Thomas Building Extension - Education

Client:          University of Auckland

Project Brief

Mainzeal commenced the extension of the Thomas Building in June 2009. The project included new build and alterations to the existing building.
The new facilities include biology laboratories and a research facility and the project scope involved creating generic laboratories, plant growth rooms, a cell culture suite, write up spaces and offices.
The site is located on busy Symonds Street in Auckland central, which meant that access was very tight. All plant, materials and labour accessed the site through an atrium between the existing Thomas Building and the new extension. There were also no laydown areas and only one vehicle or crane could use the loading dock at any given time. A Just-in-Time strategy was put in place and detailed task methodologies were implemented to combat this challenge and ensure a safe site.
As part of the existing building was occupied, Mainzeal worked closely with the University staff to stage the works to ensure the least disruption to the University’s operations as possible.
Very large external glazed fins were used for the façade, with each fin 2.4m wide and 2.8 high. They were constructed of two pieces of 15mm toughened glass laminated together with ceramic frit dots to reduce solar gain.