DURATION: 2019 - 2021
BUDGET: $25M
CLIENT: MURPHY PROPERTY TRUST LTD

THE BRIEF
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Building in Napier aimed to create a spacious, modern office environment accommodating 250 staff members from various Government Agencies, including Oranga Tamariki, Kainga Ora - Homes and Communities, and other government entities. The building’s overarching objective was to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, flexible workspaces, and upgraded technology to enhance the functionality of the housed departments.

THE CHALLENGE
Site constraints meant the design had to accommodate the building being constructed in two halves around the crane located near the middle of the floor plan. 

THE OUTCOME
Marked as a clean slate project, Strata’s seismic team initiated the process by managing structural drawings and calculations to secure building consent and devise engineering solutions for construction challenges. Strata took the lead in both structural and civil engineering design for the 3,200 sqm building, featuring two stories of offices and an underground car park. The below-ground basement carpark provided an opportunity to use a structurally efficient dual system utilising steel frames for gravity support and ductile reinforced concrete walls for lateral bracing. 

A notable technical aspect involved the implementation of limited ductile reinforced concrete cantilever walls for lateral bracing, showcasing an innovative solution for structural stability.