Case Study: Safeguarding a Sydney Icon During Redevelopment

Project Details

• Icon Constructions
• North Sydney Olympic Pool
  Milsons Point, NSW

Products Used

• Protecta Board XTRA
• Protecta Tape

Key Outcomes

• Reliable protection for outdoor tiles and feature wall
• Durable performance in long-term sun and rain exposure
• Strong but lightweight panels reduced labour and installation time

Background

The North Sydney Olympic Pool, opened in 1936 on land reclaimed during the Sydney Harbour Bridge construction, is one of Australia’s most iconic aquatic facilities.

A major redevelopment project commenced in 2021 to address ageing infrastructure and upgrade the facility, with Icon Constructions engaged to deliver the works.

Throughout the refurbishment, it was essential to safeguard the pool’s outdoor tiles and feature wall, ensuring these heritage elements were protected during the long-term program of works.

Protecta Board XTRA installed on top of concrete tiles and feature wall to protect them against impact and construction damage. Photo credit: Sydney Morning Herald

Challenge

The refurbishment works required reliable protection of outdoor tiles and a feature wall while accommodating the movement of heavy equipment. The solution had to meet several key requirements:

1. Outdoor Durability: Withstand long-term exposure to sun, rain, and changing
   weather conditions.
2. Ease of Handling: Strong but lightweight panels that could be quickly installed
   and repositioned both horizontally and vertically.
3. Heavy Load Resistance: Protection strong enough to handle heavy materials
   and equipment being craned into position.
4. No-tape Installation: Avoid taping directly to feature wall surfaces, ensuring
   protection could be secured without risk of damage.

Solution

Protecta Board XTRA was installed across the tiled floor and feature wall, providing a durable barrier against impact and construction damage. On the feature wall, the boards were
secured using cable ties rather than tape, preventing any adhesive contact with finished surfaces.

The lightweight design of Protecta Board XTRA made handling simple, with panels easily carried and repositioned by one person. Its polypropylene composition ensured it would not break down or leach when exposed to sun and rain, unlike traditional timber-based alternatives.

Protecta Cloth Tape was used to secure Protecta Board XTRA firmly in place throughout the long-term project.

Final Result

Protecta Board XTRA delivered strong, lightweight, and weatherproof temporary protection for horizontal and vertical surfaces throughout the project. Finished tiles and feature walls were safeguarded from damage, even during heavy load movements. Its easy handling reduced installation time and labour, while the weather-resistant boards ensured consistent protection throughout the refurbishment.

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