Project Description

A complex seismic retrofit of significant 111-yr old heritage buildings. The engineers demonstrated they could improve their seismic resilience to meet New Zealand's requirements for high capacity existing buildings. The project involved a novel approach using large strategically-placed fluid viscous dampers. The retrofit was marked by numerous challenges, including unexpected issues during construction and the need to preserve the buildings' historical integrity. Despite these hurdles, the project was completed successfully and within budget, enabling additional improvements such as a new climate control system significantly enhancing audience comfort as well as reducing the project's whole-life carbon emissions.

Judge’s comments

The engineers have successfully upgraded the St James Theatre and Ballet Building demonstrating a wonderful balance between modern engineering and historical conservation.
Diligent engineering condition assessment saved the Ballet Building from demolition and innovative approaches to seismic retrofitting, minimised structural interventions leading to economic savings, which allowed the client to make further improvements.

Heritage seismic retrofits are particularly challenging – and this was no different. The project team effectively managed numerous unexpected challenges, such as undocumented structural issues from previous retrofits, by fostering strong collaboration with contractors and fabricators.


Project overview

Structural Designer

  • Beca

Client Name

  • Wellington City Council

Location

  • Wellington, New Zealand

Architect

  • Shand Shelton

Principal Contractor

  • Maycroft

Key Contractors

  • Beca (Project management, Structural engineering, Building services engineering, Civil engineering, Planning and engineer to contract)


    AECOM (Cost management)

    Tonkin+Taylor (Geotechnical engineering)

    Ian Bowman (Heritage architect)

Year Submitted

  • 2024

Key attributes

  • Process

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