design, benchmarking against remaining sections to ensure authenticity.
Throughout construction, we delivered a custom scaffold solution suspended from the structure, keeping the venue fully operational during weddings, events, and university functions. We redesigned the roof drainage system – including 18 new spitter drains and internal downpipe relining – to future-proof the building against Queensland’s intense rainfall. Structural upgrades, copper load testing, and an innovative sheet-packing system were introduced to blend historical methodology with modern compliance and durability.
Despite challenges including extreme heat, wet weather delays, and strict site constraints, we delivered the works safely, sensitively and to the highest quality.
The remarkable project outcome
The dome now gleams with renewed strength – a faithful recreation of its former glory, ready to stand for another 200 years. Beyond visual impact, the restoration delivers meaningful improvements to structural integrity, waterproofing, and resilience.
This once-in-a-generation project demonstrates the power of early collaboration, expert craftsmanship, and shared commitment to protecting Queensland’s heritage. For UQ, it reinforces Customs House’s position as a historic beacon of Brisbane – restored, resilient, and ready for the future.