8 | Rec Centre delivers for Auck Uni Facilities include two expansive sports halls, bouldering wall, squash courts, multiple fitness studios and quiet zones with chill-out areas. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT University of Auckland & Hawkins Construction: Hiwa Recreation Centre T T from page 6 Exposed steel diagrid columns serve as both structural and architectural features, visually anchoring the building while expressing its distinctive identity. “As well as creating a world-class high-spec amenity, the building expresses an indigenous cultural narrative that reflects mana whenua and our distinctive sense of place in Aotearoa,” says Simon. He says the two-phase, main contractor procurement strategy was set up to ensure the contractor with the most relevant experience and skills was selected. Non-price attributes were given a high weighting, and the skills required to deliver such a demanding and one-of-a-kind project were a fundamental requirement for the selected contractor. The seven-year development faced significant challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain issues and resource availability problems. However, Simon says the collaborative approach between the university, consultant team, main contractor Hawkins, and subcontractors was highly successful. “The complexity and uniqueness of the project demanded a high degree of collaboration and coordination,” he explains. “The team culture was cohesive throughout the project. Issues were addressed without blame, and all parties focused on delivering the best-possible outcome. This spirit of partnership extended across consultants, engineers and subcontractors.” Currently ranked 65th in the influential QS world university rankings, Simon says the university now possesses the world-class recreation facilities that leading institutions typically offer. As of May, the centre has 12,189 full-time equivalent memberships with over 95% of users, students. The university is committed to providing a high-quality experience to all our communities,” says Simon. “Hiwa lifts the university’s infrastructure to the level required as New Zealand’s top-ranking tertiary centre, and has enhanced the city’s appeal as an education destination. “The wider community benefit hugely, and that brings greater life and growth into the heart of New Zealand’s biggest city.” Teamwork and Innovation Contrax has successfully delivered its most complex project to date with a partnership approach. The Auckland based landscaping company added considerable value to the Hiwa Recreation Centre project at Auckland University through teamwork and innovative solutions. Contrax delivered all the hard and soft landscaping components including podium concrete, precast seating, precast walls and gardens, stairs, handrails, paving and an intricate curved stairwell with all work completed in-house. Contrax general manager Todd Vincent says the company faced multiple technical challenges including the custom channel drainage on the podium. "We provided feedback and worked with engineer, architect and builder to ind a better solution that was cost e ective to get this component of the project across the line," explains Todd. Achieving the required concrete inish for the podium proved equally demanding. "It's a very large nearly lat area so getting it to a high level of inish without any ponding was an exceptionally di icult task and our team did this incredibly well," says Todd. The placement of precast mound seating on top of the podium required further innovation. "We came up with a di erent way of building this that sped the programme up and allowed for a high level of inish," Todd explains. Central to overcoming these challenges was Contrax's partnership approach with head contractor Hawkins and the client. "A key part of the whole job was the relationship between Contrax, Hawkins and the client to work for the ultimate good of the project," says Todd. "Everyone worked together as a team and this led to one of the best job outcomes we've ever delivered." Contrax, which has built a strong reputation over more than 20 years prides itself on its skilled workforce and quality management processes. It serves clients across Auckland, delivering everything from public spaces and streetscapes to specialty projects including skateparks and rooftop gardens. The irm's agile structure allows it to reallocate people and resources quickly to meet client needs. Todd says the successful completion of the Hiwa Recreation Centre project reinforces Contrax's position as a leader in complex landscaping construction, demonstrating how collaborative partnerships and skilled craftsmanship can overcome even the most challenging technical obstacles. "The project demonstrates our ability to deliver complete solutions, our industry leading landscaping knowledge and ability to be a one stop shop. Hiwa is an exceptional project and we're very, very proud of it." At Contrax we pride ourselves on being a little different from your average contractor. We work in a partnership model with head contractors, clients and landscape architects to deliver their vision through a seamless construction process. 7d Orbit Dr, Rosedale, Auckland Phone: (09) 426 2062 Email: admin@contrax.co.nz Proud to work with University of Auckland & Hawkins
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