Project Date:

THE PROJECT

Tucked away in one of Melbourne’s iconic laneways, 18 Oliver Lane is a historically significant building whose facade required a significant restoration prior to the application of a new coating. A full inspection found evidence of spalling and concrete cancer, which required rectification by experienced contractors.

THE SOLUTION

The solution needed to be durable, colour-matched to meet heritage regulations, and provide long-term protection against Melbourne’s harsh CBD environment.

With these factors in mind, contractors Anchor Safe Rope Access selected Emer-Clad Façade's full repair and coating system, ensuring a high-quality, lasting result that respected the building’s architectural integrity.

To restore, protect, and enhance the façade, the project team implemented a full, end-to-end Emer-Clad Facade system:

  1. Surface preparation & treatment: The team first removed deteriorated sections of the façade. Any exposed sections of reinforced steel within the concrete were treated and protected against corrosion by Dulux Protective Coatings Metal Shield Gold Galv Primer.
  2. Patching: Emer Patch Repair 40 were used as the bonding layer to rebuild and reinforce the areas of concrete exposed during the breakout process.
  3. Priming: To prime the entire facade, Emer-Clad Water Based Primer was applied by roller.
  4. Coating: The entire façade was then coated with two layers of Emer-Clad Façade, applied by roller, and tinted using the Dulux tint system to align precisely with strict heritage colour-match requirements.
  5. Application in a live environment: Given the busy laneway location, works had to be completed with minimal disruption to surrounding businesses. Anchor Safe Rope Access utilised rope access techniques instead of scaffolding, reducing noise, cost, and the impact on tenants.

THE BENEFITS

The restoration of 18 Oliver Lane successfully balanced modern durability with historical preservation. Thanks to the Emer-Clad Façade System, the building now has a refreshed, protected exterior that will maintain its heritage character for years to come. Key benefits include:

  • Heritage-compliant finish – colour-matched to strict regulations for seamless restoration.
  • Durable protection – long-lasting, weather-resistant façade system suited for Melbourne’s conditions.
  • Flexible application – rope access enabled efficient work with minimal disruption.
  • Full-system compatibility – Emer’s primers, repair compounds, and coatings worked seamlessly together for a strong, cohesive finish.

TESTIMONIAL

"Emer’s system was the perfect solution for this project – it delivered outstanding durability while meeting the heritage requirements. The application was smooth, and the support from the Emer team was fantastic. Their expertise and hands-on approach made a real difference in achieving a flawless result."