90 | COMMUNITY Kaweka Health Base isolation technology a first T T Karen Phelps “The base isolator will act as shock absorbers in an earthquake allowing the ground to move independently of the building. This is the same technology that is used at Te Papa and the Beehive.” T T to page 93 The new Stage 2 three-story Kaweka Health building will feature base isolation technology, which is a first for buildings in Hawke’s Bay, says Westside Healthcare’s managing director Dr Colin Hutchison. “The base isolator will act as shock absorbers in an earthquake allowing the ground to move independently of the building. This is the same technology that is used at Te Papa and the Beehive,” explains Colin. Stage 2 comprises 7400m2 including a radiology suite, cardiac cath lab, a private cancer service, full ward and 50 outpatient rooms. Colin says good forward planning has meant structural steel was pre-ordered to secure steel supplies and mitigate cost increases. Bulk earthworks was completed in March, ahead of programme and all off-site works commenced in February. Head contractor on the project is Gemco Construction and construction of the buildings started in April, with carpenters on the excavated platform preparing grids, profiles, and bases for hefty reinforced concrete ground beams. Colin says that the Stage 2A structural works will take about 13 months to complete, and will be overlapped with the Stage 2B package of base build envelope works and a further stage of internal fitout works. Stage 2 is due to open in late 2024 whereas Stage one is being delivered in a staged handover from mid May until late July. It delivers four operating theatres, support areas, including a pre-admission unit, recovery areas and overnight beds, and a sterile services facility. Colin says Covid supply chain issues delayed the original building handover date with issues primarily related to key mechanical services components coming mostly from Europe held up with factories which have been closed due to the pandemic, huge demand for specialist hospital materials and components across Europe and problems with international shipping. Technology partner to Kaweka Health.
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