A purpose-built Engineering Faculty unseen in New Zealand

The University wanted a state-of-the-art facility that transforms the way engineering teaching and learning is delivered in NZ, while meeting user needs into the 21st Century. The $180M + Engineering Building is designed to do just that and more.

One of the most complex education buildings ever constructed in New Zealand, The University of Auckland Engineering School's Building 405 is a 12-storey, $180M + project containing lecture theatres, specialist labs and experimental zones. It is future-proofed with unallocated spaces for future fitouts, growth and research. The building has a single line of columns down the middle with long spans and no internal walls to give maximum flexibility should the University decide to reconfigure the space in future.

Beca provided mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services, lab gas and civil engineering services to the project. This included overseeing full replacement of the chilled water system, utilities connections, and reticulated nitrogen and water systems.

Beca, along with its project partners, followed a design approach that focused on the building's users, aiming to provide a purpose-built functional facility with 100+ labs. This was made possible through studying how users work in existing labs, why, and what they wil need into the future.  

The facility will transform the way engineering teaching and learning is delivered in New Zealand and will help to meet the needs of the next generation of engineers for years to come.
 

Awards

• 2020 Property Council New Zealand Property Industry Awards - Education Property Award, Award of Excellence
• 2020 New Zealand Institute of Buildings Awards(NZiOB) - Projects Over $100m Award, Highly Commended