| 39 MCL Construction has pulled o a technically demanding project at Craggy Range Winery resulting in a popular new hospitality o ering for the region called The Loft. The project involved a full redevelopment and expansion of the winery’s kitchen alongside the creation of the re ned new dining space. “It was a complex time sensitive project involving a lot of unique nishes with long lead times so a lot of attention to detail and scheduling was required,” explains MCL managing director Philip Mitchell. “These are features of MCL Construction’s general approach to projects. The client was extremely happy with the nal result.” MCL Construction, a family-owned rm with roots stretching back to 1948, has built its reputation on precisely this kind of work: complex, high expectation projects delivered without compromise. Owned by four shareholder family trusts, it operates with a tight-knit structure where accountability sits close to the ground and every decision is made with the company’s long-term reputation in mind. Philip says that approach proved critical at Craggy Range where operations has to be able to continue meaning the project had to be carefully staged. “The existing kitchen was upgraded rst while foundations for the new extension were completed alongside,” explains Philip. “Once operational, the restaurant shifted into the refurbished space, allowing construction to continue without disrupting service.” The result is a kitchen more than double its original size, now supported by a dedicated prep kitchen, walk in freezer and coolstores and dry storage facilities, all designed to meet the demands of a premium dining experience. But it is The Loft that has become the project’s centrepiece. Perched above the main restaurant, the mezzanine dining space accommodates up to 36 guests and delivers a distinctly elevated experience. Designed by RTA Studio, the space blends craftsmanship and material detail, from curved leather seating and a sculptural charred timber wall, made by MCL Joinery, to a limestone tiled bar. A glass brick feature wall, imported from Italy, separates the mezzanine from the dramatic double-height volume below, creating both intimacy and visual connection. “Working on a site like Craggy Range means you are always conscious of the guest experience. You are building in full view of people who expect a certain standard, so every movement, every delivery, every piece of noise has to be managed.” Access proved one of the more di cult aspects, particularly during construction of The Loft. With limited entry points and ongoing operations below, sequencing became a critical exercise in logistics as much as construction. Philip says that attention to detail is underpinned by long-standing relationships with subcontractors and consultants, many of whom have worked alongside MCL for years. “We have a network built over decades and one that allows us to operate with a level of cohesion rarely achieved on high-end builds,” says Philip. Since the exit of the original ownership of MCL Construction in 2020, the current shareholders have continued to carry the business forward with the same core values and team culture intact. Today, with more than 80 sta across construction, joinery and interiors divisions, it remains one of the region’s most established rms, known as much for its people as its projects. Now engaged in a major joint venture under MCLStead Ltd on the Napier Precinct, including a new library, council chambers and o ces, MCL Construction continues to take on increasingly complex civic work. MCL overcome Craggy Challenges CONSTRUCTION INSPIRED BY LIFE construction inspired by life joinery construction interiors We Specialise In: • Design Build Projects • Construction Management • Coolstore Construction • Seismic Strengthening • Weather Tightness Construction Issues • Joinery • Commercial Interiors • High End Residential Construction mclbuild.co.nz • mcl@mclbuild.co.nz • 06 876 0252 Philip Mitchell 027 442 0041 Managing Director
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