OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CURTILAGE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008–2013

9. Maintenance Permitted Action Schedule
Part C – Implementation Tools
Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013
113
7 PLASTER CEILINGS
Several original (pre 1988) and early ceilings in OPH are plaster, including those in King’s Hall, and the Senate
and House of Representative Chambers. The maintenance of these finishes involves the following processes.
Permitted Actions
Not Permitted Actions
Regular inspections of the ceilings, to identify
any defects, bulges, signs of water damage or
other wear and tear promptly. (White gloves
to be worn when removing ceiling tiles).
Paint scrapes, to determine an acceptable colour
match (where the colour is not known) for any
internal repainting (refer to Building Fabric
Investigation Permitted Action Schedule).
Investigating any damage to ceilings such as
water staining or cracking to find the cause
of the problem (eg leaking pipes). The cause
should then be addressed prior to fixing the
damaged area. (Patching and repairs to plaster
ceilings should only be undertaken by a trained
conservator or experienced professional).
Repainting where the existing and appropriate
type and product of paint is known, as part of
a refurbishment / conservation project.
Notes / guidelines:
■■The repainting of plaster ceilings should follow the program set out in the Life Cycle Cost Plan.
As a guideline, plaster ceilings will require a repainting schedule of seven to 10 years;
■■Paint types should be selected to match as closely as possible the existing finishes, except where
the existing paint finish is deemed to be inappropriate and /or detrimental to the building; and
■■Repairs to be carried out using like materials. For example: fibrous plaster repaired with fibrous plaster.
8 TIMBER CEILINGS
Repainting in non heritage colours in
areas not specified for exhibition.
Some areas, including the Members Dining Room, of OPH retain original timber tongue and groove
board ceilings. The maintenance of these materials involves the following processes.
Permitted Actions
Regular inspections of the timber ceilings,
to identify any defects, cracking or splitting,
marks, or wear and tear promptly.
Where the existing and appropriate type and product
of finish is known, repainting and / or refinishing
as part of a refurbishment / conservation project.
Not Permitted Actions
Invasive investigations to confirm the species or
condition of a timber ceiling (refer to Building Fabric
Investigation Permitted Action Schedule for more detail).
Notes / Guidelines
■■The repainting and / or refinishing of timber ceilings should follow the program set out in the Life Cycle
Cost Plan. As a guide, a repainting / refinishing schedule of seven to 10 years would be appropriate; and
■■Paint and clear finish products should be selected to match as closely as possible the existing finishes,
except where the existing finish is deemed to be inappropriate and /or detrimental to the surface.