The stunning four-level extension to the Novotel Tainui Hamilton Hotel has received a Gold Award at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards 2022.
The extension, which features a cultural design on the front exterior, was completed in 2020 and added a further 40 rooms to the 4-Star hotel.
Its distinctive façade was designed by Waikato-Tainui Head of Carving, Renata Te Wiata, and Taroi Rawiri, and tells the story of the annual migration of tuna (eel) within the Waikato River. This design approach is matched with the interior where colour, materials, texture and art have been used to reflect the relationship of the iwi with its tupuna awa (ancestral river).
Chris Joblin, Tainui Group Holdings Chief Executive, said the design of the new wing acknowledged the hotel’s owner, Waikato-Tainui, and a commitment by TGH to highlight cultural design as a key feature of its buildings. The new ACC building currently under development on Tristram St in Hamilton was a further example.
Rob Kemp of Form Building and Developments, who constructed the new wing and received the award, said the project posed a number of challenges including seamlessly integrating the extension with the existing structure, working with a live hotel environment and the health and safety restraints that imposed, installing precast concrete beams over 10m long and weighing more than 18 tonne, and etching the design into four-storey high concrete walls.
“We were excited to be part of the team that delivered the extension project and believe that this award is something the whole project team deserves and should be proud of,” said Mr Kemp.
Phillip Hilton, General Manager for Novotel Tainui Hamilton Hotel, said the award was a tribute to the collaborative process of all parties to design and build something that truly reflects the hotel, our team, and the environment.
“Every room and space is unique to this hotel with a distinctive design to the people of Waikato; our local iwi and community. Every element of this extension merges seamlessly with the original hotel building and is a stunning addition to the Hamilton skyline. We couldn’t be more proud,” said Mr Hilton. In 2021 the hotel’s conference centre was upgraded and modernised and now also features cultural design.
Form Building and Developments submitted the entry into the Tourism and Leisure Project category of the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards 2022, which was won by Ravenscar House, the eventual Supreme Award winner. Gold Awards are given to entrants that achieve 90% of the judging points available.
Novotel Tainui Hamilton Hotel Construction Project Partners:
- Babbage Consultants Ltd (architect/designer)
- Form Building and Developments (construction)
- Greenstone Group (engineer)