Check out what's been happening at Monkeytoe in June in our latest monthly news feature.
A note from Budd
Hi everyone,
We’re already in the second half of the year, and what a year it’s been for all of us. There’s plenty of chatter across the construction industry about volatility: record numbers of consents have been issued, and the sector is busier than ever – while at the same time some organisations haven’t been able to pull through, and the demand for key building materials is outpacing demand. Lots of projects are seeing delayed timelines, which is making landlords and builders alike pretty anxious!
Being prepared is one thing we can do – and that means having a plan for those what-ifs of a project that might crop up. The other side of that is knowing what opportunities are there, when you need them.
For those looking for inspiration, Monkeytoe is now on ArchiPro. We also celebrate working with two great clients across the country, and congratulate the kids who participated in Jumping June.
Head on into June’s update and see what’s worth shaking a stick at.
Cheers,
Budd
The Platform Challenge: New Zealand Post, Wiri
Recently, Macrennie Construction were awarded the contract to construct an NZ Post parcel handling and distribution centre in Wiri in the North Island. With such a large project, Macrennie needed a mechanical plant platform that would support more than 6 tonnes of HVAC equipment.
Located above the office block, the designers had anticipated a massive platform in steel that would weigh at least 23,000 kg to the roof – and that’s without any architectural louvre screens.
Monkeytoe were able to design a competitive solution using our one-of-a-kind XBEAM products that would weigh just over 6,000kg (nearly a quarter of the weight of the original design!) for a massive 22m x 9.5m portal-mounted platform with 65 sqm of louvre screens. With less structural loading, NZ Post’s new XBEAM platform can support more weight with better safety for the people and equipment in this state-of-the-art facility.
We were also able to supply and install without any on-site fabrication or hot works, and the XBEAM platform was connected to the portal after the roofing iron, meaning there wasn’t the need to have multiple steel contractors, access providers and louvre façade installers. Our solution helped reduce time on site, and streamlined their project management – while producing a standout access solution that’ll last the life of the building.
Monkeytoe on ArchiPro
Looking for inspiration, big ideas and great professionals? Meet Monkeytoe on ArchiPro.
We’ve joined the ArchiPro platform, where professionals and product suppliers in the architecture and construction industries can connect with people searching for the best services and products to use in their architectural home building journey.
Head over to ArchiPro and check out our page to see how we’re leading in the aluminium and XBEAM design and manufacture
656 Great South Road
As part of their significant gutting and refitting project for this Ellerslie site, Mansons TCLM needed safe and reliable access across a new saw-tooth design roof, as well as safe access between new plant platforms.
Saw-tooth roofs saw a huge revival in the 60s and 70s, particularly thanks to architects who wanted to bring in more natural light to factories and office blocks. And while stunning, they also present unique challenges for access and internal gutter maintenance that need careful consideration.
Monkeytoe were able to provide 16 marine-grade ladders to allow workers to service the parapets and gutters, as well as full walkways that would help protect the expensive new roof from heavy workboots. Lightweight and durable, these access solutions will last as long as the roof and provide safe access for years to come.
Mansons had already chosen heavy structural steel platforms for their HVAC units by the time Monkeytoe came on board. While there would have been a great opportunity for us to reduce loading on the roof and potentially provide greater overall savings with a complete suite of Monkeytoe and XBEAM solutions, we were still able to give value with stairs and handrails to the structural steel units. Plus, Monkeytoe brought in three XBEAM platforms for their roof-mounted fresh air systems in addition to the walkways and ladders – making for a pretty comprehensive set of solutions for a handsome roof.
The building has already been tenanted, so look out for this hive of office and retail activity in Ellerslie when you next head past.
Jumping June: Monkeytoe kids getting active
If you’ve got school-age kids, then you’ll no doubt know about Jumping June – a one-month skipping and cardio event that helps get kids moving while encouraging them to raise funds to support the Heart Foundation.
The Heart Foundation’s goal is to help everyone keep their hearts healthy and live full lives, and Jumping June is an incredibly popular way for kids and their families to jump-start new habits and fundraise to support healthy hearts across Aotearoa New Zealand. All kids who fundraised more than $10 could get awesome rewards, with some collecting enough to get kayaks!
Our kids were eager to be a part of the cause. Monkeytoe sponsored each kid to get them started, and parents joined in on the Jumping June event days with circuits, Jump Jam sessions and learning how to skip (some of us needed more help than others!). Two schools in Hawera, Taranaki (Monkeytoe’s home turf) raised an incredible $23,000+ between them.