Album info

  • Title: Salvaging the CSO administration building
  • Description: During May 2004 the heritage-listed Commonwealth Solar Observatory building went through a "salvage and make safe" process. The work was carried out by HABKA Constructions and Demolition. The fire damage to building and contents was such that none of the library, records or archives of the observatory were salvagable. Only "horrible relics" were recovered.

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Salvaging the CSO administration building

  • By May 2004, 16 months after the firestorm, weeds are everywhere.

    • By May 2004, 16 months after the firestorm, w…
    • Views: 4344

  • First step, collect all the loose metal scrap.

    • First step, collect all the loose metal scrap…
    • Views: 4177

  • All floors are covered with ash and rubble.

    • All floors are covered with ash and rubble.
    • Views: 4357

  • Starting on the business manager's old office.

    • Starting on the business manager's old o…
    • Views: 4007

  • Piles of scrap metal and barrow-loads aof ash begin to grow in the courtyard.

    • Piles of scrap metal and barrow-loads aof ash…
    • Views: 5975

  • In each room, the ash and rubbish is checked for relics of use, the barrowed into individual piles, one per room.

    • In each room, the ash and rubbish is checked…
    • Views: 4073

  • After a final check, the metal is carted off to the dump.

    • After a final check, the metal is carted off…
    • Views: 4026

  • The library annexe. Fine ash is all that's left of fine old volumes.

    • The library annexe. Fine ash is all that'…
    • Views: 4191

  • Library and heliostat tower before start of cleanup.

    • Library and heliostat tower before start of c…
    • Views: 5870