Melbourne recently undertook an historic move, with Laveter House being lifted and transported to a new location.

The Federation home was designed by architects Oakden & Ballantyne in 1903 for G T A Laveter, once the Chief Accountant of the Victorian Railway.

Before the move, Sweett Group Project Director, Adrian Vinck states, "Although the structure is not moving far, it will be a very delicate and tedious process, simply due its sheer size, age and historic significance."

The Sisters of Mercy purchased the house in 1927 and since it has been the residence for a number of priests including Reverend Patrick J Gleeson (1932 to circa 1942), Reverend Francis J Ryder (late 1940s) and Reverend Jonathon Gibbons (circa 1950 to 1967).

More recently the historic residence was being used by a group of Maronite nuns, however its current owners, St Francis of Assisi Aged Care now require the land for expansion of their aged care facilities. Due to its Heritage overlay the owners had no choice but to relocate the dwelling to another part of the 4 hectare Rosanna Road property.

Sweett Group enlisted Mammoth Movers and a specialist from the hit U.S. TV show Mega Movers.

The biggest challenge was identifying a path for the house to take the 300m journey. Eventually it was agreed the best route for the dwelling to take, will be through the property and across the heritage listed garden, avoiding the busy Rosanna Road.

As such Sweett Group managed the removal and relocation of over 120 trees and plants including 12 Date Palms, some up to 1.5 m in diameter.

The move planned for the 120 tonne house to remain in one piece with two 18m beams inserted o under the house along with an another 17 cross beams each 10m in length. The house was lifted using a series of dollies and hydraulic jacks, moved by two heavy loaders, one located at the front of the house to pull and one at the back of the house to anchor it.

Architecture & Design Team

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