78 | Lab-Works Architecture T T Kelly Deeks Collaboration key to new facility ARCHITECTURE Collaboration was key to the successful design and build of Lincoln University’s new flagship science facility, Waimarie, a cutting-edge building which replaces the former earthquake damaged science building with an epicentre for education and research in the land-based disciplines. Designed by Warren and Mahoney in association with Lab-Works Architecture, this project features industry-leading digital design coordination, with the design team collaborating directly with the project’s main contractor Leighs Construction at the detailed design phase. Their collusion streamlined onsite installation, and a cost-saving effort that can be attributed to Leighs Construction. Cost was a critical consideration during this project which had already been shelved once due to budget blow-out. Originally intended to be a joint facility for Lincoln University and AgResearch, the design team had got this project almost ready to build. “Imagine the disappointment for everyone,” says Lab-Works Architecture senior associate Lien Bui. “It fell over so close to the goal posts and now we had to start from scratch and get everyone back on board to rebrief and rethink about the facility.” Warren and Mahoney principal Joseph Hampton says it wasn’t hard to remotivate the team. “The primary sector is facing huge challenges associated with climate change, population growth, and food supply, and it is these scientists and these facilities that deliver the innovative solutions. It’s a privilege to support the Lincoln team as they work to solve some of the biggest global issues of our time.” Local products and innovative New Zealand-made solutions helped to bring this project within budget. The building is insulated with 10 tonnes of locally-grown wool, and carpeted with 100% New Zealand wool carpet. Oak beams in the ground floor teaching spaces were milled from oak trees which were felled from the campus in 2018. The Canterbury clay brick facade was extracted and made in the local district, and blends sympathetically with the existing redbrick character building. Collaboration with BECA has ensured goals involving cost-saving and reduced embodied carbon were achieved. Earthquake resilience and a reduction in the steel weight of the building was gained through a seismic dampening solution featuring a rocking shear wall. Collaboration with Meridian Energy and Reid Technologies made a solar rent-to-own model possible with a 208kWp DC solar array supplementing the energy use of the building and providing solar and glare control, maximising amenity for its users who can take advantage of the wonderful rural outlook. Using available space to its full potential, services have been placed on the roof with access solutions by Monkeytoe. Waimarie has been nominated for and won multiple awards for its architecture, its engineering, its construction, and its interior. Lab-Works Architecture founding director Ken Collins says the building works well across multiple strategies. “I think these things work when everyone works as a team and has everyone else’s back. The client, the users, the lead architects, the main contractor, the other consultants, and ourselves working together to achieve a much better result. The strength of this project was the strength of the team.” Lincoln University’s new flagship science facility, Waimarie. Photos: Hamish Melville Proudly building healthier homes for New Zealand living Phone 03 344 3126 www.nkwindows.co.nz
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