Background
Nautilus is a nine level apartment block consisting of 32 units. The building was constructed using concrete floor slabs, timber-framed walls and monolithic cladding - 7.5mm Hardies with plaster joints and a texture coat finish.

All elevations were affected by major cracks, which allowed moisture to penetrate and deteriorate the timber framing. A moisture meter was used to determine that moisture had entered the framing and further investigations identified fungal growth in the timber and cladding.

The aluminium joinery had not been flashed adequately and was sealed only by silicon. The poor design of the balconies and lack of waterproofing had allowed water to enter the apartments.

APS Solution
The repair work required the removal of all exterior cladding; inspection of timber and removal and replacement of affected areas with H3 treated timber. The building was reclad with a fully compliant cavity system, which was plastered and finished with a membrane paint.

All aluminium windows and doors were removed and replaced with correct head and side flashings. Existing tiles, concrete screeds and handrails were removed from balconies. All decks were rescreeded with correct falls to outlets; the correct membrane was then applied, protecting the decks from water entry.

Results
The Nautilus Apartments featured in the media during the height of the leaky buildings controversy and what was once an unsightly building with major water egress problems is now fully refurbished.

The Nautilus Apartments during refurbishment	The fully restored building

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