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Undertaking a major construction project within the CBD brings its own challenges especially when there's a need to accommodate pedestrian traffic, and limited access to parking and loading zones for construction materials. Throw in a high water table and a non-negotiable completion date, and construction expertise becomes even more critical.

Hawkins Construction says all these factors needed to be taken into account in the building of the Accor Group's Ibis Hotel in Christchurch. Hawkins was the main contractor for the project, successfully tendering a design-and-build contract, commissioning consultants and managing the entire project through developed design, consenting and construction.

Hawkins' project manager Ivan Hatton says the 155-bedroom hotel needed to meet the Ibis Hotel quality standard. Hawkins also had to guarantee a fixed price and deliver the building for use on a date that had been set two years earlier.

"Our aim was to reduce the risk elements to ensure the highest quality finish possible, with all the criteria being achieved or bettered and within budget."

Hatton says that while the pre-cast concrete structure and floors were built off site, allowing speedy erection, the hotel's location in the Christchurch CBD required special consideration.

"There are neighbouring buildings on three of the site boundaries, each of which was monitored for movement during construction. Adding to the complication was a legal right of way dissecting the site access had to be maintained at all stages of construction. The hotel has a basement, which required excavation under and around the right of way. Hawkins' solution was to provide a temporary bridge, and a detailed logistics plan to manage pedestrian safety."

As the site is adjacent to the Avon River, the water table is just below street level. Consequently, the basement was waterproofed using an innovative product composed of a volcanic mineral that swells in contact with water, thereby sealing potential leaks.

Hatton says from the outset, Hawkins worked closely with project management company Coffey Projects, formerly Carson Group, the relationship helping Hawkins deliver an environmentally sensitive solution on time and on budget.

For more details, contact Hawkins Construction Ltd, 14 Barry Hogan Pl, PO Box 2974, Christchurch, phone (03) 379 3691. Website: www.hawkins.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas