University of Otago Dental School
Project Overview
| Sector: | Education, Health & Research |
| Location: | New Zealand – South Island |
| Year Completed: | 2020 |
Project Features
- 8,000 sqm new Clinical Services Building
- 10,000 sqm comprehensive refurbishment of existing Walsh Building
- 1,800 sqm interconnecting atrium
- Largest dental installation in New Zealand
- Innovative surgery design
- Benmax performed Lead Services Contractor role
- BIM technology utilised extensively
Project Details
$130m redevelopment project creating world-class teaching facility
Benmax is proud to have delivered the mechanical services for the major University of Otago Dental School Redevelopment Project. The NZ$130 million project, managed by a Leighs Cockram Joint Venture, was the largest capital redevelopment the university has ever undertaken and involved a major refurbishment of the 10,000 sqm Walsh Building, and the construction of a new 8,000 sqm clinical building.
Stage one of the project, construction of the new Clinical Services Building, was completed in early 2019 with the facility opening to students and the public in June of that year. The building houses clinical services including radiography, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, as well as the university’s undergraduate clinics. The building has over 200 ultra-modern dental chairs, a host of operating rooms, examination spaces and advanced simulation facilities making it the largest dental installation in New Zealand.
Stage two works were completed in 2020. This phase of the project involved an extensive refurbishment of the existing 10,000 sqm Walsh Building, including the heritage-listed glass façade, and the construction of an 1,800 sqm atrium to connect the old and new buildings. The refurbished building now houses laboratories for research, academic offices, student support spaces, and teaching spaces.
Benmax successfully completed work on the project in 2020 receiving praise from project partners for our work as the Lead Services Contractor.
“Benmax took the lead services contractor role on the project and utilised BIM modelling and in-house engineering to assist in coordinating the entire project services install. Benmax were proactive, scrutinised the design early and identified a number of design issues before they became construction issues.”
Nicolas Fletcher, Quantity Surveyor – Leighs Cockram JV
