12 | Focused on connection Te Hono is delivering two new buildings that connect with and flow into Avondale’s revamped town square. T T from page 10 Auckland Council / CMP Construction: Avondale Library - Te Hono REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT info@subzerowaterproofing.co.nz 0212784777 Specialists in all aspects of waterproofing with quality workmanship you can trust. Our highly skilled team are dedicated to delivering robust solutions across all types of residential and commercial projects. Contact one of our friendly team today Tanking Membranes | Liquid Membranes Sheet membranes | Leak Remediations When Avondale’s new library and community hub Te Hono opens next year, it will be standing on irm dry foundations. Auckland-based Sub Zero Waterproo ing has delivered the professional underground waterproo ing required to safeguard the building for decades to come. Sub Zero brings years of trade experience, quality products and best practice techniques to residential and commercial projects of all types, servicing clients throughout the greater Auckland area. At Te Hono, Sub Zero worked alongside CMP Construction as their trusted waterproo ing partner. “Our team started on site last December and inished at the end of September this year,” says Giovanni (‘Gio’) Spadotto, who co-founded Sub Zero Waterproo ing in 2021 with his wife Neota (‘Neo’). “We did all the waterproo ing/tanking to the underground foundations and lift services, including all the groundings, footings, external walls buried underground and the lift pit.” A high water table on-site was a key challenge, particularly with lift services at the lowest point of the building. “That was getting pumped out 24/7, but it also underlined the importance of getting the waterproo ing done.” As Gio observes, it’s easy to underestimate the value of waterproo ing when it’s underground and can’t be seen. In fact, it’s of pivotal importance, protecting concrete and steel frommoisture damage. “If you want to build a lasting legacy then professional waterproo ing is essential.” Sub Zero has previously worked with CMP Construction on multiple projects and also works closely with geotechnical engineers, structural engineers and architects, using best product solutions applied with industry best practice precision. “Nuralite was speci ied at Te Hono. It comes in sheets that mechanically bonds to concrete and the laps are torched together so water can’t penetrate.” As well as tanking and underground waterproo ing, Sub Zero o ers specialist waterproo ing installation services to protect external wet areas and expert leak detection and repair solutions. Gio has 20 years’ experience in the waterproo ing industry across New Zealand and Australia. Neo brings a background in logistics, process and technical improvement to her role as business development manager. Together, they lead a busy team of 16. “Starting during Covid was actually the best timing, as there was so much work coming in then and we’ve continued building momentum. We’re currently in the hunt to hire a project manager.” Other recent/current projects bene itting from Sub Zero’s waterproo ing expertise include remediation works at Kaitaia Hospital, a new high-end apartment development in Ponsonby and a new supermarket at Point Chevalier. Supporting Avondale’s Te Hono hub with best practice waterproofing The need for a new library and community hub in Avondale was identified in 2016, with the current location seen as providing the best long-term outcome for the growing community, allowing the new facility to be integrated with an upgraded town square. Situated at a central junction within the community, Te Hono is poised to breathe new life into Avondale. “It will create a vibrant, flexible place to meet, connect and spend time in the heart of Avondale,” says Richard. “Landscaping will extend to Great North Road and Avondale Central Reserve, retaining existing trees and adding new planting that reflects the history of the whenua, from the Whau and market gardens to food growing and recreation.” A new playground, designed for children and young people of different ages and abilities, is included in the wider project, made possible in part by the Mayor’s Fix and Finish Fund. It has a large play tower at its centre and will include climbing, swinging, spinning, balancing, water play and areas for sensory and nature-based play, as well as green space for running and ball games. An existing basketball court and learn-to-ride track will remain and be better connected with the playground. Te Hono achieved a 5 Green Star rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council in recognition of social, economic and environmental outcomes that demonstrate leadership. “Green Star certification provided a way to show that the project is delivering on its environmental commitments, supporting Auckland’s Climate Plan and the council’s Sustainable Asset Standard while lowering ongoing costs through more efficient energy and water use. Sustainability also shaped how the site was cleared. Rather than demolishing five existing buildings, the team took them apart carefully so materials could be recovered and reused,” says Richard. CMP Construction won the open tender to lead the build on-site and Richard says their team has been great to work with. “They’ve been responsive where needed and supported local procurement and career pathway work with students at Avondale College as well as offering a scholarship to university students.” The southern building is currently nearing completion with cladding works starting on the northern building elevations. “There is a fair amount of excitement from the local community leading up to the opening of Te Hono. It will be a real asset for the wider area and bring people together for many activities,” Richard says. Te Hono complements a wider revitalisation programme underway in Avondale to help set it up well for the future.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=