Carlaw Park Student Village Stage Two, built by construction experts Haydn & Rollett

Stage One of Auckland's Carlaw Park student accommodation complex responded to its busy setting. The buildings' lively pixillated facades with pop-out windows were appropriate to its links to Stanley Street, bustling Parnell and the upcoming new Parnell Railway Station on Cheshire Street.

Stage Two, separated by a pedestrian easement from Stage One, reflects the same design principal large buildings segmented by glass stairwells for a smaller-building aesthetic. However, Stage Two enjoys quite a different outlook facing instead to the tranquil, green Auckland Domain.

Architects Warren and Mahoney and constructors Haydn & Rollett who completed the first stage of the village also undertook this stage. Warren and Mahoney's project architect Shannon Joe says the smooth, monument-like facades on Stage Two were more complementary to the calm, leafy views.

From a construction point of view, the second stage required an exceptional level of pre-planning.

Haydn & Rollett's project manager Luis Hiller says that with no access from The Domain side and only being able to enter the site from a narrow corner opposite meant altering the build sequence in terms of both feasibility and pedestrian safety.

"While foundations were laid for all three buildings, the above-ground construction of one had to be held back so a crawler crane could enter and build the five- and seven-level structures. On the crane's exit, the last building was able to be completed."

The new blocks follow the same construction technique as Stage One steel frames with precast facade panels and sheer walls to meet seismic requirements. These had to be trucked onto site, another challenge for the team given the tight area.

"However, there were plusses, too. The precast 22-ton panels with set-back windows were able to be lined up 10 in a row on the ground and then processed in terms of glazing, fixings and finishings before being craned into place," says Hiller. "This production line' saved the client time and money."

To contact Haydn & Rollett, phone (09) 444 7379, or go to the website: www.haydnrollett.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas