One of the most remarkably restorative transformations is taking shape in Tauranga, New Zealand, with the construction of the Elizabeth St Towers project located in the city’s CBD.

Built on a site of deep cultural significance and history, the $200 million “gateway to the CBD” is home to residential luxury apartments and sky townhouses that rise out of a newly opened podium base of retail fashion and beauty, including food and beverage offerings that welcome a new vibrancy to the coastal city.

Rondo were engaged early in the development phase, working alongside Ignite Architects to deliver a full, non-structural envelope design comprising of external wall framing, external soffits and canopies, and internal walls and ceilings, making this project an excellent example of how Rondo’s unrivalled design support and diverse range of systems work to provide a full solution.

The bespoke, 3D design façade of the apartments with overhang and bulkhead details included extremely large openings that were a crucial detail of the luxury design, allowing for expansive views of the harbour and beyond.

These design details were achieved with the use of Rondo MAXIframe, which added increased strength to the external walls, minimising the need to introduce secondary structural steel to the project. This benefited the construction program timeline and introduced install efficiencies.

The proximity to the waterfront coupled with the scale, meant that the project would be very exposed to wind, creating a significant double-duty for the MAXIframe system.

There was a key focus on excluding timber framing elements from the design and construction, particularly to the external framing envelope, to deliver on the objective of a full, non-combustible façade system. Rondo Top Hats, along with Rondo Steel Studs were utilised to successfully deliver on this objective for the external soffits, whilst MAXIframe ensured successful inclusion of the external walls as part of the non-combustible system.

Increased collaboration between the Rondo design team and contractors allowed for an effective design to be delivered, with particular attention to site specific situations. Minimising design variations and assisting with a fluent construction sequence were important aspects for the entire project team.

Rondo partnered with EQSTRUC to ensure all Rondo designs were independently reviewed and certified with PS1 documentation. Collaborating with EQSTRUC also included an extensive construction monitoring program, addressing requests for information on site, and making design changes to suit specific constraints.

Rondo are proud to have collaborated with key industry partners to accomplish the high standard of construction, and compliance of the Elizabeth St Towers development.

Featured Rondo Products:

• MAXIFrame External Wall Framing System
• KEY-LOCK Concealed Ceiling System
• Steel Stud & Track Framing System
• Top hats