At the recent Steel Construction NZ awards, organisers said that this year’s winning projects demonstrated the remarkable design and execution possible when steel is used as the primary construction material. SCNZ Chair David Moore said, “The high standard of projects is also a reflection of the professionalism demonstrated by the fabricators, builders, architects and engineers that collaborate to bring these projects to life.”

2023 Prominent Steel Construction NZ Chair’s Award

Mike Klemick, Technical Specification Manager for Dimond Steel.

The annual award recognises individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to New Zealand’s structural steel industry. 

SCNZ Chair and Grayson Engineering Managing Director David Moore presented Klemick with the award at a gala dinner in Queenstown on 27 October. Moore notes Klemick’s selfless service to SCNZ over many years. “Mike has served on the executive council for three separate terms. He hasn’t done so for personal gain or for the benefit of the organisation he works for; Mike is purely focused on playing his part to help advance the industry as a whole. He is a true ambassador for steel.”

The 2023 Supreme Winner, Supreme Runner-Up and Category Winners are:

Supreme & Over $3M Category Winner: MJH Engineering for One Whitmore Street.

Occupying a full city block, One Whitmore Street is a landmark 12-storey office tower in Wellington and will be the new home of the BNZ. The structure is designed to withstand Wellington’s unpredictable weather, with a convex profile and rounded corners that help to counter the city’s strong winds. Inside, the building boasts a 6m-high entry lobby and expansive floorplates that capture natural light and provide panoramic views of the harbour.

Supreme Runner-Up & Over $3m Finalist: Eastbridge for Old Māngere Bridge Replacement.

This multipurpose footbridge replaces a century-old structure linking Onehunga and Māngere. The new structure curves in plan and elevation. It is higher than the original bridge, allowing small boats to pass beneath. It features a 60m central span within the overall 250m length, which is supported by cables from a single steel arch.

 $1.5M-$3M Winner: VIP Structural Steel for LPC Straddle Crane Workshop.

The new workshop will improve the Lyttelton Port Company’s ability to maintain and operate its new fleet of straddle cranes. The machines can stack containers four high, compared to the three-high limit of the old cranes. This investment increases the port’s capacity for incoming containers. Structural steel is the only material that could deliver the large openings required for the 21m-high roller doors.

$500K-$1.5M Winner: All Steel Services for Tryp Hotel

The 1930s Art Deco, heritage-listed hotel boasts 77 striking hotel and studio apartments and the largest luxury penthouse in New Zealand. The project involved significant strengthening work on the heritage site in Wellington’s CBD and an additional three-level extension was added above.

Under $500K Winner: Cambridge Steel Fabricators for Cambridge Tree House.

The stunning treehouse blends seamlessly with the beautiful Waikato landscape. The treehouse was designed and engineered to be lifted into an existing stand of mature trees, making maximum use of the landscape while minimising its environmental impact. The curve of the staircase is particularly intricate, curving upward and outward from the base to the treehouse level.

Earthquake Strengthening Winner: Jensen McArley & Associates and Jay Cee Welding for HB Central.

The Hallenstein Brothers building in Auckland was built in 1912. This year, work to preserve and restore it was completed. Thanks to structural steel, this elegant and historically significant building is enjoying a new lease of life. The new, fully exposed painted frames are a striking feature of the refurbished heritage building.

Standalone Residential Winner: Black Steel Mobile for Ōrākei Basin Home.

The street-facing façade of this impressive Auckland home features an artistic zigzag design. Built over a swimming pool, structural steel is used to support the house. But the focal point is the innovative design of the stairs with its attached screen. Designed as a stunning architectural feature, the screen is also an integral part of the home’s structure.