| 57 T T Karen Phelps Skill and ingenuity preserve heritage building The complexity was compounded by the absence of existing drawings as the buildings had been renovated numerous times over the years. STEEL INDUSTRY NZ Structural and Engineering NZ Structural and Engineering has been recognised as a finalist in the SCNZ Excellence in Steel Award for its innovative seismic strengthening work on a historic 1930s heritage building. Company director Jared Davis says the Timezone project was a complex undertaking that took a two-storey brick building from just 10-15% of the New Building Standard to 100% NBS as well as preserving its heritage façade working with W & W Construction. “The design engineer said that the erection of the structure is one of the most difficult that he’d seen and not many fabricators would take on a job like this,” says Jared. “We had to think outside the box to provide the safest and most well thought out methodology.” Located on a busy street with two abutting buildings on either side, the team had to navigate heavy traffic, install beams up to 15 metres long and work within an existing building that required temporary bracing. The complexity was compounded by the absence of existing drawings as the buildings had been renovated numerous times over the years. “We were the only tenderer that provided a methodology that didn’t close the road down, which saved the client approximately $45,000,” explains Jared. “We paid for all the parks in the parking lot to be able to get the best access off the main road.” Technology played a vital role in the project’s success. The team utilised 3D scanning to create drawings, IFC modelling, and W & W Construction used a surveying instrument called Total Station to ensure highly accurate hold down measurements. “Comprehensive work on the modelling was rewarded when everything fit like a glove,” says Jared. The firm’s innovative approach extended to the installation process itself. Workers had to thread 310UC steel columns weighing 158 kilograms per metre vertically through the roof through small pockets cut by builders. Electric winches were employed for internal steel that the crane couldn’t reach, and steel was bolted to the existing façade to reduce both labour and materials. Being able to access the building from behind allowed us to be more efficient throughout the project,” explains Jared. “Timezone is on a very busy street with a lot of foot traffic. Creating the construction plan from the back of the building helped to keep the public safe and surrounding businesses undisturbed.” Environmental sustainability was central to the project. By bolting steel to the building’s façade rather than demolishing it, the firm reduced waste and landfill. A 40-foot transporter was used to maximise loads and minimise the travel footprint and all construction materials were quantity surveyed prior to purchase to reduce waste. NZ Structural and Engineering, run by Jared and business partner Mat Gauding, brings 32 years of combined engineering experience to projects ranging from major commercial undertakings to residential handrails. Jared himself has 14 years of engineering experience and holds qualifications including a Heavy Steel Fabrication Level 4 trade certificate and welding supervisor certification. Mat has 18 years’ experience in engineering and holds Level 4 qualification in mechanical engineering specialising in site works including seismic installation and complex rigging. “Our commitment to best practice and quality is of upmost importance to us, making sure the safety of our staff and workers onsite adheres to best health and safety practices on every job,” says Jared. The company undertakes projects throughout the region, from fabricating and installing structural steel at the Whanganui Sarjeant Art Gallery to smaller residential works. We work with you to recapture your potential, channel capability, and reshape your career Foundation leadership coaching programmes for trades people One to one People and Culture coaching for small businesses Career development coaching chris@curveballs.co.nz Contact • SANDBLASTING • ARC SPRAYING • REPAINTS • TOUCH UPS • COMMERCIAL TRUCK SPRAYING • STRUCTURAL STEEL • MOTORHOMES SPECIALISTS 358 Heads Road Wanganui Ph (06) 344 4024 or Jason 027 403 4293 Proudly supporting NZ Structural & Engineering For down to earth advice phone 06 348 2333 www.adeptaccountants.co.nz
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