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Breen Construction
Breen Construction (Project Manager), Cheshire Architects (Architect/Designer), HFC Structures Ltd (Civil Engineer), Pacific Process (Engineer)
Scapegrace Distillery is a striking example of architectural innovation paired with a strong commitment to sustainability. At the heart of the project is Scapegrace’s pursuit of carbon neutrality, achieved by using a renewable electricity-powered electrode boiler in place of traditional fossil fuels. Breen Construction supported this vision with a comprehensive waste management plan to minimise landfill impact. One of the project’s greatest challenges was the installation of large copper tanks imported from Scotland, requiring extensive pre-construction coordination. The LVL portal frame posed another complex task, assembled in sections on the ground using a custom scaffold system to reduce time spent working at height. Breen’s early involvement enabled proactive problem-solving and efficient delivery. The result is a visually compelling, environmentally responsible distillery.
The future-focused approach taken for the Scapegrace Distillery is evident in its unique design. A clear commitment to sustainability shaped key decisions throughout the build, such as adopting laminated timber frames and electric boilers. Working in difficult weather conditions and with multiple specialist contractors, the team showed effective coordination and care in delivery. Process engineering had to be adapted for the challenging weather to maintain quality and the health and safety of all involved. The external and internal claddings are well crafted, and the complex processing components is executed to a high standard. This is a standout project that the team can rightly be proud of and is worthy of the Supreme Award under $10 million.
LT McGuinness Wellington
335 (Engineer), Dunning Thornton (Structural Engineer), Rider Levett Bucknall (Quantity Surveyor), Tennant Brown (Architect/Designer), The Building Intelligence Group (Project Manager)
Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
The Living Pa is one of New Zealand’s most ambitious sustainable buildings, designed to meet the internationally recognised Living Building Challenge. As the centrepiece of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington’s marae redevelopment, it seamlessly integrates matauranga Maori with leading-edge sustainability, setting a new benchmark for low-carbon construction. The 3,000-square-metre mass timber facility supports the function of the wharenui, with Level 1 dedicated to events, Level 2 housing teaching spaces and the Ngai Tauira Maori Students’ Association, and Level 3 providing offices for the Maori and sustainability faculties. For LT McGuinness, the Living Pa was their first mass timber project and required a rapid learning curve. The building generates 105% of its energy needs, treats all black and grey water on site, and uses a vacuum toilet system to save over 300,000 litres of potable water annually. A strong focus on waste minimisation led to 94% of construction waste being diverted from landfill and the project contributed to LT McGuinness becoming a Toitu-certified net carbon-zero building contractor.
This project confronted some of the most pressing challenges facing contemporary buildings as the sector transitions towards a more sustainable future. Built to meet the demanding criteria of the Living Building Challenge, the project pushed boundaries across mass timber construction, on-site energy generation, and water management systems. The judges noted that this project wasn’t for the faint hearted, with its success hinging on collaboration between the client, designers, contractors, and suppliers. Congratulations to LT McGuinness Wellington and all project partners, this truly is an outstanding commercial project.