University of Auckland – B201 Atrium

Project Description

CREDITS: Client: University of Auckland / Constructor: Hawkins / Architect: Jasmax / Engineer: BECA / Specialty Subcontractors: KOBE Construction (module build & site installation); Offsite Design (specialist 3D modelling, clash detection and buildability reviews) / Products: Glulam

The Project
New Zealand’s Highest Green Star Rated Building

The B201 redevelopment represents an industry-leading example of sustainable construction, by incorporating the adaptive reuse of an existing structure, refurbished with carefully selected low-carbon materials, to achieve New Zealand’s highest Green Star rated building.

Red Stag TimberLab was engaged in manufacturing the large-scale Glulam structure that forms the roof of the main atrium. This magnificent space greets users upon entry with a carefully thought-out arrangement that provides a stunning perspective and at the same time a structural system to take the large gravity and in-plane roof bracing loads.

Collaboration

In collaboration with Hawkins and D&H Steel (who were fabricating & supplying the huge supporting custom-welded box beams running the length of the atrium), we formulated an offsite construction process that saw us building modules at our Auckland plant to be transported to site, ready to install each evening to best work in with the tower crane availability.

The Glulam timber elements were combined with steel supplied by D&H in a production process in our yard that was repeated daily over several months.

Digital Modelling Capabilities

Having large CNC equipment coupled with capability & experience in our draughting, projects and manufacturing team, saw us manufacture hundreds of components with mm accuracy, each module had to maintain a max 5mm tolerance across the entire unit in any direction, a feat that was achieved and paid dividends on site.

A prototype of the main connection was produced to assist in achieving tolerances, inform stakeholders, and allow a chance to refine the design.

Prototyping and feeding back learnings into design early is only possible with early engagement, this approach by the design and construction team was instrumental to the success of the module build and atrium roof installation.

In addition to the larger rafters and struts we also produced a range of large cladding panels and cover plates to complete a seamless look throughout. With careful thought about negative detailing to Glulam junctions and detailing to incorporating lighting and services, the end result is a clean and stunning atrium ceiling.

University of Auckland B201 Awards

This project has been an exemplar of sustainable design, it has already picked up several awards to date:

2024 PCNZ Awards – Sustainable Building Property Award – Best in Category
2024 PCNZ Awards – Education Property Award – Excellence
2024 PCNZ Awards – Heritage and Adaptive Reuses Property Award – Excellence
2024 NZIA Local Awards – Education Award
2024 CTBUH Awards – Repositioning Award of Excellence
2024 CTBUH Awards – Systems Award of Excellence

Results

Red Stag TimberLab’s expertise and engineered timber products contributed to greater project efficiency and ease of installation on site.

The Glulam (202.63 m3) supplied to the University of Auckland B201 Atrium project has an estimated carbon sequestration of 135 tonnes CO2eq, assisting the project in its green star requirements.