Surface attraction from Wilco Precast

The dramatic look of the Merchant Quarter is comprised of shaped glass and precast concrete panels. Precision and timely delivery were essential to this aspect of the project.

Wilco Precast was asked to create and deliver 196 geometrically shaped precast facade panels for the high-profile structure. The asymmetrical panel thicknesses varied from 550mm to 180mm and required 390 cubic metres of concrete to construct.

Hawkins Construction was the lead contractor and manager Robert Hodgkinson outlines the exacting nature of this aspect of the project.

"In winning this contract one of the top five risks we identified was achieving the timely procurement of the precast facade.

"If the panels were delivered late or the complex geometry was not exact, the critical path for the whole project would be delayed."

The outcome repaid the effort, Hodgkinson says.

"The whole process has gone remarkably smoothly and the quality is first rate the client and consultant team have also praised the quality of the precast panels. The architect and structural engineer have remarked how well the shop drawing process went and complimented Wilco staff on their friendly manner in working through revisions and solving the many complex and challenging geometrical issues."

This year, Wilco Precast is celebrating 50 years of delivering high-quality precast concrete. The company supplies to architects, engineers and construction contractors, and offers technical support and advice on a wide range of precast concrete systems and their applications.

For further details, contact Wilco Precast, phone (09) 295 1060. Website: www.wilcoprecast.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas