CASE STUDY: Protecting Assets Along the Port Phillip Coastal Corridor
- The ATD Editorial Team
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
Project: Multi-Level Strata Maintenance | Port Melbourne to Brighton Corridor
For Owners Corporations managing property along Melbourne’s inner-south coastline—stretching from Port Melbourne and Albert Park through to St Kilda and Brighton—environmental exposure is the single biggest factor in building degradation.
ATD recently completed a comprehensive external repaint and remedial coating project on a multi-level residential asset within this coastal corridor, focusing on salt-mitigation and substrate reinforcement.
The Challenge: The "Bay Effect" on Building Envelopes
Whether it’s a heritage-listed facade in Middle Park or a modern apartment complex in St Kilda, buildings facing Port Phillip Bay are subject to a constant cycle of salt-laden winds and high UV. Standard exterior paints often fail prematurely in these zones, leading to chalking, fading, and moisture ingress.
Key project constraints for this corridor include:
High-Chloride Environments: The salt concentration in the air requires specific neutralisation before any new coatings are applied.
Thermal Movement: Coastal buildings experience significant temperature shifts. Without a flexible coating, the substrate is prone to hairline fractures.
Resident & Public Safety: Managing scaffolding and EWP (Elevated Work Platforms) in high-density areas like St Kilda or Albert Park requires precise logistics to maintain public access and resident privacy.
The ATD Solution: Technical Resilience
Our approach to this project was dictated by the specific "Port Phillip" conditions:
CASA-Certified Drone Mapping: We used drone technology to conduct a high-resolution survey of the upper levels. This is essential for coastal strata to identify "unseen" salt-crystallisation and sealant failure in the parapets and window reveals.
Salt-Neutralisation Wash: Before a brush touched the building, we performed a controlled high-pressure wash-down using specific agents to strip chloride deposits. Applying paint over salt is a primary cause of coating failure in Brighton and Port Melbourne.
Elastomeric Membrane Application: We specified a high-build membrane system rather than standard paint. These membranes are designed to bridge cracks and remain elastic, providing a waterproof "skin" that moves with the building as it heats and cools.
The Result: Extended Asset Lifecycle
By focusing on the technical requirements of the coastal environment, we have provided the Owners Corporation with a finish that does more than refresh the building's look. This project has effectively sealed the building envelope against the elements, extending the maintenance cycle and protecting the structural integrity of the asset.
"When you're working between Port Melbourne and Brighton, the bay is your biggest opponent. Our job is to provide a coating system that acts as a long-term shield, not just a cosmetic fix." – Venice, ATD
Managing a coastal strata portfolio?
ATD provides detailed condition reports and remedial painting solutions for assets across Port Melbourne, Albert Park, Middle Park, St Kilda, and Brighton.
