Winners of the 2014 NZIOB and GIB Awards for excellence in the building professions were announced at a gala evening in Auckland, 22 August. See below for a full list of winners:

GIB Supreme Award winner: 

The late Ivan Mercep (architect) of Jasmax and Jeff Vivian (project manager) of Arrow International for Te Uru Tuamatua, Whakatane.

Client: Te Uru Tuamatua Trust 

Project value: $14 million

Te Uru Taumatua is located in the remote town of Taneatua, 13kms south of Whakatane. The project, which was built to comply with the requirements of the Living Building Challenge, had to utilise materials sourced from within a specified geographic radius - an immense challenge for a rural New Zealand project.

As a result, Jeff and Ivan worked with the Living Futures Institute to redefine the appropriate distances for New Zealand due to its isolated geographic location, and in the end, 70 per cent of the construction spend went to suppliers and contractors within a 100km radius of the site.

They had to research and work with suppliers for 760 materials used in the build to ensure they contained no harmful chemicals and ensure all materials used were non-toxic and locally available.

Tūhoe were keen to use their own mills where possible, which provided another challenge as the mill management were initially reluctant to change their habits in order to comply with the Living Building Challenge. But Jeff and Ivan persevered and FSC certification was achieved with these mills in five months. Tūhoe wanted a strong connection to Te Uruwera incorporated into the building using local timber, but the LBC did not allow use of native timber so Jeff worked to come to an agreement with the stringent building programme’s adjudicators to allow its use.

Jeff facilitated interviewing contractors and overseeing induction process as they came onto site to ensure they understood the exact requirements of the LBC. As a result of trying to utilise local workers, two new local companies were formed, which resulted in 12 people coming off the unemployment benefit. The $2 million carpentry package was broken down into five smaller packages enabling smaller local contractors the opportunity to tender - fitting in with LBC guidelines.

Ivan and Jeff, along with Tūhoe, their client, developed the building’s design in a deeply collaborative and detailed process in order for it to meet the LBC guidelines.

Ivan appreciated Jeff’s ability to understand the importance of the various architectural ideas around this significant building project, and Jeff always ensured key architectural parts of the project were protected.

There is no doubt Jeff and the late Ivan Mercep of Jasmax were equally instrumental in the success of this extremely innovative project – a shared dream and an inspiration to others.

Sadly Ivan passed away just prior to the opening of the building.

 

Resene Under $2.5 million Award winner: 

Lueder Stock (site manager) of Kalmar Construction for Hurstmere Green, Takapuna, Auckland.

The Hurstmere Green redevelopment project was the rejuvenation of what had become an overgrown and under-utilised park into an accessible community facility. The challenging site is bound by Hurstmere Road, Channel View and The Strand. It is adjacent to busy traffic and pedestrian routes and in the vicinity of a very busy mixed-use precinct.

The project provided some unique challenges, which Lueder would not normally encounter in his day-to-day role as construction /site manager. He was methodical and innovative in approaching and resolving complex issues while still managing all construction activities on site, completing tasks safely and on time, maneuvering large trucks through pedestrian areas, and ensuring there was absolutely no run-off pollution to Takapuna beach.

As preservation of many existing trees on site was required, Lueder worked closely with an arborist throughout the project ensuring site workers were briefed on correct excavation methods, rules of work around trees and how to preserve exposed roots.

Fortnightly site meetings were held to ensure the client and the design team were kept fully informed of the key issues and disruption of day-to-day activities around the site were kept to a minimum. It was imperative that the local residents, the local community board, the general public and neighbouring businesses were constantly kept up to date and informed of any significant upcoming construction activities – this resulted in turning opposition at the start into overwhelming support as the project progressed.

Lueder provided excellent leadership and communication skills on this project, working seamlessly with multiple overlapping sub-trades. He had the experience and ability to effectively prioritise and execute all tasks, and this together with his management style resulted in ensuring all staff involved gave their best to the project.

He was open, fair and constructive at all times, working to a very tight project timeframe with a meticulous eye for detail.

Resene Under $2.5 million Award highly commended

Aaron Stephens (project manager) of Fletcher Construction for the Kelburn Cable Car project.

Client:  Wellington Cable Car Ltd

Project value: $1.5 million

The challenges were immense from day one on this unique project, which started with the demolition of an old cable car terminal at the beginning of Wellington’s busy cruise ship season.

The cable car continued to run while construction of a larger all-weather facility was undertaken. Construction was continually interrupted when the cable car pulled into the construction site at ten-minute intervals with up to 5000 passengers travelling up the hillside between 7am and 10pm every day.

Aaron paid meticulous attention to the safety off all passengers and his team. He worked closely with all stakeholders – Wellington Cable Car’s engineering manager, safety officer, and architect Ric Slessor ensuring the integrity of the design was upheld. He showed his ability as a leader and motivated both his team and subcontractors, many of whom had shown reluctance to engage in the project due to its complex nature. Aaron’s excellent management style ensured all key architectural features including polished concrete floors, laminated timber columns and beams, and large glass window panels in a structure with a uniquely designed roof shape were not compromised in any way and were delivered to the highest standard.

He worked closely with the client providing detailed work plans and methodologies on a weekly basis. He had the ability and knowledge to solve problems and develop suitable solutions, even implementing changes to increase the number of cable car trips to keep up with passenger demand.

Both the client and architect agreed the public satisfaction is a testament to Aaron’s leadership and his team’s willingness to perform, in what were at times, very difficult conditions.

 

Steel Construction NZ $2.5- 5 million Award highly commended:

Chetan Jeram (site manager) of Hawkins Construction for Re-Home, SPCA Wellington.

Client: SPCA Wellington

Project value: $3.2 million

This project, fittingly named ‘Project Re-Home’, kicked off when the SPCA found the ideal location for their new premises in Wellington.

But what was needed to bring the unique choice of building up to scratch was not a straightforward undertaking.

It involved the refurbishment and restoration of the heritage-listed former Fever Hospital building, which was built in 1919 and had remained empty for many years prior to the commencement of this project.

A lot of work was required to sensitively restore it within a tight timeframe.

It was the perfect project for Chetan, who had previous site experience on historic building sites in Wellington involving refurbishment and seismic upgrades.

He faced many challenges during construction including the discovery of existing historic drainage that caused flooding issues during the foundation stage of construction.

The confined working environment was another challenge Chetan had to overcome - all services had to be run in sub-floor trenches due to the historic nature of the building.

Compounding issues on site were the rumours of the old hospital being haunted, which caused some unrest with some of the more superstitious workers. Urgent seismic upgrade works and a high level of soundproofing were required due to the nature of the facilities.

Chetan’s style of management suited both his team and clients. He was extremely well organised, easy going and had a ‘can do’ attitude at all times. Chetan’s belief that one can never learn too much served both him and his team well.

His proactive and flexible responses to challenges were key to meeting timeframe targets and were greatly appreciated by the wider project team.

He made the project his own and took full responsibility for its timely delivery, developing a strong rapport with the client and strong relationships with all consultants, subcontractors and his team. He created trust and a motivational work environment, which allowed the project team to deliver the SPCA a great facility in just five months.

Hays $5-10 million Award Winner:

Tonchi Glamuzina (project manager) of Fletcher Construction for Project Spring Hill Unit 16b reinstatement, Auckland.

Client: Department of Corrections

Project value: $9 million

Following an incident at Spring Hill Correctional Facility, Fletcher Construction was contracted to complete the rebuild of Unit 16B. The project consisted of the complete reinstatement of existing buildings with all finishes, fixed fittings, and building and security services within a very tight time frame. Fletcher Construction worked with the Department of Corrections and their design consultants to design, test and install the various security enhancements.

Tonchi Glamuzina was the right person for this role as a young and energetic project manager with prior high-level experience in the construction of correctional facilities. He drove his team and subcontractors to meet strict deadlines in very trying conditions. Asking, begging, coaxing and pleading all became a daily routine with suppliers both internationally and locally in order to give Spring Hill priority of delivery.

On a fast track, four-month timeframe, the project, in a locked environment within a fully operational facility, the level of collaboration was significant. Due to security requirements every tool brought on site had to be registered in and out. Tonchi was adept at managing the on and off-site teams, which at times saw 225 people on a confined site with multiple work faces.

Following an incident at Spring Hill Correctional Facility, Fletcher Construction was contracted to complete the rebuild of Unit 16B. The project consisted of the complete reinstatement of existing buildings with all finishes, fixed fittings, and building and security services within a very tight time frame. Fletcher Construction worked with the Department of Corrections and their design consultants to design, test and install the various security enhancements.

Tonchi Glamuzina was the right person for this role as a young and energetic project manager with prior high-level experience in the construction of correctional facilities. He drove his team and subcontractors to meet strict deadlines in very trying conditions. Asking, begging, coaxing and pleading all became a daily routine with suppliers both internationally and locally in order to give Spring Hill priority of delivery

On a fast track, four-month timeframe, the project, in a locked environment within a fully operational facility, the level of collaboration was significant. Due to security requirements every tool brought on site had to be registered in and out. Tonchi was adept at managing the on and off-site teams, which at times saw 225 people on a confined site with multiple work faces.

Hays $5-10 million Award highly commended:

Jared Smith (build team manager) and Corey Bennett (project manager) of Cook Brothers Construction for Carlton Corner Redevelopment, Christchurch.

Client: Oakwood Properties

Project value: $6.5 million

This site’s location on one of Christchurch’s busiest intersections, and the fact that there were numerous road closures in the surrounding areas, made this project a challenging build. The tight site and short timeframe were added complexities. Geotech issues at the outset of the project, which meant last-minute changes to design, called for an even tighter programme in order for tenants to move into the new facility as originally scheduled.

As a young team, Corey and Jared showed total commitment in their individual roles. Corey had an impressive track record and managed to deliver this project on time, within budget, effectively managing and utilising all resources available to him.

His many strengths and skills were optimised during this project, most successfully were his ability to identify the client’s key requirements and his ability to create, lead and motivate effective teams. His proactive and energetic approach to his work life was both an inspiration and encouragement to all who were involved in this project.

Jared, as build team manager, had a wealth of experience and showed exceptional team management and organisational skills.

He displayed confidence and adaptability and was totally comfortable being authoritative whilst maintaining a positive and motivating attitude with his team.

He showed dedication, and maintained excellent time management and meticulous attention to detail.

Colorsteel $10-25 million Award winner:

Jeff Vivian (project manager) of Arrow International for Te Uru Taumatua.

Client: Te Uru Taumatua Trust

Project value: $14 million

Jeff Vivian delivered an extraordinary building with multiple challenges - the project was built to achieve the stringent Living Building Challenge (LBC)requirements.

There are only 220 certified ‘living buildings’ in the world, and Te Uru Taumatua will be the first in New Zealand.

The client, Tu-hoe, had a vision to celebrate the rebirth of their community; the LBC was the architect’s idea. Although Tu-hoe were not interested in the certification, the philosophy resonated in the self-sufficiency they were trying to achieve for the community building.

The LBC does not generally allow the use of native timber so Jeff worked with the adjudicators to allow the use of FSC timber, with wind-felled trees from Tu-hoe’s forests. Jeff embarked on an eight-hour horse ride with ‘Chico’, a local Tu-hoe personality, into the bush to personally identify and GPS-locate each log. The logs were brought out by horse or floated by river.

It was also necessary for Jeff’s team to research 760 materials to ensure they did not incorporate harmful chemicals – part of the LBC requirements.The project team accomplished a net zero energy, waste, and water building.

The challenges were intensified by the cored-timber structural design, a novel approach to seismic engineering.

Jeff’s passion, commitment, teamwork and leadership were clearly exemplary – undoubtedly key factors in the success of the project.

Colorsteel $10-25 million Award highly commened: 

Robb Noble (project manager) of Arrow International for IGC Student Accommodation.

Client: Ingenia Community Living

Project value: $23.3 million

This design-build project was tendered early with very limited documentation and incorporated the concurrent refurbishment of three separate non-adjacent sites. The main client decision maker was unavailable for 12 weeks at a key stage, which left Robb to make key decisions and ensure the project kept moving. Robb walked the sites five times a day, and kept connected with his team. His approach exemplified committed, hands-on, solution-focused leadership.

 

Colorsteel $10-25 million Award highly commened:

Craig McCullough (project manager) of Hawkins Construction for Citygate Building, Hamilton.

Client: McConnell Property

Project value: $17 million

Craig delivered an extremely challenging project – having to deal with multiple significant obstacles and setbacks during the course of construction. An early major setback threw a six-week delay and large cost into the project at the outset but Craig efficiently re-sequenced the project to mitigate delays. During peak construction, there were up to 180 people on site. His commitment and leadership were unparalleled. Craig also simultaneously delivered a $27 million rehabilitation services building at Waikato Hospital – each could have been a full time role.

Holcim $25-50 million Award winner:

Shane Beech (senior site manager/project manager) of Hawkins Construction for Newtown Park Apartments.

Client: Wellington City Council

Project value: $ 37.2 million

The Newtown Park apartments project consisted of the upgrade of five existing 1960s apartment blocks, one 10-storey block, two eight-storey blocks, two four-storey blocks, and the demolition of an additional accommodation block. The project was highly complex and incorporated a full seismic upgrade of all buildings, services replacements, new fire services and additional fire stairs, re-cladding, apartment reconfigurations, new architectural finishes and a landscape and external works component. The project also involved complex staging requirements because the site was continually occupied by Wellington City Council tenants.

Shane initially held the role of senior site manager, moving into the role of project lead managing six site managers. Shane was able to manage constantly changing design requirements - there were over 4500 variations - by consistently providing solutions to the client team, and ensuring these changes were communicated to subcontractors and implemented on site.

Shane and his team faced many challenges during this project. To miss a delivery date was unacceptable, not just for Wellington City Council, but for the many families who had to vacate their apartments for periods during construction.

Shane’s vast knowledge and natural ability to lead a team effectively ensured this project was a success.

 

Holcim $25-50 million Award highly commended:

Eugene Duggan (project manager) of Fletcher Construction for Forte Health Private Hospital, Christchurch.

Client: Forte Health

Project Value: $30 million

Despite 20 years’ industry experience in New Zealand, Ireland and the United Kingdom, Eugene Duggan had not been involved with building hospitals before and eagerly embraced this opportunity, taking himself on a rigorous personal learning curve.

The project incorporated a range of vastly contrasting styles and new technology.

An incredibly high profile project, it was one of the first new build projects in central Christchurch following the earthquakes, and was completed in a tight 14-month construction period.

The building was the first in New Zealand to utilise steel PRESSS technology – and seismic dampening technology, which was developed and tested by the University of Canterbury.

This provided the highest level of structural strength, stability and safety possible for patients, clinicians, staff and visitors.

Being the first Green Star building completed in central Christchurch since the earthquakes, it is also New Zealand’s first and only hospital to achieve a 4 Green Star accreditation.

Eugene took great pride in doing the best job for the client.

He is a ‘hard but fair’ manager who provided great leadership and commitment, constantly encouraging and supporting staff to take up opportunities and excel. He ensured and maintained a well organised safety programme at all times.

 

Davis Langdon Over $50 million Award winner:

Bryce Marx (project manager) of Fletcher Construction for ANZ Centre, Auckland.

Client: Precinct Properties

Project value $91 million

Bryce’s role as project manager was to coordinate the construction team across a multi-faceted project, which included the construction of a pavilion, landscaping and refurbishment of the tower and lobby.

This comprised the replacement of lifts and the control plant while simultaneously refurbishing the 23 levels of the tower with 50 per cent of the building still tenanted for the majority of the project.

Bryce brought immense passion and drive to the project with his unwavering attitude towards solving project challenges.

The programme had multiple critical paths and required 36 milestones.

Bryce provided innovative solutions around logistics and building activities – tower crane replacements, lift shaft platforms, and public protection structures. He worked closely with the design team to ensure all programme expectations were met. He maintained the highest standards in site safety, minimising disruption to existing building occupants and the general public. His ability to easily shift focus between the immediate and long term needs of the project, clear and direct communications, high standards and strong leadership skills greatly contributed to the overall success of this complex project.

 

Davis Langdon Over $50 million Award highly commended:

Chris Goldsbury (project manager) of Fletcher Construction for Taranaki Base Hospital Redevelopment, New Plymouth.

Client: Taranaki District Health Board

Project value: $58 million

 Chris was chosen for position of project manager as he had a successful track record of delivery and relevant experience in the health field, particularly during the rebuilding of Wellington Hospital.

He had a good understanding of complex projects and was well equipped to lead Project Maunga.

Having relocated his family from Wellington to New Plymouth for the 36-month project, he encouraged team members who had also relocated or had left families in other cities to maintain work/life balance at all times, ensuring that out of work activities involved all their families.

An entirely new Fletcher team was created for this project, and Chris successfully introduced structured project management systems and robust processes to ensure high standards were achieved in quality, safety, environmental aspects and cost control.

Chris addressed issues quickly and effectively - he regularly “rounded” through all departments talking directly with department managers so he could identify first hand any major problems and address them with a realistic solution before they escalated further.

Chris led his team to deliver a quality facility for the Taranaki District Health Board whilst managing the detailed planning of the demolition of an old five-storey ward building, which took place upon completion of the new building.

He ensured, with detailed planning and collaboration with all parties, that both projects were completed on time.

 

James Hardie Innovation Award winners:

The late Ivan Mercep (architect) of Jasmax and Jeff Vivian (project Manager) of Arrow International for Te Uru Tuamatua, Whakatane.

Client: Te Uru Tuamatua Trust

Project value: $14 million

Te Uru Taumatua is almost entirely constructed in timber using FSC, wind-felled wood from Tūhoe forests.

It is New Zealand’s most advanced sustainable building generating its own electricity and water, and it is completely carbon neutral.

Designing and building a structure that complies with the requirements of the Living Building Challenge (LBC) is a complex undertaking in itself, but to design and build one in a remote location takes the challenge to a whole new level.

Located in Taneatua in the Bay of Plenty, the site sits on a fault line. The building embraces a revolutionary new deep timber piling system and the world-first use of seismic technology, which incorporates round cored logs and a post tensioning system that allows the building to rock in an earthquake.

Nearly 400 photovoltaic panels were installed on the roof – the largest quantity ever used on one building in New Zealand at the time. The building manages all storm water on site and controls waste water on site using a planted sub surface wetland field.

Prior to construction, the project team listened to multiple stakeholders to juggle their wishes within the strict guidelines of the LBC. Ivan and Jeff dealt primarily with a project control group of 4 managers representing Tūhoe’s 40,000-strong Iwi. The design, led by Ivan, incorporated multiple innovative solutions. The procurement and delivery of the project, led by Jeff, had equal innovative approaches to the challenges faced.

The building’s main timber structure incorporates a unique technique involving the removal of the youngest and weakest part of the log from the centre, allowing the timber to dry more quickly and reducing cracking. The resulting hollow pole allows a space through which steel strengthening cables can be run. This meant that a renewable resource could be used in place of a man-made substance like concrete. Keen to achieve Ivan’s ingenious idea, Jeff spent two weeks working with engineers and timber log suppliers to achieve an incredible outcome.

Ivan and Jeff, along with Tūhoe, developed the building’s design in a deeply collaborative and detailed process in order for it to meet the LBC guidelines.

Ivan appreciated Jeff’s ability to understand the importance of the various architectural ideas around this significant building project, and Jeff always ensured key architectural parts of the project were protected.

Together, they pushed the boundaries of what is possible in New Zealand using innovative methods and materials.

 

Progressive Building Young Achiever Award winner:

Matt Cameron of BECA

It is Matt Cameron’s ability to succeed both professionally and within his local community that sets him aside as a future leader.

After finishing school, Matt moved to Christchurch and went on to graduate from the University of Canterbury with a BE (Hons) in 2005.

In the years since then, Matt now 31, has compiled a long list of achievements. These range from his now sought-after technical knowledge to his reputation as a dedicated and driven professional who delivers results.

In the community Matt has taken the time to tutor second year engineering students at the University of Canterbury, has spent three years on the IPENZ Canterbury Branch Committee, and is now branch chairman. Most recently, he has been selected as one of 28 applicants globally to be part of Beca’s in-house leadership programme. Following the Canterbury earthquakes, Matt’s generous and driven character was immediately apparent. After evaluating a client’s industrial property for damage, he then went around to the client’s employees’ houses to ensure they were structurally sound and safe to inhabit.

Notwithstanding this significant list of achievements, Matt has lent his hand to scores of challenging and complex projects including the Timaru Hospital redevelopment, the Spitfire Retail Precinct at Christchurch Airport, the Scenic Hotel Marlborough, the New Zealand Pavillion for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, and a meeting house in Timor Leste to mention just a few. He was also the engineer responsible for the structural design of the award-winning $9 million NZi3 Innovation Institute building at the University of Canterbury.

And his personal life has not suffered; Matt strongly believes in a healthy work-life balance and often participates in sporting and cultural pursuits, however the most important thing for Matt outside of work is his family, wife Kerrie-Anne and four-year-old son Tyler. Another addition to his growing family is expected to arrive later this year.

Matt enjoys whitebaiting in the late winter months, and in summer spends numerous weeks at the family bach on the West Coast where he and his family enjoy a range of outdoor pursuits.

 

Progressive Building Young Achiever Award highly commended:

Samantha McGavock of Arrow International

In her last year at Rotorua Girls’ High School, Samantha was an ‘all-rounder’.

She achieved across the board, and as a result, architecture was suggested as a possible career path. Around this time it was also suggested she apply for a Keystone Trust scholarship, which she was awarded later that year. Samantha went on to complete a bachelor of architectural studies and a master of architecture. Upon graduating from her masters degree, Samantha spoke at a Keystone event, at which two of Arrow International’s senior managers were present. As a result, she was offered a position and hasn’t looked back.

From day one at Arrow, Samantha was involved in a range of challenging projects; master planning for the Glen Innes ‘Creating Communities’ development, project managing the Arrow corporate office fit out, and design management of Auckland Eye Clinic. Then, when Arrow was appointed in an early contractor involvement role for Te Uru Taumatua, the perfect opportunity for Samantha arose - and the role of sustainability manager was created.

Her design background and passion for sustainability made her ideal for the role. Samantha is passionate about making a difference in the building industry by integrating and promoting greener building techniques and community involvement wherever possible. Despite being only 25, Samantha is well respected within the team at Arrow, and in the wider construction industry.

She has big plans to keep New Zealand green, and is already transferring learnings from Te Uru Taumatua into other projects including the Waikaremoana Visitor Centre and the Reparoa Community Facility.