Behind the scenes

Interesting or unusual architecture often calls for imaginative solutions. Inside the existing walls of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the design for the new atrium and dome called for an innovative approach by the structural steel supplier and fabricator.

Grayson Engineering supplied, fabricated and erected the structural steel for the new section of the museum, built inside the old courtyard. A megaframe structure was erected first and this consisted of four large towers and cross trusses spanning between them. This megaframe structure then supported the bowl structure suspended beneath, and the dome structure erected above.

Colin Berger, commercial manager of Grayson Engineering, says this was a one-off project that presented a lot of challenges in the design, fabrication and installation of the structural steelwork. The sheer size of many of the trusses, as well as the need to fabricate steel that was curved in various directions to create the wave effect of the dome tested both the skills and experience of the company.

"Because our operation is highly mechanised and we have invested in computer-controlled fabrication machinery, we are able to produce a quality product that can be put up quickly and efficiently," says Berger.

"The many different and complex developments we have been involved with over the years have given us a reputation for tackling this type of work," he says.

Other projects in the company's portfolio include the University of Auckland Business School, the Vector Arena and the TelstraClear stadium.

For more information, contact Grayson Engineering, PO Box 97-550, South Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland, phone (09) 262 3097, fax (09) 262 3180. Email: colin.berger@grayson-engineering.co.nz. Website: www.grayson-engineering.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas