Cascades Female Factory
Project summary.
The Cascades Female Factory Historic Site is one of 11 convict sites which are part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage property, and is the most significant site associated with female convicts in Australia. SLS was engaged by the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Aurthority (PAHSMA) to reconstruct the original ground plan of Yard 1.
The ruins of Yard 1 consisted of only the original sandstone walls and some foundations – the design for the preservation of the site utilised multiple stone surfaces and weathering steel to mark out different areas of the site. Strips of bluestone spalls marked the original locations and depth of walls, with text etched sandstone slabs showing doorways and entries, while different shades of gravel with precast concrete stepping stones marked different areas and common pathways through the site. The design by landscape architect Susan Small provides a striking insight into convict life, all at ground level.
SLS was required to carry out careful demolition and drainage works to preserve the integrity of the site, with precision site marking out to ensure an accurate rendition of the original site plan. It was a memorable, rewarding project and SLS was able to take an active part in the re-creation of an integral part of Australia’s history.