Smart meets art

To design structural and civil engineering solutions that would integrate seamlessly with the architecture and the mechanical systems at Waitakere Central, the architects looked to a company with a history of developing new solutions.

One of Alan Reay Consultants' special talents is creating designs that can be easily constructed. Doing so requires the development of specialist construction methodologies which are project specific, says Company Director Grant Coombes.

"On the civic centre project there were a number of challenges to overcome, including the proximity of the nearby rail corridor, which required a solution to isolate the vibration. Large pre-cast walls were used to keep the stiffness of the building high, relative to the brick facade."

There were also other problems to overcome, such as how to incorporate the detailed architecture with the many exposed structural elements, including the hollow shell beams that are used for cooling within the building.

Significant collaboration with other consultants allowed the mechanical engineer to utilise the thermal properties of the concrete to assist in the structure's environmental control.

For more details, contact Alan Reay Consultants, PO Box 3911, Christchurch, phone (03) 366 0434 or visit the website: www.arcl.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas