Waitakere Sports and Events Centre

The Waitakere Council chose Tilt-Up as the method of construction for the Waitakere Sports & Events Center primarily because the use of concrete complied with the Council’s Better Building Code, which includes requirements for Sustainable Design. The choice carried additional benefits as well: The concrete walls provided excellent durability in the sports facility and also reduced the amount of noise carried to surrounding resedential areas.

Construction of the four-story facility was a challenge due to substantially varying ground levels. Lower-level panels had to be cast on the upper-level slab, then craned against the timber retaining wall in stacks before being craned to the final location. Access to the lower platform was limited, so erection sequences had to be developed to overcome the problem.

The curved Superstructure shape of the building subjected most of the panels to individual design, detailing and lift analysis. Judges commented that a closer look at this building indicated that Tilt-Up was the only way it could be completed econmically. For example, the circular panels defining the shape of the end wall were easy to do with Tilt-Up.

Judges stated that casting the intricate support system for the bleachers on-site completes the progression of Tilt-Up, from envelope to interior space. Overall, the project demonstrates effective use of the Tilt-Up method.

The project was also the recipient of a national award from the New Zealand Concrete Society.