Nestled in Hunters Hill, Sydney is "The Chalet”, a very rare and distinctive example of an early prefabricated timber Swiss Cottage right here in Australia.

Dating from 1855, the house was imported from Hambury, Germany and erected by indentured German tradesmen at Sab Hill, an early French settlement of Sydney. "The Chalet" remains the only surviving house of four prefabricated cottages originally erected as part of a planned speculative development at Hunters Hill. The property is also significant for its association with artist Nora Heysen, who lived and worked at "The Chalet" from 1954 until her death in 2003.

Unfortunately years of neglect have taken their toll on this once beautiful home and its surrounding gardens. The current owners have undertaken the monumental task of restoring "The Chalet" to its former splendour.

Sydney heritage slate roof specialists, Westwood Roofing, were contracted to restore "The Chalet's" original pitched slate roof. After the careful removal of the brittle slate tiles, bulk roofing insulation was installed to give the historic home a higher level of thermal insulation.

Roofing insulation lowers energy usage and energy bills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, while improving the comfort and value of the home. Proctor Roofshield breathable roof membrane was also installed below the battens.

On average, a family of four produces 25L of water vapour every day. If an impermeable foil type sarking is incorrectly installed on the cold side of the roofing insulation this can cause condensation, leading to structural damage and health problems for occupants due to the unnoticed spread of mould within the building fabric.

The incorporation of Proctor Roofshield breathable roof membrane lets the building breathe and allows moisture vapour in the roof cavity to vent, thus preserving the historic roof structure and keeping insulation dry and performing at its best.

Proctor Roofshield breathable roof membrane was specified for the renovation because of its high vapour permeability in a wide range of heritage projects around the world, such as Japanese temples, Toronto City Hall, Scottish whisky distilleries, and Mawsons Hut in Antarctica.

Proctor Roofshield breathable roof membranes are available from Dynamic Composite Technologies.

Architecture & Design Team

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Dynamic Composite Technologies

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