The Cafe

Utilising two-way portal frame systems and a steel gravity structure, the Café has complex geometry with a ridge running diagonally along the building and cantilevered facade walls. The steel work provided design challenges due to the Café’s unique shape. Our structural engineers worked closely with the architects and the client to provide practical structural solutions while maintaining the Café’s stunning architecture. The structural steel went together without a hitch and no site welding was required.

The Health Spa Building

With its large span steel framing and the swimming and spa pool to consider, our engineers were up to the challenge and provided practical designs that were easily implemented onsite.

The Bridges

As part of the roading infrastructure, the development has two concrete reinforced vehicle bridges which link the lake features. Our geotechnical and structural engineers worked with the client to design a solution that achieved the classical English arch bridge look. As well as the design, we provided construction monitoring services and design amendments during construction. Several site visits were completed to check the quality and ensure detailed design was followed on-site. Kirk Roberts also took care of the Building Consent application process on the behalf of our client.

The Lakehouse

The Lakehouse is an enclosed single-story mixed-use facility with decks and a connected walkway and pavilion structure partially located over a lake. The building has a complex structural steel arrangement requiring development of many bespoke details.  Steel trusses are provided to large open space. Our geotechnical and structural engineers worked together to design the timber piles for the components adjacent to and over the lake as well as the pad foundations of the main structure.

Modelled in 3D, BIM360 was used for the coordination of the project. The timberwork for the Lakehouse required more time to ensure the detailing was both clear and correct and due to two stages for consent, adjustments made for existing timber piles.

Aged Care Facility

Starting construction in late 2023, the Aged Care Facility will be the largest structure in the development and will incorporate 10 dedicated dementia beds, 20 rest home/hospital care beds, a theatre, a gym, a worship zone and a café facility. Kirk Roberts is proud to provide structural engineering and structural draughting for this project, working closely with other consultants using BIM360 software.

There are three ‘wings” to this building, with the central wing being double storey.  Impressive precast concrete “fin” walls will salute you when you enter the facility and a large atrium area with high roof provides a sense of grandeur.  The building will be constructed in several stages and our engineers provided practical advice and solution for the construction joints and connections.

A Collaboration

Kirk Roberts has collaborated closely with the architects and the client to solve complex engineering challenges, especially in terms of structural engineering for the architecturally designed roof line structures in the commercial buildings, like the café.  Our structural engineering services have been supported by our in-house geotechnical engineering team.

We worked with the Sanderson Group to understand their design philosophy for the Tamahere Country Club and to find cost effective solutions to ensure that the architectural finishes can be achieved. Once example is the use of pipe culverts to form the arch of the classical English bridges.

We’re proud to continue our work on this new iconic development where lifestyle and luxury unite.

Read about another Waikato project Northpower Horotiu.