St. Luke’s Garden Apartments, a sizable residential complex adjacent to Mount Albert Grammar School and opposite the Westfield shopping mall, comprises seven blocks with a total of 280 units. The complex faced weathertightness and structural issues years after construction. Block 27, the largest with three interconnected four-storey buildings and 53 units, became the initial focus of remediation efforts along with Block 19 (47 units) and Block 15 (24 units).
Form initially engaged in Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) to define the scope of necessary remediation, leading to the negotiated procurement of Stage 1, encompassing Blocks 27, 19 and 15. The project involved extensive demolition, including a complete re-roof and replacement of 90% of the external timber framing and 75% of the existing internal partitions. Collaborative efforts between Form and the client were crucial to adapting to evolving designs, accommodating tenant requests, and incorporating additional features during repairs.
The repaired exterior precast panels now feature a Trespa façade system to rectify weathertightness issues. Internally, apartments underwent comprehensive refurbishment with painting, tiling and carpeting, presenting a nearly new appearance.
Participating in the initial phases of the design process has empowered Form to support the client in addressing construction feasibility challenges, resulting in a progressive design that seamlessly extends to subsequent phases. Overcoming initial obstacles, Form has equipped the client with effective tools and solutions, enabling a more streamlined and efficient execution of the remaining project components.
