Waiparuru Hall is an Auckland University hall of residence offering accommodation for school leavers in 786 bedrooms. The site, adjacent to the University’s campus, is narrow and on a 45-degree bank heading down towards the motorway. Over 7,000m3 of rock had to be removed to create a flat site for the 12- and 14-storey towers. BIM was used to work through the design and minimise any on-site delays or re-works.

At the height of the build, more than 300 people were on-site. Previous plans to develop the site had proved too challenging, as it is surrounded by residential high-rises, businesses and a busy motorway port exit.

Project Manager, James Reed embraced technology, using BIM and other new technologies where possible to simplify and enhance the build process.

Waiparuru Hall provided numerous challenges over the 36-month build; design, logistics and programme being key concerns. Housing 786 school leavers’ from around the country meant there was no flexibility on the opening date. The steep, narrow site required exceptional delivery management practices to be employed, as there was no standby on the street. James pushed for prefab toilet pods, an innovative approach that improved quality control but required careful planning, given that there was no storage space on-site.

The judges said James was an integral part of the research behind the proposal to use alternative design solutions. This included modular toilet pods, as opposed to the traditional bathroom fit-out method that was originally intended, and to change the foundation work to a raft design. Both proposals were accepted by the client, who saw James as the main factor in delivering an exceptional result. James demonstrated excellent leadership skills, promoting innovative solutions and utilising an array of technologies that enhanced the project delivery