| 23 kate@firstprinciples.co.nz firstprinciplesarchitects.com Office: +64 7 574 6728 PO Box 14214, Tauranga Waiotahi are proud to support JWL Investments &NorthernQuarter Waiotahi Contractors has successfully completed its role in the Northern Quarter project in Tauranga. The company undertook the sheet piling and excavation works demonstrating its ability to handle large-scale civil excavation projects in a central business district area both e iciently and cost-e ectively. Tauranga branch manager Henry Claydon says the Northern Quarter project demanded a meticulous approach, with the installation of a sheet pile wall around the perimeter, comprising 295 piles to support the excavation within. Unique challenges were encountered as historical use of the site as a commercial area revealed contaminated ill. All contaminated material, approximately 5500 tonnes, was carefully transported o -site to a managed ill site in Auckland. To tackle the contamination issue, Waiotahi Contractors implemented a hazardous material plan devised by ENGEO. The protocol included isolating areas and preventing runo . The team also adhered to strict measures such as lining trucks and washing truck wheels to prevent any contamination from reaching public roads. The project was completed at the end of August within a tight four-month timeframe ready for handover to the piling contractor. The urgency of the project was not solely driven by its complexity but also by the necessity to minimise disruption to the surrounding business district, says Henry. Ameticulous approach Waiotahi Contractors achieved a delicate balance between speed and precision, ensuring the project's swift progression while keeping disturbances to a minimum. Founded in 1957, Waiotahi Contractors has grown into a key player in the Bay of Plenty region's civil, quarrying and transport sectors. With depots strategically located in Whakatane, Opotiki, Kawerau and Tauranga, the company has established itself, as a vital contributor to the upper North Island's transport, roading and infrastructure needs. Waiotahi Contractors operates two hard rock and two alluvial quarries, ensuring a steady supply of materials for its civil works projects and private clients. A well-equipped sheet piling division plays a pivotal role in its success, o ering specialised equipment that enhances e iciency and minimises environmental impact. As the region experiences a surge in construction activities, Waiotahi Contractors continues to play a vital role and is currently involved in a number of on-going projects including sheet piling for LT McGuiness, the head contractor for Te Manawataki o Te Papa in central Tauranga, which will feature a library, museum, civic whare and an upgraded Baycourt Community and Arts Centre. “At Waiotahi Contractors we have the resources, knowledge and expertise to successfully deliver large scale projects anywhere in the upper North Island.” Tauranga based premier architectural practice, First Principles Architects and Interiors, has re lected the multi generational history of client JWL in the design of Northern Quarter. “The client has always had a passion for the city and particularly the sites between Willow Street and the waterfront. This heritage of the family as retail traders and the waterfront of Tauranga is embodied within the new development,” explains Graham Price who established First Principles Architects and Interiors with his wife Kate in 2013. “This development was a rare opportunity to rejuvenate an entire city block. The project introduces a multitude of characteristics including permeability, ine-grained spaces for pedestrian movement, and an environmentally friendly Greenstar designed building.” The practice and its dedicated team (known as the FPA family) have worked closely with JWL for several years on the design of Northern Quarter, which followed on from the design of JWL’s o ice building ‘The Reserve’, also on Harington Street. Rich in Maori settlement and historical maritime and trade activities within the harbour, Northern Quarter infuses elements of the past into a contemporary architectural design with an external palette of timeless natural materials and First Principles Architects & Interiors: Best design solutions textural quality. The concept is divided into two main building masses, consciously aligned along a North/South axis for optimal sun penetration. Each stage of the development is meticulously planned, with Stage 1 revealing a 'T-shaped' building layout, emphasising connectivity and luidity within the urban fabric, that provides views of the harbour and city. The ground level is activated with a conference centre, main o ice entries and hospitality spaces, encouraging vibrant street frontages. The four-story east wing includes a semi-basement car park with the upper levels designed as lexible, stimulating, o ice spaces and an emphasis on natural light, ventilation and longevity. The concept for the precinct includes the future Stage 2, which is a multi-storey building along Willow Street, that encloses the inner pedestrian street and active outdoor space with textured surfaces and green elements. “Northern Quarter aims not only to o er exceptional working environments but also to become a social hub, fostering interaction and relaxation,” says Kate. “We hope it exempli ies a new era in urban design,” adds Graham, “setting a precedent for future developments that transform Tauranga city’s landscape into vibrant and inviting spaces for everyone.” FIRST PRINCIPLES Architects and Interiors strive to consistently achieve the best design solution for all our Clients. Our Philosophy is to ‘Design from First Principles’. We are socially responsible and understand that all designs have an impact on people’s lives. Through a collaborative team approach, we design for the needs of the people, both material and spiritual. Our Architecture, when embraced as Art, is both culturally respectful and environmentally sensitive. We value building strong relationships with our clients and are always mindful of their operational needs, financial criteria and timelines.
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