Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre stands as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most ambitious community and high-performance sporting developments – a 32,000m² hub designed to support everyday recreation through to elite national and international events. Designed by Warren and Mahoney in association with Peddle Thorp and MJMA, and delivered on behalf of Crown Infrastructure Delivery for Christchurch City Council, the project required building systems that could perform at the highest level – structurally, acoustically, and in fire protection. KOROK was proud to contribute to this nationally significant development, supplying 300m² of KOROK® 78mm Galv Panel for key internal fire and acoustic separations within the complex.

The Challenge: Performance Across Scale, Safety & Sound

A building of this scale brings significant fire-safety and acoustic requirements. With large wet and dry zones, interconnected public spaces, high-performance training areas, and major event facilities, the project team required internal wall systems that delivered:

• High fire resistance for critical separation zones
• Reliable acoustic performance to manage noise transfer between pools, courts, fitness areas, and specialist spaces
• Lightweight construction to integrate efficiently into the steel-driven structural design
• Durability and compliance within a major civic facility expected to host two million visitors annually

This combination of acoustic control, fire protection, and constructability made KOROK’s systems an ideal fit.

KOROK® Solution

KOROK supplied 300m² of KOROK® 78mm Galv Panels, providing a robust fire- and acoustic-rated solution for internal separations within the facility. Why the 78mm Galv Panel Was Chosen:

• High-Performance Fire Rating. Manufactured from zinc-coated steel shells conforming to AS/NZS1397:2001 with a Z275 coating, the panels offer reliable and tested fire protection essential for a public facility of this scale.
• Excellent Acoustic Control. The aerated concrete core delivers strong airborne sound reduction — critical in a building that includes hydroslides, aquatic halls, gym spaces, and nine active courts.
• Lightweight & Efficient to Install. At just 10.2kg per lineal metre, the 78mm panel is easily handled on a complex construction site, allowing rapid installation and smoother coordination with other trades.
• Durability for Heavy-Use Environments. Designed to stand up to the demands of high-traffic public recreation centres and high-performance training areas.

The KOROK system contributed to meeting the project’s stringent fire-safety requirements while supporting the acoustic conditions necessary to create a functional and enjoyable environment across vastly different activity zones.

KOROK’s contribution helped ensure safe, durable, and high-performing internal environments within one of New Zealand’s most significant sport and recreation developments. The Parakiore facility will host community users, school groups, local clubs, and elite athletes alike – supported by dependable fire and acoustic separation systems designed to perform over decades of intensive use. KOROK is proud to support a project that not only enhances Christchurch’s sporting infrastructure but also delivers long-term social, economic, and recreational benefit for the region.

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CASE STUDY

Te Iwitahi – Whangārei Civic Centre

The Project

The Te Iwitahi – Whangārei Civic Centre was conceived as a gateway project for Whangārei, reflecting multicultural themes, Tikanga Māori, and a transparent form to embody democracy in action. The four-storey building centralises council services, bringing together community, customer-facing functions, and staff workplaces in a single hub.

With a design anchored by a striking light-filled atrium, flexible open-plan workspaces, and biophilic design principles, the Civic Centre has become a vibrant, welcoming environment for both staff and community.

KOROK is proud to have supplied our fire and acoustic-rated wall systems to a project that has already achieved national recognition and set a benchmark for civic architecture in New Zealand.

KOROK’s Role

KOROK was proud to contribute to this award-winning project by supplying over 500m² of our fire and acoustic-rated wall panels. Our systems were installed across all lift shafts, risers, and ducts, delivering the critical fire safety and noise control performance the building required. These elements are essential in large civic projects, where high volumes of staff and community members move through the building daily. By providing a lightweight, robust, and compliant wall system, KOROK helped ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency throughout the construction process.

The Outcome

The Whangārei Civic Centre is now recognised not only for its architectural excellence but also for the way it serves the community. For KOROK, being part of such a landmark civic development showcases the reliability of our systems in high-performance, large-scale projects. Our involvement demonstrates how KOROK panels provide trusted solutions for critical infrastructure, meeting stringent fire and acoustic requirements while supporting project efficiency.

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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.
• 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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When machinery is operating at high intensity, the noise can be just as intense as the output. Whether it’s recycling, manufacturing, or any high-impact industrial process, managing sound is not just a comfort issue – it’s a health, safety, and productivity one.

At KOROK, we understand the challenges that come with acoustic performances. That’s why our fire and acoustic wall systems are engineered to offer more than just compliance – they’re built to perform under pressure, especially when sound control is critical.

Real-World Results in Raglan: Xtreme Zero Waste

A great example of this in action is our recent project at the Xtreme Zero Waste Recycling Center in Raglan.

The challenge? Containing the loud crashes and clinks from their glass recycling facility – an essential part of their operation, but not the easiest on the ears.

Our solution was simple but effective: construct a purpose-built enclosure using KOROK fire and acoustic panels – essentially a “box” that wrapped around the recycling machinery to absorb and block the sound.

The result? Immediate improvement.

“The box looks awesome and works well,” the Xtreme team told us. It’s now a noticeably quieter and more comfortable environment for staff and visitors alike.

Why KOROK Panels Work for Noisy Machinery

KOROK wall systems are purpose-built for industrial environments, offering high acoustic performance to reduce machinery noise, along with fire resistance for added safety. Their durable construction ensures reliable performance under pressure, while the modular design allows for tailored solutions—from full enclosures to partitions. Plus, they deliver a clean, professional look, as demonstrated in real-world applications like Raglan.

For facilities like Xtreme Zero Waste, acoustic control isn’t just a luxury – it’s essential to keep workers safe, comply with council noise regulations, and maintain good relationships with surrounding communities.  So, if you’re facing excessive noise from machinery, get in touch. We’ll help you design a system that keeps the sound where it belongs – inside the box.

Interested in acoustic solutions for your facility?

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

90 Devonport Road

Pushing Boundaries with KOROK

At KOROK, we’re proud to have contributed to 90 Devonport Road—a pioneering project that now holds the title of New Zealand’s largest mass timber office building. Designed by Warren and Mahoney and developed by Willis Bond in partnership with Tauranga City Council, this landmark project redefines what’s possible for sustainable commercial construction in Aotearoa.

As part of the build, 78mm KOROK® fire and acoustic rated panels were specified and installed for external wall applications, contributing to the project’s high-performance envelope while supporting the mass timber structure with lightweight, resilient protection. Installed by Tika Interiors Limited, our panels were chosen for their proven reliability, fast installation time, and ability to support sustainable outcomes without compromising safety or acoustic control.

Sustainability at Scale

The goal was ambitious—a 100% reduction in embodied carbon, with a design targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating (the highest possible), alongside NABERSNZ and WELL Building Standard benchmarks. The result? A building that not only showcases natural beauty through its exposed timber columns and warm finishes, but one that’s genuinely future-ready.

By prioritising timber and selecting high-performance materials like KOROK®, the project team avoided designing in unnecessary complexity or carbon-intensive solutions. This thoughtful approach resulted in a cost-neutral, repeatable commercial model that leads the charge for the next generation of green buildings in New Zealand.

Building for People and Performance

Built by LT McGuinness, this 10,400sqm building now brings together the entire Tauranga City Council administration team under one roof for the first time since 2014. The space fosters collaboration, connection, and a shared commitment to a sustainable future.

“We wanted to push the boundaries to design a wholly sustainable, future-focused workplace which maximises the use of natural materials such as the exposed timber columns which celebrate the uniqueness of the building.”
— Anne Tolley, Chair of the Commission

KOROK’s Role

KOROK’s lightweight fire and acoustic rated wall systems have been engineered to complement mass timber construction by reducing structural loads, supporting acoustic separation, and accelerating installation programs. On a project of this size and vision, our 78mm panels provided the performance needed without compromising the environmental goals or design integrity.

As advocates for sustainable innovation in construction, we are proud to see our systems play a role in delivering landmark projects like 90 Devonport Road. It’s another example of how the KOROK system supports smarter, safer, and more sustainable buildings.

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CASE STUDY

The Glasshouse, Morningside

Glasshouse Morningside is a unique, urban oasis nestled in the heart of Auckland, offering a serene and elegant venue for a variety of events. As part of the evolving Morningside Precinct, Glasshouse contributes to the area’s dynamic and curated character, blending contemporary architecture with a mix of vibrant businesses. Designed to host everything from weddings and private parties to corporate functions and photoshoots, Glasshouse provides an unparalleled event space defined by its striking glass walls and lush greenery.

KOROK’s Role in the Project

To ensure the durability, safety, and acoustic integrity of this unique venue, 78mm KOROK panels were selected as the core external wall system solution. KOROK’s fire-rated and acoustic-rated panels played a crucial role in maintaining the building’s aesthetic while offering high-performance protection against fire, noise, and external weather conditions.

Key Features of KOROK External Wall Systems in Glasshouse Morningside

Fire-Rated & Weatherproof Protection

Glasshouse Morningside required external walls that met stringent fire safety requirements while also standing up to New Zealand’s diverse weather conditions. KOROK External Wall Systems provided a high-performing, fire-resistant solution that ensured both occupant safety and long-term durability.

Lightweight & Cost-Effective Installation

With no need for engineered slabs, KOROK’s lightweight panel system significantly reduced material costs and installation time. This efficiency enabled the construction team to maintain the project timeline without sacrificing quality or structural integrity.

Seamless Acoustic Performance

As a venue designed for events and gatherings, controlling sound was a crucial consideration. KOROK’s acoustic-rated panels ensured effective sound insulation, preventing noise disruptions and enhancing the intimate atmosphere of the space.

Durability Without Additional Cladding

Designed specifically for high-wind zones and exposed external applications, KOROK’s panels eliminated the need for extra cladding, reducing maintenance costs while maintaining a sleek architectural finish that complemented the venue’s glass-wall aesthetic.

Conclusion

The Glasshouse Morningside stands as a testament to the versatility and performance of KOROK External Wall Systems. By providing a lightweight, fire-resistant, and acoustically efficient solution, KOROK played an integral role in shaping this iconic Auckland venue. Our systems continue to set the standard for modern construction, offering architects and builders a practical yet high-performing solution for external wall applications.

For more information about our External Wall Systems and how KOROK can enhance your next project, visit our website or get in touch with our team today.

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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.
• 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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