74 | T T Sue Russell Renovation work brings new light to library The revamp of Te Koopuu Maania o Kirikiroa, Hamilton Public Library’s entrance and facade. Watts and Hughes Construction - Hamilton Public Library “You never quite know what you’re going to find and you have to approach the project with an element of flexibility.” CONSTRUCTION Established in 1984, construction company Watts & Hughes have been associated with a diverse array of projects, across commercial, civic, industrial, education and health sectors, to name a few. With branches scattered throughout New Zealand, the business has built a reputation to deliver projects of a very high standard, on time and within budget. Built on the founders belief that business should be based on trust, open communication and a can-do problem solving attitude, the Watts & Hughes team have the capabilities to see projects through from design to handover of the keys, harnessing their professional skills within a strong team-based culture. Construction Manager, Jason Hill, has been with the business seven years and in that time overseen projects big and small, a variety he enjoys. One project he knows well, saw the revamping of Te Koopuu Maania o Kirikiroa — Hamilton Public Library’s entrance and facade in Garden Place, in the centre of the City. “Revamp doesn’t really do the project justice, when it involved major weather-proofing remediation and carefully removing asbestos discovered when the build was underway, then replacing the buildings frontage with leading edge material technologies.,” says Jason. “There were challenges but it was a great project to undertake. The library is an iconic 50-year-old building in Hamilton, used by thousands of visitors every year, and it was in need of some care and attention to modernise it and give it a whole new presence in the city. The architects behind the facade design did a tremendous job,” he says. To undertake the work, while leaving a way for the public to still gain access to the library floors behind, took careful planning and execution. Approaching a build, with an element of uncertainty, is a challenge Jason and the team on the ground are used to. “You never quite know what you’re going to find and you have to approach the project with an element of flexibility. “Once the asbestos was removed, we had a clear plan as to how this work would be undertaken. “A big part of working on projects of this nature is to have the attitude that a problem is simply a solution waiting to be found.” Looking from Garden Place, Hamilton’s historic green common space, toward the Library entrance, is a treat for the eyes now, with some stunning architectural/cultural elements built in. The façade showcases two distinct design approaches. ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY Engineer to Contract and Project MSQA for the Central Library Façade and Canopy Renewal R&H Contracting Solutions - delivering the end to end project management lifecycle since 2013 www.rhcontractingsolutions.co.nz Cladman Clad in Excellence Experts in high-quality aluminiumcladding, also offering a wide range of cladding options for new builds, renovations and commercial projects. 021 202 9456 | admin@cladman.co.nz | NewBuilds Renovations Commercial Projects The western side showcases Abodo’s Vaaro® type A fire compliant timber, where metal lettering depicting an appropriate Māori proverb is attached perpendicular to the timber. The proverb creates a shadow on the timber which shifts as the sun’s angle changes through the day, casting the letter shadows into the adjacent public square — reading ‘He toi tapu, He toi ora, He toi I anu, I Hawaiki e’, and translating as ‘a sacred treasure, a living treasure, a treasure that stems from Hawaiki’. The phrase is widely used to emphasis the profound, sacred nature of Māori culture, knowledge and artistic excellence. The larger eastern side of the facade has quite a different look and feel. State of the art glazing, joinery and LED lighting technologies combine to bring a kaleidoscope of colour waves, sweeping across the frontage, while a series of pitched corten steel eaves sit atop, extending out from the first floor level. Along with the extensive new face to the building, the refurbishment inside created a brand new community and learning space on Level 2, known as Te Paataka. The project has brought new life and light into the library, with visitor numbers reported as increasing by more than 50% since the official reopening in early July this year. “We find it very gratifying to work on projects like the Hamilton Library. “They carry real value forward to the community and enhance the quality of the town’s streetscape,” Jason says.
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