12 | Challenging project brings library back New window systems replacing existing precast concrete panels brighten interior spaces. T T from page 10 “We’re hugely proud of everyone involved in this project. It has been a challenging job, but we did it on time and on budget.” LT McGuinness Ltd - Wellington: Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T to page 14 The foundation system has been re-strengthened with the addition of 49 new piles that go down up to 18 metres, and 24 new plinths to transfer seismic loads through lead rubber bearings. Te Matapihi is now restored to more than 100% of the new building standard. A seismic gap, called a rattle zone, has been created around the building so that in an earthquake the building – separated from the ground on new base isolators – will have a space to move into. Levels 3 and 4 have been extended as part of the restoration, and there are four new entries linking the building with Te Ngākau Civic Square and the city. New window systems that have replaced existing precast concrete panels brighten interior spaces, while new cladding systems have been carefully integrated within the building’s existing façade. Reaching practical completion in August 2025 was a memorable milestone for the main construction contractor LT McGuinness (LTM) and the whole project team. “Wellington has gone through a tough patch over the past few years with roads and buildings closed and nowhere to gather, but soon the people of this city will have a lovely big civic space to enjoy again,” says Stu Hercus, LTM’s project site manager. “We’re hugely proud of everyone involved in this project. It has been a challenging job, but we did it on time and on budget.” When first engaged on an early contractor involvement (ECI) basis for Te Matapihi, LTM was still in the throes of finishing Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre. The company won a Gold Award (Built Tourism and Leisure) at the 2024 NZ Commercial Project Awards for their work on Tākina. LTM is a market leader in the ECI process, bringing a strong voice to the table in the pre-construction phase. Their ECI engagement on Te Matapihi proved crucial in enabling the refinement of a smart, well-coordinated construction approach. “We collaborated very closely with consulting engineers Aurecon, and temporary works’ structural engineers Dunning Thornton, to come up with ways to support the building while the new foundations and base isolation works were installed,” says Stu. He says the existing building had many irregularities. Structural loadings varied from one part to another, each requiring a different approach. “It meant there were lots of conditions around how we approached each phase. Careful sequencing was required, as well as detailed planning around staging of temporary works.” Leading structural steel fabricators MJH Engineering was another key project partner. “They were massive. It was the biggest steel job, by weight, that they’d ever done.” Contact the team: roofing@aquaheat.nz Cl Classic Metal – Roofing & Cladding Specialists assic Metal, the specialist roofing and cladding division of Aquaheat New Zealand, delivers high-performance solutions for projects of every size and complexity. Our team brings proven expertise in designing and installing roofing and façade systems built to last. At Te Matapihi Central Library, Classic Metal fabricated and installed the distinctive dark panels framing the building’s entrances, a detail that blends durability with architectural impact. Specialists in Painting and Plastering Commercial Master Painter of the Year 2025 Phone: +64 27 866 6666 | Email: info@jnsconstruction.co.nz | Visit us at: www.jnsconstruction.co.nz
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