CHARTER FOR CHANGE

SOMETIMES A single decision made at the start of a project can save time, money and hassle weeks down the track. That was the case for David Lister, director of Eagle Masonry. Rather than using a conventional masonry approach for the blockwork at Westfield Chartwell, Lister used the Stevenson Formblock® system, a proprietary system that is still relatively new to New Zealand.

It was a smart move. The work was completed in just six weeks, saving costs and freeing up time for other contractors to come on site early. The approach also meant work was cleaner than normal, with less dust and broken blocks on site a bonus for shopfitters working nearby.

"In my opinion, this is the best block system to come onto the market in 35 years," says Lister. "It enabled us to do the job faster and cleaner than normal."

"Using the Formblock system is twice as fast as conventional grey masonry," says Lister. "The system also allows us to complete the blockwork with a skilled foreman, three labourers and one apprentice, rather than three bricklayers and two labourers."

The workers lay the first course of blockwork in mortar to ensure a level line. The blocks are then stacked without mortar, and held together with a plastic clip to keep the horizontal and vertical steel in place.

The company one of the largest masonry companies in Auckland has worked on other Westfield retail developments, as well as public sector projects.

For details, contact Eagle Masonry, PO Box 79070, Massey, Auckland 1008, phone (09) 828 0615, fax (09) 828 0618. Email: eagle@xtra.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas