The brief
In 2012, Keystone Ridge Apartments’ Body Corporate asked Prendos to supply building investigation survey reports on the condition of its three apartment blocks, consisting of 54 apartments. Remediation of all three blocks was recommended to fix weathertightness issues, and in February 2013 Prendos and its design arm, Respond–Architects, began a comprehensive weathertightness remediation project of the complex.
With Prendos building surveyors, structural engineers and architectural designers all involved in the remediation, as well as external sub-contractors and consultants, the Prendos project management team was assigned to oversee the project. It involved complete re-design and replacement of the facades, membrane decks and balustrades to resolve all weathertightness issues. At the same time, we took the opportunity to improve the aesthetic appearance of the building.
Our solution
The Keystone Ridge remediation project was, in part, covered by the government’s Financial Assistance Package (FAP) for weathertight building issues. Prendos liaised directly with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to negotiate funding and settle the insurance claim – ensuring the client was able to take advantage of the full compensation on offer.
As project managers, it was essential to maintain a high level of communication with all those involved, including owners, consultants, regional council, body corporate and government authority organisations, in order to achieve the best possible outcome in the timeframes. 90% of the units remained occupied during remediation, requiring careful planning and control of site activities to minimise disruption to tenants, as well as thorough Health & Safety management plans. We also undertook regular site audits with the contractor and external safety auditors.
A key objective was to improve the building’s appearance while undertaking remediation. To do this, our architectural designers selected traditional weatherboard married with schist stonework to achieve a warm and inviting colour palette with low maintenance requirements.
The outcome
The construction programme ran from 2015-2017. In March 2018 Code of Compliance was issued and the final FAP claim settlement was reached. By gaining a clear understanding of the client’s issues and vision, Prendos was able to successfully deliver a fully remediated complex that is not only completely weathertight but more aesthetically pleasing, all while meeting the client’s requirements of a low maintenance property. As project manager, we kept the project on track and ensured all parties communicated openly and regularly, working together to achieve the best possible outcome.
Location: Auckland
Sector: Residential, Commercial, Remediation
Services: Project Management, Architectural Design, Building Surveying, Structural Engineering, Remediation Design, Weathertightness Remediation, Building Investigation Reports
