Winners of ‘building twice’ award
Christchurch’s $92.7 million Tu¯ ranga, central library, has scooped an inaugural award for its use of a ‘‘not so new’’ building technology in the construction of the award-winning building.
Tu¯ ranga, opened almost a year ago, won the over $50m project category in the first ‘‘Building Information Modelling’’ – known as BIM – awards run by the Registered Master Builders Association.
The new awards are designed to encourage the uptake of the technology which has been ‘‘a slow burn’’ in New Zealand but was starting to gain some momentum, Master Builders chief executive David Kelly said.
By using BIM, a structure is ‘‘built twice’’ – first by using the technology to build a virtual model of the building and then physically building it.
One of the award judges, Jason Howden, associate principal of Warren and Mahoney, Wellington, who has been using the technology for more than 20 years, said one of the challenges was to dispel its ‘‘geekiness’’ and the attitude that it was for ‘‘those kind of people over there who played video games’’.
There was a lot of stigma associated with it in the construction industry which was not a diverse one. ‘‘That stigma holds back innovation. A lot of people who have alternative thinking are pushed out.’’
The construction industry was used to doing what it had always done. People in the industry were taught by experienced and seasoned people who were also taught by experienced and seasoned people.
His father was a building contractor and his grandfather too. But he was one of the alternative thinkers.
‘‘It’s just as valuable as putting up a straight wall and making sure your concrete is laid right.’’
The technology was not that new. He had been using it for 23 years.
If digital technologies like BIM could be used to build higher quality buildings, reduce costs and enhance safety then the industry was on to a winner, especially with construction costs at an all-time high, Howden said.
The judges said Tu¯ ranga was a large and complex project where the team was able to deliver on time and on budget through a strong BIM framework. They used innovative technologies such as clash detection, 4D, digital set-out and a prefabricated kit of parts.
The use of BIM improved engagement in the process and helped eliminate risk, minimise waste and reduce labour hours, they said.
The winner of the $25m to $30m category and the overall winner was Auckland’s QT Hotel. The judges said the project team displayed excellent use of BIM right from the start through to building operation and asset management. Airways air traffic control facility in Auckland won the under $25m category.
Kelly said BIM demanded a collaborative approach. ‘‘That’s what the construction sector needs if we are going to overcome our problematic, race-to-the-bottom approach. Teamwork will drive a better built New Zealand.
The award winners were announced at Constructive, an annual gathering of the construction industry.