50 | CONSTRUCTION Argon Constructors: The Helier � Kelly Deeks Complex project a defining moment This landmark project pushed engineering and design boundaries. “Oceania sought to create a standout piece of architecture for residents, and we helped bring that ambition to life.” Taking on Auckland’s steep hills, volcanic soil, and a neighbourhood of watchful eyes, Argon Constructors has proven its ability to rise to a challenge, and come out on top. The company’s delivery of Oceania’s premium St Heliers development, The Helier, has earned a gold award at the 2025 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards. This landmark project pushed engineering and design boundaries with a complex six-level structure built into a 20-metre gradient, a nine-month excavation removing 50,000 cubic metres of earth, and extensive retaining works, all while working under tight resource consents in a sensitive residential area. Argon general manager Matt Gabriel says the project was a defining moment for Argon. “It’s the kind of job that plays to our strengths,” he says. “It was technically challenging with a high level of specification, and required real teamwork to make it happen.” Luxury retirement village and care centre The Helier has been lauded as a model for the future of aged care, combining sophisticated design, five-star amenities, and sustainability. For Argon Constructors, the project represented not only a technical challenge, but also an opportunity to showcase its strengths in complex builds and client collaboration. Being an early contractor involvement (ECI) project, Argon was able to contribute its expertise during the planning stages, helping to shape solutions for what would become a highly complex build. As the main contractor, Argon delivered a staged build for the six-level, E-shaped structure. The Helier comprises 79 independent living apartments and 32 premium care suites, with entrances at multiple levels to make the most of the challenging terrain. Two large basement levels provide parking and services. During the construction phase, the team uncovered fossilised plant material in the volcanic soils – a reminder of the site’s unique geological history as part of the ancient crater edge shared with Glover Park. In accordance with consent conditions, an archaeologist was engaged to monitor progress, ensuring all discoveries were appropriately managed. As the build progressed, Oceania took the opportunity to further elevate the project’s design and finishes. “It wasn’t just the apartments – the vision expanded to enhance the common areas and shared amenities as well,” Matt says. “Oceania sought to create a standout piece of architecture for residents, and we helped bring that ambition to life.” The result is a residence with outstanding amenities, including a fine dining restaurant, wellness centre, indoor pool, cinema, beauty salon, and a health spa. Extensive landscaping incorporates heritage trees preserved on-site and provides a variety of outdoor spaces for residents. Matt credits the project’s success to the strength of the relationship between Argon Constructors and Oceania. “We had a fantastic team from both sides, and their client representative was brilliant. She was experienced, collaborative, and able to navigate the needs of multiple stakeholders, from sales and marketing to the care teams,” he says. The gold award recognises both the technical excellence of the build and the way The Helier integrates into its surroundings. “It’s a large facility, but it sits beautifully in its environment and has been well received by the community,” says Matt. For Argon Constructors, The Helier represents the upper end of what the company delivers, drawing on its in-house engineering and architectural expertise to tackle technically demanding projects. “We like taking on complex jobs and delivering high-quality outcomes,” Matt says. “This project certainly allowed us to do that, and it’s great to see the team’s work recognised at a national level.” • Phone 09 827 0697 • 1016C Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland • P.O. Box 80237, Green Bay, Auckland Proud to provide HVAC Design & Build for Argon Constructors
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