A significant example of Australian architectural achievement which has become a symbol of Canberra. A finely conceived and executed synthesis on an uncompromising envelope and a specific function. The careful detailing is of a very high quality, internal details are designed specifically for the function contained, and the carefully detailed furnishings and fittings contribute to the good acoustics. The design complements its setting and reflects its Canberra environment of rounded hills. Won the 1959 Sir John Sulman Award, RAIA NSW Chapter, and the 1961 Canberra Medallion, RAIA ACT Chapter (the only ACT building to win two awards).
Renovation
The home of Australian science, the Shine Dome, will sport a shiny new top and be far more energy efficient as works begin to repair the damage from the January 2020 hailstorm which severely dented the dome’s copper roof tiles. Australian Academy of Science Chief Executive Anna-Maria Arabia said she is thrilled that the restoration works are underway. “When the Shine Dome was first built, its design was described as unconventional and futuristic. It created all sorts of challenges for the architects and engineers involved and the restoration is no different today,” said Ms Arabia. “This 21st century restoration of the Shine Dome will see innovative solutions used to bring the outside of the building back to its former glory.” The concrete roof of the dome is sheathed in copper—and under the copper is a layer of vermiculite which partly insulates the interior from outside temperatures. Rather than removing the existing copper tiles, the dome will be covered by a second layer of new copper, with a waterproof material placed between the two layers. The dual layer will create an innovative ventilated roof. Airflow between the copper sheets will provide insulation and improve the building’s energy efficiency. Work has begun to replace the copper over each of the 16 arches, where water drains from the roof into the moat. The original copper was intended to oxidise to a dark green-brown over 10 years, but the clean air of Canberra meant that it took much longer. The same will be true for the new copper which initially will be very shiny, fading to a dark brown over the coming 12 months and eventually to a light green over several decades. Completed in 1959 and designed by Roy Grounds to provide a home for the Australian Academy of Science, the Shine Dome, previously known as Becker House, was the first Canberra building to be added to the National Heritage List. It continues to attract worldwide attention and awards for its unique architectural design. The restoration work on the Shine Dome is being carried out by ARC Roofing and is expected to be completed by early 2022.
ARC Roofing
We are incredibly proud to have recently restored the roof of the Shine Dome which houses the Australian Academy of Science in Canberra after it received significant hailstone damage. Due to the heritage nature of the building and with the objective of not compromising or damaging the existing roof, the project was highly specialized and required us to utilize our industry-leading depth of skill and experience. Thanks to our in-house capabilities, we were able to provide drawings, engineering, fabrication, and installation; effectively a one-stop-shop solution.
