MPN Completes Heritage Transformation at Darling Point

MPN has successfully completed structural engineering works for the comprehensive renovation and upgrade of a landmark Darling Point Road residence, delivering a technically complex adaptive reuse project under the NSW Class 2 Design & Building Practitioners (DBP) Act.

Originally an early 20th Century mansion constructed over the site of an even earlier 19th Century residence, the building has been transformed into three luxury apartments, including the addition of a new upper level, landscaped rooftop garden, lift access throughout and a newly constructed basement garage.

PROJECT SERVICES

MPN provided structural engineering services for the full renovation, working carefully within the constraints of the existing heritage fabric while enabling significant new load paths and contemporary residential performance standards. The works required close integration of the original stone and masonry façade walls with new internal load-bearing masonry elements and reinforced concrete floor systems.

Substructure Works

Substantial substructure works were undertaken, including a combination of contiguous piled shoring, screw piles, and underpinning. Permeation grout injection was used to improve the vertical bearing capacity of existing footings, allowing the structure to safely accommodate additional loads associated with the new level and altered layouts. Heritage garages were restored, and structural steel framing was integrated with decorative mouldings and the reuse of sandstone blocks recovered onsite.

Discovery Made During Excavation Works

During excavation works, a previously unknown rubble-filled subterranean room was discovered beneath the front yard. The design team and client saw this discovery as an opportunity and elected to reintegrate and restore it, converting it into a bespoke wine cellar. The space is now accessed internally from the ground floor apartment via a concealed stair hidden behind false wall panelling, adding a unique architectural and experiential element to the project.

Client: Prudhoe Pty Ltd
Builder: AJ Bristow & Sons
Architect: Marchese Partners International
Project Management: Blare Management
Structural Engineering: MPN

The Experts in Heritage & Adaptive Reuse Projects

The Darling Point project demonstrates MPN’s expertise in heritage and adaptive reuse, combining rigorous structural assessment, innovative engineering solutions, and careful collaboration with project stakeholders to deliver high-end residential outcomes while respecting and enhancing existing structures.