Quality developments consistent across Property Council awards

Judges described entries in the Property Council Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards this year as consistently high across the board, making the NZI Centre’s Supreme Award all the more impressive.

After setting it against strict criteria, judges deemed the Auckland building “the best of the best” and a very worthy recipient of the Supreme Award – the most coveted among the industry awards.

Submitted by Newcrest Group, the NZI Centre houses IAG Insurance in what Newcrest Group director Tim Dromgool describes as a meeting of minds on the two companies’ sustainability aspirations.

The judging panel considered the project internationally competitive in all judging criteria. Describing it as a campusstyle, premium-quality office development incorporating meticulous planning, the judges said innovative design blended with adherence to sound property investment principles while at the same time delivering one of New Zealand’s most energyefficient buildings. The judges were impressed with the total scope of the project, the innovative design and attention to detail delivering premium-quality office accommodation.

Outstanding projects despite tough times

At a cocktail reception and gala dinner in the Langham Hotel’s Great Room in Auckland, 750 guests celebrated outstanding commercial property projects developed in New Zealand despite challenging economic times.

Chief Judge John Dunn said as expected in the current economic climate, there were fewer entries this year, but the quality of submissions and developments was very high. “Despite the global financial crisis, the quality and consistency of submissions were excellent across all categories this year – more so than previous years.”

On the awards night, Maurice Williamson, Minister for Building and Construction, said the building sector was very, very important, representing a big percentage of the country’s GDP: “Everybody has to live and work somewhere – the built environment is vital. If we don’t get that right, it can have a huge effect on the economy.”

Now was an important time as ever to recognise the importance of continuing to invest in the development of commercial property, Property Council chief executive Connal Townsend said. “The buildings celebrated this year represent aspiration and growth, innovation and improvement, health and personal interaction. The awards, unlike any other, celebrate the absolute best of the best. The criteria are very complex and it’s a really tough hurdle for the award winners to get over, so we truly can celebrate great design, great financial return, great projects,” he said.

“The consistent eminence of developments submitted this year is sound proof that high-class assets with strong yields are continuing to succeed, despite the lows over the past few years in the commercial property cycle. As the industry picks up, new heights will continue to be set.”

Industrial property excellence

Highbrook Development’s Schneider Electric Building was purpose-built for the tenant, which consolidated its operations to the building, comprising a 4000 sq m warehouse and associated 18,000 sq m office. The move offered Schneider Electric an opportunity to showcase the range of energy sector technological innovations in the building and enhance its brand in the market – presenting a winwin situation for Highbrook Development and Schneider Electric.

The two companies worked closely together on the concept and detailed design stages to ensure the design components of the warehouse, office and car park would continue to suit different users throughout the economic life of the building.

In awarding excellence in the industrial property category, judges were impressed with the hightech energy conservation measures incorporated in the lighting and air-conditioning systems within the building and with the overall result, which is a highly successful development from a tenant and owner’s perspective.

Rigorous judging process

Submissions for the awards are open to both members and non-members of Property Council New Zealand. Entries go through a rigorous, 12-week process in which ten judges review each submission, setting it against detailed criteria. Judging also involves site visits.

Submissions needed to show economic and financial data, and were judged on the return on investment, operation and maintenance factors, the degree of difficulty, environmentally sustainable features and urban design principles.

For example, entries needed to show innovation in architectural or engineering design, the efficiency of structure and construction materials and quality of external and internal design and finishes. Operational factors included airconditioning systems and the quality of building services such as lighting, lifts, security and fire protection. The ability to cope with changes in technology and a positive contribution to the built environment were all considered.

The Supreme Award is the most coveted, presented to the very best from excellence awards in all categories.

Excellence Awards go to specific properties that in the judges’ opinions best meet the judging criteria. These awards are not always made in every category or limited to one per category. Merit Awards go to properties with a special distinction or element that deserves recognition. For a full list of the 2010 winners, visit www.propertynz.co.nz