By LT McGuinness Ltd.
This tall sliver of a building on the Kelburn campus is sandwiched between three other university structures, creating a wind trap which posed special construction challenges.
The gallery sits on rubber bearings designed to compress during an earthquake. Getting its steel frames plumb in such a tight wedge was extraordinarily difficult, particularly as putting the black zinc cladding in place threatened to knock the frames out of alignment.
This was solved by pre-loading them then connecting insulated pre-cast panels to keep it watertight. This was all done while incorporating a pre-existing stairway.
A major art exhibition was staged to celebrate the opening of the gallery, which remains a well-used campus showpiece.
Our approach is direct, honest and respectful.
People working well together is the key to any successful project. Creating good work environments for everyone involved is our hallmark.
As a family firm, we maintain a traditional building company model with our own carpenters, apprentices, labourers and crane crews. We aim to set an example as an employer and are proud of our extremely low staff turnover.
Our leaders have generally come up through the company. They have a deep understanding of LTM’s unique culture.