Public transport enables millions of people to travel around the world at relatively low expense and is vital to help cities remain efficient as their population grows. Therefore, as the greater Auckland area continues with its plan to majorly strengthen its public transport infrastructure, the Manukau Bus Exchange has become a major hub for South Auckland.
Consisting of 23-bays, the bus station is located right next to the existing Manukau train station. The bus station itself is like most buildings in shape, but it’s the bold statement of the “bird beak” roof that grabs attention.
Two firms, Becker and Cox Architects worked together to create the 21 striking “sawtooth” designed bays, which is a nod to the Hamburg Central Bus Station and cleverly combines local and cultural history.
The bus network for South Auckland has significantly improved public transport options for many people in the area. A key feature of the network is about making it easier to transfer between services and one of the main places that will happen is in Manukau – one of Auckland’s most important regional centres. Altogether, 15 different routes stop at or pass through Manukau making it one of the busiest transport locations in New Zealand.
NZ Strong were given the Builder’s contract and together with Interior Contractor, Prime Construction were responsible to deliver the $26M transport hub by the second quarter of 2018.
Timber features were used throughout the project, with Decortech acoustic panels used to clad both internal and external ceilings. Rondo, in collaboration with BVT Engineering was engaged to provide design assistance for all external soffits/ceilings, internal walls and ceiling framing.
Site design parameters, with very high wind loadings reaching 2.6kPa, called for the introduction of very specific framing solutions. Ultimately delivering a no compromise code compliant installation for the client, Auckland Transport.
Rondo and BVT used a combination of heavy gauge stud framing and the medium gauge Top Hat System to provide a framing structure for the installation of decorative acoustic timber panels throughout the external bus bays and the internal ceilings.
Working closely with the installer, Rondo and BVT overcame numerous design and installation challenges from the very complex geometrical shapes of the roof structure, ultimately producing a PS1 design, offering on-going site inspections to monitor install progress, and a full PS4 post construction sign off; all in all, providing peace of mind to Prime Construction, NZ Strong, Auckland Transport, and most importantly, all future users of this incredible new transport facility.