Partridge completed a detailed structural condition assessment of the State Heritage-listed Lyons House in Dolans Bay, designed by Robin Boyd. The 1960s residence is defined by bold 3.5m cantilevers on all sides, supported by a hybrid timber and concealed steel framing system over a concrete slab and load-bearing masonry base. We developed a comprehensive Spacegass model to assess structural response under dead, imposed, and wind loading, with particular focus on uplift effects at the cantilever extremities. The analysis identified increased demand at the most exposed eastern corner under high wind events, aligning with observed movement reported by occupants. Working closely with the heritage architects at Cracknell + Lonergan and builder Peter Lucas, we developed a discreet strengthening strategy. This included integrating a concealed steel beam within the first-floor framing to reinforce the hybrid truss system and refining connections to improve load transfer from diagonal timber struts to the ground floor structure. The works enhance stability and serviceability while preserving Boyd’s original architectural intent.
