S+H specialises in the structural engineering of heritage buildings.
We support owners and custodians of heritage assets by providing considered, practical engineering advice that protects cultural significance while addressing safety, durability, and compliance requirements.
Our team works closely with heritage consultants, architects, institutions, local councils, body corporates, and builders to deliver well‑resolved outcomes on complex heritage projects. Our heritage engineering services include:
- Structural dilapidation surveys, identification of structural defects, and design of appropriate rectification works.
- Conservation services, including maintenance, preservation, restoration, reconstruction, adaptation, and interpretation.
- Retention of significant fabric, reintroduction of use, and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings.
- Monitoring, testing, and investigative works to better understand existing structures and materials.
- Management of interfaces between new works and heritage fabric.
- Assessment of structural compliance with the National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards.
- Structural design to achieve DDA compliance including balustrades, lifts and ramps.
Our practice operates in accordance with the principles of the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter. Where structural interventions such as strengthening are necessary, they are designed, wherever practicable, to be reversible, clearly identifiable as new work, and to minimise impact on the cultural significance of the place.
Professional Affiliations / Qualifications
Justin Hettinga is a heritage practitioner and structural engineer with 20 years’ experience specialising in the conservation of historic structures, including UNESCO World Heritage and National Heritage listed places. His work spans detailed investigation, structural assessment, long‑term monitoring, and the design of conservation‑led engineering solutions that prioritise minimal intervention and retention of significant fabric, in accordance with the Burra Charter.
Professional Memberships & Registrations
- Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), Engineers Australia
- Registered Professional Engineer of Victoria (RPEV)
- National Engineering Register (NER)
- Full International Member, ICOMOS Australia
- Expert Member, Iscarsah (ICOMOS Heritage Structures Scientific Committee)
Qualifications & Education
- Advanced Master in Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions
University of Padua (Italy) and Czech Technical University (Czechia) - Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering Minor), with Distinction
University of Calgary (Canada)
Areas of Specialisation
- Structural assessment and conservation of heritage buildings
- Investigation of deterioration mechanisms, materials performance, and long‑term durability
- Structural health monitoring of sensitive heritage fabric
- Conservation‑based strengthening design emphasising reversibility and minimal visual impact
- Engineering advice for operational heritage sites with ongoing public access requirements
Teaching, Research & Recognition
Justin has authored and co‑authored peer‑reviewed publications on heritage structures and monitoring and has guest lectured at the University of Melbourne and Griffith University. His work has been recognised through national and international awards for heritage conservation projects.