Case Studies

Why HVAC Projects Run Late (And How to Avoid Costly Delays)

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:50:44 GMT

"We're only a few days behind..."

Walk onto almost any commercial construction site and you’ll hear the same frustrating comment:

“We’re only a few days behind…”

But in reality, those “few days” quickly cascade into weeks of programme pressure , rework, and cost escalation.

HVAC systems sit right in the middle of that problem, because they are:

Installed late in the programme
Dependent on multiple upstream trades
Critical to downstream completion (ceilings, commissioning, handover)

Which means when HVAC slips — everything slips .

The 5 Real Reasons HVAC Projects Run Late

1. Late Design Release & Constant Changes

Even on well-run projects, HVAC design is rarely “final” when fabrication starts.

Common issues:

Structural clashes discovered late
Architectural revisions
Services coordination conflicts (MEP congestion)
Value engineering changes

Result:
Fabrication drawings get revised mid-production, creating delays, rework, and confusion.

2. Coordination Breakdowns on Site

HVAC ducting competes for space with:

electrical containment
fire protection systems
plumbing
structural elements

When coordination isn’t resolved early:

installers are forced to adjust on-site
components don’t fit as intended
sections need to be remade or modified

Result : Lost time, frustrated crews, and stop-start installation.

3. Missing or Delayed Components

This is one of the most underestimated causes of delay.

A project might have 95% of its ductwork ready — but it only takes one missing item to halt progress:

a reducer
a tee
a standard elbow
a transition piece

Result : Entire sections of install stop while waiting for a small but critical component.

And because these items are often treated as “minor,” they’re frequently:

not ordered early enough
not stocked
or caught in fabrication queues

4. Fabrication Bottlenecks

Custom ductwork takes time — especially when:

shops are running at capacity
priorities shift between projects
urgent jobs disrupt planned workflows

Even highly efficient manufacturers can be impacted when:

drawings change late
production gets re-sequenced
or small urgent items jump the queue

Result : Programme uncertainty and unreliable delivery timelines.

5. Site Access & Installation Constraints

Even when ducting is ready, installation can be delayed by:

restricted access zones
incomplete preceding trades
crane or lift availability
safety constraints

Result : Delivered duct sits idle — or worse, needs to be re-handled multiple times.

The Hidden Truth: HVAC Is on the Critical Path

HVAC isn’t just another trade.

It directly impacts:

ceiling closures
fireproofing
electrical fit-off
commissioning
final sign-off

A single delay in duct installation can ripple across multiple trades simultaneously.

How Smart Ducting Strategy Keeps Projects Moving

The difference between projects that struggle and those that flow often comes down to how ducting is supplied and managed.

1. Early Engagement with Duct Manufacturers

Bringing suppliers in early allows:

buildability input
smarter sequencing
identification of risk areas

Result : fewer surprises later.

Related Reading

Start with the fundamentals of quality performance:
The Hidden Value of High-Quality Ducting

Then explore how to design ducting that can adapt:
Designing for Flexibility in Modern HVAC Systems

Understand why on-time delivery is everything:
Availability & Speed in Construction

2. Designing for Flexibility

Rigid, overly customised designs increase risk.

Flexible approaches:

standardised components
adaptable sections
allowance for site variation

Result : faster adjustments when reality doesn’t match drawings.

3. The Game-Changer: Stocked, Off-the-Shelf Accessories

This is where projects are won or lost.

Having standard ducting components available in stock — ready to go — dramatically reduces delays.

Typical stocked items:

elbows
reducers
tees
dampers
standard fittings

Why This Matters So Much

When accessories are available immediately:

Installation doesn’t stop – No waiting days (or weeks) for a small missing piece.
Site teams can adapt in real time - If conditions change, installers can grab what they need and keep moving.
Less pressure on fabrication - Custom work continues in parallel, without constant interruption.
Reduced programme risk - Small issues don’t escalate into major delays.

The Reality on Site

Projects rarely fail because of big, obvious issues. They fail because of lots of small delays stacking up.

And more often than not, those delays look like: “We’re just waiting on a couple of fittings…”

The Takeaway

HVAC project delays aren’t caused by one big problem.

They’re caused by:

late changes
coordination gaps
missing components
fabrication pressure
site constraints

But one of the simplest, most effective ways to reduce risk is also one of the most overlooked:

Ensure critical ducting accessories are available, in stock, and ready to go.

Because in construction, speed isn’t just about how fast you can manufacture — it’s about how quickly you can respond when things don’t go to plan.

Availability & Speed: The New Competitive Advantage in Construction

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 23:16:19 GMT

Availability is Everything on Today's Pressured Sites

Walk any construction site and you’ll see the same pressure everywhere: tight schedules, compressed programmes, and coordination windows measured in hours — not days.

In that environment, availability is everything.

A duct manufacturer can produce the most beautiful engineering drawings in the world — but if the product isn’t on site when trades need it, the value evaporates. A missing elbow or delayed reducer can hold up entire sections of ceiling, delaying:

fireproofing
electrical work
sprinklers
plasterboard
commissioning

And every delay has a cost.

That’s why availability is the new competitive advantage for ducting suppliers.

Stocked Components Save Weeks

There are components that every project will need — regardless of size:

standard elbows
reducers
tees
branch take-offs
volume control dampers

If these are stocked locally, time is saved — especially when a clash or unexpected layout change occurs.

When they’re not, you’re looking at:

2+ week lead times
additional freight risk
sequencing disruption

Stock is performance.

Local Manufacturing Beats Distance

For standardised product, location may not matter. But for custom sections, local manufacturing is invaluable.

When you have:

a last-minute change
a variation request
a fire damper relocation
or an onsite clash

— you need modified parts in days, not weeks.

Local manufacturing reduces:

freight time
damage risk
uncertainty

You can literally solve problems while they’re still small — before they become programme-wide delays.

Availability Is a Process

Great suppliers don’t “get lucky” with supply chains. They build a process:

clear lead times
capacity planning
inventory control
labelled deliveries
staged manufacturing batches

When you ask, they’ll give you written timelines, not a shrug.

Certification and Labelling = Faster Handover

Availability isn’t just the arrival of metal — it’s readiness for commissioning.

A professional supplier delivers:

correctly labelled products
matching test documentation
compliance certificates
packaging protection
batch traceability

That means the system can be tested, balanced, and signed off quickly.

Why This Matters in Infrastructure

In public infrastructure — hospitals, airports, transport hubs, data centres — delays multiply. There are more trades, more risk, more commissioning requirements, and higher hand-over standards.

Availability reduces risk.

It’s the difference between chaos and coordination.

Next in the series:
Article 4 — Choosing the Right Ducting Partner: What to Look For

Choosing the Right Ducting Partner: What to Look For

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 23:16:11 GMT

Choosing a partner is choosing a performance outcome

Ducting is made of metal. But the value of a duct supplier isn’t. It’s found in everything that surrounds the metal — the engineering knowledge, the documentation, the testing, and the support during design and construction.

Two suppliers may deliver the same material specification, but only one will protect the project and make commissioning smooth.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a ducting partner.

1. Technical Support at Tender Stage

The best manufacturers don’t wait until a purchase order is issued. They help:

interpret the specification
identify risk
refine duct classes
support coordination
advise on seismic installation
recommend optimisations

They bring engineering into the process, not after it.

When you meet a potential supplier, ask:

Can they produce shop drawings?
Will they map pressure classes?
Are they prepared to work with the fire engineer?

If the answer is no — they may be fabricators, not partners.

2. Coordinated Shop Drawings

Shop drawings are where the project becomes real. A professional supplier will:

break the system into logical phases
map size, pressure and airtightness
note damper locations
include support spacing
sequence delivery

This reduces RFIs and speeds up installation.

3. Testing and Certification

Airtightness is only a promise until it’s tested. Look for:

leakage test certificates
cleanliness certificates (as required)
seismic restraint inspection records
product certification for dampers

This testing confirms that the intent of the design has been delivered.

4. Site Support

On-site clashes are inevitable.

The right partner:

helps resolve design issues
supports emergency manufacturing
provides technical input
minimises downtime

They don’t turn every problem into a variation order.

5. Handover Documentation

Good documentation includes:

as-built drawings
pressure maps
damper schedules
O&M manuals
maintenance instructions

A folder full of generic PDFs isn’t a handover.
It’s a compliance risk.

6. Warranty & Aftercare

Finally — is the warranty real?
Can you call them six months after completion and get an answer?

A manufacturer who backs their product, their design advice, and their process is worth far more than one who simply ships metal.

Choosing a partner is choosing a performance outcome

A duct supplier isn’t just a vendor.

They sit at the intersection of:

fire safety
energy efficiency
structural design
commissioning quality

The right choice results in:

fewer delays
fewer RFIs
smoother commissioning
safer buildings
lower lifecycle cost

The wrong choice?
Years of inefficiency hidden in the ceiling.

Related Reading

Start with the fundamentals of quality performance:
The Hidden Value of High-Quality Ducting

Then explore how to design ducting that can adapt:
Designing for Flexibility in Modern HVAC Systems

Understand why on-time delivery is everything:
Availability & Speed in Construction

Designing for Flexibility in Modern HVAC Systems | Ducting for Complex Builds

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:02:57 GMT

No matter how perfect your design looks during the tender phase, every major building project changes - so ducting systems need to flexible to cope.

No matter how perfect your design looks during the tender phase, every major building project changes. Architects revise floorplates, fire engineers update smoke zones, structural elements clash on site, and service coordination evolves daily.

In that environment, ducting systems must be flexible — not rigid in design, delivery, or installation.

The best duct manufacturers understand this. They build systems that allow for change, without compromising compliance.

Here’s what flexibility really means.

Multiple Duct Forms — One System

There are three main types of metal ducting commonly used in major projects:

Round Spiral

Low leakage
Efficient airflow
Popular in exposed architectural designs

Rectangular

Helps maximise space in tight ceiling zones
Can follow complex layouts more easily

Oval

Hybrid shape
Some efficiency of round, with the profile of rectangular

A flexible system is one where you can use all three in combination, with consistent performance. That requires:

· manufactured transitions

· compatible joint systems

· consistent pressure ratings

If the supplier only specialises in one duct type, your flexibility is gone before you start.

Fire Strategy Flexibility

Fire and smoke design is one of the most fluid aspects of major projects. A change to a corridor wall, a change in occupancy type, a request from the fire brigade — it can all cascade.

A flexible duct system:

accommodates damper relocations
integrates with smoke extraction
doesn’t require full redesign to manage a new penetration location

This is where a manufacturer’s technical support matters. You need engineers, not just fabricators.

Seismic Considerations

In New Zealand and other seismic regions, ducting must comply with specific restraint standards. A flexible supplier offers:

standard restraint kits
engineering calculations
pre-tested methods for supports, hangers and bracing

This reduces redesign time and avoids onsite improvisation — which is the enemy of compliance.

Installation Flexibility = Faster Builds

Factory-fitted gasketing systems allow faster installation by reducing:

on-site sealing
variation in workmanship
time spent on repetitive sections

This matters in infrastructure projects where thousands of metres of ducting may be installed.

Flexible systems are modular systems. They are built for speed.

The Real Value: Reduced Risk

Ultimately, flexibility is about removing risk from the project:

Less rework
Fewer redesigns
Fewer RFIs
Less coordination stress
More predictable delivery

A duct manufacturer who understands coordination challenges can save the project weeks — without ever appearing on the front page of the schedule.

Next in the series:
Article 3 — Availability & Speed: The New Competitive Advantage

The Hidden Value of High-Quality Ducting in Large Buildings

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:50:14 GMT

Why Quality Costs Less in the Long Term

When most people think about HVAC performance, they picture fans, chillers, boilers, and control systems. Hardly anyone thinks about ducting — the invisible network that carries conditioned air through a building. Yet ductwork is one of the most important elements in any major construction project because it determines how efficiently, safely, and effectively that air actually reaches its destination.

In offices, hospitals, stadiums, airports and public infrastructure, ducting isn’t just a commodity. It’s a performance system. And the difference between high-quality ducting and “acceptable” ducting can impact:

energy consumption
thermal comfort
fire safety and smoke control
acoustic conditions
operating costs over decades

Below, we break down what “high quality” really looks like — and why you should insist on it from your ducting supplier.

Quality Is Defined by Standards

In most major markets, ducting quality isn’t a matter of opinion — it’s defined by established standards. These documents set out everything from metal thickness and joint types to allowable leakage rates and testing methods.

Some of the key standards include:

SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards - Worldwide reference for duct construction and sizing.
AS 4254 - The Australian/NZ standard governing rigid metal ducting materials, construction and installation.
AS 1668 – Australian and NZ standard for the use of ventilation and air conditioning in buildings. Covering mechanical ventilation, ventilation design and performance.
AS 1530 – Australian and NZ standard for fire testing building materials, components, and structures

A credible ducting manufacturer can tell you exactly which standard they build to — and show evidence of compliance.

If they can’t, you have a problem.

Airtightness Is Where Money Is Won or Lost

Every duct system leaks a little — but how much matters.

Leakage is measured using airtightness classes (A, B, C, D). In commercial and infrastructure projects, Class C or Class D is commonly targeted because they significantly reduce energy waste. With SPIRO we achieve Class D.

Why does this matter?
Because if 10% of air leaks out of the duct — the system compensates. The fan runs harder, energy consumption rises, and comfort falls - which over the life of a building can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

High-quality ducting isn’t just thicker metal. It’s tight, verified, and tested.

Materials Are Part of the Story

Quality ducting starts with the right material.

For most commercial projects, galvanised sheet steel (commonly G90 / Z275) provides a reliable protective coating against corrosion.
For environments with chemicals, fumes, or moisture (labs, hospitals, wastewater facilities), stainless steel (304 or 316) may be required.

The specification should clearly define:

coating weight
thickness (gauge)
yield strength
any special internal or external protection

If these elements are vague, costs and risks increase later.

Fire Safety Is Non-Negotiable

Ducting passes through fire-rated barriers, shafts, and risers. Every penetration into a fire zone must be controlled with a tested fire damper or smoke control system.

The safety chain must be intact:

the damper must be the correct type
installed according to test conditions
accessible for maintenance
integrated with controls and alarms

High-quality ducting is part of a fire strategy, not an afterthought.

Cleanliness Matters More Than Ever

Dust, debris and cutting waste inside ducts can cause poor IAQ (indoor air quality). As standards like TR19 gain traction, more specifiers are requiring ducts to be delivered sealed and cleaned before installation.

It’s a sign of a high-quality manufacturer when they can show you their clean-build process: protective end caps, sealed packaging, controlled factory environments.

Why Quality Costs Less in the Long Run

High-quality ducting:

saves energy
reduces complaints
extends equipment life
improves safety
reduces maintenance costs

Low-quality ducting is a short-term saving with long-term penalties. The duct is expected to last 20–30 years. The small investment in quality up-front will be returned many times over.

Next in the series:
Article 2 — Designing for Flexibility in Modern HVAC Systems

Te Kaha – One New Zealand Stadium

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 02:38:34 GMT

Christchurch, New Zealand

We were honoured to provide the precision-engineered ductwork solutions for Te Kaha, a landmark multi-use arena designed to revitalise Christchurch’s sporting and cultural heart.

Our systems support the complex HVAC infrastructure required for a venue that accommodates tens of thousands of spectators, while meeting stringent expectations around natural ventilation, indoor air quality and resilience.

By integrating our high-performance air-ducting within a mechanically-efficient, future-focused building envelope, our contribution helps deliver a world-class facility that stands for durability, sustainability and community pride.

Orams Marine

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 02:25:17 GMT

Auckland, New Zealand

We were pleased to supply the air-ducting systems for the new headquarters-style facility of Orams Marine in Auckland.

Located in the heart of the marine precinct, this advanced multi‐storey building complements the company’s world-class superyacht refit yard and mixed-use marine village, featuring open offices, workshops and service zones designed to support high-value marine activity.

Our precision-engineered ductwork helps deliver high‐quality indoor air across varied areas—from office floors to workshop bays—while aligning with the site’s robust industrial needs and high-performance building goals.

Fonterra Co-Operative Head Office

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:35:57 GMT

Auckland, New Zealand

We were proud to supply the air-ducting systems for Fonterra Co-operative Group’s new global headquarters in Auckland.

This seven-storey, 16,000 m² building consolidates staff from multiple sites into a high-performance workplace defined by open floor plates, a central atrium and world-class sustainability features.

With fully electric heating, rainwater harvesting, a high-efficiency thermal envelope and an advanced ventilation strategy, our ductwork plays a key role in achieving the building’s 5-Green Star base-build rating and readying it for even higher targets.

By integrating our precision-manufactured duct systems seamlessly into the fit-out and services architecture, we supported the building’s flexible activity-based work zones and the company’s ambition for a future-proof, low-carbon and people-centric headquarters.

Fisher & Paykal Global Headquarters

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:19:42 GMT

Auckland, New Zealand

Express Sheetmetals was proud to supply the air-ducting systems for Fisher & Paykal’s new global headquarters — a landmark development that brings together the company’s people, innovation, and production under one roof.

Designed for collaboration and sustainability, the building combines open, flexible workspaces with advanced mechanical systems to ensure a healthy and efficient environment.

Our precision-engineered ducting supports the complex airflow requirements across office, research, and production areas, contributing to the project’s high-performance, low-carbon objectives and helping create a workplace that truly reflects Fisher & Paykal’s forward-thinking ethos.

University of Auckland - The B507 Park West Development

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 00:06:52 GMT

The chic and modern addition to the University of Auckland, B507 Park West Development - Grafton campus, boasts a value of $100m+, spans 19,500m², and has five occupied levels

and includes a carpark, acoustic booths, teaching spaces, clinics and offices.

Express was subcontracted to Numecon Contracting to deliver the job within a tight timeframe, beginning in October 2018 and going through to February 2020.

“Establishing consistent and clear communications has ensured all aspects of this job were completed with minimum fuss and maximum accuracy. The job was modelled and provided in Revit 3D and which enabled a simple and accurate translation to manufacturing requirements. This and the timely release of high-quality mechanical drawings from Numecon via Aconnex really improved the ability to plan and manufacture this project in support of the site program and ensure manufacturing was completed accurately - first time - to very high standards”, Mike Arcari – Director Production, Express Sheetmetals.

Numecon notes that Express excels in responding to site demands in a timely manner, their QA and quality of install are top notch, and their can-do attitude is greatly appreciated.

According to Paul O’Callaghan, Director of Numecon Contracting, Express takes the initiative to use innovative technology that significantly improves accuracy and therefore efficiency.

“It was a relatively simple space-restricted project, but it had to be done fast, and the accuracy had to be there”,

explains Paul.

On Express, Paul had this to say, “They are a good company. They have good systems and good people.”

On their relationship, “It’s construction. You’re in people's faces. You’re building things. You’re under pressure to deliver. But at the end of the day, they have the right people.”

“I liken it to an old Māori proverb that goes like this:

‘He aha te mea nui o tea o? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

It translates to:

‘It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.’

And this explains Express Sheetmetals to a tee”, Paul finishes.

“Working in an environment where there was fantastic alignment and communication between the head contractor, the Numecon team, and ourselves has made this project a pleasure to complete. With stability in the build program, completeness of design and very strong on-site management of the mechanical aspects of the project, we were able to place additional emphasis on quality to ensure we met the very highest of customer expectations” , Sander Dales – Director Operations.

Waterford Retirement Village

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 00:43:28 GMT

Elegant, spacious, luxury living at its best; Waterford Retirement Village crossed the spectrum of the HVAC industry, bringing a variety of HVAC elements into one complex.

This stunning project in Hobsonville Point, completed in October 2019, is looked upon as a village within a village; whether independent or community living is desired, it’s got

something for everyone. Comprising 30+ apartments and a community lodge with a restaurant/café, bar, wellness centre, private theatre and library, and a heated swimming pool & spa and gym complex, Waterford certainly delivers.

Each apartment has a standalone ventilation and air conditioning system, and all common areas are fully ventilated and air conditioned using a highly energy-efficient Mitsubishi Electric VRF air conditioning system.

The swimming pool area is also fully ventilated with exposed ducting and heated with space radiant wall-mounted hot water heaters in addition to the underfloor heating.

The Basement carpark is fully ventilated with a mechanical extract system to add to the mix.

According to Grant Brosnan, Project Manager for Air Mark Services Ltd (Mechanical Contractor), “There was a lot of diversity and different aspects to this job. It was like a whole lot of jobs intermingled into one project; roof work, louvres on outside walls, fully welded kitchen extracts, and exposed pool ducting, etc.”

“The major benefit of using Express Sheetmetals on a job of this nature is the two facets of their business: supply and manufacture of ductwork and the installation.”

The convenience of the full service is what sets Express Sheetmetals apart, as is one of the biggest in Auckland, providing both product and installation.

“It really takes the workload and pressure off us, and is part of what makes Express Sheetmetals a good go-to company.”

Grant credits Express Sheetmetals for taking constructive criticism, sorting out any issues swiftly, and their direct

communication.

“Sander is very good at smoothing over any issues if there are any. To be fair, over the whole project, we never had a major one”, he explains.

“Successful completion of this project came down to a comprehensive joint team effort between Air Mark Services Ltd and Express Sheetmetals, as we worked through a significant number of emerging architectural details and requirements throughout the project duration. That kind of teamwork highlights the value of a close partnership, and means all parties can share their best ideas and experiences when working through construction challenges on the project” , Sander Dales – Director Operations, Express Sheetmetals.

This project is similar to another retirement village Express completed for Air Mark Services Ltd, a few years ago, Greenwich Gardens – a similar project but at scale, with over 250 apartments.

“I must say Express put into their machinery and development of their products the most than any other company I know; money, time and quality. Most of their machinery comes from Switzerland, and the quality of their ducting and so forth is probably one of the best that I have seen in my career.

We have used thousands of their particular rubber seal products that alleviate the need to apply duct sealant around the duct. Very impressive”, closes Grant.

Wiri Prison

Fri, 08 May 2015 23:51:26 GMT

The multi-million dollar, 17-hectare design and build for the Wiri Prison in South Auckland was an example of a project that combined sheer scale and significant complexity.

With 9 different subcontractor companies on that job, effective collaboration was key to the efficient onsite operation. The melding of trades from electrical, ductwork, commissioning, pipework, air conditioning and more meant a concerted team effort was required.

Fletcher Construction was the prime contractor on the job, with Aquaheat NZ Ltd providing the building maintenance

services.

According to the Aquaheat Management Team, "The design was all low storey and rather straightforward. The challenge was the scale; that amount of buildings ail happening at the same time plus the size of the site."

There were 32 buildings in total, of which a round half a dozen were small in the ductwork context. At least 20 buildings housed significant ductwork; 3 big house blacks (each 2 storey with over 900 cells each), residents' buildings, which were all low security, kitchen and laundry (a lot of ductwork within), and health, education and administration buildings were also huge buildings containing large volumes of ductwork.

Express Sheetmetals did the manufacture and installation on the Wiri Prison job and had at least a 30-strong team working onsite. This showcased their ability to deliver on sizable-scale projects efficiently and with professionalism.

Express Sheetmetals are very passionate about what they do!" exclaims David Houghton, Project Manager, Aquaheat NZ Ltd, when asked about Express Sheetmetals and the service they provide.

"The word "passion" definitely comes to mind. It's the way they are, and because of that, they do a really good job."

University of Auckland, Faculty of Science

Sat, 24 Aug 2013 22:42:21 GMT

The site was chosen for the new building on the corner of Symonds and Wellesley Streets. This building project was fast-tracked with tight deadlines (demolition started in late 2011 and the building was completed early in 2013).

The project was contracted via Aquaheat NZ Ltd, and it went to Express Sheetmetals because of their high-quality manufacturing of ductwork and unique capabilities in Stainless Steel manufacture.

Due to the very tall vent stacks required, the engineering challenge presented was ideal for Express Sheetmetals to showcase their expertise in constructing long pipes with fewer pipe segments.

According to Aquaheat Project Management, "There were 50 stacks in total, a large number by any means."

Why the large number of stacks? Fume cabinets need to be vented separately to avoid incompatible chemicals mixing, making the installation of some ducts extremely complex. Externally, they were stainless steel, spiral, and fully seam-jointed. Express Sheetmetals carried out this job efficiently and professionally.

Particular significance was given to the long lengths of ductwork required for structural integrity- 9 or 12 metre lengths. Fewer joints meant less room for problems with the building structure. Express Sheetmetals has invested heavily in machinery and the latest technology to ensure full custom manufacturing capacity. Express Sheetmetals supplied accordingly, working to very tight supply timeframes.

On closing Aquaheat state: "There were no delays, and they certainly deliver".

In late 2010, the University of Auckland first considered the feasibility of upgrading its outdated science sector buildings.

ASB Bank, North Wharf, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland

Tue, 20 Aug 2013 01:20:22 GMT

Visually appealing, architecturally brilliant, and genuinely sustainable, succinctly describes the remarkable head office of the ASB Bank on North Wharf in Auckland's Wynyard Quarter.

The central risers were all suspended without visible brackets, which is not common practice and is difficult to execute. Collaboration was key as it required a huge amount of coordination between Express Sheetmetals and other services. The scope of the work on this particular project required far greater coordination, planning and finish obviously than a standard manufacture and installation. A product, which is usually hidden away, became a key feature openly on display.

"Without the ductwork, we can't deliver the airflow. Not only did this ductwork deliver airflow, but it is also completely exposed. We were very impressed as it's a difficult job to do to put that level of quality of ductwork in without dents or scratches - an example of very good workmanship."

"I do appreciate what has gone into this job and the high quality. l know Express Sheetmetals has invested in their machinery and they can create varying heights of ductwork not previously available."

The ASB Bank has favoured exposed services for some time now within its premises. Alan McKenzie, ASB's Head of Property Services, states that the job Express Sheetmetals completed "was quite spectacular".

Everything has been 3D modelled, precisely and sustainably planned, and the project showed custom manufacturing at its best!

"We have a high standard and quality of our products, so putting these products on view to the general public is not a problem for us. But the complexity of what we had to execute made this project the most complex job l've ever done in my entire career" explains Mike Arcari, Director at Express Sheetmetals Ltd.

"There were a lot of challenges to get the job finished. The weather was coming in, the roof wasn't on, and it was a tough project that was being built for show. Express Sheetmetals did a good job. They stood by what they were doing and what we did", says David Houghton, Project Manager for Aquaheat NZ Ltd.

ASB North Wharf was an Aquaheat mechanical services project with Fletchers Construction as the prime contractor.

"The clients were very happy, and we were very happy. It's not often you see the ductwork being a major feature like that, and the atrium was just that. That's an exceptionally challenging and dramatic job, and it was executed very well", declares Alan Gray, Project Director, Fletcher Construction.

Case Studies

Why HVAC Projects Run Late (And How to Avoid Costly Delays)

The 5 Real Reasons HVAC Projects Run Late

1. Late Design Release & Constant Changes

2. Coordination Breakdowns on Site

3. Missing or Delayed Components

﻿ 4. Fabrication Bottlenecks

5. Site Access & Installation Constraints

The Hidden Truth: HVAC Is on the Critical Path

How Smart Ducting Strategy Keeps Projects Moving

1. Early Engagement with Duct Manufacturers

2. Designing for Flexibility

3. The Game-Changer: Stocked, Off-the-Shelf Accessories

The Takeaway

Availability & Speed: The New Competitive Advantage in Construction

Availability is Everything on Today's Pressured Sites

Choosing the Right Ducting Partner: What to Look For

Designing for Flexibility in Modern HVAC Systems | Ducting for Complex Builds

No matter how perfect your design looks during the tender phase, every major building project changes - so ducting systems need to flexible to cope.

The Hidden Value of High-Quality Ducting in Large Buildings

Why Quality Costs Less in the Long Term

Te Kaha – One New Zealand Stadium

Orams Marine

Fonterra Co-Operative Head Office

Fisher & Paykal Global Headquarters

University of Auckland - The B507 Park West Development

Waterford Retirement Village

Wiri Prison

University of Auckland, Faculty of Science

In late 2010, the University of Auckland first considered the feasibility of upgrading its outdated science sector buildings.

ASB Bank, North Wharf, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland

Visually appealing, architecturally brilliant, and genuinely sustainable, succinctly describes the remarkable head office of the ASB Bank on North Wharf in Auckland's Wynyard Quarter.

4. Fabrication Bottlenecks