Commercial >> Ultraspec Building Systems - Quarantine Road
New complex overcomes site challenges Jo Bailey The construction of a new three-building development in Quarantine Road, one specifically designed for Savemart, has provided several challenges for Nelson construction firm Ultraspec Building Systems. “The site was in a liquefaction zone and also had methane issues as it was formerly an old wood processing yard. “It was an intensive process just to get the three buildings out of the ground,” says Ultraspec director Ruary O’Toole. To mitigate these issues around 800 piles were put in under Unit 2 (1200 square metres) and Unit 3 (2500 square metres) in the development. “The inconsistent nature of the site which was both hard and soft ground in parts made piling works a challenging process taking around three to four weeks.” An overflow aeration system was also installed under the foundation pad to create an air barrier to direct any methane leakage to overflow piping. A methane barrier was placed over the top of this system, with the steelwork and concrete foundation work then able to get underway. Project manager Tony McIntosh says the three buildings have been constructed using the Formsteel Building System, for which Ultraspec is the South Island agent. “The main difference between Formsteel and conventional steel buildings is that the materials are a lot lighter than standard ibeam construction, but the strength is the same,’ he says. “This cost-effective system can also be used to achieve large and very economical spans.” All Formsteel buildings are custom designed and manufactured to each client’s precise requirements, which is another advantage of the low maintenance, durable system. Formsteel Purlindek roofing was also used on the 4900 square metre commercial complex, which was an ideal choice due to its strength and size, he says. The project took around 14 months to complete, with nationwide recycling clothing chain Savemart operating from Unit 1 until their larger, Unit 3 premises, located behind the two smaller buildings (which are being leased to other companies) was complete.
The three buildings have been constructed using the Formsteel Building System, for which Ultraspec is the South Island agent. Ruary O’Toole and his wife Anna purchased Ultraspec in February 2013, and since then the firm has enjoyed rapid growth. “We started with two builders, and now have 11, including Tony, who has 30 plus years experience in the industry and is also my brother-in-law,” he says. Last year the company also built its own new premises at Stoke - a 740 square metre Formsteel building it occupies with an aluminium fabrication company. Ultraspec has a strong niche in the commercial and rural markets with projects including everything from commercial buildings, airport hangars and dairy sheds, to carports and general farm buildings. Ruary O’Toole says the company is currently expanding the residential side of the business. “We do our own design and build projects, and are also Nelson agents for Grove Lifestyle Homes, which offers a unique system using prefabricated wall panels that delivers a fast construction time.
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where we are looking to set up a team, and are in discussions with people in Invercargill, Queenstown and Cromwell about possibilities in these markets. “The transformation of Ultraspec in the last two years has been quite extreme and we’re very happy with our progress to date.”
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“This product is particularly well suited for farm homes, baches and holiday homes.” He expects Ultraspec’s association with Formsteel and Grove Lifestyle Homes to result in more growth for the firm. “We are currently exploring business opportunities in the Christchurch market
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