Support act steelwork by Grayson Engineering

Exposed steel trees and walkways soar and crisscross the vast atrium in the newly completed ASB North Wharf building, signalling the architectural innovation by BVN/Jasmax that has created a highly sustainable, people-focused workplace.

All the steelwork in the building is by Grayson Engineering, a specialist in the supply and installation of structural steel for commercial and industrial projects. Commercial manager Colin Berger says the ASB North Wharf project posed a unique set of challenges for the company.

"The steel trees are positioned in the middle of the atrium, with large branches supporting the floors on either side. Much of the steel was fabricated in our workshop and transported to the site. Because all the structural elements are exposed, extra care needed to be taken with the finishing detail. All the welds needed to be ground back and polished, which created a lot of extra work. The finished steel was then given several coats of paint. And because the structural steel is such a key visual feature, the team also had to ensure it was perfectly aligned, with minimal tolerance."

Grayson Engineering also fabricated the steel for the sky bridge walkways, and the steel lattice structure that supports the glass lift shaft, another distinctive feature of the interior. In other areas, the structural steel is hidden the steel roof supports, for example, are concealed behind the ceiling.

GRAYSON ENGINEERING

PO Box 97550, Manukau 2241Phone (09) 278 3366 www.grayson-engineering.co.nz colinb@grayson-engineering.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas