National Carillon, Canberra
The National Carillon is a 50-metre landmark on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin, gifted to Australia by the British Government in 1970. With its striking modernist form and 57 bronze bells, the Carillon is both a cultural icon and a heritage-listed structure requiring careful stewardship.
Ironbridge provided specialist remedial engineering services for the Carillon, focusing on the repair of heritage concrete and the reinstatement of special architectural finishes. In partnership with contractor Duratec, the tower was digitally mapped using high-resolution photogrammetry, allowing every defect to be identified in 3D, numbered, tracked, and managed through to completion. This methodology ensured a high level of precision and accountability while respecting the heritage fabric of the structure.
The restoration works and supporting methodology have been widely recognised. The project received the National Trust Award in the category of Heritage Resource or Tool, ACRA’s Research, Design and Innovation Award, ACRA’s Building Heritage Award, and the Technology and Innovation Award from the Concrete Institute of Australia for the petrographic assessment of the historic facade veneer.
Through a combination of engineering rigour, advanced survey technology, and sensitive remedial techniques, Ironbridge contributed to the preservation of one of Canberra’s most significant landmarks, ensuring its continued performance and visual integrity for future generations.
