Partridge provided structural engineering services to support the adaptive reuse of this 1838 Colonial Georgian building for modern office and restaurant use. Working with Engenicom for Muswellbrook Shire Council, our role focused on understanding how the historic stone, masonry, and timber structure performed. We carried out detailed investigations to identify where discreet strengthening was genuinely required. This involved reinforcing timber floor and roof framing, and upgrading masonry walls to improve overall stability and earthquake resistance under current standards. Integrating modern services like air conditioning and a commercial kitchen required careful coordination to introduce new support framing while protecting the historic fabric. A key focus of our structural design was the original cedar staircase, where targeted interventions satisfied modern safety requirements without altering its historic appearance. Through close collaboration with the project team, we delivered solutions that extended the building’s working life with minimal impact on its heritage character.
