80 | BUILDING Wilson Building: Samoa High Commission Creating a landmark for the region T Karen Phelps The new Samoa High Commission Chancery in Wellington is set to become a landmark for the region. Work is progressing well on the new Samoa High Commission Chancery in Wellington and the building is set to become a landmark for the region, says Grant Taylor, construction manager at Wilson Building. The company was invited to tender for the project based on its expertise in building on Wellington’s hilly slopes. And from a construction perspective the site is certainly challenging situated in a valley on a hill with close neighbouring buildings and narrow site access. The project took some time to design and develop especially given its location and the need to secure several consents and approvals, not only from the Wellington City Council but also from the neighbours. The previous Chancery was over 80 years old and following several earthquakes in the Wellington region a number of cracks had appeared on the old building’s structure and it was therefore considered a safety risk. Grant describes it as a “logistics heavy project where programming and methodology was key”. “We do a lot of very high-end residential housing and the level of finish and attention to detail was similar but on a commercial building.” Grant says Wilson Building was involved from the early stages in the project to help determine the best approach and methodology for the temporary works to support the neighbouring buildings and enable earthworks to take place. The building platform was basically cut into the hillside and around 4000 cubic metres of soil was excavated from the site and removed through a three-metre driveway as the team dug two storeys down into the ground from where the original building sat. Then 450sqm of temporary sprayed concrete was used to secure the site and significant foundations and a retaining system was required. The new Chancery consists of three levels of office space plus an underground car park. The building, designed by CCM Architects, is arranged in two wings with a central core. Grant says it is a contemporary building including a range of cladding systems such as zinc, aluminium curtain walling and Nu-Wall cladding giving the building a distinctive look. The building is acoustically sound and includes high level finishes demonstrating the skill of the build team. “We do a lot of very high-end residential housing and the level of finish and attention to detail was similar but on a commercial building,” says Grant. Ground was broken on the project in July 2020 and construction is expected to take up to twenty months. In the meantime, the High Commission is operating from its temporary office in the two-storey apartment building built by the Samoa Government for its diplomatic staff in 2015. This temporary office is located just behind the current Chancery Site on 5 Clermont Terrace. The Samoa High Commission has been in operation for 43 years and is supported by the Samoa Consulate-General in Auckland. It is responsible to the Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It was established to promote Samoa’s interests in economics, trade, tourism, as well as political and security objectives. It also provides Consular services to Samoan nationals and foreigners travelling to Samoa. Grant acknowledges the hard work and support of the consultants and project management teams both in New Zealand on the milestone project for Samoa in New Zealand and says it has been a truly collaborative approach. The project has been made possible due to Government support and approval for the project to go ahead and funding from the Unit Trust of Samoa (UTOS). “It’s been a real pleasure to work on with a fantastic client and project team. At Wilson Building we’re very solution-focused and know there is always a way to deliver a project if you work together. “This project is a good example of how teams can solve challenges together to deliver a hugely successful outcome. “I think it will be a building that people will seek out, a landmark building for Wellington.” Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST? RETAINING & CIVIL CONSTRUCTION Retaining & Civil Construction Wellington's Retaining Wall Experts. A range of services including Retaining wall construction, Geotechnical investigation, Drilling & piling. 7 Dragon St, Grenada North, Wellington 5028 04 586 9922 | 027 546 9660 | hans@racc.co.nz | www.racc.co.nz
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