Value Awards 2023

All projects will automatically be eligible for one of these awards based on their total project value.

  • Commercial Project Under $1 million
  • Commercial Project $1 – $3 million
  • Commercial Project $3 – $10 million
  • Commercial Project $10 – $25 million
  • Commercial Project Over $25 million
H T M L Code
Value under $1 million

Project: BLACK

Entrant

BLACK

Project Partners

BLACK (Construction Company), Cheshire Architects (Architect/Designer), Norman Disney & Young (Engineer)

Owned By

BLACK

This commercial fit out saw BLACK upgrade and relocate its head office in Auckland. The final design included significant employee input and features, such as kauri floors, minimalist design, and extensive amenities. Due to certain structural constraints, a plan was devised to transform the space from two residential apartments into a single commercial area. The replacement of windows on the 16th floor posed a challenge, requiring the use of carefully engineered cantilevered scaffold systems to avoid disrupting the floors below. Sustainability was given high priority during the project, and sustainably certified materials sourced from New Zealand were used in the construction. Additionally, the office is presently in the process of obtaining WELL Certification, which is a first for any New Zealand construction company.

Judges comments

This beautifully constructed space has been thoroughly thought through. There is a deep connection between the inside and outside with the Kauri floors designed to flow outside to the deck giving the feeling of being on a ship – a nod to Ports of Auckland below. The timeless sustainable use of materials and space has contributed towards the fitout becoming a WELL Certified office, a first for any New Zealand construction company. It provides access to extensive amenities, ensuring alignment with the wellness of employees and the environment they work within. From the solid oak in the central core and cabinetry, to the Auckland rock used within the tables, the artisan hand crafted oak furniture is exquisite. This office space is a celebration of BLACK’s vision, reflecting its high quality of finish with sustainability, collaboration, and a focus on putting people at the forefront.

 
H T M L Code
Value $1 - 3 million

Project: St Faith's Church

Entrant

HRS Construction

Project Partners

Aurecon (Structural Engineers), HRS Construction (Construction Company), Tony Ussher (Heritage Architect)

Owned By

Anglican Parish of East Christchurch

St. Faith's Church is an 1886 heritage building that suffered damage during the Christchurch Earthquakes. With a clear focus on preserving the heritage values of the building while ensuring structural safety during the works, the church underwent a seismic strengthening and refurbishment project. The key to the project's success was the significant collaboration between the designers and builders. The project involved a meticulous and time-consuming process of removing a layer of Oamaru stone from the top of the inner wall, and then replacing it with reinforced concrete. In other areas of the church, such as the chancel arch, the stone was replaced over a larger area with reinforced concrete and later plastered and painted to resemble Oamaru stone. The difference is only noticeable by close inspection. Despite such extensive modifications, the final outcome was commendable with the project being completed to an exceptional level of quality.

Judges comments

St Faith’s church has been standing since 1886, however, following the Christchurch earthquakes it was left seriously damaged. Insurance was not sufficient to rebuild, so this was a restoration project on a budget with St Faith’s Church combining with another parish to restore the heritage building. Structural engineers were presented with challenges at every turn; the seismic strengthening process, having to replace existing stonework – all whilst maintaining the heritage and character of the original church. The restoration team salvaged and reused as much as possible to maintain the character of the building - even the original carpet was re-laid in the interior. This all resulted in a restoration of outstanding quality.

 
H T M L Code
Value $3 - 10 million

Project: Waipapa, ICU Pod 4, Christchurch Hospital

Entrant

Leighs Construction

Project Partners

Chow:Hill (Architect/Designer), Leighs Construction (Project Manager), Proj-X Solutions (Client Project Manager)

Owned By

Te Whatu Ora, Waitaha Canterbury

Collaboration and speed were critical in addressing the urgent need to increase ICU bed capacity at Christchurch Hospital. A high-trust culture underpinned the client, main contractor and designer relationship when building Waipapa, the ICU Pod. Subcontractors worked as one entity, rather than individually, resulting in design and construction being completed within 24 weeks, versus the 42 weeks specified in the Business Case. Clear communication of project objectives and prompt responses to RFIs and queries were essential to the success of this build. The City Council used an exemption in the Building Act to expedite the Certificate of Acceptance process. Clinical users were involved early to provide valuable insights on adjacent ICU areas, and requested changes were accommodated to minimise response time. The programme was a significant challenge, with completion originally planned for August 2022. However, the team accepted the challenge to complete the project by April 2022, despite market challenges and supply chain disruptions. The decision to proceed with briefing, design, documentation and procurement in advance of approval allowed for timely delivery of products. The team also addressed challenges related to construction activity taking place adjacent to the operational ICU, staff contracting COVID-19 and disruptions in the supply chain. Overall, the project was completed safely, with minimal disruption, and well within the completion date.

Judges comments

Collaboration and speed were critical in addressing the urgent need for additional ICU beds, with a tight timeframe of 42 weeks being given for the project. A high-trust culture underpinned the relationship between the client, main contractor and designer. This resulted in the project being completed within 24 weeks. Construction was undertaken beside the current ICU and immediately above the emergency department, both of which operate under huge pressure around the clock. The building team also had to work within the Emergency Department to make multiple floor penetrations and to run services through the ceiling. Despite the pressure of the project, the final outcome was delivered to an excellent standard.

 
H T M L Code
Value $10 - 25 million

Project: Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa

Entrant

Bradford Building

Project Partners

Bradford Building (Construction Company), Bradford Building Limited (Construction Company), Josephs & Associates (Project Manager), Powell Fenwick (Engineer), Ruamoko Solutions (Engineer), Sheppard & Rout Architects (Architect/Designer)

Owned By

Methven Adventures Ltd T/A Ōpuke Thermal Pools & S

The focus of this project was to provide a standout amenity that prioritises end-user experience and sustainability, creating a unique tourist attraction. The project was the result of years of hard work and community support, utilising the local workforce in an open and collaborative approach. The team pushed the boundaries of design and sustainability to achieve a goal that few would expect on such a budget. The success of this project is a testament to the entire team's exceptional communication, cooperation, and single goal mindedness. The team's ""one goal"" approach is reflected in all aspects of the build, from the initial design to final construction and completion. The project faced various challenges, such as COVID-19 constraints, budget limitations, and technical complexities, including the installation of solar panels and hydraulic systems. The thermal pools and spa offer many great features including adult-only spa treatment rooms, a restaurant, cafe, and a swim up bar. Additionally, the solar array, covering approximately a quarter of the site, contributes to the project's sustainability goals.

Judges comments

The Opuke Thermal Pools and Spa is a highly sustainable hot pools facility, located in Methven at the base of Mt Hutt. It provides a high-end experience for families and adult groups and incorporates raw natural materials throughout. Stand-out features include an adult only pool, a swim up bar, a luxury sauna, and massage facilities. Prioritising end-user experience and sustainability, the project was highly complex to co-ordinate and deliver. Over 400 solar panels heat the glacial waters for the hot pools with the solar array covering nearly a quarter of the site. With a focus on creating a pleasant experience, both in and out of the water, the pools have been a unique and positive addition for the local tourism industry and employment.

 
H T M L Code
Value over $25 million

Project: Voco-HIE

Entrant

Icon NZ

Project Partners

ICON CO PTY NZ LTD (Construction Company)

Voco-HIE is a unique 39-storey development with two independently operated hotel chains that are stacked on top of each in a single tower formation. It has 495 hotel rooms across the two brands; VOCO (201 rooms, 4.5-star hotel), and Holiday Inn Express (294 rooms, 3.5-star hotel). Outside of Voco-HIE’s core guest room function, the development provides food and beverage offerings, including an impressive 'sky lounge' bar, conference, and recreational facilities. The hotel's complex design accommodates the differing hotel dimensional configurations, with shared equipment infrastructure where possible. The hotel is committed to sustainability, achieving a Level 4 energy efficiency rating via IHG's Green Engage program.

Judges comments

With a total of 149 guest rooms all in the same building, split over two different hotels, the project required a structural design refined to accommodate all parties involved. Skilful sequencing and planning was a major factor throughout the project. The single loading bay, located on a steep street and in a live traffic environment with pedestrians close by, resulted in a carefully sequenced ‘just-in-time’ approach. This was used to manufacture and deliver some of the major elements. Prefabricated bathroom pods were also used to help with cost and time efficiencies. The articulation and materiality of the exterior design was critical to the build's success. It is comprised of a mix of insitu concrete, non-loadbearing pre-cast elements, and high-performance articulated curtain wall systems.