This was a design build from the earliest possible point when Watts & Hughes Construction was approached by the client in May 2015 with a brief to design and construct a new office to replace the old and condemned building that they were currently inhabiting.

Following a new design proposition in June 2015, we were awarded a design and build contract in early September 2015.There were several challenges around resource consent with reference to the floor level heights required for new buildings in flood zones but our design team was able to adapt and redesign the building to accommodate these changes whilst remaining faithful to the original design philosophy.

In December 2016 after obtaining resource consent, Watts & Hughes carried out the demolition contract of the old building and left a clear site ready for construction to start in January 2016.

Construction was carried out by Watts & Hughes and followed the programme closely until successful completion in June 2016. The building was erected on capped timber piles with plastered masonry block exterior walls and a metal clad roof. A mixture of claddings and careful use of colours along with the simple and bold design has given the building a great deal of poise and character.

The client was very excited to get their new building and were delighted with the result.