Business North May 2021

16 | Sustainability at the heart of hotel T Karen Phelps Designed by Cheshire Architects and constructed by Bracewell Construction, The Hotel Britomart incorporates existing heritage buildings within the new build. The Hotel Britomart DEVELOPMENT S ustainability is at the heart of the newly opened Hotel Britomart, New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star rated hotel. It has achieved a 5 Green Star rating for its design and build, as well as Green Star Perfor- mance accreditation once started operating. Director of technical and sustainability for Britomart Group Management Company, Mark Sinclair, says that sustainability was built into the project from the ground up. He says that looking at international trends sustainability will become an increasingly important consideration for guests when looking to book a hotel and that The Hotel Britomart has sought to front foot this market movement. “Building a 5 Green Star rated hotel is about looking to reduce the impact of climate change, enhancing health and quality of life,” says Mark. “Other benefits include driving resilient out- comes and contributing to better communi- ties, market transformation and a sustainable economy,” he says. Nine buildings out of the 19 in the Britomart precinct are covered by the Greenstar Perfor- mance Tool. Given that The Hotel Britomart has only re- cently been completed it was not able to form part of this group but Mark says this tool pro- vides information to improve the performance of all the buildings across the precinct. Designed by Cheshire Architects and con- structed by Bracewell Construction, the hotel incorporates existing heritage buildings within the new build. Bracewell Construction is a family run busi- ness that has a reputation spanning 65 years. Company project manager Brett McPherson says that each project that Bracewell under- takes receives the hands on involvement of the principals of the business. “Our clients value this personal approach. We pride ourselves on the quality of our build- ings and completion on time.” The Hotel Britomart project included ren- ovation and seismic upgrade of the existing heritage building and construction of the new 10 level hotel building. “Walking into the foyer of the original part of the building, hotel guests will see exposed ceiling joists and brickwork. “We don’t hide the past, we celebrate it,” says Mark. In building the hotel local materials were purchased where possible and almost 80% of construction waste was recycled. The hotel was also designed to minimise construction waste in the first place, then careful management on site ensured that items were used efficiently and sorted correct- ly before going off for recycling. Mark says that the efficient design of the building avoids excessive heat gain or loss and means that the building should generate less greenhouse gas emissions than a building that meets the minimum requirements of the New Zealand building code. Sustainable features were also incorporated into each room, for example each has its own touch screen so guests can adjust things such as lighting, temperature and blinds. The touch screens connect back to a care- fully managed building management system to ensure plant is operating at maximum efficiency. The Hotel Britomart offers 99 guest rooms, each 22sqm in size and with timber-lined walls, tiled bathrooms, built-in sofas, hand- made ceramics and minibars full of locally sourced treats. It also offers five suites of varying sizes. The hotel also includes The Libraries, a suc- cession of elegant spaces including a bar and wine tasting area, that are for guest use or can be hired out for events. Mark says The Libraries includes both inti- mate and larger areas seating up to 50 people perfect for private dinners, cocktail functions, business meetings and more. Also offered is Kingi bar and restaurant, delivering locally sustainably caught seafood with an evolving menu in keeping with the overall focus of the hotel. www.hiclassglass.co.nz Free phone 0800 NEED GLASS (0800 633 345 or 0272 987 121) Proud suppliers of Air Conditioning and Ventilation to The Hotel Britomart 35F Constellation Drive, Rosedale, Auckland PHONE: + 64 9 476 9474 admin@airmark.co.nz www.airmarkgroup.co.nz Proud supplier of structurally glazed windows and curtain wall for The Hotel Britomart sales@md.co.nz p. 09 525 5788