Images in this plan have been sourced from the collections of the National Archive of Australia, National Library of Australia and the National Museum of Australia. Additional images of the building have been provided by Eric Martin and Associates.
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) requires that a Heritage Management Plan (HMP) should be prepared for all assets on the National and Commonwealth Heritage Register and that they be updated within every 5 years.
The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) commissioned this update to check that no new material is to hand, to review and change details as may be required and reconfirm policies. As a separate exercise the NFSA also commissioned an update of the Heritage Strategy.
Since the previous HMP the Theatrette has been refurbished, the South Gallery has re-opened for public exhibitions, the Library and Front Room have been re-purposed for public programs or exhibitions, the Director’s Residence has been leased utilised for researchers and conservation of stonework and courtyard render completed and roof repairs undertaken.
Description
Main Building
The main building is symmetrically placed on a block and is set within a landscape which incorporates the former Director’s Residence as a separate building and car parking and roads. It is in an area surrounded by national institutions such as ANU and Australian Academy of Science (Shine Dome).
The main building is a two-storey masonry building with a full basement. It is clad in Hawkesbury sandstone and features an Australian stripped classical style with Art Deco details.
The main façade features a central slightly protruding curved entry portico, which is accessed by a flight of granite steps. Either side of the entrance, the façade is modulated by full height sandstone faced fluted panels and windows. The head of the columns has an engraved panel featuring lizards. Between the panels and windows is a bay of windows at each floor level. The spandrel panels below the windows are decorated with ornate glazed terracotta tiles featuring a deco design.
At each end of the main façade, the walls are modelled with protruding profiled panels of sandstone at the ground floor level and a circular projecting stone at the upper level. This same detail carries through to the side façades, which are generally flush sandstone, with high level steel framed windows (into the galleries).
A large sandstone dish is located on either side of the main entry with a light pole located in the centre. These were originally designed as flower beds.
Some sandstone sills and string courses were replaced in 1986-87 and some patching of sandstone has previously been undertaken.
The sandstone has generally deteriorated with some joints opening up and spalling. This has been investigated and has been recently conserved and protected.
The roof is a flat roof, originally a membrane but with metal roof over the galleries. This was recently repaired. The rainwater heads and downpipes are copper.
There are some lower level windows that provide light on the basement which are of ribbed glass block. Some of the original blocks have been removed and replaced by louvres. There are ventilating holes to the basement on the east and to the upper level on the north and south.
Windows adjacent the main entry include decorative bronze grilles.
Window frames are bronze coloured.
The north and south sides have no ground floor window (as they are a theatre, library and galleries) but the upper windows have internal and external windows with a 200mm gap. The original glass was “tapestry” obscured glass which appears to remain, except for those damaged in the January 2020 hailstorm.
Other elements include a goods hoist installed in 1986-7 to the south side for basement access, a nitrate bunker to the south which is a concrete building with earth mounded on three sides and a concrete and steel balustrade access ramp to the north (infrequently used).
The Annex
The Annex was constructed in 1998. The two-storey building (with plant and services in located in the large basement) has a flat projecting copper roof with copper rainwater heads and downpipes similar to the main building.
Walls are sandstone or sandstone coloured precast concrete. The west side has a pattern of panels and windows with coloured spandrels not unlike the pattern to the east side of the main building. Windows are bronze coloured aluminium. The north and south sides are mainly bronze colour aluminium louvres to plant areas.
The main entry to the west is glazed and includes granite stairs and a granite ramp.
The Residence
The Residence is a two-storey rendered brick cottage with tiled roof. It is generally in quite good condition except for the internal cracking which is quite extensive and damage to the tiled roof due to hail in February 2020. The 2004 advice from John Skurr, structural engineer, made the following comment:
the overland flow of the surface stormwater was not satisfactory in itself and is also concluded
as the most likely cause of the general cracking in the external and internal brick walls.
b. cracked internal and external brick walls especially in the stairwell area.
c. Floor joist and bearer spans appear to be designed for office loads rather than domestic floor loadings, these proved to be marginally satisfactory.
In 2006 the building was underpinned and drainage around the building improved. The building is externally sound, however internal cracks remain.
The Residence has been used by ANU as a research centre and offices in recent years. This has been achieved without alterations to the plan of
the building.
Externally the building is rendered and painted with stepped detailing to bay windows, main room window and entry. The top of the chimney is also finely detailed. The roof is a hipped terracotta tiled roof with metal gutter and downpipes.
The garage has been converted into a bike shed with a concrete slab floor, asbestos cement ceiling, rough rendered and painted masonry walls. The door is a ledged and braced timber door with D handle.
The laundry now joins with the house and is similarly finished to the residence. It has a painted panelled door with knob handle. The infill to the house includes an electrical distribution board and hot water cylinder.
A woodshed exists adjacent to the garage and is a flat sheeted building with cover strips and a concrete tiled gable roof. The timber door is metal clad.
Other details include a clothesline, brick paving around the house with plastic covered drain and concrete paths that extend to adjacent buildings.
An air conditioning unit is on the east side.
Condition throughout all buildings is reasonable, except for recent hail damage, but internal cracks are extensive and asbestos cement sheeting remains. Rear fly screen is broken.
Condition
The main building is in quite good condition especially with the courtyard render repair underway.
The Annex is in quite good condition.
The former residence is in reasonable condition, except for the recent hail damage, although a large number of cracks exist internally.
Statement of Significance
The NFSA buildings are significant for their original role in housing the Institute of Anatomy. The collection housed became a significant record of Australian fauna and aboriginal life. The Institute also played a role in researching various aspects of national health. The present role, in displaying and interpreting the NFSA audiovisual collection, maintains a high level of national significance for the building.
The setting of the building in an open landscape, the front entrance address to the McCoy Circuit axis and symmetrical planning provides a strong aesthetic appeal to the whole place.
The main building is an outstanding example of inter-war stripped classical with Art Deco detailing comprising a strongly symmetrical plan and elevation treatment. The fenestration has a strong vertical composition, with simply detailed columns. More detailed elements are restricted to spandrel panels and doorways. External detail shows Art Deco influence with a distinctive Australiana character. The interior of the buildings (principally the main building) are fine examples of substantially intact quality Art Deco style interiors.
The NFSA site has strong associational links with significant people involved in its design, development and administration.
Design Architect > W Hayward Morris.
Other Architects > J S Murdoch oversaw design process;
E M Henderson design and documentation involvement for interiors & joinery.
Landscape Designer > A E Bruce.
Administrators > Sir Colin McKenzie, founding director and the driving force in creating the Institute;> Sir John Butters, Chairman FCC had a strong influence on the development of the V shape plan; and> Sir Neville Howse, Minister for Health & Defence at the time was Instrumental in getting Cabinet approval to construct the building.
The usage of the Innes Bell Hollow Block system in construction of the ground floor is indicative of the use of a technique which was technically advanced for its time. The building is a rare example of the use of this technique which was a predecessor to the modern waffle slab.
The building has strong social links with the community through its original occupancy as the Institute of Anatomy and currently as the headquarters for the National Film and Sound Archive.
Overall Conservation Policy Statement
The NFSA, its site and buildings are Commonwealth Heritage Listed significant elements of our Australian cultural heritage and retain a high degree of integrity from their original construction. The objective of the following conservation policies is to manage the heritage significance of the place in a manner appropriate to conserve and protect the official listed values and heritage significance associated with the building and site, and thereby its significance. At the same time the building and site need to continue to be used as an archive, exhibition and office facility.
Conservation Policies
Conservation Objective 1
To ensure that any actions which will impact on the official listed values and heritage significance of the place are in compliance with the EPBC Act, in reference to the Burra Charter and in consultation with professional heritage conservation planning experts.
Policy 1.1
The statement of cultural significance and list of items set out in Section 4.7 should be accepted as the primary basis for future planning work and management of the building and site.
Policy 1.2
The future conservation and development of the NFSA Buildings and site should be carried out in accordance with the EPBC Act and principles of the Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance (Burra Charter). Actions to always be consistent with the requirements of the EPBC Act.
Policy 1.3
The policies recommended, and options discussed throughout this document should be endorsed and followed when considering future planning and work associated with the NFSA Buildings and site
Policy 1.4
The principles of protecting and conserving the building to retain the significance and protect official listed values as outlined in Section 4.7 to be adopted.
Policy 1.5
Any potential action that may affect the official listed values of the NFSA need to refer to the EPBC Act and referrals, especially those are that have a low tolerance for change.
Conservation Objective 2
Ensure ongoing use conserves and protects the official listed values and heritage significance of the place and the associated values and meanings.
Policy 2.1
The main building should retain a predominantly exhibition function. Smaller spaces within the building could retain an office, display, storage or meeting function. The residence could be returned to a single residence or continued as office space.
Policy 2.2
The NFSA buildings be conserved, protected and adapted in a manner that does not compromise their official listed values and heritage significance and in a way consistent with the policies set down in this Heritage Management Plan.
Policy 2.3
The displays and resources in the main building are to remain accessible to the public.
Policy 2.4
In order to conserve and protect the official listed values and heritage significance, including the landscape setting, any works (such as site development for roads, car parking and buildings) need to be considered in reference to the EPBC Act with major works needing to be referred to the Minister for Environment.
Policy 2.5
Prepare a landscape plan to guide management of the landscape setting of the place to protect official listed values and heritage significance so that replacement of trees that are posing a danger or require replacement for other reasons and with reference to the EPBC Act.
Conservation Objective 3
To retain the existing and historical forms, details and character of the place and significant elements while allowing ongoing effective use as conference/meeting venue. Changes to the buildings and site can be permitted if essential for the ongoing conservation for the place provided the impact on official listed values and heritage significance as per the EPBC Act is nil or minimal.
Policy 3.1
An additional building on the site could be permitted provided it does not affect the official listed values and heritage significance of the site and it meets the requirements of the EPBC Act.
Policy 3.2
Further extensions and alterations to the main building are not supported.
Policy 3.3
Further extensions and alterations to the residence are not supported.
Policy 3.4
Alterations are to be sympathetic to official listed values and heritage significance and are not to be intrusive.
Policy 3.5
Changes to meet statutory requirements as defined by the National Construction Code Volume 1 (Building Code of Australia), Australian Standards or Authorities shall be considered in the context of the Policies 3.4, 4.1 4.3.
Policy 3.6
Repairs and maintenance are essential to heritage conservation and will ensure ongoing conservation and protection of the official listed values and heritage significance.
Conservation Objective 4
With reference to the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter and the EPBC Act, ensure the proper conservation and protection of the official listed values and heritage significance of the NFSA and site, where the various components contributing to its cultural significance are maintained and interpreted.
Policy 4.1
Items of exceptional significance (official listed values) are to be conserved and protected including through monitoring.
Policy 4.2
Items of considerable significance are to be conserved and protected. Intervention in the items or fabric can occur as long as it complies with the EPBC Act and in reference to the Burra Charter and protects official listed values.
Policy 4.3
Items not official listed elements or the items of lower significance, such as those of moderate or some significance in clause 4.7 should be retained but could be altered, removed, adapted or remodelled to allow for the conservation of elements of greater significance, or for operational requirements but only after consideration
of alternatives that minimise any intervention or impact and
appropriate recording. Any actions will need to comply with EPBC ACT.
Policy 4.4
The items considered intrusive in Clause 4.7 can be removed at any time, subject to advice from a heritage specialist and photographic recording.
Conservation Objective 5
Ensure processes are in place to record the place before change occurs to maintain an historical record.
Policy 5.1
Original details and finishes must be recorded prior to any major refurbishment or modification. Recording should be undertaken by a heritage specialist and the record retained by the NFSA and included in reports to the Minister in accordance with the EPBC Act.
Conservation Objective 6
To provide a management framework that includes reference to any statutory requirements and agency mechanisms for the conservation and protection of the official listed values and heritage significance of the place.
Policy 6.1
Existing registers be updated with the details contained within this report.
Policy 6.2
In accordance with the EPBC Act the HMP must be reviewed within every 5-year period. The review is to check that no new material is to hand, to review and change details as may be required and to reconfirm policies.
Policy 6.3
A clear management structure and system needs to be maintained by NFSA to ensure works occur in a correct way, and Conservation Policies are applied.
Policy 6.4
Interpretation of the site should be promoted in accordance with the Interpretation Plan.
Policy 6.5
A furniture study be undertaken to identify all items of loose furniture that were part of the original Institute of Anatomy. The furniture is to be conserved and protected and used within the existing building in conjunction with the NFSA collection management policy.
Policy 6.6
All original documentation for the building should be retained by the National Archives of Australia (NAA) and NFSA.
Policy 6.7
Procedures for divestment (in accordance with the EPBC Act), sale or lease of the property must consider potential impact on official listed values and heritage significance and put in place methods to conserve and protect heritage significance and be referred to the Minister for the Environment.
Policy 6.8
Access to the building needs to be controlled so the collection is not placed under threat or concern.
Policy 6.9
Sensitive material to be identified and access to it controlled by management policies.
Policy 6.10
Stakeholder consultation to occur as per EPBC Act. Additional consultation with stakeholders or interested groups can occur at the discretion of the NFSA.
Policy 6.11
Management of sensitive information to be implemented in ways that are not inconsistent with the EPBC Act.
Policy 6.12
Unforeseen discoveries or disturbances require special attention.
Policy 6.13
Professional conservation advice to be sought when necessary.
Implementation
The NFSA is responsible for overseeing works carried out to all properties in their ownership including those demonstrating official listed values. This includes funding, review and monitoring the HMP and conservation works. Future works and enhancement works will need to meet EPBC Act requirements. Ongoing and regular maintenance is required.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) requires that a Heritage Management Plan (HMP) should be prepared for all assets on the National and Commonwealth Heritage Register and that they be updated within every 5 years.
The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) commissioned this update to check that no new material is to hand, to review and change details as may be required and reconfirm policies. As a separate exercise the NFSA also commissioned an update of the Heritage Strategy.
Since the previous HMP the Theatrette has been refurbished, the South Gallery has re-opened for public exhibitions, the Library and Front Room have been re-purposed for public programs or exhibitions, the Director’s Residence has been leased to the Australian National University (ANU) and conservation of stonework is underway.