Restoration of:
Werona at 33 Trevallyn Road Launceston:

Client: Phillip & Angela Hawksley
Builder: Hawksley Constructions Pty Ltd
Designer: Phillip Hawksley
Schedule: 36 weeks

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Restoration and renovation of this 68 square, 3 storey, Federation home, was commenced in February 1995 by Hawksley Constructions Pty Ltd, of which Phillip Hawksley is managing director. Completion was achieved in September 1995. The family remained in residence throughout the entire works.  

Wherever possible attempts have been made to conceal the required modern conveniences. Exterior paint was carefully removed to reveal the original colours, these were reinstated. The house is heated and cooled by a reverse cycle heat pump, which was housed in the ceiling void and hidden by directing the ducting to each room down the existing chimneys. A new ducted vacuum system and state of the art video, security/intercom system were installed. The interior has been painted throughout in methods practiced by tradesmen of the time, (ragging, marbling, graining, etc). The stables and coach house were converted into a double garage. Remote controlled doors and gates were constructed to match the rusted and damaged existing ones. Floors riddled with dry rot and borers were removed and renewed, and the sub-floor ventilation was reinstated. Original stained glass leadlighting was imitated in adjacent windows. Missing cast iron fire grates were replaced. Two additional bathrooms were carefully integrated into the building and major renovations undertaken to the kitchen area. The entire house was totally re-wired and re-plumbed. On request, Tascot Templeton from Devonport, Tasmania, undertook a special run of Axminster carpet similar to the existing, which was still found on the stairs, this has been laid throughout. Curtains and blinds were made to imitate existing. All joinery was constructed using fiddle back blackwood and was designed to match original existing linen cupboards. All light fittings, door and window hardware was removed, reconditioned and replaced. A tunnel was constructed at the base of the stairwell to provide direct internal access under the footpath between the house and the garage. All cabling, plumbing, etc was painstakingly installed in such a way that there was no visible evidence of the new work. This required much deliberation and planning, as the house is solid brick with no sub-floor access. At all times, techniques were used to duplicate building methods of the Federation era. All salvaged materials have been re-used where possible. 

All of the above work was undertaken carefully and sympathetically, so it did not detract from the quintessence of the house's history and structural integrity. Just a few of the numerous original characteristics of the period which feature throughout the house, include Art Nouveau designs in stained glass leadlighting and the pressed metal ceilings in nearly every room of the house. Ornate cast iron fireplaces and timber mantles. A three storey hand carved blackwood staircase. Original Art Nouveau door hardware and light fixtures. Original graining to most doors and skirtings. Ornate timber and plaster work. Tuck pointed brickwork. Terracotta roof tiles from Marseilles and tessellated tiles at entrances. All of these items have been cleaned, restored or replaced where necessary and are now in excellent condition.