10 | University of Otago: Leighs Construction Richard Loader Campus development answers need Designed by Warren & Mahoney, the southern side of the building will have a glass curtain wall, backed with a thermal curtain-wall system. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Located in the heart of Christchurch city’s Te Papa Hauora/Health Precinct in Oxford Terrace, the University of Otago’s new building (Wai-Ora), currently under construction, is one of the precinct’s anchor projects and due for completion in 2026. Development of the University of Otago Christchurch campus had been on the university’s priority development plan since well before the major Christchurch earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Significant reasons for the campus’ priority status included a lack of physical space for the more than 1000 students and 500 staff based at the campus, limiting its growth, along with the current research, education initiatives and collaboration activities taking place there. From 2011, at least six education programmes were at capacity and high-end research was being limited due to a lack of space for postgraduate medical students. Space issues and redevelopment of Te Whatu Ora Waitaha’s Christchurch Hospital campus also meant a future loss of space for staff. In 2018, the University Council approved the project, designs were completed and site work started in late 2021, with main building works commencing in June 2023. In mid-2024 the total value of the build was estimated at $270 million. Christchurch company Leighs Construction was awarded the project as main contractor and lead for a large subcontractor team, bringing to life the Warren & Mahoney-designed building. Engagement with mana whenua Ngāi Tūāhuriri in the development of the cultural narrative has resulted in the gifting of the new building name, Wai-ora, which represents the spiritual and tangible relationship between mana whenua, the building’s location, and the health research, clinical practice and teaching that will be conducted onsite. Wai-ora is a six-storey building with a total area of nearly 17,000sqm. The southern side of the building will have a glass curtain wall, backed with a thermal curtain-wall system, while the north side has a folded louvre, which has a proprietary aluminium-framed thermal broken curtain with integrated external solar shade system. Tanya Syddall, Otago University director property and campus development, says the building is aiming for a 5-star Green Star design and as-built rating, by reducing emissions, promoting recycling, waste reduction, and efficient building use. “A key feature of the design includes an energy-efficient, more sustainable, artesian heating and cooling system, which extracts warmer water from deep underground aquifers, which is more efficient than drawing HIGHRISE CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS Providing specialist hire equipment throughout NZ. If you need a material handling solutions for your multi storey and high-rise projects, look no further than SkyTech. No matter if you are constructing a brand-new high rise or renovating an existing structure, SkyTech can help. Sky Hoists Sky Decks Logistic Solutions 0508 759 832 | office@skytech.nz | www.skytechnz.co.nz Commercial Security System Specialists WE HELP PROTECT WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU • CCTV, Alarms, Card Access and more • 50+ years of industry experience • Full design, installation and maintenance services To discuss your security needs call us on 03 466 3030 or visit securityspecialists.nz Proud to have supported Leighs Construction on the University of Otago Project www.securityspecialists.nz
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