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It's not every day a company gets to make a significant ongoing contribution to the development of a new urban precinct that is transforming the face of our largest city.

For Holmes Consulting Group, the Britomart East development in Auckland is the latest in a series of structural engineering projects in the precinct that began on completion of the Britomart rail station in 2003. Director Chris Mackenzie says the firm has had an extensive involvement in the redevelopment over a long period, working closely with Cooper and Company over many years.

"Holmes Consulting Group is the only structural engineer to be involved in all the projects, from the heritage redevelopments to the new constructions, such as Britomart East. We particularly value the relationship and trust that we have built up, and it is a privilege to be able to assist with their vision."

For the latest project, which includes the flagship commercial buildings leased by Ernst & Young and Westpac, Mackenzie says the main challenges involved the need to build above the railway station. To mitigate the effect of train vibrations, the buildings sit on a series of isolation bearings.

"The design was constrained by the need to set structural supports at predetermined points on a primary grid to accommodate the tracks below. The location meant the building needed to be as light as possible, to maximise the floorplates. The building consequently features metal decking, structural steel framing and cellular steel beams that have the added advantage of being able to accommodate the mechanical services.

"The two buildings support each other at either end of the atrium. In effect, the structure is one large building with a hole through the middle."

For more information, contact Holmes Consulting Group, PO Box 90745, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, phone (09) 965 4789, fax (09) 965 4780. Website: www.holmesgroup.com.

Story by: Trendsideas