28 | Kalmar Group: Fabric² Apartments REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Adapting to challenges The developments, completed by Kalmar Construction, are part of meeting the demand of the Auckland Unitary Plan to provide the high-density housing that Auckland needs. T T Karen Phelps “This marks our third significant residential development in Onehunga for our client Lamont & Co.” Work is progressing well on the Fabric² development located on Spring Street, Onehunga, says Neil Ball, project director at Kalmar Construction Ltd. “This marks our third significant residential development in Onehunga for our client Lamont & Co. Including Fabric², we will have delivered 381 new homes in just four years. This is a testament to the trust we’ve built up with our client and through local community engagement,” Neil says. Fabric² follows the success of Fabric 1, completed in 2021, which comprised 161 apartments across three four-storey buildings, and the nearby Onehunga Club Mall development in 2023 comprising 102 apartments in an eight-level building. The developments, completed by Kalmar Construction, are part of meeting the demand of the Auckland Unitary Plan to provide the high-density housing that Auckland needs. Fabric² comprises two six-storey buildings with 118 one- and two-bedroom apartments positioned above an elevated basement. Each structure will feature landscaped podium areas, shared green spaces and strong pedestrian connections through to Fabric 1, enhancing the sense of community that defines the wider Fabric precinct. Fabric² is being delivered under Kalmar’s design-and-build model, taking the design management lead, a process that has seen the company obtain eight staged consents aligning design, procurement and construction within the overall build programme. “We begin design early, secure building consent for an initial portion of the works and then advance the next design stage alongside construction,” says Neil. “This fast-tracked methodology enables the project to break ground sooner, while the remainder of the project moves through separate design and consenting stages. Taking control of the design management aspect and controlling the design development outcomes, gives our clients greater programme and cost certainty through this model.” Like many projects tendered in the post-Covid economic climate, Fabric² has also had to navigate shifting subcontractor conditions, supply chain uncertainty and fluctuations in labour availability. Despite this, Neil says the project has moved steadily forward. “Being adaptable to the current market conditions is critical to a project’s success,” he says. Adapting to challenges has been key throughout the build. A main sewer line traversing the site required a complete rethink of the foundation layout after Watercare revoked its initial approval during the detailed design phase. “That was a significant obstacle,” says Neil. “We worked closely with Watercare to redesign the trench and foundations so the sewer could run through the site minimising project delays. Collaboration and the ability to re-sequence the programme works were the keys to getting it back on track.” Kalmar also faced logistical complexities in managing construction traffic within a busy residential area. Working with Auckland Transport, the team developed detailed traffic management plans and maintained regular communication with nearby residents and community facilities. “It took a strong focus on building those community-based relationships,” says Neil. “We consulted widely with the local community to gain their cooperation, even providing extra car parking for them during key stages of construction.” That engagement also extended beyond the site boundaries. Kalmar staff volunteered for working bees at Onehunga Primary School, reinforcing the company’s philosophy that construction success depends as much on people as it does on technical skill. “Without community support, projects like this wouldn’t be viable,” says Neil. “It’s about trust, integrity and being good people to deal with.” Now approaching completion, Fabric² continues Kalmar’s long-standing collaboration with key consultants Ashton Mitchell Architects, BGT Engineers and client Lamont & Co. says Neil. Fit-out and landscaping are well underway, and the project will average nearly 200 people a day on-site with handover expected in the second quarter of 2026. “It’s testament to the experience and attitude of our people,” says Neil. “Every challenge has been met with cooperation and problem-solving – that’s what defines us.” Proudly Supporting Kalmar Construction Ltd KITCHENS ARE OUR THING AND WE’VE BEEN CRAZY ABOUT THEM FROM THE START! Kitchen Mania Ltd is a family owned and operated business since 2009, designing and producing top kitchen products to complement the contemporary New Zealand home. All of our kitchen cabinets and joinery are produced at our modern factory facility using world-leading manufacturing methods, quality materials and fittings so that all of our kitchens not only look good but are built to last. With three modern showrooms we have Auckland covered and all the ideas and inspiration to bring your dream kitchen to life. Kitchen Mania Ltd is proud to partner with Kalmar Construction Ltd and congratulate them on their amazing achievements. 2 Jomac Place, Avondale. 1 Shakespeare Road, Milford. 525 Mt Wellington Highway, Mt Wellington. 09 588 4045 - www.kitchenmania.co.nz
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