Aquinas College extension

We built the Aquinas College student hall of residence in 1954 and upgraded it in 2017, so we were delighted to be invited back by the University of Otago for a major extension and refurbishment project in 2022. As well the new four-level, 66-bed wing, we built a link building connecting the old and new blocks with administration and common areas, completely refurbished the common areas in original building, and added a stepped outdoor courtyard.

The new accommodation wing structure is primarily concrete and steel, with large insitu concrete ground beams and extensive retaining walls. The complex façade system consists of timber framing, GIB Weatherline, and a Symonite Alucolux rain screen and curtain walling system, topped with a metal and membrane roof.

Our scope also included significant services upgrades, diversions and installations and major package of seismic restraint, deflection and fire rating. The challenges of building on the steeply sloping site haven’t changed over the decades, but we were able to use the latest BIM technology to coordinate the complex seismic joints.

The College remained occupied throughout, requiring careful coordination and programming, with concentrated bursts of disruptive activity confined to semester breaks. It now accommodates 224 students and incorporates many social, environmental and cultural elements to enhance the student experience.