Napier based Simkin Construction’s latest project is a good example of the company’s focus on building strong relationships with clients over many years.
The company has been completing projects at Hastings Girls’ High School for over a decade and the latest is the refurbishment of a block of seven classrooms to convert them into Innovative Learning Environments.
Simkin quantity surveyor Henry Botha says the company has an extremely good working relationship with both the school and design company BSM Group.
“We have all been working together on projects for many years. A lot of the success of such projects boils down to relationships,” says Henry.
“We all have the same end goal in sight and aim to work closely together to make the project go as smoothly as possible,” he says.
Simkin started the project in 2016 and worked with the school to formulate the best programme to result in the least disruption.
Demolition works were completed outside school hours. Simkin then broke the project into two stages with stage one being the refurbishment of four classrooms.
Firstly the wall and sliding door in between was completed as it was acoustically rated so meant any noise resulting from build works was minimised as the children occupied the adjoining three classrooms.
Once those four classrooms were completed the children moved into those and Simkin worked on the remaining three classrooms.
The project involved removing cladding and internal walls and bringing the building up to the latest seismic codes. New walls and aluminium glass sliding doors were installed to result in a flexible learning space.
Outside timbers decks were built with covered canopies. Henry says that Simkin worked closely with the school on a daily basis to ensure the least disruption.
Regular meetings let the school know what building works were scheduled and when and also allowed Simkin the opportunity to know the school’s changing requirements so both parties could work in together for the best final result.
The project was completed mid last year. Simkin is presently working on a 6 metre extension of the school gymnasium due for completion by the end of March.
The project will result in a new store and weights room and new timber ash tongue and groove flooring inside the building.
School principal Catherine Bentley says they are “hugely appreciative” of the work that has been done by BSM and Simkin “to ensure that our learning environments fits with our strategic vision”.
“They have created a space that supports our girl in her learning today so she can be best prepared for her tomorrow.”
Simkin Construction has been operating in the Hawke’s Bay for decades completing a variety of commercial and residential projects including new builds, earthquake strengthening and maintenance/ restoration.
Henry says that with most projects the company works together with the client right from the design stage, ensuring the best practical solutions and cost effectiveness.
Simkin has just completed a new administration building for Bostock’s Organic in Hastings, which resulted in a 250 square metre building.
At the end of April – outside the client’s busy season – Simkin will return to strip out the old office block to ensure it merges seamlessly with the new building. Simkin has also recently completed two high-end residential builds in Napier.
It is presently working on a complex driveway and garage project, which will involve cutting into the ground to build retaining walls and a 450 square metre driveway and double garage with bedroom and workshop on a steep site.
Henry says it is the type of challenging project the company thrives on and times are busy: “The Hawkes Bay Construction industry is booming, which is very positive for the whole region.”
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Simkin Construction has done numerous projects at Hastings Girls’ High School.
