Richmond Façade Retention Demolition Project

A complex residential demolition project in Richmond, Melbourne involving a full internal demolition with the front and right-hand side façades retained and preserved.

Project Overview

Project

Partial Residential Demolition

Location

Richmond, Melbourne

Client

Richmond, Melbourne

Duration

Multi-Stage Controlled Demolition

Scope

Full Internal Demolition, Façade Retention (Front & RHS), Structural Bracing, and Precision Hand Demolition

Tags

#FaçadeRetention #RichmondDemolition #ControlledDemolition #MelwayDemolition

Phase 1

Retention Planning and Structural Preparation

The project began with detailed planning focused on the façades that were required to remain. The team assessed the structural condition of the existing walls and developed a demolition sequence that allowed internal works to proceed without compromising the stability of the retained elements.

Access routes were mapped out, and exclusion zones were established to support both machinery operation and follow up hand demolition. This planning phase is essential in façade retention projects because it ensur

Phase 2

Full Internal Demolition

Once the retention plan was confirmed, the team removed the entire internal structure of the building. Roofing, framing, internal walls, and structural components were dismantled using controlled excavator methods. Operators maintained a strict buffer around the façades to prevent accidental contact.
This stage clears the building mass while preserving the external form. It also creates the space needed for the next phase of controlled separation. Internal demolition in façade retention projects must be carried out with precision because the remaining walls rely on temporary stability until bracing is installed.

Phase 3

Controlled Structural Separation Works

With the internal structure removed, the team began the careful process of separating the retained façades from the remaining building connections. This involved precision machine work around key structural points to ensure the façades were fully detached without causing movement or stress.

This phase is one of the most technically demanding parts of façade retention. The goal is to isolate the façade so it can stand independently once bracing is installed. Any uncontrolled movement at this stage can compromise the entire retention plan, which is why constant monitoring and slow, deliberate sequencing are essential.

Phase 4

Structural Bracing Installation and Stabilisation

After the façades were fully separated, structural bracing was installed to stabilise the front and right-hand walls. The bracing system provided independent support, allowing the façades to remain secure once the rest of the building had been removed.

Bracing is a critical component of façade retention because it ensures the preserved walls can withstand weather, vibration, and construction activity during the redevelopment phase. This step transforms the façade from a vulnerable structure into a stable architectural feature ready for future works.

Phase 5

Final Hand Demolition and Project Completion

The final stage involved detailed hand demolition to safely remove remaining ties between the façades and the cleared site, ensuring the preserved walls remained intact. The project concluded with a fully cleared site and securely retained façades, showcasing Melway’s ability to balance heavy demolition with precise hand demolition in a confined residential setting.

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