6 | Restoration project overcomes challenges The project also included the construction of a new annex building attached to the south-east corner of the Main Block, replacing an existing building that was demolished. T T from page 4 “Also, as you peel back layers of heritage you uncover contract changes, scope changes and time delays.” Sam says the heritage façade elements had suffered earthquake damage and around 15,000 heritage bricks and stone were individually pulled out, remediated and reinstated to match the heritage style. “That was around two and a half years’ work. Pull the brick out, inspect it, remediate the substrate, and put the brick back in. There was also a lot of stonework remediation and heritage windows involved to match the same era. “Repairs to the central clock tower took around a year and involved completely replacing the intricate internal clock mechanisms, which had to be ordered from France. “The weather vane on top of the clock involved a four-metre piece of solid brass and copper, and that was completely remade. The exterior heritage plaster work was redone, new drainage systems were added – the list goes on for the clock tower. Now the clock is working.” Sam acknowledges that, like all major projects, the restoration of Main Block has not been without its challenges, including procuring the right contractors capable of bringing about a successful project. “At the time, the market was facing some heavy impacts from Covid and there were some challenges getting the right contractors on board for the right price, but we successfully navigated that. “Month-on-month we faced challenges like subbies struggling with labour resource, the Suez Canal issue with blocked shipping lanes, and materials delayed many months. It was just a whole new level of challenge. “Also, as you peel back layers of heritage you uncover contract changes, scope changes and time delays. “So, it is managing all that unforeseen discoverable element, so that all parties were happy with the outcome. To come out the other side on time and on budget has been just awesome.” Commercial Refit & Refurb Experts Steel Window and Heritage Specialist Get In Touch 0800 REFURB refurbplus.co.nz Your Trusted Partner in Building Restoration and Refurbishment Asbestos Surveys • Asbestos Removal • Toxic Mould Abatement • Erosion & Sediment Control • Contaminated Land Remediation MBC - Providing specialist enviromental management solutions to clients for the past 20 years. www.mbces.nz | mark@mbces.nz | 03 354 4377 | Christchurch • To learn more about how Southbase manages these types of complex projecst visit southbase.co.nz Southbase - Christchurch Boys’ High School REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=