52 | ARCHITECTURE Thorn Architecture Studio & Lobell Construction T T Kim Newth Commercial development hits the spot Imagine having a ring-side seat right next to Hamilton Airport as your modern office base, with a good-sized commercial warehouse alongside. A new, three-unit development in an industrial precinct close to Hamilton Airport offers just that winning formula. Smart and functional, this architecturally designed development is nearing completion on Ingram Road, Rukuhia, and is clearly hitting the spot in the local market with one unit having already been snapped up. Hamilton-based Lobell Construction – a strong family business dedicated to quality construction – partnered with the developer (Raid Commercial) to deliver the units in conjunction with Tauranga architect Ian Thorn, of Thorn Architecture Studio. Ian has a long working relationship with Lobell Construction spanning more than 20 years and multiple projects. “We’ve worked well together over the years,” says Ian. “Their communication around what they want is uniformly excellent – there’s a lot of trust involved. I first met their foreman Bill Young around 2002; he doesn’t hesitate to give me a call if he needs to check anything and we’ve always had a good rapport.” Founded in 1983, Lobell Construction Ltd has grown to become a leading provider of commercial construction services in the Waikato. Ian has previously worked with Lobell Construction on another Ingram Rd project for the same client. “That was a warehouse development too, but on a smaller scale, with only two units.” This latest development at 137 Ingram Rd has been designed in line with demand to provide a choice of desirable warehouse and office options near State Highway 3 and Hamilton Airport. The front unit is the largest at 469sqm and has five car parks, while the middle unit (378sqm) and back unit (253sqm) each have four car parks. With a steel-framed structure and pre-stressed, fire-rated concrete panel walls, the units tick all the boxes on modern, robust warehouse design. Each one has a front two-storey section housing attractive modern offices and a staffroom. The units sit slightly higher than the road, with upstairs offices looking out over neighbouring buildings and the airport. “All the units have a great street profile and are well-sized,” Ian says. “Each warehouse has a seven-metre high stud, offering double-height space. The location, beside the airport, is perfect for aviation and freight service industries. With a roundabout at the end of Ingram Rd, there is easy access to Airport Rd and State Highway 3.” Lobell Construction’s experienced team is on the ground building the units, on track for completion by the end of 2024. “The roof is on, the framing is up and the windows are going in shortly. Lobell Construction’s team always pay attention to detail and make sure everything works well, and that the standard of finish is good. That’s why their clients keep coming back to them. They do a lot of repeat work for clients.” Ian started his career in architecture in Hamilton originally, founding his practice there in 1978. A few years later, after spending time travelling overseas, he moved to Tauranga and has been there ever since. Through the years, he has designed projects across the board, including new houses, apartments, rest homes and hospitals, medical centres, offices and industrial buildings. Even when economic conditions are choppy, Ian says the work keeps coming and he is currently busy with a number of other new design projects including new houses and apartments. He works across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato area. “Almost every week, someone else comes out of the woodwork asking if I can work with them on their project. A lot is wordof-mouth referrals from people I’ve worked with in the past.” Looking ahead to 2025, Ian anticipates working with Lobell Construction again and also sees potential for more collaborative projects with the Ingram Rd developer. GMR Holmac (2018) Limited SPECIALIST BUILDING MAINTENANCE & PAINTING CONTRACTORS RESIDENTIAL PAINTING AND DECORATING - WATERPROOFING - MEMBRANE ROOFING - POOL PAINTING PH. 07 839 6925 WAIKATO www.gmrholmac.co.nz BAY OF PLENTY COMMERCIAL PAINTING AND DECORATING - INTUMESCENT COATINGS - GROUTING A RELIABLE WAIKATO BASED PLUMBING COMPANY THAT YOU CAN TRUST WE COVER THE ENTIRE WAIKATO REGION E: TBplumbinggas@gmail.com | P: 021 451 081 | W: www.tbplumbingandgas.co.nz PLUMBING + GASFITTING
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