Down Minnehaha Avenue in Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland, there’s a four-level residence clinging to the base of the cliff that rises from the beach and has the volcanic island of Rangitoto in full view. Although the structure of the home is now largely concealed, it is made of steel. What’s interesting is why.
It was originally a wooden framed house of generous proportions, and when the owners decided to refurbish it, the strength to weight ratio of structural steel made it the material of choice.
Rangitoto as seen from level two of the steel framed beach house in Takapuna.
Rather than stir up building consent issues, the approach taken involved no pull down. Instead the work was carried out inside the existing envelope. “It was an exercise in retro-fitting,” explains structural engineer John Syme of MSC Consulting Group Ltd, “and using steel portals enabled us to preserve several large, open spaces. We also installed new beams on which we were able to re-position walls, creating more floor space. The semi-spiral staircase presented a challenge with vibration, but this was overcome. “
The architect, John D’Anvers, says he’s a fan of the use of steel in residential construction. “In this home, we have a three-story structure on a small footprint. The owner wanted to ensure that externally the redevelopment remained sensitive to the shoreline location, while internally there is a change in the floor plan. It’s much more open than the original building, with large spans of free space giving great views. Designing in steel gave us the freedom to reconfigure rooms and remove walls and create a dwelling relevant to our modern lifestyle.”
The fact that much of the steelwork is done on site is part of the Black Steel Mobile story. Tony Black is the Managing Director. “When the company was started in 1995, I saw an opportunity in residential construction that amounted to having a competent steel constructor on site to take delivery of raw steel,
fabricate it and fit it and be ready to make an on-the-job response to variations. These are to be expected in this market because clients change their minds about what they want, and since they’re going to be living in the home, the architect and the engineer must take cognizance. Being on the spot, Black Steel Mobile saves them the cost of pulling steelwork out and trucking it back to the workshop for changes.”
The concept quickly proved itself; in its first four years of operation, Black Steel Mobile doubled its turnover every year. It now has seven vans in the field, usually with one man per van. Typically highly skilled, these are tradesmen who relish the freedom to show initiative, make judgement calls, are good all-rounders and totally loyal and trustworthy, and have strong interpersonal communications. They have administrative support, attend staff meetings to discuss issues, and they upskill regularly. “The only trouble I tend to have,” says Tony Black, “is with recruitment.”
Two of the Three luxury homes at Brighton Terrace, Mairangi Bay
Black Steel Mobile certainly has no trouble with taking on steel construction for the luxury end of the residential market. Three new dwellings have recently been built on Brighton Terrace, one of Mairangi Bay’s premier streets. Spacious open-plan living opens out onto expansive decks overlooking the Hauraki Gulf.
