Otamarakau Wharekai Development
This contract was a new build of a Wharekai, with a large commercial kitchen. This project was a very exciting one for Watts & Hughes who relished the challenges presented by the compound curves and building dynamics. This ground breaking design was an excellent opportunity for us to prove that we can work closely with the client and architect and bring their dreams to life.
The construction was centred around stunning Laminated timber beams which majestically arched from the front of the building and supported the curved ply roof. The roof was clad in an innovative product—an Ardex TPO membrane, suited for the harsh conditions. The exterior walls were clad in James Hardies weather board, with aluminium windows and doors and shadow clad decorative ply soffits. Stainless steel was in display in the carefully crafted curved downpipes and perimeter strip drains. The interior of the main building displayed suspended ceilings on a grid system in the kitchen as well as an Asona Cloud panel ceiling in the main eating hall. These Asona panels were stepped carefully and intricately cut on oblique angles between the elegantly raking laminate portals, which created an impressive visual effect.
This project went very well with a good client contractor relationship maintained throughout. The project was completed within the accepted time frames and to budget. Watts & Hughes were able to assist in the budget by ensuring suggestions were forwarded that could assist with the client with savings.