On top of the gravel we laid a DPM plastic which was to go below the polystyrene sheets. We had to run to collect concrete blocks and block cut-offs to hold down the DPM from waving around and flying away in the wind before laying the polystyrene with blocks on top too.Next we bent the D12 steel... View full entry

Lastly the truck brought in a finer metal aggregate which would we had about a 50mm layer of, which was compacted to 50mm from the top (approximated from a 45 x 90 timber block placed flat on the perimeter of the floor). We then spread the aggregate evenly to compact and level. View full entry

Preparing the foundations for concrete pouring, the gravel needed to be poured on in layers and then compacted. This continued until the gravel was compacted and leveled to about 75mm from the top of the concrete block footings. View full entry

While we were working on the prefabrication of the build at the workshop at Unitec, on site excavation and the footings were being put down. When we turned up it was ready for us to prepare for concrete pouring. First we started with clean up and disassembling the stringline timber boundary... View full entry

Almost done. Working on wardrobes and installing shelving, rail bars, adjustable shelving fittings and drawer fittings. View full entry

Scotia, architraves and skirtings... Sanding, painting, drying and painting. A lot to do but cheesily: many hands make light work. View full entry

A 5am start before sunrise, we all met up at Orakei on site for a traditional Maori blessing of the land where we would eventually assemble our house.At sunrise we all met up again to begin working on setting up string lines, preparing the excavation lines for digging.  View full entry

While some students carried on with the exterior cladding, others began building the formwork of a pre cast concrete slab. This slab will form the floor of our bathroom and laundry which will be built as a 3d module off site. This module will then be taken to site and connected with the main slab... View full entry

Today we met at the UNITEC workshop where we will be prefabricating much of the building ready to transport and assemble on site. Sadly there has been a delay with the construction contract that will not be signed until Friday the 20th.Instead of completely losing a week worth a work we began... View full entry

The next step in our preparation for the build phase of the project was to familiarise ourselves with the tools we would be using. Dave shared his knowledge with us a showed us the correct was to use the tools as well as explaining the dangers of the tools we were using. Some of the students had... View full entry

Before we were able to start building our design we had to take part in a site safety course. This was a good opportunity to get your head in the game! There are many hazards present on a construction that you need to be aware of. Main lesson was to be aware of your surroundings and to look out... View full entry

Friday August 1st, 2014Hoorah!Building consent was approved! We have to wait a while until we start building, but the hard yards are finally over! Now we look forward to steel cap boots, safety glasses, ear muffs with a kitted out tool belt and hammer in hand. No more long hours of what it feels... View full entry

Wednesday 28 May, 2014An award winning converted warehouse space with deck and views to the CBD, our team went on tour through the new Rosebank Rd Blum showroom, an international company that specialises in the production of functional furniture fittings. The company's main product groups are lift... View full entry

From our third presentation to Ngati Whatua, we presented our refined design which explored interior materials and colour palettes on 'mood boards', as well as perspectives and plans. Perspectives and master plans, plan and section - Presentation Board. View full entry

After taking a broad range of design alternatives and amalgamating them into one design we presented this scheme to the clients. With a positive response from the clients and discussions about materials we will continue working to the detailed design for our next presentation. View full entry

Took a couple of hours out on the second day up at Mangawhai to look at some of the architecture in the area. Dave showed us around Mangawhai and some of the work SGA has done in the area. View full entry

The students all worked late into the night at Mangawhai trying to solve all the complex issues of the brief.  View full entry

We headed up to Mangawhai heads for an intensive two day workshop to get the design process underway. The 16 students were put into groups of four with each group proposing a different scheme.  View full entry

The students head to the site to meet with the clients and gather information about the site.We measure the site, look at the surround context and get a feel for the character of the site.The view over the Auckland isthmus from the site is amazing.  View full entry

The 16 Student from the UNITEC school of Architecture will be working along side Dave Strachen, Pat De Pont and Maria Taylor from Strachan Group Architects.The UNITEC students involved in this year are Waseem Chiraagn, Jessica Hulme, Aseel Al-azi, Craig Pauling, Ashleigh Smith, Matthew Beneka... View full entry