190 Lambton Quay Seismic Upgrade​

In 2021, Built Construction Group was engaged by Martin Bonifant of Littlejohns Buildings to undertake a seismic upgrade of the multi-storey building at 190 Lambton Quay in central Wellington. The building needed strengthening work to meet earthquake standards for safe public use.

In addition, we were asked to fit out the premises with new toilets, new windows, doors and mechanical systems, and revamp the entrance and canopy. The improvements will help with getting new commercial tenants in with the potential for increased rental income.

The project involved installation of structural seating angles throughout the building to support the inter-storey sub-floors, and structural steel and Lintel supports for the new glass canopy structure.

We also installed an external galvanised steel staircase to provide access from the external carpark into the second floor tenancy (City Medical Centre & Pharmacy), giving them a separate entrance. It’s fully secured with a security system and mesh panelling designed by us.

Additional structural openings were created, and new aluminium window and door joinery installed into both the new and pre-existing openings. The escalators were fully overhauled and seismic glass has been installed around them.

Finally, new architecturally designed webforged panels were fabricated and installed in the main entry.

COVID-19 put a significant strain on the project. Built Construction Group and our contractors faced staff shortages during this time. We dealt with it day-to-day, doing our best to bring workers in to keep the job moving. As the building is on busy Lambton Quay, there was also a need for high health and safety standards throughout the build.

We had five builders working on this project. We also recruited subcontractors to carry out:

• Concrete cutting and demolition – opening the existing building for seismic works
• Installation of reinforcing beams, concrete placing
• Steel fabrication – specialist metal work and installation of structural steel
• Access to the façade of the building – abseiling contractors
• Alucobond – exterior façade systems
• Exterior waterproofing
• Aluminium window joinery
• Installation of glass for windows, doors and glass partitions
• Joinery for the kitchens and bathrooms
• Plumbing for the kitchens and bathrooms
• Escalator servicing and installation
• Electrical work – wiring for lighting and power
• Tiling the bathroom and building entrance
• Painting and plastering – both interior and exterior
• Installation of security alarms

The seismic upgrade was successful, with structural engineer sign-off. The building is now stronger and safer for tenants and their visitors. With the fit-out also finalised, the project was completed at the end of March 2023.

Throughout the project, we maintained a positive and friendly relationship with the client, keeping him up to date on a weekly basis either by phone call or site visit. Martin now has a direct connection with our key staff.

We also focussed on our partnerships with the subcontractors – many of whom struggled at times through the project due to COVID-19. We progress into future work with them having strengthened these relationships.