Winning silver at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards in 2018 and 2017 is proof that Isles Construction is producing builds of a consistently high standard, says director Cameron Isles.
“This is a national competition so to be judged alongside the big national building companies was quite an achievement,” he says. The project that won silver this year was the Te Papaioea Primary Birthing Centre.
The 3000sqm, 12-bed purpose built birthing unit is a first for Palmerston North and offers full maternity services to the local community. The structure of the birthing unit includes extensive structural steel and tilt-slab panels.
An elevator was installed as well as a commercial kitchen. Extensive design and build mechanical works along with security and fi re protection were installed.
Cameron says that project challenges included a delay in construction after asbestos was discovered during the demolition of the existing structure and the fact that existing Council records were inaccurate in regards to existing drainage and sewer lines. Extensive investigate work was undertaken leading to a re-confi guration of drainage and sewer plans.
Nevertheless the project was successfully delivered within 12 months and multiple fit-outs completed for a number of separate tenancies including a café and florist followed.
Cameron says there was a high degree of community interest in the project and that stakeholder engagement was important with the new build neighbouring a school, a motel and several private residences.
Engagement and communication were a priority at all times with neighbours being regularly contacted to inform them of upcoming works and any possible impact.
Further, the client was based in Tauranga, the project manager in Auckland and several specialist subcontractors were based away from Palmerston North.
All carpentry, concrete works, ground and site works including excavation as well as all project administration and site management were completed by Isles Construction’s own directly employed workforce.
Subtrades included structural steel, roofing, electrical, plumbing and drainage, data, mechanical and fi re and security works and specialist trades including lift installation and a nurse call system.
At the time of construction it was the largest project that Isles Construction had undertaken and Cameron says that it was hugely important to the company that it was completed successfully and highlighted its capabilities in this type and size of construction.
She says that the fact that Isles Construction directly employs its staff was important in controlling timing and quality.
Isles Construction is a second-generation family owned company. Originally set up by Bob and Desma Isles, Isles Construction is today still owned by them along with their daughter Tarsha and her brother Cameron.
The company has now been in business in the Manawatu region for over 40 years and has gained a proven and respected track record for providing consistently high quality workmanship, says Cameron.
Based in Palmerston North Isles Construction focuses on commercial construction and has completed over 1000 projects in the Manawatu and lower North Island.
Isles Construction also undertakes a small amount of architectural new home builds. Because Isles Construction can also undertake site works and excavation in house Cameron says this often gives the company an edge in terms of pricing, quality control and time-frames. Isles Construction also has a branch in Christchurch.
Cameron says that it is the strong family focus – both in ownership and operational structure – that sets the company apart ensuring clients receive a professional yet personal service.
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Isles Construction won a silver award at this year’s New Zealand Commercial Project Awards for the Te Papaioea Primary
Birthing Centre.
