The project was initiated to deliver a purpose-built industrial manufacturing and warehousing facility for Wattyl, supporting operational consolidation, modern manufacturing requirements, and long-term business growth.
This project received a Gold Award in the 2026 Master Builders NZ Commercial Project Awards, Industrial Category.
“Set on a challenging peat-laden site with a high-water table, the Wattyl Warehouse project stands out for its smart engineering and environmental performance. Ground conditions required the installation of 2,604 timber piles for stabilisation and extensive subgrade preparation, ensuring long-term resilience of the structure. A standout innovation was the sequencing of the steel portal frame prior to precast panel installation, eliminating the need for temporary propping and accelerating construction.”
Designed to a Green Star 5 rating under the NZGBC v2.0 criteria with a high consideration placed on materials’ embodied carbon early in the design process. The facility showcases, sustainability, with solar energy generation, rainwater recycling, and timber waste repurposing. This project is a testament to how technical precision, collaboration, and sustainability can converge in industrial construction.
As the site is not serviced by council wastewater or water supply infrastructure, the civil engineer was required to develop self-sufficient solutions for water supply and wastewater management. The design was also carefully considered to accommodate future connection to public services should these become available as surrounding development progresses.
Material selection for the project was carefully considered through a structured and collaborative process, guided by four key priorities: sustainability, durability, aesthetics, and cost.