The Stage 1 conservation works on the two former Hart’s Mill flour mill buildings at Port Adelaide, which Swanbury Penglase documented for Renewal SA, is drawing to a close.

A landmark element is the large wind driven vent that crowns the ridge of the roof at the top of the tall brick mill building. Its exact age is uncertain, but similar vents have been installed on this part of the roof for over 100 years.

Affectionately called ‘the tuba’ by the trades of the contractor, G-Force, the vent had to be disconnected and craned down to the ground to properly carry out the necessary repairs. This was mainly due to corrosion of the steel which were placing it at risk of collapse. The repairs were carried out by Metal Fabricators at Edwardstown, including welding in a new plate at the central support pivot, replacing the bottom ring and the rim of the wind vein, as well as welding in new steel to major holes around its base. Repairs were also carried out to the bearing which had prevented the vent swinging around with the direction of the wind.

The vent was then fully prepared and painted using a very durable paint system and a grille fitted within its mouth to prevent the pigeons that had previously been roosting within the structure. The timber support structure which had been suffering from rot caused by water entering through the rust holes was in the meantime repaired, before the vent was lifted back into place. Interestingly the top sits on the base without any fixings, kept in place by its own self weight.

While not quite as good as new, the signature vent can now look forward to a much extended lease of life.