Harvard Industrial Development, Tauranga
Project details
// Client -
Harvard Investment Limited
// Location -
Mount Maunganui, Tauranga
// Size -
4,700m² warehousing with 500m² two-level office
// Services -
// Architecture // Building Information Modelling // Civil Engineering // Fire Engineering // Geotechnical Engineering // Structural Engineering
// Project value -
$9 million
// Status -
Completed
Multidisciplinary Design for Industrial Warehousing and Commercial Facilities
Kirk Roberts Consulting delivered this industrial warehouse and office development through a fully integrated multidisciplinary approach, combining architectural, structural, geotechnical, civil, and fire engineering expertise to create a high-performing commercial and industrial facility in Mount Maunganui. The project received a Silver Award at the 2026 Commercial Project Awards in Auckland, recognising the quality of design, coordination, and delivery across the development.
Located on a 7,420m² landlocked greenfield site near Tauranga Airport, the facility was designed to support modern industrial operations, logistics functionality, and future tenancy flexibility while responding to site constraints and operational requirements. The development features a 5,000m² building footprint split into two warehouse zones, incorporating high-capacity storage areas with an 8-metre knee height and 10-metre apex.
The smaller western warehouse includes a bespoke two-level 500m² office designed to accommodate future sub-tenancy opportunities, while the larger eastern warehouse incorporates additional office facilities to support industrial operations and tenant flexibility. The completed facility delivers flexible industrial warehousing, modern office accommodation, and efficient logistics functionality within a constrained site environment.
Integrated Engineering and Value-Driven Design
A key success factor was the close collaboration between disciplines and offices throughout the project lifecycle. Teams across our Auckland, Tauranga, and Christchurch offices worked together to coordinate architectural, structural, geotechnical, civil, and fire engineering services, enabling efficient decision-making and a streamlined delivery process from concept through to construction.
Early coordination between our geotechnical and structural engineers enabled the development of a cost-effective slab and foundation solution that avoided the need for deep piling, despite significant storage loading requirements.
Our structural team also partnered closely with Steltech to value-engineer a 45-metre clear-span portal frame system, improving structural efficiency, reducing construction complexity, and maximising internal warehouse functionality.
The building incorporates precast concrete panels across all elevations, supported by a hot-rolled steel primary structure and cold-formed secondary steel framing. A gable-pitch roof form was selected to improve durability, simplify long-term maintenance requirements, and support efficient construction delivery.
Coordinated Design and Statutory Management
Our architectural team led statutory approvals and consultant coordination, working closely with traffic engineers, surveyors, and flood and stormwater specialists to secure both resource and building consents.
BIM modelling supported coordination across architectural, structural, mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical teams, helping reduce design clashes and improve construction efficiency throughout delivery.
This project highlights Kirk Roberts’ ability to deliver large-scale commercial and industrial developments through integrated multidisciplinary design, strong internal collaboration, and coordinated project delivery across New Zealand.
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