For developers Ninety-Four Feet and their build partner, Icon Construction, Moddex’s pre-engineered stair and railing systems bridged the gap between design and compliance.

Rising 43 storeys in the heart of Auckland, the $250-million Hotel Indigo & Apartments presents boutique accommodation for both guests and residents, featuring 30 luxury apartments above 250 hotel rooms. Atop a heritage-listed facade, the 4.5-star lifestyle brand hotel includes signature food and beverage offerings, all on the same site.

Icon approached us for a design and build solution that aligned with the overall architectural intent for the service access areas and four internal fire egress stairwells. We delivered pre-engineered solutions using Moddex Ezibilt™ ramp, walkway and stair solutions, as well as Tuffrail industrial handrails and Assistrail public access handrails.

In-house design and manufacture cover all the specs

Our in-house design and manufacturing capabilities ensured precise specifications. By collaborating closely with Icon’s design manager, we developed detailed drawings based on the Ezibilt system, ensuring a safe and compliant solution.

For the roof and podium service access stairs, we manufactured a complete pre-engineered kitset Ezibilt stair system, which was then craned up 43 storeys from the ground by installers F & H Works. Our proprietary Tuffrail TR25 safety barrier was also installed around the roof damper tanks, ensuring safety at every level. A similar kitset solution was implemented for the Level 3 podium’s fire and service exit.

Navigating the complexities of the building’s roof footprint posed a unique challenge. NZ1647 compliance requires a minimum stair width of 600mm for accessible routes, leading to customisations within a limited 1200mm installation gap on the podium roof.

Rigorous compliance and quality assurance

All in-house designs received approval through a signed PS1 from a third-party structural engineer. The metalwork was fabricated at Moddex’s factory in Rangiora, near Christchurch, using HDG 600 external steel to meet the high corrosion-resistance standards specified by the architect. Each pre-engineered component was then shipped as a kitset to the site for efficient assembly and installation.

Moddex modular systems offer the benefits of prefabrication and quick kitset assembly, allowing for on-site adaptability to changes, such as those needed by other trades in the complex mechanical service areas of high-rise buildings. This flexibility was invaluable during the installation process.

Compliance and adaptability off the shelf

The adaptability of Moddex systems benefits both designers and construction teams. As a design and build project, we worked alongside Icon Construction to prepare comprehensive building consent documents. Working with the project BIM model provided a broad overview of the architect’s vision, enabling us to design a practical, compliant solution.

On site, the modular Ezibilt system allowed the installers to easily reposition feet and brackets, accommodating structural and mechanical elements without compromising safety or compliance. With no on-site welding required, the hot-dipped galvanised finish ensures maximum corrosion resistance, especially crucial for coastal projects.

For developers Ninety-Four Feet and contractors Icon Construction, Moddex’s proprietary stair and railing systems delivered a compliant solution right off the shelf.

The systems’ inherent adaptability facilitated quick, seamless changes throughout both the design phase and on-site, exemplifying the balance between innovation and compliance in modern construction.

Project details

Project: Hotel Indigo & Apartments

Location: Auckland

Architect: Dalman Architects

Builder: Icon Construction

Installer: F & H Works

Products Used:

Ezibilt™ Ramp, Walkway & Stair Solutions
Tuffrail® Industrial Handrails – TR25, TR30
Assistrail® Public Access Handrails

Photographer: Allan Photography

Architecture & Design Team

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