APL Factory

Green Building
Commercial
Industrial


Client: APL (Architectural Profiles Limited)

Architect: Jasmax Architects

Location: Hautapu, Waikato

Completion: 2020

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This large-scale project involved the Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulic and Environmental Services Design for Building A at Hautapu Development Campus for APL. It also included services and environmental work associated with the Masterplan and future APL Campus. The building achieved a 5 Star Green Star Built rating using the Industrial Tool.

The building uses natural ventilation and daylighting as much as possible - as well as a range of services to suit the industrial processes within the building.

APL is the country's largest manufacturer of aluminum windows and doors, and through an associated development company is transforming the 56.7 hectare industrial zone at Hautapu, near Cambridge.

Bordering the Waikato Expressway, it will be Waipā's largest industrial park. The plan transforms 30 hectares of deferred industrial zone land and 26.7 hectares of rural zone land into industrial. More than five hectares has been ring-fenced for a central hub, with visitor accommodation and a conference centre, healthcare and childcare centre, research and development, and retail. APL will move to its new location and occupy Building A -  a 400m-long and 100m-wide factory - over a five year period. It will employ about 460 people.

Amongst other objectives, APL stated the factory should provide a second home to staff, be inspirational, set standards for corporations to follow and of course produce the best window systems in the country.

Building A was fast-tracked using a design and built procurement approach by Foster Construction, based in Hamilton. APL moved part of its operation in 2020.

Climate based daylight modelling was used to refine the design and selection of glass. Unlike more traditional Daylight Factor analysis, climate-based daylight modelling provides information about the daylight distribution throughout the year. Climate based daylight modelling is well suited to the New Zealand climate where Daylight Factor based analysis can result in oversized glazing leading to issues with glare and overheating. Climate based daylight modelling uses realistic sun and sky conditions derived from standardised weather data to predict the quality and quantity of daylight distribution across the space.

Awards

  • NZ Commercial Project Awards - Industrial - National Category Winner - 2023

  • NZ Commercial Project Awards - Sustainability Award - 2023

  • PCNZ Awards - Green Building Award - 2022

  • PCNZ Awards - Industrial Property Award

  • PCNZ Awards - Commercial Property Award - Merit - 2022

  • NZIA Local Awards - Commercial Architecture - 2022

  • CBRE Industrial Property Award - 2022

Daylighting by Ella Osborne for eCubed.