Apr '14 - Nov '14
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
Today we made a start on assembling the kitchen cabinetry, tricky at the start, but once we got into the groove of things it was quite easy to understand. View full entry
Today we made a special visit to Blum who kindly sponsored us their kitchen fittings such as our cabinetry hinges, to drill the holes for the hinges to be attached to. Luckily despite the bad weather none of the gaboon for the kitchen cabinets got wet nor weather-damaged. View full entry
For the past few weeks the team has been working on the exterior cladding of the house. This has involved cutting, routing, priming, painting, putting the flashings in place and nailing. Accuracy and keeping the walls in square is key to the house being able to fit together properly when we... View full entry
The concrete truck was coming early so the boys had an even earlier start to the day - everyone in a rush to get the precast construction ready for pouring.They had constructed a temporary roof that will cover the concrete while it is drying. This is to protect it from Auckland's schizophrenic... 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
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
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
Studio 19 is a collaboration between UNITEC and Strachan Group Architects (SGA). Third year architecture students are given the opportunity to work along side SGA to design, document and build a project. The Brief from Ngāti Whātua O Ōrākei was to design of a master plan of eight houses for elderly tribe members. One of these houses is to be documented and built by the students.
