Setting a new standard for student living through integrated multidisciplinary engineering and advanced BIM execution at Victoria University’s Waiteata Apartments.

Description

We provided a comprehensive multidisciplinary engineering solution for the Waiteata Apartments, a premier student accommodation facility at Victoria University of Wellington. Our scope covered mechanical, electrical, communications, security, hydraulic, fire engineering, and fire protection services, all coordinated through a rigorous Building Information Modelling (BIM) process. The mechanical HVAC design was engineered to provide high-efficiency ventilation and thermal comfort, ensuring a healthy environment for students in a high-density residential setting. Our electrical and communications team delivered a robust digital infrastructure, providing the high-speed connectivity and smart power distribution required for modern academic life. We implemented an integrated security framework to ensure resident safety while allowing for seamless access across the apartment precinct. The hydraulic engineering component involved the design of resilient water and wastewater systems, prioritising efficiency and long-term durability. Fire engineering and protection were critical to the project, where we developed life-safety strategies that integrate modern detection and suppression technologies into the building's architecture. By utilizing BIM, we achieved superior coordination between disciplines, effectively eliminating design clashes and streamlining the construction timeline. Our team worked closely with university stakeholders to ensure the building services support the specific operational needs of a self-catered student hall.

We prioritised sustainable equipment selection to help the university meet its long-term energy performance targets. This project highlights our ability to deliver complex, coordinated services for large-scale institutional residential assets in a challenging urban topography. The resulting facility provides a safe, connected, and future-proofed home for the university's vibrant student community.

Services Offered

  • Mechanical design
  • Electrical design
  • Communications & security design
  • Hydraulics design
  • Fire protection design
  • Fire engineering design
  • Passive fire design
  • BIM