$45 Million Wellington Residential Development for Kainga Ora
Aerial view of Epuni housing development partly constructed
This Lower Hutt social housing development, scheduled to be built over two years, includes the construction of 106 new dwellings comprising:
63 one-bedroom apartments
38 two-bedroom apartments/houses
five four-bedroom houses, and
a community facility.
Covering 9,333m² of land adjacent to the Epuni Station, the site was previously occupied by 1950s standalone houses.
The redevelopment and increased site yield is helping to address the high demand for social housing in the region. It has been built to provide safe, contemporary housing, to re-energise the heart of the suburb and help cater for the area’s growing population.
A Proud History of Delivering Successful Project Outcomes
Trademark Construction has a proven track record of over 20 years in successfully completing a broad portfolio of commercial, industrial, multi-storey apartments, and retail developments. As a commercial construction company, they set the bar high to successfully deliver projects from the design input stage throughout the entire construction phase.
Through a successful partnership with Kainga Ora and its team of consultants, Trademark was selected to deliver this project as main contractor. Trademark was involved from the start of the project to provide input, throughout the detailed design process and provide budget estimates as the design progressed.
The Trademark team understands successful commercial projects require a strong collaboration from design through to delivery. They build relationships that deliver success and pride themselves on open communication, honest assessments and delivering on what they promise.
The Challenge
Construction Project Manager, Shane London, with his wealth of experience, can clearly identify when things are on track and equally, when projects aren’t going according to plan.
During this project there were setbacks from external architects and consultants. Compounding delays were affecting the timeline of the project. Shane needed to get this project back on track and safeguard his company’s reputation.
“We needed to manage these delays and get assistance to submit an extension of time claim. Basically, we needed a trusted external independent party to help protect us from contractual obligations caused by compounding delays. I put out a call to Dave at Morden. The next day I received a phone call and the day after, he was onsite.”
The delays were causing a lot of issues making it hard to see the wood for the trees. Shane wasn’t sure which pathway to follow, plus the extension of time claim needed careful handling and expert knowledge.
“Morden’s involvement was critical to get our extension of time claim through and also overcome the mountain of variations,” explained Shane.
Part of the completed new development.
Morden’s Focus on Trademark’s Success
Shane continued, “Along with the extension of time claim, Morden provided assistance with programmes and programme monitoring. They were able to bring their programme skills in P6 and Microsoft Project, along with Contract 3910 expertise. Their industry knowledge was second to none and just as helpful was their Wellington construction industry experience.”
”Morden have the understanding of the expectations that principles put on main contractors and they are able to provide impartial advice and assistance.”
Shane also noted and appreciated that the Morden team was focused solely on supporting Trademark and the project's success, with “no agenda of their own, or intent to take over.”
“They helped, they educated, they solved a lot of problems and provided assurity to all parties. They don’t push, they don’t criticise. They just get straight into it. They’re independent and that’s what we need in the construction industry.”
“Our industry tends to be very secretive which is weird. We don’t typically share knowledge. We don’t help each other out. Our industry doesn’t talk much,” Shane shares. “Morden are changing that trend. Trademark as a business has learned a lot from Morden and grown from the relationship. We have proven expertise in building – that’s what we’re good at. Morden has provided us with background skills to help our business become more profitable and upskill my team. They’ve helped us in so many ways.”
The Outcome
The extension of time claim was approved, with a clear finish date in sight. The project, which began in November 2021, is due for completion in early December 2024.
An Ongoing and Trusted Partnership
How would you rate them?
“10 out of 10. There’s nothing that I can pinpoint to say they’re weak in this area or that area. They are the best of the best. I couldn’t do it without them. Everyone I have worked with through Morden feels like part of Trademark. They really fit into our business. They’ve become really good mates.”
The Trademark team understands that successful commercial projects require strong collaboration and relationships that deliver success, which is why they still work with Morden today. “Ever since this project, where Morden were brought in as damage control, they have been a part of our business. We always have them involved. I have one of their QS in our office helping us as needed, as an extension of our business. It all depends on the work. Morden provides what I need as and when I need it.”
“To date they’ve helped us with tendering, on getting the programme right, checking the contract for curve balls or things we need to be aware of – and as a QS resource, helped us get through mountains of variations.”
“They are always available for a phone call and any of my team can reach out to them. We consider them a part of our team.”