The Brief
Wallace Building Contractors delivered the seismic strengthening works for Cumberland House, a multi-storey student accommodation building in central Wellington.
Engaged due to our extensive experience in seismic strengthening projects, Wallace undertook a comprehensive structural upgrade that included the construction of two five-storey sprayed concrete shear walls extending the full width of the building, self-compacting concrete spandrel beams, and strengthening works to the existing columns and floor structures. The project required careful integration of new structural elements within the existing building while maintaining strict engineering and quality requirements.
A key challenge was the exceptionally compressed programme. Originally unplanned, the strengthening works were required to be completed during the student summer break to allow refurbishment works and building occupation to proceed on schedule. Starting in December, Wallace mobilised a large workforce and maintained construction activities throughout the holiday period, successfully completing the strengthening works on 16 January, three weeks ahead of programme.