CASE STUDY

New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC)

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) sets a bold new standard for large-scale civic infrastructure. Located in the heart of Auckland and occupying half a city block, the NZICC is not just a building, it’s a redefinition of what it means to host the world in a uniquely New Zealand way. KOROK is proud to have played a vital role in supporting the success of this landmark project through the supply of our fire and acoustic rated systems.

Designed by Warren and Mahoney in collaboration with Moller Architects and Woods Bagot, and built by Fletcher Building, the NZICC features a vertical stacking layout and an extensive program of flexible, high-performance spaces. With a 2,850-seat plenary hall, over 8,000 square metres of exhibition space, and a dedicated multi-use theatre, the structure demanded robust and adaptable building solutions at every level.

KOROK® Systems: Protecting the Heart of the Building

KOROK supplied our fire and acoustic rated wall systems for all lift shafts, risers, and duct enclosures throughout the NZICC. In a facility of this scale and complexity, these core services are central to both life safety and operational efficiency. Our systems delivered key advantages to the project team, helping them stay on schedule while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance:

• Single-side installation meant that lift shafts could be enclosed without the need for internal scaffolding—eliminating logistical complications and reducing time on site.
• Pre-weather installation allowed KOROK® panels to be installed before the building envelope was complete. This was especially beneficial for a project like NZICC, where construction sequencing and speed were critical.
• Superior fire and acoustic performance provided assurance in both regulatory compliance and end-user comfort. In a convention centre where large crowds and simultaneous events are the norm, effective noise separation and passive fire protection are non-negotiable.

Building for the Future

As the NZICC moves toward completion at the end of 2024, it will stand as a global benchmark for hospitality and cultural expression—featuring expansive glass façades, stunning Māori and New Zealand landscape-inspired artwork, and a new pedestrian laneway that connects people across the city.

We’re proud that KOROK systems contributed to the delivery of a project that not only transforms its urban surroundings but also brings safety, performance, and durability to the heart of one of New Zealand’s most significant public venues.

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CASE STUDY

Metlifecare Gulf Rise

Metlifecare Gulf Rise in Red Beach is a standout example of modern retirement living — open, connected, and community-focused. With architectural input from Warren and Mahoney (Stage 1), Ignite Architects (Stages 1–4 of Precinct Two), and landscape design by Boffa Miskell, the project is a masterclass in designing for wellbeing and longevity.

KOROK proudly supplied our fire and acoustic wall systems throughout the development, helping deliver on the vision of safe, peaceful, and efficient living for older New Zealanders

Why KOROK is a Smart Choice for Retirement Villages

Retirement living comes with specific design and performance requirements – safety, acoustic comfort, fast build times, and minimal disruption. KOROK delivers on all fronts:

• Superior acoustic separation – essential for resident privacy
• Fire-rated protection – compliant and reliable for high-risk occupancies
• Quick, clean installation – ideal for staged builds and live sites
• Low-waste, lightweight system – supporting site safety and sustainability

Whether in intertenancy walls, lift shafts, or service corridors, our systems helped the Gulf Rise team maintain build speed, reduce on-site disruption, and meet NZBC requirements with confidence. Gulf Rise is a bold, forward-thinking village — and we’re proud our systems helped make it a safe, quiet, and welcoming place to call home.

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CASE STUDY

Summerset St John’s Retirement Village

Summerset St John’s Retirement Village represents the pinnacle of modern retirement living—where luxury, location, and lifestyle converge. Set in Auckland’s eastern suburbs with sweeping views and proximity to beaches, cafes, golf clubs, and key amenities, it offers an unmatched standard of comfort and care.

KOROK is proud to have played a vital role in ensuring the safety, acoustic comfort, and performance of this flagship development by supplying our fire and acoustic rated wall systems across key areas of the project.

Why KOROK Was Chosen

Summerset’s vision for St John’s included high-rise apartment living with resort-style amenities and a continuum of care offering. This meant acoustic privacy and fire safety were non-negotiable—especially in a multi-level setting with diverse accommodation types, from premium apartments to memory care suites.

Our systems were chosen for their:

• Proven fire resistance across intertenancy, service risers, lift shafts, and stairwells.
• Superior acoustic performance, critical for resident comfort and privacy.
• Lightweight yet robust construction, ensuring ease of installation while supporting the structural design and seismic requirements of the buildings.

KOROK’s solution allowed Summerset to meet stringent compliance demands while achieving the architectural and operational goals of the project.

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CASE STUDY

Indigo Hotel & Apartments

KOROK is proud to have contributed to one of Auckland’s most distinctive new developments — the Indigo Hotel and Apartments at 51 Albert Street. This iconic project brings together a 4.5-star lifestyle hotel, luxury branded residences, and vibrant food and beverage offerings, all within a uniquely challenging site: a slender 41-storey tower rising from a historic 1912 heritage façade.

Designed by Scott Carver and Dalman Architects and delivered by ICON Construction, the Indigo Hotel and Apartments is a shining example of how careful planning, construction innovation, and respect for heritage can work hand in hand to create a new city landmark.

The Challenge

The development’s highly constrained inner-city site presented several key construction challenges:

• A tight building footprint within a heritage-listed façade.
• Stakeholder sensitivities, with close proximity to neighbouring residents, businesses, and the historic St Patrick’s Cathedral.
• The need for high productivity and precision construction techniques on a vertical build of this scale.

ICON Construction’s advanced project management systems and meticulous construction methodologies ensured these challenges were met head-on, delivering an exceptionally efficient build process.

KOROK’s Solution

To meet the stringent fire and acoustic performance requirements across the tower’s external walls, risers, and duct systems, KOROK supplied our 78mm fire and acoustic rated panel system.

Our panels were selected for their:

• Lightweight nature, critical for high-rise construction.
• Exceptional fire protection performance for vertical service penetrations and separation zones.
• Superior acoustic insulation, ensuring a premium experience for both hotel guests and apartment residents.
• Rapid installation advantages, helping ICON maintain construction momentum within a tight delivery program.

As a pre-finished system, KOROK panels also contributed to reducing on-site finishing work, a key benefit on a project with constrained site logistics and limited laydown space.

Project Highlights

The Indigo Hotel and Apartments development stands out not only for its scale but for its storytelling and celebration of Auckland’s evolving identity.

• The hotel interiors creatively blend industrial elements with heritage materials such as exposed brick, reclaimed timber, and vintage automotive references.
• The modern tower’s guest rooms maintain a refined industrial feel, incorporating subtle local cultural references that connect guests to the heart of the city.
• The podium revitalizes Auckland’s historic entertainment district, contributing new life and energy to a growing cultural hub.

At KOROK, we are proud that our systems play a quiet but vital role in supporting developments like Indigo Hotel and Apartments — delivering life-safety, acoustic comfort, and buildability for landmark projects that help shape the future of our cities.

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CASE STUDY

Catalina Bay Apartments

KOROK® Fire and Acoustic Wall Systems at Catalina Bay Apartments

KOROK Building Systems played a key role in the construction of the Catalina Bay Apartments in Auckland, supplying our high-performance fire and acoustic wall systems. This 13-level waterfront development, built by LT McGuinness for client Willis Bond, consists of 73 luxury apartments across two towers and nine townhouses on a concrete podium. Designed by Architectus, the project integrates sustainability, history, and high-end living, offering panoramic views of Waitemata Harbour.

A Landmark Development with a Strong Foundation

The Catalina Bay Apartments were built on a historically significant site, once home to a Royal New Zealand Air Force base. The design of the development pays homage to this heritage while providing modern, high-quality residences.

Despite construction challenges such as extreme weather events and pandemic-related delays, the project was successfully completed in July 2024, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the client, consultants, and contractors. More than 2,200 workers contributed to this impressive 28-month build.

KOROK® – Setting the Standard in Fire and Acoustic Protection

KOROK is proud to have contributed to this landmark residential development, providing solutions that ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency. Our fire and acoustic wall systems continue to set the benchmark for high-performance construction in New Zealand’s premium apartment projects.

KOROK supplied all fire and acoustic wall systems for the project, including:

• Lift Shafts, Risers, and Ducts
• Intertenancy Apartment Walls

Our systems were chosen to enhance fire safety, acoustic insulation, and construction efficiency in this high-end residential development.

KOROK® for Lift Shafts, Risers, and Ducts

KOROK® panels provided an efficient and robust solution for the lift shafts, risers, and ducts at Catalina Bay, offering multiple advantages:

• Single-side installation: Eliminates the need for scaffolding inside shafts, accelerating the build process.
• Pre-weather installation: Our panels can be installed before the building is fully enclosed, preventing water ingress through open shafts and risers.
• Superior fire and acoustic performance: Ensuring compliance with New Zealand’s strict building codes for safety and comfort.

KOROK® for Intertenancy Apartment Walls

Each apartment in Catalina Bay was designed for privacy and luxury. KOROK® intertenancy walls played a crucial role in achieving this by delivering:

• Proven fire-rated protection and acoustic insulation, ensuring a safe and peaceful living environment.
• Solid wall construction, enhancing security and long-term durability.
• Faster installation times, reducing project timelines and labor costs.
• Sustainable solutions, minimizing construction waste and contributing to the development’s Homestar-7 sustainability rating.

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Panel Handling

KOROK manufactures lightweight wall panels consisting of galvanised or colour steel shells filled with aerated concrete.

Generally, KOROK products are delivered to your building or other site on long trailers and articulated trucks.

Our products are packed with reasonable protection against damage during delivery, however care must be exercised during unloading.

Forklift, Hiab or crane unload is required.

GUIDELINES

Ensure packs are lifted slowly, avoiding jerking where possible.

Forklift unloading – 150mm between pack and mast.

Ensure soft slings are neatly running on the inside of the two most inner timber collars of the pack.

Ensure soft slings are running continuously from the hooks to underneath the pack and back up to the hook.

Do not loop the sling around itself with only one end connected to the hook. This may damage the panels when lifted.

Ensure you lift only one or two packs at a time.

PACK SIZES

The panels are packed in timber pallets, measuring 1200mm wide by 300mm high.

There will be 2, 4 or 6 timber pallets for each pack (depending on length), nominally spaced 1200mm apart, middled from pack centre.

Packs can be stacked up to 6 packs high and must be placed side by side or end on end, on the truck / trailer tray.

When stacking back-to-back, timber collars must butt up against each other.

The length of the pack will vary according to the length of the panel required by the customer, commonly between 2.0 and 7.0 metres in length (can be up to 9.0m).

COMMON PACK WEIGHTS

Standard 3 metre pack = 390 – 470kg (nominal); Standard 6 metre pack = 780 – 936kg (nominal).

STRAPPING DOWN PACKS

Loads must be strapped down and secured by appropriate means. Load strops are most highly recommended, allowing 12 to 16 strops for a full semi load, more for B-Train transport.

Packs are to always be strapped over timber collars. No belly straps done with plastic angles at any time.

When stacking higher than 4 packs, a second set of straps must be placed after the third pack over timber collars only, before adding further packs.

ACCESSORIES

At times, a bundle of steel C-track or Angle strips may be placed on top of the load. These may measure up to 6.0 metres in length and weigh from 10kg to 500kg depending on the quantity.

IN TRANSIT

Where possible, avoid sudden braking and jolts during transit to reduce impacts on the product.

Re-tension strops every two hours at a minimum.

UNLOADING

Forklift, Hiab or crane unload is required.

Use soft slings or forks only, no chains to be used on product.

All lifting to only be done under middle crate, closest to the bearers to take the weight.

Forklift unloading – 150mm between pack and mast.

Care must be taken on unload and storage of product, avoiding bumps and scratching.

Guidelines must be carefully followed (turn over page).

Introducing COLORSTEEL® MAXAM™: The Next Generation of Steel Solutions

At KOROK, we are committed to delivering the highest quality fire and acoustic rated wall systems, and today we are excited to introduce a major upgrade in our materials. We are transitioning to the new COLORSTEEL® MAXAM™, which will replace our previously used COLORSTEEL® ENDURA® and COLORSTEEL® MAXX® ranges. This change marks a significant advancement in the technology and performance of our wall systems.

What is COLORSTEEL® MAXAM™?

COLORSTEEL® MAXAM™ combines the renowned quality and consistency of COLORSTEEL® with innovative ACTIVATE™ technology. This new single substrate product solution is designed with corrosion resistance and longevity in mind, making it suitable for most of New Zealand’s environmental conditions.

The Benefits of ACTIVATE™ Technology

• Strategic Positioning: The aluminium/zinc/magnesium compounds in the coating are strategically positioned to activate at the start of weathering, providing sacrificial protection when it is most needed.
• Robust Barrier Formation: Magnesium compounds encourage the formation of a robust barrier at cuts and scratches, slowing the rate of subsequent corrosion.
• Long-Lasting Protection: The magnesium compounds ‘activate’ the metal coating, resulting in more effective, longer-lasting sacrificial protection.

Transitioning to the Future

The introduction of COLORSTEEL® MAXAM™ reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence. By integrating this advanced material into our KOROK wall systems, we are ensuring that our products not only meet but exceed the highest standards of performance and durability. For more information on COLORSTEEL® MAXAM™ and its benefits, please contact our customer service team.

Recent Articles

KOROK Apartment Wall Solutions

The Ultimate All-in-One Solution for Fire & Acoustic Rated Intertenancy Wall Systems

For over  25 years, KOROK has been a trusted provider of high-performance fire and acoustic walls for the multi-level construction market. Now, with the introduction of the KOROK KIR high-performance intertenancy apartment wall systems, KOROK offers comprehensive solutions for seamless floor plate transitions.

Our systems integrate lift cores, riser ducts, stair cores, hallways, and apartments into one streamlined package. Experience unparalleled fire, seismic, acoustic, and safety protection with KOROK – your all-in-one solution for modern construction needs.

Simplify with KOROK: Combining Performance and Safety

Experience the perfect blend of simplicity and performance with KOROK. Our range of IT wall solutions incorporates fire protection, seismic deflection, passive safety, and acoustic efficiency, all while eliminating complex build-ups. KOROK delivers unmatched performance, safety, and simplicity for your construction needs.

Intertenancy Apartment Solution

• Early Installation
• Solid & Secure
• Tested performance
• STC rating from 55 up to 69
• Fire rating from FRR 30 to FRR 120
• Simplified program continuity
• Waste reduction with custom lengths

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Wall Transition

• Tested Fire Door Solutions
• Simple transitioning for interface junctions

Corridor, Service Riser & Ducts

• Multiple wall design solutions
• Single-sided fix
• Simple passive fire service penetrations allowing for early services installation
• Programme Continuity
• Reduction in scaffolding
• Early Inspection & installation

Lift Cores

• Structural steel infills
• Intumescent coated steel connections
• Slab to Slab options
• Early fix services & lift components
• Added fall protection
• Simple penetration solutions
• Door head solutions
• Early installation & sequencing continuity

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Stair Core & Scissors Stairs

• Safe exit
• Linings are optional
• Prefinished colour coated panel options
• Prefinished panel provide a cost-effective, single fixed solution
• Reduced structural steel
• Multiple installation solutions
• Programme continuity
• Small crew to install
• Lightweight simplicity
• Handrail connection

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Products

CASE STUDY

The Pacifica Tower

The Pacifica – Elevating Auckland’s Skyline with KOROK

Standing at 178 meters and reshaping the Auckland skyline, The Pacifica is New Zealand’s tallest residential tower. This iconic 57-story structure, designed by Plus Architecture and developed by Hengyi, was brought to life by one of New Zealand’s largest construction firms, Icon. With 273 luxurious apartments ranging from one-bedroom units to super-penthouses, The Pacifica is not just a solution to Auckland’s residential housing shortage but also a cornerstone for the rapid gentrification of its district.

The Pacifica – Elevating Auckland’s Skyline with KOROK

Standing at 178 meters and reshaping the Auckland skyline, The Pacifica is New Zealand’s tallest residential tower. This iconic 57-story structure, designed by Plus Architecture and developed by Hengyi, was brought to life by one of New Zealand’s largest construction firms, Icon. With 273 luxurious apartments ranging from one-bedroom units to super-penthouses, The Pacifica is not just a solution to Auckland’s residential housing shortage but also a cornerstone for the rapid gentrification of its district.

The Pacifica – Elevating Auckland’s Skyline with KOROK

Standing at 178 meters and reshaping the Auckland skyline, The Pacifica is New Zealand’s tallest residential tower. This iconic 57-story structure, designed by Plus Architecture and developed by Hengyi, was brought to life by one of New Zealand’s largest construction firms, Icon. With 273 luxurious apartments ranging from one-bedroom units to super-penthouses, The Pacifica is not just a solution to Auckland’s residential housing shortage but also a cornerstone for the rapid gentrification of its district.

Architectural Vision

The Pacifica’s design, inspired by Auckland’s network of laneways and expansive blue skies, features a unique transition from a darker, intricate lower half to a lighter, open upper half. Plus Architecture’s creative lead, Ian Briggs, highlights the meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the glasswork that transitions from granular at the lower levels to more serene as it reaches the skyline. The building not only harmonizes with the street-level environment but also establishes a distinct presence in Auckland’s evolving cityscape.

Awards and Recognition

The Pacifica has garnered significant acclaim, including:

• 2023 Concrete NZ Awards – Nauhria Premier Concrete Award – Winner

• 2022 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards – Residential – Gold
• 2021 International Property Awards: Asia Pacific – Best Apartment/Condominium New Zealand Award – Winner
• 2021 Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards – Multi-Unit Residential Property Award – Winner

KOROK’s Contribution

KOROK played a crucial role in ensuring The Pacifica’s safety and sound insulation by supplying all the fire and acoustic rated panels used in the lift shafts, risers, and ducts

Architectural Highlights

The Pacifica integrates luxury and functionality across its 273 apartments. Upper-level units feature winter gardens that provide a buffer between residents and the outside environment, echoing the sense of a traditional front garden. The interiors reflect contemporary New Zealand design with natural materials and darker timbers, creating a warm, sheltering atmosphere.

The Pacifica stands as a testament to modern residential architecture, combining luxury living with practical urban solutions. KOROK’s fire and acoustic rated panels played an essential role in this landmark project, reflecting our commitment to delivering high-performance building solutions. This project underscores our dedication to enhancing safety, efficiency, and comfort in luxury residential construction.

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