DATE OF PROJECT 2025
LOCATION Wynyard Quarter, Auckland
MAIN CONTRACTOR MacRennie
The Orams Marine Retail Development represents the latest addition to the Orams Marine precinct at Wynyard Quarter. It is a marine services hub that has been serving superyachts, powerboats, and launches since the 1980s.
Located in the heart of Auckland’s waterfront, this development is a place where craftsmanship and innovation come together. The precinct brings together a wide range of skilled marine trades in one integrated location. This creates a one-stop shop for vessels arriving in New Zealand, allowing owners and crews to service their boats comprehensively while enjoying Auckland’s vibrant city offerings.
The new facility enhances the precinct’s capacity to service the premium marine sector, requiring a comprehensive waterproofing solution in a challenging below-ground environment, with stringent requirements for both groundwater exclusion and gas vapour protection to meet demanding site and ground conditions.
Sansom secured the contract based on our extensive history at Wynyard Quarter, having completed various projects in the area over decades. We also maintain an ongoing relationship with Orams Marine, having previously delivered the adjacent service building for the same main contractor, Macrennie, and concurrently undertaking mastic asphalt replacement works on the existing car park to the south.
Our scope covered the complete building envelope waterproofing solution from substructure through to roof level, including volclay bentonite membrane installation, site-specific gas vapour barrier membrane, sealant works to precast facade panels, seismic joints, and a double layer torch-on membrane to roof gutters.
Complex Sequencing from Lowest Point: Works commenced in the lift pit, the lowest point of the structure. We installed the volclay bentonite membrane to the base slab, then carried it vertically up the lift pit walls before lapping it out onto the underside of the ground floor slab. This critical transition zone required careful coordination to ensure continuity between the bentonite system and the gas vapour barrier membrane.
Design and Product Changes: Throughout the project, design changes, product changes, and sequencing adjustments were required depending on how the waterproofing interfaced with the structure. Having membrane systems with versatility in termination options, whether mechanically fixing, taping, turning out to face, or terminating on ground beams, proved essential. Our team’s experience enabled us to understand which solution to utilise and present the correct approach for each condition.
Preparation and Area Coordination: Construction drawings always appear simpler than they prove to be. While plans showed large, continuous membrane areas, the actual installation involved significant complexities. Coordination with other trades was critical. Understanding service pipework integration, ensuring proper substrate preparation, and communicating what we needed to achieve at each stage were essential. The key to quality outcomes is ensuring areas are correctly prepared, as the biggest quality issues stem from inadequate substrate preparation.
Managing Membrane Exposure Risk: Installing smaller sections increases the risk of membrane being exposed longer and sustaining site damage. Our approach focused on completing larger areas wherever possible, which reduced laps, minimised joins in the membrane, and decreased vulnerability. This efficiency in installation also accelerated the overall programme, benefiting subsequent trades and the main contractor.
Throughout the project, we implemented EFVM (Electric Field Vector Mapping) testing to QA and complete the works before handing over to reinforcing contractors and concrete contractors to pour and form the concrete slab.
The project delivery demonstrates our capability to provide integrated waterproofing solutions across multiple building elements, from complex below-ground tanking through to roof level weatherproofing. Our team consistently delivered on timing commitments, completing large areas whenever challenged and supporting the programme for other trades and the main contractor.
The communication between Sansom and Macrennie proved highly effective throughout, with both parties committed to understanding the products, determining optimal delivery methods, and coordinating seamlessly with other trades. Our experienced installation team’s ability to adapt to changing conditions and details on site provided valuable guidance not only for project management but throughout the installation process itself.
The successful completion of this project strengthens our ongoing relationship with both Orams Marine and Macrennie, further establishing our knowledge and experience in marine precinct developments.
