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July | August Business South
FOCUS ON DUNEDIN » Otago Polytechnic
The main structure of the new student accommodation facility comprises cross-laminated timber (CLT), aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.
Student village breaks new ground Russell Fredric Otago Polytechnic’s $21 million student accommodation village presently being constructed by Naylor Love features some exciting firsts. The first residence fully-owned by Otago Polytechnic is aimed at enabling the provision of a viable number of beds for its international and New Zealand students, chief operating officer Philip Cullen says. Year-on-year growth for students requiring accommodation, backed by demographic
research showing 550 students were looking for hall of residence accommodation, were key drivers in committing to the project, he says. “We started talking seriously about the project four years ago and there were several iterations before it became a reality.” Mason and Wales Architects of Dunedin created a preliminary design before producing a final plan, with Logic Group providing project management and Naylor Love winning the construction tender. Consulting engineers Kirk Roberts are providing crucial expertise as the project director of construction on Otago Polytechnic’s student accommodation village.
With sustainability at the top of Otago Polytechnic’s list, the 231-bed, four and five level facility will incorporate some unique features. Only Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) timber - certified timber that promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests – is being used in its construction. The main structure comprises cross-laminated timber (CLT), aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. There is preferential use of “healthy” building materials plus a focus on energy, water and waste conservation through the use of energy efficient
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appliances, high insulation values, LED lighting, maximising natural light, the installation of lowflow water fixtures and recycling facilities. The 231 beds will be configured into single dormitory rooms, studios and four-bedroom apartments. Philip says the siting on Union Street site is absolutely perfect. “It’s right on campus, has a lovely outlook and is adjacent to our functioning restaurant, Technique, where the dormitory students will eat. We couldn’t have found a better location.”
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