| 9 The Category I historic landmark has been repurposed from specialised, but dated, laboratory, learning and office spaces into an open-plan office environment for the university’s executive leadership team. REGIONAL University of Otago/Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka DBC Building Services was one of the contractors involved in the refurbishment of a Category 1 heritage building at the University of Otago/Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, delivering plumbing, drainage, heating, ventilation and air conditioning services. The main challenge DBC faced was that the heritage building was not originally designed with the space or provisions required for contemporary building services. In particular, the second- loor ceiling void became a signi icant pinch point, needing to accommodate a large air handling unit alongside extensive ductwork and pipework serving the rooms below. Coordinating services within these con ined areas, while also ensuring future access for maintenance and servicing, required a high level of problem-solving and precision. The successful outcome is a testament to the skill and experience of the installation team, the company says. Minimising the visual impact of modern services was also a key priority throughout the project. The refurbishment converted former laboratory and teaching spaces into o ice areas while retaining the building’s original character. The building now includes radiators, cassettes, fan coil units, heat exchangers, an air handling unit and chillers designed to maintain comfort through Dunedin’s seasonal conditions. DBC says heat exchangers help improve e iciency by recovering and reusing heat energy within the system, helping reduce running costs and the building’s carbon footprint. The project also used laser scanning, 3D modelling and weekly OpenSpace reality capture to map existing building conditions, identify coordination issues early and track site progress. OpenSpace technology aligned walkthrough video footage with loorplans, allowing project teams to monitor progress remotely. DBC coordinated its mechanical and hydraulic services models alongside architectural and structural models to identify and resolve clashes before installation began. Founded by David Browne, DBC Building Services is a New Zealand-owned company with branches in Dunedin, Christchurch, Queenstown and, most recently, Nelson. While the company has expanded signi icantly, it remains rooted in the family values upon which it was built. The company employs approximately 120 sta , alongside a similar number of labour-hire workers across the South Island. Its work covers heating and ventilation, plumbing and drainage, laser scanning, sheet metal fabrication, medical gases, pool water services and maintenance across commercial and residential projects. Whether working on hospitals, schools, or heritage landmarks, DBC remains committed to delivering high-quality mechanical services with a strong focus on collaboration, health and safety, and achieving successful project outcomes. Overcoming heritage challenges Heating & Ventilation Sheet Metal / SS Fabrication Medical Gases LPG Plumbing & Drainage Design, Build & Commissioning Maintenance Heating, Ventilation & Plumbing Solutions for the South Island Proudly NZ Owned and Operated We have you covered from Design and Build right through to Installation and Commissioning along with ongoing Maintenance services. Nothing is too big or small for DBC Building Services. dbcbuildingservices.co.nz T: 03 474 0500 E: enquiries@dbcco.co.nz Laser Scanning
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