Business Central July 2021

90 | BUILDING Lobell Construction T to page 92 Lobell - delivering outstanding building s T Kelly Deeks The Hillcrest Views Apartments project brought together a wide range of influences from across the globe. A fter nearly 40 years of providing com- mercial construction services through- out the Waikato, Lobell Construction’s standards have risen to beyond the reach of its rivals as the company continues to lift its game to appeal to an ever more discerning clientele. “Over many years we have refined how we work with our clients,” says Lobell Construc- tion managing director Ellyse Meredith-Wilkie. “At all times our focus is on delivering out- standing buildings.” She says Lobell Construction particularly enjoys working on projects which require new ideas and fresh thinking. A recent collaboration on a unique group of apartments brought together a wide range of influences from across the globe. The opportunity to develop the Hillcrest Views Apartments was presented when zoning for a couple of houses owned by the New Zealand Training Centre was changed to high density. With a draftsman in England, an architect in Australia, and an architect in Tauranga work- ing on the project, the geographical barriers were always going to be difficult to overcome. It was realised early on the difference between Australian and New Zealand building standards would present a major challenge to the team. With the Australian climate allowing for looser building guidelines and require- ments than in New Zealand, more detail was required throughout the consenting process and the build than would have been in Aus- tralia. Challenges, changes, and alterations had to be navigated in a proactive manner to ensure local regulations were met. “For us at Lobell, this presented a unique opportunity to get involved in the design and consenting process, a challenge we relished and wanted to be involved in,” Ellyse says. “This was an exciting project for all involved, and one we thoroughly enjoyed building. It’s not often you have to work across countries to bring a project to life, but this project proved it can be done and with a high degree of success. The Lobell Construction team is trusted and appreciated by return clients and first-time developers alike, and often a highlight of their project for the client. The team and their experience made the construction process of a rare project enjoya- ble for the owner of Simply Cremations Carla Vaetoe. In need of a new building, Carla approached architect Peter Chibnall and they quickly came to a meeting of the minds. The design of a crematorium is not a common occurrence, so no one really knew what to expect. A new cre- mator was on order from the US so working off the dimensions of the machine itself, the rest of the building was designed around that. With his comprehensive draft design complete, and with an existing relationship with Lobell Construction, Peter put the project to Lobell for pricing, who helped to fine tune the quote. “Quoting a job like this was great,” Ellyse says. “We love projects that bring some- thing different to the table.” During the construction phase, the open- ness of the team communicating the progress of the build was greatly appreciated by Carla. “For us at Lobell, this presented a unique opportunity to get involved in the design and consenting process, a challenge we relished and wanted to be involved in.” IC Scaffolding is a growing scaffold company, with a progressive culture, that is fully committed to workplace Health and Safety with a strict policy regarding drugs and alcohol. We are deadline focused, have up to date safety equipment – including retractable lanyards. We have ticketed scaffolder's and use a combination of Tube and clip and genuine Layher system. Based in Hamilton, we are scaffolding specialists highly experienced in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors for all your Propping, Shore loading and scaffolding needs with no job too big or small. IC Scaffolding are full members of SARNZ, Site Safe and Site Wise and have Project and Liability insurances in place. B.H.L BRICKLAYING LTD. 0274 964 607 • bhlbrick@xtra. c o.nz PO Bo x 9027 Hamilton LBP: BP118693 R esidential & Commercial Bricklaying / Blocklaying United in delivering services built on trust and results, because lasting impressions count when making business shine. Corporate • Events • Commercial • Utilities 07 847 2562 | unitedcleaning.co.nz