The Mortlock Library stands as one of Adelaide’s most distinguished architectural landmarks on North Terrace, embodying both Victorian-era grandeur and South Australia’s rich cultural heritage. In March 2017, G-Force Building & Consulting undertook an ambitious conservation project to preserve and protect this state heritage-listed building’s external fabric, working in close collaboration with DPTI and Arts SA through Studio 9 Architects.

This meticulous restoration initiative aimed not only to enhance the building’s visual appeal but to ensure its continued legacy for future generations.

The conservation approach embraced a philosophy of minimal intervention while achieving maximum preservation impact. Following the installation of an ingeniously designed scaffolding system that avoided contact with the building’s delicate façade, skilled artisans began their work with a gentle cleaning process. The building’s surfaces were carefully washed and treated with biocide to remove environmental discoloration and prevent future biological growth, setting the foundation for more specialised restoration work.

Stone conservation formed a cornerstone of the project, with carefully sourced NSW stone matching the original materials. Rather than wholesale replacement, the team employed sophisticated techniques such as selective stone indentation, where only deteriorated sections were removed and replaced. The authentic character of the building was maintained through exacting attention to detail, including the careful tinting of lime-based mortar for repainting to achieve an exact match with existing stonework. This meticulous approach extended to the consolidation of delaminating stonework and targeted plastic repairs, ensuring seamless integration with the historic fabric.

The project demanded innovative solutions to address unique architectural challenges, particularly in the restoration of the building’s distinctive features.

The Southern Tower’s copper roof underwent complete replacement, with new copper sheets soldered together using traditional methods to maintain historical authenticity.

The slate roof restoration saw approximately 500 Welsh slates replaced, each secured with copper nails in accordance with original construction techniques.

The building’s ornate cast iron crestings received equally careful attention – they were removed, restored, and reinstalled, with missing sections recreated through precise mold-making and casting processes.