Straight and narrow
The long pedestrian bridges across the motorway are a distinctive feature of the Northern Busway, but it was the curved glass towers that posed the greater challenge for Vistalite North Harbour
Reducing rush-hour traffic in Auckland has long been a priority for city councils. Now, with the opening of Transit New Zealand's Northern Busway, the North Shore City Council has made its park-and-ride scheme a viable transport option for commuters.
Not surprisingly, a tight timeline was a key consideration for Vistalite North Harbour, the company contracted to design, supply and install the aluminium joinery for the Akoranga, Westlake and Sunnynook bus stations. Project manager Michael Koot says Vistalite had to factor in the eight weeks needed to source custom-manufactured PVB laminated safety glass from Australia.
"The design work was also complex. There were specific requirements for different aluminium sections, and we needed to ensure the glazing systems met stringent weatherproofing, drainage and strength requirements," he says.
"The glass towers on the Akoranga and Westlake stations feature an elliptical curve. The curved aluminium needed to be manufactured to templates with a tolerance of just 5mm, which was a challenge."
Silver anodised aluminium joinery from the Fletcher Oakley range of commercial joinery was specified. This comprises the 150mm and 100mm Flush Glaze systems, as well as the 100mm shopfront and door system, which features on the towers, hubs and motorway overbridges.
Michael Koot says an additional complicating factor was the need to work within specific time frames. The main contractor, NZ Strong, had to liaise with Transit New Zealand to close motorway lanes so the work could be completed.
Contact Vistalite North Harbour, phone (09) 478 0520. Email: admin@vistalitenorthharbour.co.nz. Website: www.vistalite.co.nz.
Story by: Trendsideas
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