National Pressed Metal (the contracting arm of Australian Pressed Metal) & Perth Pressed Metal worked closely with Heritage Architects & builder Multiplex on the restoration and redevelopment of the heritage listed buildings in the Perth Cultural Centre, part of a state heritage precinct with buildings dating back to the 1890’s Gold Rush.

Initial works to the heritage listed Library Hall by National Pressed Metal and Perth Pressed Metal included removal of sections of the existing original pressed metal panels with each individual piece including cornice, rails, border friezes and panels numbered and catalogued in preparation for seismic construction works to be carried out over 3 storeys. With sections of the existing pressed metal removed and preserved, seismic needling was installed over the 3 levels of the library hall. A new contemporary linked walk bridge was built and installed across the entire span of the library hall at first floor level. National Pressed Metal unpicked the pressed metal panels in preparation of the bridge being installed and were required to reinstate the ceiling, cornice, rails, border friezes, corbels etc. that had previously been numbered and catalogued, with a 10mm shadow line, all cut freehand, to give the ceiling an ultramodern edge. All existing pressed metal panels, rails, cornice etc. were then reinstalled and tailored to fit around new structural elements.

Designs used in the hall are still manufactured and available today including; Tivoli, Jasmine, Wild Berries and Queen of Hearts. Some of the challenges of this restoration included working at heights (up to 18 metres in height), working around seismic constructural elements and removal and reinstallation of original pressed metal panels, cornice, rails and border friezes.