38 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Waide Commercial Construction T T Karen Phelps Innovation and teamwork driving success The SD1 hyperscale data centre represents a defining achievement for Waide Construction. Delivered with precision and purpose, the SD1 hyperscale data centre represents a defining achievement for Waide Construction. The project demonstrates how innovative leadership and a strong team can overcome extraordinary technical challenges in New Zealand’s most demanding construction environments, say the company’s project manager Bruce Haigh and project director Sam Michelsen. “The overall challenge of SD1 was constructing within a live, operational data centre environment,” says Sam. “Shared services, such as chilled water, fire protection and security had to be extended from the existing building without disruption,” explains Bruce. Bruce led the technical coordination of the three-level large-scale data centre extension at Silverdale. The building comprised switch rooms, generator rooms, hyperscale data halls, pod-ready data halls, office zones, transformers and extensive reticulation corridors. Sam says the project represented a significant step change for Waide Construction, requiring the development of a 19-person delivery team from the ground up. Many were new to the company and taking on first-time roles, including document controller, site engineer, services site managers, and a dedicated project health and safety manager. Rather than deploying a traditional services manager model, Waide Construction employed discipline-specific site managers to oversee electrical, mechanical, BMS, communication packages and commissioning. “This gave us greater visibility into sequencing and risk when interfacing with live systems,” says Sam. The complexity was further compounded by the need to manage six staged building consents, each requiring full PS1–PS4 compliance, resulting in intensive Quality Assurance documentation. The commissioning phase featured parallel testing of critical systems, with precision timing essential to avoid disruption to the operational facility. Another challenge emerged with the procurement and delivery of long-lead international equipment. “We had to adjust procurement strategies, re-sequence installation plans and maintain programme confidence through supplier engagement,” explains Bruce. Sam says the Waide Construction team and client was united in its approach, fostering lasting partnerships with subcontractors based on trust, respect, and integrity. “Through clear communication and a collaborative approach, we worked towards a shared goal of delivering a successful project to a high standard for the client,” he says. Built to Importance Level 3 standards, SD1 is designed to operate through major events, such as earthquakes. Sustainability features included modular chillers, an EPA-compliant stormwater system, prefabrication, just-in-time deliveries and waste- minimisation strategies. Bruce says materials were carefully selected for performance and durability, including lowVOC finishes, acoustic insulation and long-life components, supporting both environmental resilience and operational performance. Despite the unprecedented complexity, the project was successfully delivered early: “We delivered the project one month ahead of programme with defect-free Integrated Systems Testing,” explains Sam. “It’s an example of how, at Waide Construction, we have a strong, high-performing team and strive to exceed client expectations by finding better and more efficient ways to build.” Cemac has established itself as New Zealand’s leader in data centre infrastructure, leveraging over five decades of technical expertise to deliver advanced solutions for the country’s most demanding hyperscale projects. “We’re unique in offering a true design-to-build service backed by Tate products. From concept to completion, we provide a seamless, end-to-end solution” says Cemac General Manager, Charles Finnigan. This capability was recently on display at the SD1 hyperscale data centre, where Cemac supplied and installed structural ceilings, secure data centre caging, and hot- and cold-aisle containment systems. The project also involved complex seismic upgrades integrated into the ceiling structure—demonstrating the high level of engineering precision modern facilities demand. Working alongside Waide Construction from early coordination to final delivery, Cemac played a central role in ensuring a smooth build. “Data centres are inherently challenging, requiring deep collaboration and meticulous planning,” says Charles. “Our partnership with Waide is a great example of what’s possible when the whole team is aligned. Being a full-service provider means we can influence the design early to avoid roadblocks, and having our experienced team on site means we can resolve issues dynamically. The outcome at SD1 is something the whole team can be proud of.” Cemac is the exclusive New Zealand agent for Tate, a Kingspan company and global leader in data centre products. This partnership gives Cemac unmatched expertise in raised access floors, structural ceilings, containment systems, and security caging. Tate Asia Pacific describes Cemac as “a professional organisation with a passion for quality. Cemac represents our brand in both technical sales/engineering and project delivery. Few organisations execute this combination so well. We consider Cemac an extension of our own capability and confidently recommend them to our key customers.” Founded in the early 1960s, Cemac has evolved from a general commercial interiors specialist into a technology infrastructure leader. Alongside its data centre focus, the company operates across multiple sectors, including commercial fitouts, retail and hospitality, gym refurbishment, and storage solutions via its Dexion Supply Centre brand. Its portfolio also includes full building refurbishments, bespoke high-end construction, internal partitions, ceilings, and specialty retail rollouts for major national brands. Charles attributes Cemac’s success to its non-adversarial, partnership-driven approach, which has built lasting relationships with architects, designers, and project managers nationwide. As New Zealand’s reliance on high-performance data infrastructure grows, Cemac’s combination of global partnerships, local expertise, and complete service delivery positions it to meet the increasing demand for sophisticated technology facilities. Delivering data centre solutions
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