Beca Architecture is thanked for playing a key role in winning the NZIA Local Architecture Award 2015 Western Branch — in the 'Commercial Architecture' category. A great result for all involved.

The Ohakea Air Movements Terminal with its large open spaces belies the planning required for the multiple uses this building is required to perform, both as a local and international terminal and as a function centre. A striking metal cladding wraps the walls and roof in a simple shed form balanced with bare concrete panels, and the structure is revealed with glazing at openings.

The building makes an architectural statement sympathetic to the adjacent hangars, while presenting a modern face to RNZAF air transport operations. Sto was selected for supplying a natural look and protective clear coating solution for the concrete panel work on the Air Movements Terminal and other surrounding hangars with S-Protect BHN and SC Silane, and Sto Pur WV200 System.

The S-Protect range is based on high concentrate Silane technology and as a system for masonry block performs well against other clear coatings in New Zealand. Now that clear coatings are required to comply to CCANZ CP 01: 2011, the number of suppliers with compliant products backed by warranties has shrunk.

S-Protect Systems are designed to protect a wide range of solid masonry materials such as precast and in situ concrete, as well as historic buildings. The Sydney Opera House, the Louvre in Paris, the Hang-zhou Bay Bridge in China (longest bridge in the world) and Novotel Auckland Airport are just a few projects. Not all of Sto's successes are as visible to the public, but all treatments have one factor in common; the benefits exceed the costs. 

Sto thanks all involved in the Ohakea Air Movements Terminal project for a successful outcome.