Street smart

The complex design and offset floors of the Ironbank building created a number of challenges for the building contractor. Bryce Caldwell, project manager for Macrennie Commercial Construction, says the company opted for a top-down construction, which began with the pouring of a concrete slab at the Karangahape Rd level.

"We were essentially implementing a mining solution to the basement excavation while at the same time erecting the five buildings above the K Rd level."

Caldwell says the complex shape required extra attention to detail when completing the structural steel frame. It also meant the company had to take particular care to ensure a watertight solution at the intersection of the various external cladding elements.

"Allowable tolerances were also tight. The Xlerplate® cladding steel was prefabricated many weeks before it was installed. The steel was cut to size and left to weather over the summer it was watered with irrigation hoses to create a consistent rusty patina. The building was constructed to the exact tolerances required so the Xlerplate could be installed to the correct line and level."

Other challenges included the installation of New Zealand's first trans-elevator, fully automated car stacker system. The building also had to meet the high standard of finish required by Samson Corporation and RTA Studio.

To contact Macrennie Commercial Construction, phone (09) 525 3330. Website: www.macrennie.com.

Story by: Trendsideas