Key Projects of 2019: A Reflection

Westfield Newmarket: Source

Since project commencement, they’ve driven a very ambitious timeframe alongside equally ambitious standards in order to achieve greatness – and we were thrilled to play our part. BVT delivered designs around the clock with our partners, Tasman Interiors (cc. Danny Simpson!), to ensure that we were doing our part to deliver one of the most exciting builds, not only in Auckland, but New Zealand more broadly.

2019 sees the completion of three years worth of work with the Scentre Group, designing the ceilings and partitions throughout the 277 and 309 malls, plus the majority of tenancies. We’re incredibly proud to have been heavily involved in what was almost full time construction monitoring and PS4 compliance of such a large project. Well done to Scentre Group for completing the vision, what an achievement.

Commercial Bay // This year, it’s been a pleasure to work with the project management masterminds at RCP. Their genuine insight and interest into the retail sector has made this one of the most enjoyable engagements of 2019 and given us the ability to really understand the demands that are particular to the industry.  Commercial Bay Retail: Source

When you think about the retail environment, it’s no longer about people just stepping into a shop to buy what they need. The fierce competition of online retail has created the need for experiential environments and RCP have really given us the inside edge on that. Within theCommercial Bay Retail project, BVT developed all of their seismic information upfront to include in the retail fit out guide, distributed to approx 125 retail managers. By working collaboratively we were able to set the tone and provide high quality information to their team. When working with a stellar crew like RCP, we certainly played the backup dancer role on the project and we’ve loved stepping into their arena and learning about their world.

Commercial Bay Tower // There’s a lot to be admired about Apex Interiors and their no nonsense approach to ensuring they deliver the highest quality outcomes to their clients. We also appreciate how they make us feel very much like an integral part of their delivery mechanism and commitment to client service. Their culture and delivery is very closely aligned to us and quite frankly, they will never let you down.

This year, a highlight has been working on their Commercial Bay Tower project where they appointed us to complete all the base builds and majority of tenancy fit-outs within the 39 level tower which is due for completion early – mid 2020.Pacifica Luxury Apartments: Source

Pacifica Luxury Apartments // We have been fortunate to work with Alpha Interiors in cities across the country, including Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch. We admire Alpha for not just the impressive new construction techniques they adopt on site, but their unwavering commitment to ensure the safety of their team, their contractors and our community. We’re proud to work with their team to ensure the highest levels of compliance in a complex regulatory environment are achieved. These guys really set the benchmark in the industry.

This year, a key project of ours is the ‘Pacifica’ luxury apartments where Alpha is responsible for the interior fit out of the 57 level apartment block. We completed the seismic design for the ceilings in the building and have worked with Alpha and Rondo to ensure the building is efficient and fit for purpose.

Zespri Head Quarters in Tauranga for Ceilings Unlimited // We really enjoyed working with the team at Ceilings Unlimited on the ceilings, partitions design and construction monitoring of this unique redevelopment project for Zespri (the world’s largest manufacturer of kiwi fruit!).

This was an architecturally impressive project, where we were required to work through various design challenges that combined different buildings elements such as an elevated floor alongside walls. Amalgamating the unique design features to work under engineering principles was really rewarding work and the team at Ceilings Unlimited were great to work alongside and collaboratively solve problems with as the project progressed.

Christchurch Airport Aeila Duty Free // Developing solutions for emergency critical infrastructure requires a different approach, not only towards seismic design, but in relation to the unique logistical, operational and public safety requirements. Working on the seismic design at Duty Free in Christchurch Airport presented a series of unique design challenges that we enjoyed developing practical solutions for. Most notably, the significant architectural features in the ceilings of the duty free retail areas required us to coordinate the clash resolution with services in a congested construction space, whilst remaining open to the public. Special considerations in projects like these require all contractors to work collaboratively and cohesively across the site and we really enjoyed navigating the unique nature of this project.

National Bio-containment Laboratory for Benmax // The high seismic zone in the Wellington Hutt Valley provides significant design challenges for a standard project, let alone one which is purpose built for the bio-containment of infectious disease! Benmax operated efficiently with off-site manufacture and a collaborative approach to the bracing and structural support, making the project progress smoothly from our perspective. We really enjoy working on seismically critical infrastructure types such as these, and appreciated learning from the highly methodical approach Benmax exhibited to successfully carry out their role in this complex project.

Cordis Hotel for Jasmax //  This project is certainly noteworthy as it responds to Auckland’s high demand for luxury hotels and will soon be the biggest hotel in the city. The 16-floor tower is scheduled to be opened late in 2020, in time for the America’s Cup and Asia Pacific Economic Forum (Apec), two major events that are scheduled to be held in Auckland the following year.

When Jasmax asked us to submit a fee for the new wing and the renovation of existing areas, we put together a proposal for the coordinated design of ceilings and services across the project. This is certainly a little unconventional compared to the standard industry process, but absolutely how it should be done. Looking at the project requirements holistically and pricing based on value is the way forward for the construction industry. We’re really enjoying working with one of the most progressive and noteworthy architecture groups in NZ, they are without question, on top of their game.

Thank you to all those whom we worked with on projects big and small this year. We are very much looking forward to working with you again in 2020 and beyond. Merry Christmas, see you in the ‘20’s!