Conservation and the Queenslander

A restoration shop, Latrobe Terrace, Paddington, 1993 (Queensland Museum)

The 1970s onwards saw the development in Australia of a vigorous, broadly-based conservation movement, which has led to the restoration of large numbers of private houses. One major incentive is the premium value on the real estate market that has evolved through this restoration, when it is well done.

The process that is best applied to old houses of this type is conservation; deterioration is arrested but essential work is carried out gently and with sensitivity.

Details are often neglected when people are working on an old house. They tend to stand back and look at the job from the street. The view from there, though clearly important, is often misleading.

More broadly, all that can be asked of renovators is that additions or alterations should be in the manner and materials of the original, without endeavouring to hide the modification. It is also important not to integrate materials that are obviously the product of new technology with an old house. These include concrete blocks, modern roofing or paving tiles and similar anachronisms.

The full flavour of a worker's dwelling, Dittberners House, built 1911-12 (Rod Fisher, 1982)

As a general rule, before doing anything irreversible, ask yourself: is this the way it would have been done? When in doubt, seek advice from committed professionals, owners and publications.