2023 Concrete Construction Awards:
Pacifica Tower Takes Top Honour
The project team responsible for Auckland’s Pacifica Tower, New Zealand’s highest residential building, took home the Nauhria Group Premier Concrete Award at the 2023 Concrete Construction Awards.
Pacifica Tower. Image. David Calder-Flynn.
The award, presented at the Concrete Construction Awards event at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in Auckland on 23 March, celebrated concrete’s role in one of the first examples of a new high-rise construction method being used in New Zealand.
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The judging panel commended the project team which, along with BBR Contech, included Hengyi Pacific, Plus Architecture, BGT Structures, WSP, ICON and Dominion Constructors, for the adoption of innovative design and construction techniques that are emerging in New Zealand.
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In particular, the judging panel felt the use of in-situ post-tensioned concrete floors was an elegant solution to both architectural and structural performance requirements for multi-storey buildings.
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The six-day floor cycle achieved during construction – where a new floor/storey was erected every six days – is testament to the careful consideration of structural design and construction methodology, as well as the skill and expertise of the project team.
Pacifica Tower. Image. ICON.
Concrete NZ chief executive Rob Gaimster believes the Pacifica Tower sets a new standard for multi-storey reinforced concrete builds, demonstrating concrete can be used for the tallest commercial and residential structures in New Zealand.
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“The Pacifica Tower is a prominent and celebrated addition to the Auckland skyline, and all those involved can be proud of our biggest city’s newest landmark," says Rob.
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"It is also an example of how the implementation of technologies such post-tensioning and high strength mix designs will be part of concrete's ongoing decarbonisation journey,” says Rob.
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On its way to the top prize, the Pacifica Tower team won the Firth Industries - Excellence in Commercial Concrete category award.
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The Awards set a new benchmark for excellence in all aspects of concrete design, construction, rehabilitation, research, and innovation, while also recognising the leaders and teams who are building and preserving New Zealand’s low carbon, built environment of tomorrow.
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The Concrete Construction Awards also celebrated a further seven category winners.