CASE STUDY

BNZ Place: A Testament to Innovation and Sustainability

After nearly four years of design and construction, BNZ Place at 1 Whitmore Street in Wellington is officially open. This 12-storey, 17,000m² building, a collaborative effort between Studio Pacific Architecture and Jasmax, epitomizes practical and purposeful workplace design, combining sustainability, wellbeing, and functionality.

Seismic Resilience and Safety

BNZ Place is one of the most seismically resilient buildings in New Zealand, featuring base isolation to protect against significant structural damage during earthquakes. Raised on a plinth to minimize flood risks and supported by piles extending 60 meters below ground, the building exceeds seismic strength requirements with an NBS rating above 180%.

Innovative Features and Sustainability

Targeting a 5 Green Star As-Built rating, BNZ Place incorporates high-performance solar control glass, energy-efficient systems, and a structural steel diagrid. Efficient floorplates, a double-height entry lobby, inter-floor stairs, and a rooftop courtyard contribute to its state-of-the-art design.

KOROK’s Contribution

KOROK played a crucial role in the construction of BNZ Place by supplying fire and acoustic walls for lift shafts, risers, and ducts. KOROK panels offer significant advantages over traditional construction, as they can be installed from one side only, eliminating the need for scaffolding inside shafts and reducing construction time and costs. Additionally, KOROK panels can be installed before the structure is watertight, preventing water ingress through open shafts.

A Collaborative Effort

The project involved collaboration with various stakeholders, including Newcrest LP, the developer behind the building. CEO Dan Huggins emphasized BNZ’s commitment to Wellington and its future. “BNZ Place reflects our commitment to the city and our vision for the future. We are thrilled to share this vibrant and innovative space with our customers, colleagues, and the people of Wellington,” he said.

BNZ Place at 1 Whitmore Street symbolizes resilience, innovation, and sustainability. With its doors now open, it stands as a testament to collaboration, forward-thinking design, and a commitment to a better future for Wellington.

Related Projects

CASE STUDY

Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre

Situated directly across from the New Zealand Museum, Te Papa, Tākina is a modern facility spread across three floors. The upper levels offer extensive conference spaces accommodating up to 1600 delegates, while the ground floor is dedicated to international and domestic exhibitions. Built to a 5-Star Greenstar standard, Tākina exemplifies sustainable building practices in New Zealand. We commend LT McGuinness Ltd for their exceptional leadership and execution throughout the Tākina project. Their focus on quality, safety, and innovation ensured that Tākina achieved high standards in fire safety, acoustic control, and construction efficiency.

Situated directly across from the New Zealand Museum, Te Papa, Tākina is a modern facility spread across three floors. The upper levels offer extensive conference spaces accommodating up to 1600 delegates, while the ground floor is dedicated to international and domestic exhibitions. Built to a 5-Star Greenstar standard, Tākina exemplifies sustainable building practices in New Zealand.

We commend LT McGuinness Ltd for their exceptional leadership and execution throughout the Tākina project. Their focus on quality, safety, and innovation ensured that Tākina achieved high standards in fire safety, acoustic control, and construction efficiency. Their collaborative approach and dedication to sustainable building practices have significantly benefited the project, and we are pleased to have been part of their team.

Project Highlights:

• Earthquake Protection: Tākina’s structural resilience is ensured by 32 base isolators, allowing for movement up to 750mm in any direction.
• Innovative Design: The building features an expansive curtain wall, curved entries, and large stud heights, which posed unique construction challenges that were successfully managed.
• Health and Safety: Despite the complexities, the project saw no major accidents, highlighting the effectiveness of rigorous health and safety protocols.
• Budget and Timeline: With a transparent tender model and precise planning, the project was completed within budget and on schedule, despite market fluctuations.

KOROK Contribution

• Product Supplied: 78mm Panels Gen 2
• Service Provided: Lift Shafts, Risers, Ducts Fire and Acoustic Rated Protection

KOROK is proud to have supplied our 78mm Panels Gen 2 for the Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre. Our participation in this project enabled us to enhance the efficiency of both the design and construction phases.

Key Features and Benefits of KOROK Panels:

• Single-Side Installation: Panels can be installed from one side only, eliminating the need for scaffolding inside the shaft, which reduces construction time and costs.
• Early Installation: KOROK panels can be installed before the structure is fully watertight, helping to prevent water from entering the building through open shafts.
• Cost and Time Efficiency: The innovative design of KOROK panels streamlines the construction process, resulting in faster program times and overall cost savings.

The Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre showcases modern architectural design and the performance of KOROK products. By choosing KOROK, LT McGuinness Ltd ensured that Tākina met high standards of fire safety, acoustic control, and construction efficiency. We are pleased to have contributed to this significant project, enhancing Wellington’s skyline and setting a benchmark in sustainable construction. For more information on how KOROK can enhance your next project, please contact us.

Related Projects

CASE STUDY

Voco-HIE Hotel

KOROK® was involved in the construction of a dual-branded hotel in Auckland’s Central Business Precinct. Located at the corner of Albert and Wyndham Streets, this project, led by Icon NZ, began in 2019 and was completed in December 2021. The VOCO-HIE development is a 38-story building, standing approximately 135 meters tall, making it one of New Zealand’s tallest structures. The building offers expansive views across Waitemata Harbour and Mount Eden, featuring a modern design.

Building Design and Features

The dual-branded hotel includes:

• A 4-story glazed podium with separate entries for both hotels.
• Guest services such as an all-day restaurant, bar, fitness center, and retail spaces.
• 294 Holiday Inn Express rooms on the lower floors.
• 200 VOCO Hotel rooms on the upper floors.

The VOCO brand, chosen by global hotel operator IHG, emphasizes sustainability through initiatives like recycling plastic bottles for bedding and using honey from onsite bees. The Auckland VOCO hotel continues these practices, alongside the ‘Me Time’ concept focusing on premium beds, superior showers, user-friendly technology, and innovative lighting.

KOROK®’s Contribution

KOROK® provided high-performance fire and acoustic wall systems for the VOCO-HIE development. Key highlights include:

• Fire Protection: KOROK® systems offer up to a 2-hour fire rating, ensuring strong fire safety.
• Acoustic Performance: The systems exceed the minimum STC 55 rating for hotels, achieving an STC 63 rating, ideal for ensuring a quiet environment for guests.
• Design and Installation: KOROK®’s interlocking panels simplified and sped up installation, reducing labor costs and construction time. The panels’ clip-together design allowed for easy installation by a small crew, with comprehensive installation guides and on-site training provided.
• Space Efficiency: The small footprint of KOROK® panels maximized usable floor space, offering developers greater flexibility in building design and planning.

Environmental Commitment

KOROK® panels were manufactured in New Zealand from locally sourced materials and were custom-made to minimize waste. They are fully recyclable and reusable, aligning with the sustainable ethos of the VOCO brand.

Collaboration and Innovation

KOROK® and Icon NZ collaborated closely to devise solutions for lift shafts and staircases, reflecting a commitment to quality and innovation in construction.

KOROK® was proud to contribute to the VOCO-HIE dual-branded hotel project, providing high-performance fire and acoustic wall systems that supported the building’s design and sustainability goals. This project showcased KOROK®’s dedication to quality and innovative building solutions.

Related Projects

CASE STUDY

Dunedin’s Social Housing Project

In 2022, Dunedin’s Loan and Mercantile building was transformed into the Suzanne Lund Community Loft Apartments, a notable social housing development. This project, driven by Russell Lund of Lund South Ltd, showcases the practical application of 78mm KOROK panels Gen 2.

Proactive Design Leadership

Russell & Suzanne Lund’s proactive approach was essential in bringing this project to fruition. their decision to use KOROK panels ensured that the building met necessary safety and performance standards. The Lund’s leadership in design and development has set a positive example for integrating heritage preservation with modern housing needs.

Social Housing Impact

The Suzanne Lund Community Loft Apartments provide 30 social housing units, managed by the Salvation Army. This includes 28 one-bedroom units, one two-bedroom unit, and one three-bedroom unit, along with communal facilities such as a support office, community room, courtyard, drying room, and bike storage. This development addresses the need for social housing in Dunedin, offering a supportive environment for low-income tenants.

Flexibility of KOROK Panels

KOROK was chosen for its flexibility in meeting the project’s requirements. lightweight nature and strong performance were key in adapting the heritage structure to modern standards without compromising its historical integrity. This flexibility makes KOROK panels a trusted choice for diverse construction projects. The 78mm KOROK panels Gen 2, used extensively in this project, are known for their high performance and lightweight design. These fire and acoustic-rated panels are made from zinc-coated steel strips, meeting AS/NZS1397:2001 standards. KOROK panels offer excellent fire resistance and acoustic performance, making them suitable for various construction needs.

The use of 78mm KOROK panels Gen 2 in the Suzanne Lund Community Loft Apartments highlights their effectiveness in demanding construction projects. This case study demonstrates KOROK’s role in transforming a heritage building into a valuable social housing resource and emphasizes Russell & Suzanne Lund’s proactive leadership in creating community-focused housing solutions.

Related Projects

CASE STUDY

Nugget Avenue Terraces – Premium Terraced Living in Hobsonville Point, Auckland

Discover Modern Living at Nugget Avenue Terraces

Nestled in the vibrant community of Hobsonville Point, Auckland, the Nugget Avenue Terraces offer contemporary, safe, and sustainable living. This terraced housing project was designed by Construkt Architects and expertly built by Universal Homes. The project highlights the cutting-edge KOROK Intertenancy Terraced Housing System, ensuring superior fire and acoustic performance for urban living.

Seamless Integration with Nature and Community

Nugget Avenue Terraces are designed to harmonize with the natural landscape of Buckley B Precinct. The homes showcase modern architectural elements, including bold colors and sustainable materials, making them a standout addition to the Hobsonville Point neighborhood. With a design that respects the land’s natural contours, these terraces offer not only aesthetic appeal but also an environmentally friendly solution.

Unmatched Safety with KOROK Intertenancy System

At the heart of this development is the innovative KOROK Intertenancy System, engineered for exceptional fire and acoustic protection. Traditional terraced housing systems often rely on internal linings for fire resistance, which can be compromised by penetrations. In contrast, KOROK’s system uses a robust steel and aerated concrete core, creating a highly durable barrier that significantly enhances fire protection between homes.

KOROK’s smart design ensures that in the event of a fire, its aluminum brackets melt on the fire-facing side, maintaining structural integrity on the opposite side. This safety feature gives residents peace of mind, knowing their homes are built with the highest safety standards in mind.

Why Choose KOROK for Terraced Housing?

• Fire-Rated Protection: KOROK panels create a solid barrier that withstands high temperatures, ensuring resident safety.
• Acoustic Efficiency: Enjoy quiet living spaces with superior sound insulation between homes.
• Durability and Strength: Built to last, KOROK systems offer enhanced protection against external elements, ensuring long-term durability.
• Faster Installation: With pre-finished panels, the KOROK system allows for quicker, more efficient construction, saving time and costs.

Collaboration for Quality

The success of Nugget Avenue Terraces is a result of the seamless collaboration between Construkt Architects and Universal Homes. Together, they delivered a high-quality living space that not only meets aesthetic and functional needs but also prioritizes safety, durability, and acoustic comfort.

Superior Fire and Acoustic Protection

The KOROK 78mm panels used in this project provide both fire resistance and noise reduction, making them the ideal choice for urban terraced housing developments. Their innovative design contributes to faster installation times and long-term reliability, enhancing the overall living experience.

Related Projects

CASE STUDY

Walter Merton Road Terraces: A New Standard in Terraced Housing

Completed in 2019, the Walter Merton Road Terraces in Hobsonville Point, Auckland, became a benchmark for modern living. This project, a collaborative effort between Universal Homes and Construkt Architects, showcases a harmonious blend of design excellence and practical living solutions, offering 2, 3, and 4 bedroom terraced homes that cater to a diverse market.

Traditional terraced housing often relies on internal linings for fire resistance, which can be compromised by alterations or penetrations. KOROK® introduces a n innovative solution with its Intertenancy System, ensuring fire safety without depending on these internal linings. At its core, this system uses specially designed aluminium brackets to attach fire-resistant KOROK® panels between frames. In the event of a fire, the system is engineered to allow the side exposed to fire to detach safely, thanks to the melting of the aluminium brackets, while keeping the panels intact and supported on the opposite side. This innovative approach significantly enhances the building’s fire safety measures by maintaining a robust fire barrier between units.

The KOROK® system’s integration into the Walter Merton Road Terraces project highlights not only a commitment to resident safety but also to maintaining the architectural integrity of the development. Its ability to blend seamlessly with the project’s design characteristic, emphasising durability, is a testament to the system’s adaptability and effectiveness.

Through the Walter Merton Road Terraces project, KOROK® played an important role in creating safer and more resilient homes. This endeavour not only enhances the safety standards of terraced housing in Auckland but also sets a new benchmark for future developments in utilizing innovative solutions for fire safety and building durability.

Related Projects

CASE STUDY

Buckley A Precinct – Superlot BA29: Intertenancy Excellence with KOROK Panels

The Buckley A Precinct, specifically Superlot BA29 in Hobsonville Point, represents a model of modern urban living. Developed in 2019 by Universal Homes in collaboration with Construkt Architects, this project includes a wide variety of housing options, from one-bedroom apartments to six-bedroom terrace homes. This thoughtfully designed community combines elegance, functionality, and affordability to meet diverse resident needs.

KOROK® Intertenancy Terraced Housing Systems: Enhancing Fire Safety and Acoustic Performance

A standout feature of Superlot BA29 is the use of KOROK® Intertenancy Terraced Housing Systems, specifically designed for terraced homes. These systems offer unparalleled fire resistance and sound insulation, elevating the safety and comfort of residents.

• Fire Safety: Unlike traditional framed wall systems that rely on internal linings for fire resistance, KOROK® panels position the main fire barrier between housing frames. In the event of a fire, aluminium brackets on the fire-affected side melt, allowing that section to safely detach while preserving the rest of the structure.
• Acoustic Performance: KOROK® systems also improve sound insulation, reducing noise transmission between homes. This advanced soundproofing creates a peaceful and private living environment, essential for modern urban dwellings.

Architectural Innovation by Construkt Architects

The architectural brilliance of Construkt Architects shines through in this development. The Superlot BA29 showcases terraced homes and garden apartments, with features such as expansive balconies, full-height windows, and distinct gabled frontages that create visual appeal while ensuring privacy. The design contributes to a welcoming, community-focused streetscape, enhancing the overall living experience.

Quality Construction by Universal Homes

Universal Homes, known for its commitment to precision and quality, transformed Construkt Architects’ vision into a reality. Their expertise in construction ensured that each home in Superlot BA29 meets the highest standards of safety, durability, and comfort.

Why Choose KOROK® Systems?

KOROK® panels deliver superior fire protection and acoustic performance in terraced housing projects like Buckley A Precinct’s Superlot BA29. The innovative design ensures long-lasting structural integrity, providing residents with safety, peace of mind, and enhanced living comfort. For more information on how KOROK® Intertenancy Systems can benefit your next project, contact us today.

Related Projects

CASE STUDY

Honey NZ: Cost Saving and Lightweight, KOROK External Walls Systems

If you’re passing Hamilton Airport, take a glance across the road, and you’ll spot Honey New Zealand’s stunning new buildings, constructed by Steel Shed Systems. Honey NZ, renowned for producing some of New Zealand’s finest Pure Manuka Honey, has grown into one of the country’s leading independently-owned Manuka honey exporters. With a history dating back to 1909, the company has built a reputation for high-quality products, rigorously tested to ensure authenticity and premium UMF levels. Honey NZ distributes across New Zealand and exports to Australia, the USA, and the UK.

KOROK Systems in Use at Honey NZ
For this project, Honey NZ’s facilities were constructed using the 78mm KOROK external wall panels, which provide excellent fire, acoustic, and weather protection. KOROK panels, known for their lightweight yet durable design, were a perfect fit for Honey NZ’s modern expansion.

Why KOROK Panels?

• Cost-Effective: KOROK systems provide a cost-saving solution due to their fast and efficient installation process, reducing overall build time.
• Lightweight Design: The lightweight construction of the 78mm KOROK panels allowed for easier handling on-site, contributing to faster installation and less labor-intensive work.
• Fire and Acoustic Performance: The KOROK external wall system ensures premium fire resistance and acoustic performance, key features for Honey NZ’s new state-of-the-art facility.
• Weather Protection: Specifically designed for external applications, including boundary walls, KOROK panels provide reliable weather protection, an essential consideration in New Zealand’s varying climate.

By choosing KOROK’s External wall systems, Honey NZ not only achieved high-performance standards but also enhanced the longevity of their building, ensuring protection and functionality for years to come. Whether you’re constructing commercial or industrial buildings, KOROK’s external wall systems are the ideal choice for superior fire, acoustic, and weather protection.

Related Projects

CASE STUDY

Hobsonville Point: Enhancing Fire and Acoustic Protection with KOROK® Intertenancy Systems

Bringing Kiwi Ingenuity to Hobsonville Point Homes

Here at KOROK®, we’re stoked to have been part of the transformation of the old Hobsonville airbase into a new community. Our innovative KOROK KIR Intertenancy Residential Walls have been key in shaping around 3000 homes across this significant slice of land, including standout spots like the Te Uru Apartments, Walter Merton Road Terraces, Nugget Avenue Terraces, and Buckley A Precinct.

Being part of the Hobsonville Point development really showcases our ability for coming up with smart solutions that tackle the real-world challenges of modern building, especially when it comes to keeping fires at bay and cutting down on noise. Traditional wall setups in flats and hotels usually lean on linings to do this job. But our KIR walls change the game by ditching the need for these linings up top, making the whole building process simpler and slicker.

Smoother Sailing in Building and Design

Our walls have made it quicker and easier to get buildings up at Hobsonville Point. That’s good news for the teams on the ground and means residents can start enjoying their new digs sooner.

Keeping Costs Down

Thanks to the technology behind our KIR panels, we’ve cut down on waste, which means saving some dollars. Those savings can help make other parts of the development even better, making the whole neighbourhood a top spot to live.

Top-Notch Fire and Sound Safety

We’ve put our walls through the wringer to make sure they’re up to scratch for fire safety and noise control. That means folks living in Hobsonville Point can sleep easy, knowing they’ve got solid protection around them.

Built Solid for Extra Peace of Mind

The sturdy design of our walls means homes are not just safe but also built to last. That’s a big plus for anyone calling Hobsonville Point home, offering a secure spot for years to come.

Committed to Excellence in Innovation and Community Building

From the lively look of the Te Uru Apartments to the tidy and thoughtful design of the Walter Merton Road Terraces and the spot-on style of Buckley A Precinct, our KIR panels have been a foundation for success, delivering the goods on fire safety and quiet living. As we look back on our role at Hobsonville Point, we’re chuffed to have delivered solutions that not only tick the boxes for what’s needed in today’s building scene but also help forge strong, safe, and green communities. Our dedication to coming up with better ways to do things will keep us at the forefront of making homes better for Kiwis everywhere.

Related Projects

CASE STUDY

Bayfair Cinemas

The Bayfair Cinemas project is part of a $115 million development that marked the introduction of United Cinemas to New Zealand. United Cinemas, a prestigious Australian-owned chain, has been a leader in the industry since 1987. Known for its luxury cinema experience, United Cinemas operates 46 theatres across Australia, and Bayfair Cinemas in Mount Maunganui is its first venture in New Zealand. The complex includes seven state-of-the-art screens, featuring the region’s largest screen with Dolby Atmos Digital Sound, creating an unmatched cinematic experience.

KOROK® Acoustic Solutions for Cinemas

KOROK® systems were selected for this project to provide industry-leading acoustic performance. Our 78mm KOROK® panels were installed throughout the cinema complex, ensuring superior soundproofing between screens and public areas. This acoustic control is essential for a seamless and immersive movie experience, eliminating external noise and maintaining sound quality within each theatre.

KOROK® is recognized as the number one choice for soundproofing in New Zealand cinemas, thanks to our ability to deliver fire-resistant, durable, and cost-efficient wall systems that also meet the high acoustic demands of modern theatres.

Why Choose KOROK® for Cinemas?

• Superior Acoustic Control: Our panels are engineered to significantly reduce noise transmission between spaces.
• Fire-Resistant Performance: KOROK® systems comply with stringent fire safety regulations, ideal for public spaces like cinemas.
• Cost-Efficient Installation: KOROK® panels can be installed quickly, reducing both time and labor costs.

The Bayfair Cinemas project is a showcase of KOROK®’s commitment to delivering top-tier acoustic and fire-rated solutions for high-performance environments like cinemas. 

Related Projects