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Chowder Bay
The conservations works were carried out between August 2022 and May 2023 to protect these two upper island landmarks from the elements and maintain the heritage values, including their significant architectural details and features.
Joiners’ Shop / Pattern Storage (Building 12)
Building 12 was constructed in 1912 as part of efforts to expand the upper island dockyard facilities. It originally served as a storehouse for ship patterns. By 1914, however, the building had transformed into a joiners’ shop, where workers manufactured wooden furniture, fittings and linings for ship that were built on the island. Workers also repaired furniture and linings for ships – and, later, submarines – undergoing a refit. A rare example of early 20th century industrial infrastructure, Building 12 was the backdrop to an evolution in shipbuilding practices across eight decades.
As part of the conservation works carried out by the Harbour Trust, skilled volunteers repaired and repainted a trio of doors and created faithful replicas of original hardware that had gone missing. Further, 70 original timber window frames were repaired and repainted. One of these windows is unique from the others. Installed circa 1916, the window features a vertical slot to enable a fan belt to run between machinery located inside and outside the building. This slot was retained during conservation works due to its historical significance and is part of a window ensemble that also includes two historic glass panes reinforced with chicken wire. These remnant chicken panes – an innovation dating to the Industrial Revolution – were designed to prevent wire glass from shattering due to the heat and vibrations generated by machinery.
The Estimating and Drawing Offices (Building 10)
Constructed between 1915 and 1918, Building 10 is associated with the Commonwealth Government’s acquisition of the island in 1913 to establish a dockyard of the Royal Australian Navy. Known as the Estimating and Drawing Offices, the three-storey timber and steel-framed building served the office requirements of the Dockyard Workshops during the 20th century, except for the period from 1929 to 1934 when it was transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force for use in aircraft construction. Modifications to Building 10 during the 1970s included the bricking in of the original entrance, a walkway linking the building’s first floor to Building 6, a 90-person diner (the footings of which remain in a grassed area north of the building) and the construction of a concrete lift shaft at the building’s southern end to provide access to all floors and to the main tunnel at dock level.
As part of the conservation works, the Harbour Trust repaired and repainted 65 original timber window sets, four timber louvred roof vents, 40 original die cast vents and six timber doors. Further, the wall cladding and battens were replaced, and the building’s exterior was repainted in an original colour scheme that showcases its architecture. As with Building 12, volunteers played an important role in the conservation of Building 10. They assisted in restoring timber doors, metal vents and a timber stretcher box; carried out rust treatment; and repainted various façade details, including the large exhaust grill on the building’s northern end.
Remember: Before visiting any of our destinations, check the relevant visitor webpage for disruptions that may impact your experience.
