Quick turnaround Britomart project by Bracewell Construction

Building contractors are often asked to achieve the seemingly impossible, and the Pavilions at Britomart project was no exception.

Bracewell Construction, the main contractor for the project, had just 12 weeks to complete the build and allow tenancy fit-outs to commence. But having worked on other heritage building redevelopments in the precinct, the firm did have a head start, says project manager Glenn Bracewell.

"We have had an ongoing involvement with the developer Cooper and Company," he says. "Key projects we have completed to date include the refurbishment of Excelsior House and Stanbeth House, designed by Cheshire Architects, which won the NZ Architecture Award Heritage category for this project in 2011.

"For this project, the time frame was the biggest challenge, requiring the full co-operation of the team, which worked together to deliver the entire project on time and to budget. We anticipated potential problems so we could be prepared for possible holdups."

Bracewell says access was another challenge there were just four weeks to complete the central pavilion after completion of craneage. Sourcing suitable old bricks for the project was also difficult. "These were eventually found in Christchurch, having been part of a building demolished following the 2011 earthquake. For this project, we also worked closely with the landscapers to build a double-wall system to incorporate living plants and irrigation."

BRACEWELL LTD T/A BRACEWELL CONSTRUCTION

PO Box 90698, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142Phone (09) 360 2644 www.bracewell.co.nz admin@bracewell.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas