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Residential
Diagnostech delivered a highly technical, DBPA-compliant remediation of the Rex Apartments in Potts Point
The project resolved decades-old leaks, structural failures, planter box issues, and non-compliant doors across a live, occupied building.
Despite over 30 latent defects discovered mid-project, works were completed with transparency, collaboration, and strong client advocacy. The Rex Apartments now stand as a benchmark for remedial excellence in occupied high-density residential settings.
Here’s how the project rolled out.
Situation
The Rex Apartments in Potts Point faced decades-old leaks, structural defects, planter box failures, and non-compliant doors, all stemming from design compromises made during the original hotel-to-apartment conversion.
By 2023, more than 20 apartments were impacted, with severe water ingress, mould, and uninhabitable living conditions.
Goals
To deliver a DBPA-compliant, technically robust, and resident-sensitive remediation program that restored waterproofing integrity, resolved structural deficiencies, and extended the building’s service life.
The engagement involved:
Comprehensive forensic investigations including water testing, destructive inspections, and structural reviews.
Full contract administration and Superintendent role under the DBP Act.
Implementation of innovative custom solutions, including sill trays and planter pods.
Preparation of forward programs to guide future staged remediation and asset management.
Challenges
The project presented several significant challenges.
1. Persistent Water Ingress
Long-standing leaks had caused widespread damage and mould issues, with previous repair attempts failing to resolve the underlying defects.
2. Structural Failures
Significant design and construction flaws were uncovered during demolition, including defective partition walls and slab connections that compromised safety and waterproofing.
3. Occupied Building Environment
All works were carried out in a live, tenanted setting, requiring staged access, noise management, and constant resident coordination to minimise disruption.
Solution
Diagnostech implemented a comprehensive solution that effectively addressed all the goals of the Strata Managers and Owners Corporations.
This included:
Leak Resolution
Custom cavity flashings and wall reconstruction.
Permanent elimination of persistent water ingress.
Flood testing undertaken to confirm waterproofing performance.
Iterative process of investigate, test, design, implement, and verify.
Repeated use of dye tracing, IR thermography, and moisture metering to validate results.
Structural Wall Reconstruction
Rebuilt defective partition walls with compliant detailing.
Restored structural integrity, safety, and waterproofing.
Custom Sill Trays
Designed and installed retrofitted aluminium sill trays.
Delivered effective waterproofing while maintaining a compliant threshold.
Planter Pod & Drainage Upgrade
Reduced soil loading with lightweight planter pods.
Enhanced drainage with upgraded outlets and membranes.
Results
Overall, the project was executed over two years with transparency, innovation, and strong client advocacy, restoring confidence in the building’s long-term resilience.
DBPA Compliance
All works declared and documented, ensuring future traceability, resale value, and insurance confidence.
Improved Structural Stability
Partition walls, cavity defects, and expansion joints were reconstructed to modern engineering standards.
Waterproofing & Habitability
Persistent leaks eliminated, restoring multiple apartments to dry, healthy living conditions.
Lifecycle & Cost Efficiency
Money was saved through design substitutions, while forward programs were developed for future staged remediation.
Project Highlights:
Over 30 latent defects discovered and resolved without major program delays.
Complex remediation executed in a live, occupied environment.
Long-standing leaks resolved after years of failed attempts.
Custom sill trays and planter pods developed as innovative waterproofing solutions.
Collaboration between RBSA, Oaklight Consulting, and Sika ensured seamless delivery.
Building now stands as a benchmark for remedial excellence in high-density residential projects.
“Working on the Rex Apartments was both complex and rewarding. The building had accumulated decades of hidden defects, which required a detailed forensic approach to uncover. Our focus was on developing solutions that were technically precise yet practical to implement on site. I’m proud that we were able to restore the building to modern standards while maintaining clear communication and collaboration with residents and stakeholders throughout the process.” - Swahil Patil
