THE PROJECT
Our client required a standalone, specifically built, modern, fit for purpose eye surgery. Trigg was approached 12 months prior to breaking ground on this project, providing reliable expert advice and true cost analysis of the concept.
The building was to be a 368m2 single story construction, with an average 2.7m stud height (excluding 4.5m clerestory). We would be required to undertake extensive site works and landscaping including onsite storm water retention and a retaining wall, with the building itself containing a fully serviced state of the art operating theatre, including supporting facilities such as a comfortable, modern recovery room and a central sterilizing facility.
Our client had a strong vision for the building, and needed the spaces to be constructed with a largely generic feel, lending themselves to multiple purposes should the building change hands. There was a strong consideration for budget, and a need to maintain a balance between cost, aesthetics and practicality. We delivered an award-winning building on time, despite multiple shifts in both the building design, materials, and costing.
THE CHALLENGES
During construction, we experienced a rise in building construction costs, which threatened the viability of the entire project. Our team identified areas within the design and materials where significant reductions to the overall costing could be achieved.
We had the ability to remodel the building’s fabric and budget using real time technology – this included direct access to subcontract and supply line pricing, which in turn allowed us to always keep our client in touch with the true cost of the project. Due to this ability, we were able to manage the shift in construction costs as they occurred, maintaining the stability of the project.
During construction, a number of unexpected setbacks were encountered – including the discovery of a sewerage pipe across a corner of the construction site, and the requirement for a retaining wall to the rear of the site. We were able to effectively and efficiently manage all challenges with little to no disruption to schedule, ensuring our clients received a building completed on time, to budget.
THE OUTCOME
An architecturally unique, futuristic-looking building that has received accolades from construction authorities, advertising agencies and corporate entities alike. Built within financial budget, while staying true to the vision of the owners and true to the practical intended use of the building. Constructed within timeframes, while overcoming significant challenges. Awards won include:
- Auckland Registered Master Builders Commercial Award: Gold Award
- Auckland Registered Master Builders Commercial Award: Gold Reserve Award
- Auckland Registered Master Builders Commercial Award: Category Winner
What our client said:
We work from our new Eye Specialists Building at 19 Kamo Rd in the Regent at Whangarei, which opened in August 2005 following construction in the preceding 7 months. Our building is a specialized, dedicated eye-care centre, including operating facilities for day-surgery, and an array of consulting rooms.
Trigg Construction Ltd (TCL) were involved right from the earliest stages, having been selected by us on reputation
Prior to our making contact with the Architect. TCL were at all stages positive about the design/aesthetic, without being afraid to point out any potential conflicts or problems. They endorsed and supported our vision of a building in which the clinical consulting areas could be constructed along ‘generic’ lines, with functions easily transferable to other professionals should the ownership change hands; this helped in limiting the cost outlay. We believe that this helped us achieve a good balance between cost, aesthetics and practicality.
We had the feeling of TCL understanding our requirements including those of our staff, and they were at all times happy to listen and discuss our ideas, which tended – our building being a new concept in New Zealand eye centres – to evolve as we approached the construction phase.
Our budget was limited, and when the rise in building construction costs seen threatened the viability of the project, TCL were instrumental in trimming costs by helping us re-evaluate the design and remove or change several non-essential features. As two examples, their knowledge of options and pricing of materials led us to change or choice of external wall material to Coloursteel, and change our lighting supplier in order to obtain almost identical fittings at a significantly reduced price. The leaky building syndrome was much in the news at this time, but we felt confidence in the experience of both TCL and the Architect that this would not be a problem for us.
Our project did become bogged down in the early stages. A series of delays triggered by denied resource consent from one neighbour led to our being caught out by the rise in building construction costs. TCL held monthly planning meetings with us, and with the improved communication including an email network, we were able to work through the numerous large and small decisions having to be made. TCL’s established relationships with the subcontractors helped things flow smoothly, and there was excellent rapidity of reply to any queries we raised. Health and safety guidelines appeared to be followed carefully as far as we could tell.
The project was completed on time and would have been ahead of schedule if not for some mid-project layout changes that we ourselves requested. We received no complaints from neighbours about noise, behaviour or waste problems. TCL appeared to deal efficiently with unexpected surprises, such as one neighbour’s sewerage pipe found to be crossing the corner of our section underground, or a retaining wall needing to be placed at the back boundary of the property.
We have been delivered a beautiful and functional workplace, on budget and on time. We, our staff, and our patients all benefit from the purpose-built lay-out and the aesthetically pleasing environment. We receive positive comments about the building from the public every day.
Darrell has been approachable, receptive, and congenial at all times. We have felt confidence in his experience and advice. With the inevitable small teething problems that have occurred during our settling in period he has been prompt to remedy them. We would like to thank Darrell Trigg and his extended team for their work.
DR BRIAN KENT-SMITH
EYE SPECIALISTS LTD
