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Naylor Love Wellington
Aurecon (Structural Engineer), Health New Zealand Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley (Client Representative), Kensway Consultants Limited (Project Manager), Naylor Love Wellington (Construction Company), Neet Design (Architect/Designer), Rider Levett Bucknall (Quantity Surveyor)
This pioneering project delivered a relocatable, 450-square-metre hospital ward to support Wellington Hospital’s growing need for clinical space, creating a 12-bed decant ward. Constructed offsite in a controlled warehouse environment, eight prefabricated pods were transported overnight and craned into place atop the hospital, all while ensuring uninterrupted theatre operations directly below. BIM technology enabled precise coordination, early clash detection, and careful planning to meet tight weight and dimension constraints. With the NICU located nearby, strict noise control and infection prevention protocols were essential. This innovative, highly coordinated approach sets a precedent for prefabricated healthcare infrastructure in New Zealand.
In the extraordinary challenge of designing and constructing a 12-bed, multi-department hospital ward in just one year, collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking were paramount to achieving this ambitious build without disrupting lifesaving procedures. A fully integrated and streamlined design process brought together designers, contractors, and subcontractors in real-time. Prefabrication was central to the solution, with eight modular pods and roof cassettes craned into place with quick precision. Innovations such as a purpose-built spray booth and wheelable platforms made for enhanced speed, safety and sustainability. This project showcases how collaboration and prefabrication can transform healthcare construction.
Naylor Love Canterbury
Noble PM (Project Manager), WSP New Zealand (Architect/Designer)
Ministry of Education
Spanning 1,500 square metres, the Golden Bay High School rebuild delivers state-of-the-art facilities that reflect the community’s rich heritage. The project features new classrooms, a library, and administration spaces, all designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating energy-efficient materials, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and low-emission HVAC systems. Cultural narratives are woven throughout the design, with kowhaiwhai patterns by local artist Robin Slow celebrating the history of Mohua and strengthening the school’s connection to its community. This rebuild stands as a model of sustainability, cultural respect, and collaboration, creating a vibrant environment for learning and growth in Golden Bay.
Redeveloping a high school in a particularly isolated community presented a unique challenge for the Naylor Love Canterbury team. Immersing themselves deeply in the community ensured the design truly reflected the local culture and environment. The result is not only a vastly improved school, but a shared community asset. Collaboration was evident at every level, from the site planning to the incorporation of kowhaiwhai patterns by a local artist, telling the story of Golden Bay and its history. Despite supply chain challenges and the complexities of building in a live school environment, the project was delivered safely and sustainably, with strong recycling practices. This project is an example of what can be achieved with exceptional commitment, care, and collaboration.
Brightwater (Engineer), Naylor Love Canterbury (Construction Company)
Department of Conservation
The Dolomite Point Redevelopment Project at Punakaiki enhances visitor infrastructure at the iconic Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, seamlessly blending sustainability with functionality. A key feature is the new visitor experience centre, constructed with laminated veneer lumber and other low-carbon materials, topped with green roofs that integrate into the surrounding landscape. Upgraded pedestrian facilities further improve accessibility while preserving the site’s natural beauty. Environmental protection was a core priority, with extensive measures taken to safeguard native flora and fauna, including the great spotted kiwi. Habitat restoration and management plans underscore the project’s commitment to conservation. Navigating the challenges of a remote location, strict environmental regulations, and complex logistics, Naylor Love successfully delivered the project on time and within budget. Setting a benchmark for sustainable tourism, this redevelopment balances visitor experience, environmental care, and community engagement at one of New Zealand’s most treasured natural sites.
This visitor Experience Centre demonstrates what’s possible when environmental stewardship, cultural sensitivity, and design innovation come together with care and clarity of purpose. Located in an ecologically sensitive area, the Dolomite Point Redevelopment Project required special consideration for native species, including lizards, migratory seabirds, and the great spotted kiwi. The result is a built environment that treads lightly in form and footprint. 3 Laminated veneer lumber forms the project’s structural backbone, paired with green roofs and low-carbon materials that reflect a strong sustainability ethos. Beyond its environmental commitments, the project also prioritises social outcomes, engaging the local community and partnering with iwi to reflect cultural narratives embedded in the land.