With their increasing roles and ever evolving campus, they were in need of a new facility to accommodate their nursing and health studies programme. Hawkins was awarded the contract for the construction of the new Health and Science Building on a lump sum competitive tender basis.
The new approximately 3,500m2 three level facility houses multiple teaching spaces, offices, amenities, a lecture theatre, laboratory and mock hospital wards. A large open area spanning two levels through the centre of the building, creates a light and airy social space, with an overhead bridge connecting the top level zones.
The scope of the project also included the construction of a new carpark, architectural concrete paths and paving, insitu and precast concrete steps and seats and insitu concrete and concrete block retaining walls.
The challenge for the project team was to manage and construct this large multi-level building within a confined site in the centre of a fully functioning campus. Careful staging of the build sequence ensured that crane access was available for the erection of key building components such as precast concrete and structural steel.
Safety was a paramount concern throughout the project. A series of strategically placed barriers and fences segregated the work site from the campus operations, whilst maintaining safe access ways around the site for the students and faculty.
Despite encountering unforseen ground conditions at the start of the project, the project was successfully completed on time.
The vast array of finishes and level of detailing required the highest standard of workmanship and the end result successfully met the client’s expectations in terms of quality.
The new Health and Science Building is a modern, high quality, functional facility that makes a strong architectural statement within the Waiariki Campus.