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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

Auckland Film Studio and Sound Stage

KOROK is proud to have supplied the critical fire and acoustic wall systems for the Auckland Film Studio and Sound Stage project. Designed by Ignite Architects and built by Haydn & Rollett Construction, this facility sets a new standard in the New Zealand cinema industry.

KOROK’s Contribution

Our 78mm KOROK panels Gen 2 were chosen for their superior fire and sound-rated properties, achieving a Noise Criterion rating below NC-20. This was crucial in ensuring optimal recording conditions, despite the studios’ proximity to urban noise sources like Auckland’s western rail line.

Sustainable Design and Construction

The project has been awarded a 4 Green Star As-Built rating, recognizing its sustainable design and construction practices.

KOROK is honoured to contribute to a project that not only pushes the boundaries of film studio design but also promotes sustainability and economic growth in Auckland. We look forward to seeing the long-term benefits this project will bring to the local community and the entertainment industry.

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

CASE STUDY

Hoyts Cinema Complex, – KOROK® Wall Systems in Action

The Ormiston Hoyts Cinema Complex is part of a large shopping mall development in South Auckland’s Flat Bush. With eight theatres, the project required effective soundproofing to enhance the cinema experience.

KOROK® Panels for Acoustic Performance

The theatre walls feature a double layer of 78mm KOROK® panels with a gap filled with acoustic batts, designed to prevent sound from travelling between theatres. This setup ensures clear and uninterrupted sound for moviegoers.

Why KOROK® for Cinemas?

KOROK® wall systems are known for their acoustic properties, making them a common choice for cinemas in New Zealand. These panels help manage sound, offer fire protection, and are straightforward to install, meeting both safety and performance needs. For more information about how KOROK® can support your next project, contact us today.

Related Projects

High Performing and Lightweight

KOROK® 78mm galv panels are rollformed from zinc coated steel strips. The steel from which the shells are manufactured conforms to AS/NZS1397:2001. Steel shells have a base metal thickness of 0.4mm B.M.T. with a Z275 zinc coating. These panels have an aerated concrete core and weigh nominally 10.2kg per lineal metre.

Lift Shafts, Risers, Ducts – Fire and Acoustic Rated Protection

KOROK® fire and acoustic rated wall systems offer superior solutions for lift shafts, risers, and ducts. Lift shafts require fire and acoustic rated protection to ensure building safety. With our innovative panel design, you can install from one side only, eliminating the need for internal scaffolding and significantly reducing construction time and costs.

Key Advantages:

• Single-side installation: No scaffolding required inside the shaft, speeding up the construction process.
• Fire and acoustic performance: Our systems provide high-level fire resistance and acoustic insulation, ensuring safety and comfort. For lift shafts, this fire and acoustic rated protection is critical.

For more information or technical support on KOROK® fire and acoustic solutions for lift shafts fire and acoustic rated protection, risers, and ducts, contact us today. We’re here to assist with any questions or specific project requirements.

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Fire and Acoustic Rated Protection for Intertenancy Apartment Systems

In multilevel buildings such as apartments and hotels, traditional framed wall systems often depend on wall linings to achieve fire resistance and effective acoustic control. However, KOROK® has designed an innovative solution: KIR KOROK® Intertenancy Residential Walls. These advanced wall systems eliminate the need for linings in the ceiling plenum while maintaining exceptional fire resistance and acoustic performance.

This breakthrough simplifies the design, detailing, and construction of intertenancy apartment walls, leading to quicker construction times, less material waste, and significant cost savings.

Key Benefits of KOROK® Intertenancy Apartment Walls:

• Proven fire-rated protection and acoustic insulation for multilevel buildings.
• Solid wall construction for enhanced security and long-term durability.
• Faster installation process, reducing overall project timelines.
• Eco-friendly solution with waste reduction..

Explore our CAD Library to access detailed DWG files for multilevel intertenancy systems. Download the full KOROK Intertenancy Multilevel Systems Literature to learn more about our fire and acoustic rated protection.