Mainzeal Property and Construction Ltd’s refurbishment and extension of Kenepuru Hospital was the well-deserving winner of the QBE Insurance Health Project category in the RMB 2006 Commercial Project Awards, in association with PlaceMakers.
This extensive project, which had 150 workers on site at its peak, included additions for Allied Health, Child Health, a new main entrance, a new outpatients building, establishment of an accident and emergency facility within the existing building, refurbishment of the radiology department and extensive new parking areas and access roads.
The competition judges noted that the highly specialised renovations “have ensured Kenepuru Hospital can better meet the demands of its patients”.
The new construction was a steel structure on a concrete slab, with timber infill for the walls, while a second inner steel frame took the bracing loads. The roof was long run and the walls were a prefinished fibre cement board.
Exterior materials were selected with a view to being lightweight, durable and low maintenance. More than 80% of the exterior cladding and roofing materials were installed pre-finished, and have 15-year appearance warranties.
Specialist materials and systems included lead lining for radiology, and high specification acoustic walls and services for audiology.
Continuity of materials
The design team was very aware that hospitals are large institutional buildings, so there was a need to provide a continuity of materials and colours to minimise maintenance costs. The interior design, in particular, has been themed with various feature colours within departments to individualise them.
The design also provides as much internal natural light as possible — virtually all internal corridors end with glazing to the outside. The main entry foyer provides a transparent theme with maximum use of glazing to the views north and south of the building.
Undertaking construction within Kenepuru Hospital while it was still fully functioning required considerably more attention to detail than a normal construction project. Ensuring subcontractors complied with noise, dust and hygiene protocols proved to be a major, yet vital, task.
The Commercial Project Awards judges noted the exceptional manner in which the project was completed.
“The project is impressive because it was well executed under difficult conditions, as the hospital had to continue functioning while work was undertaken. The builders are to be commended for their adaptability, excellent project management and quality assurance systems.”
Arranging access to occupied or specialist areas also added to the enormity of the task and, despite the complications, it was vital to provide efficient work environments for the subcontractors and to maximise their productive time on site.
Tight programme
Mainzeal Property and Construction Ltd stuck to a tight programme and, despite a market shortage of resources and the difficult working arrangements, the Kenepuru Hospital project was delivered in an exceptional manner.
When asked about what motivated the company to enter the competition, Mainzeal Property and Construction said it was keen to support the building industry and had been approached by its local office to submit an entry.
“This competition increases the public’s trust in the construction industry. It is professionally run and well organised, and we certainly feel it’s a good vehicle for building your company’s profile.”
Entering the RMB PlaceMakers 2006 Commercial Project Awards was a great opportunity for Mainzeal Property and Construction Ltd, who said the site team, the client and all the consultants were very pleased to see their efforts recognised.
