Setting the benchmark
Victoria University’s prize-winning new campus building, Ngā Mokopuna, used numerous commercial window systems from APL and required in-depth environmental documentation as part of the specification process.
The striking 3,000-square-metre development on Kelburn Parade sits in front of Te Tumu Herenga Waka, the wharenui on university grounds, and won builder, LT McGuinness, the Master Builders’ supreme commercial award for a project of more than $10 million. It also took out the Sustainable Building accolade at the recent Property Council New Zealand awards.
Far from straight forward
Judges for the Master Builders competition said that Ngā Mokopuna, a student-focused Maori education centre, was, “one of New Zealand’s most complex buildings. This project confronted the pressing challenges facing commercial buildings as the sector transitions toward a more sustainable future. Its success is a testament to the shared vision, determination, and commitment of everyone involved.”
Wight Aluminium installed eight commercial window systems in the three-storey, wooden frame (LVL) structure and had to satisfy demanding seismicity requirements, which saw extensive use of seismic frames, as well as the utilisation of Flushglaze, Structural Glaze, APL Architectural Series, Metro Series and other products. A number of banks of fanlights automatically open and close for climate control purposes. Wight Aluminium also installed extensive overhead glazing in APL glazing bar systems to provide generous light into two full-height voids illuminating the interior.
Windows and doors were powdercoated in a Dulux Duratec Electric Cow Kinetic finish and Icon stainless steel hardware was used throughout. Solar control double glazing with Argon gas fill was used in most of the building.
Learn more about APL's sustainability accreditations and initiatives, or product details on EBOSS via Altherm, First, or Vantage.
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