IN collaboration

With a major heritage building restoration and a significant new architectural structure in the same inner-city precinct, the Supreme Court was always going to be a demanding design and construction project. To meet this challenge, The Building Intelligence Group was the first consultant appointed, more than seven years ago.

As project manager, the company helped interpret and articulate the Ministry of Justice's vision and establish the optimal team to ensure it was realised, says project director Ian Macaskill.

"In delivering a project of this magnitude, the work of the project manager is always a juggling act," he says. "We were continuously balancing the functional requirements, integrity of the architecture, heritage values, construction, practicality, cost and timeframes to maintain an equilibrium and ensure no element was compromised by another."

Macaskill says the originality of the designs, in particular the bronze screen and orb-shaped main courtroom, combined with a 100-year design life, added to the challenge. The Building Intelligence Group guided and assisted the team to discover new design and construction methods to meet the brief.

"For example, we had to co-ordinate a new design approach and bespoke manufacturing process for the bronze screen to provide a viable solution."

Macaskill says the design of the main courtroom saw a struggle between sight and sound, with concerns raised about echoes and visual vibrations. This led to the development of the kauri cone concept and an acoustic solution that would not compromise the aesthetics of the building.

"Facilitating the collaboration between client, internal and external stakeholders, consultants and contractors was critical to the overall success of the project."

For details, contact The Building Intelligence Group, Wellington, phone (04) 499 0881, or Auckland, phone (09) 300 9980. Alternatively, visit the company's website: www.thebuildingintelligencegroup.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas