Winner of the Commercial Architecture award for Nelson Marlborough
(New Zealand Institute of Architects).
Build Duration
11 Months — built for Kaikōura District Council, 2024–2025.
Local Spend
70% — local tradespeople and suppliers engaged wherever possible
Recognition
NZIA Award Winner — Commercial Architecture, Nelson Marlborough
Overview
Designed by Warren & Mahoney Architects, the award-winning design* was built for the Kaikōura District Council over 11 months – completed in 2025. Landscape construction was completed concurrently, in direct coordination with the council.
Client: Kaikōura District Council
Location: Wakatu Quay – Kaikōura
Services: Commercial Building, Landscape Construction, Civil
Challenge
The most challenging aspect was developing a thorough understanding of the build to meet the exceptionally high standards required; needing a high level of coordination and care. The build involved environmental, structural, façade, civil, electrical and HVAC specialists, architects, project managers and council representatives.
Building over the winter months in a challenging ocean front environment required strong planning processes, and robust Health and Safety procedures to manage the myriad of visitors and sub trades.
Coordinating environmental, structural, façade, civil, electrical and HVAC specialists
Meeting exceptionally high design standards set by the architects
Winter build in an exposed oceanfront site
Managing a high volume of site visitors and subtrades safely
Solution
We planned ahead at every stage, setting a clear construction method before work began on site. Live, accurate scheduling kept every stakeholder — council, architects, and specialists — able to check progress at any time, backed by open communication throughout the build.
It came down to the people: our own team, and the subtrades we brought on board.
Watch the Build
Build to finished — see Wakatu Quay come together, then get a look at how the finished build sits within its surroundings.
Proud of
Completing the project on time and delivering a high-quality building with transformed surroundings. We also achieved a 70% “local spend” on the contract involving local tradespeople and suppliers wherever possible.
Luke & Nicola Chambers — LMC Building
