Towards the end of last year, White Associates had the privilege of touring behind the scenes of Simplicity Living’s innovative Mt Wellington Development. Guided by Shane Brealey and his team, we saw their unique approach to planning, programming, procurement and delivery. Demonstrated by a blend of forward-thinking design, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability end solution.
Both Konrad (our Managing Director) and Shane begun their careers working in Civil & Civic / Lend Lease where a key philosophy of pre-planning projects leads to successful delivery on site. Simplicity Living’s model reflecting a forward planning mindset, continuously challenges traditional construction norms, embracing change and building trust across the project team to deliver exceptional outcomes.
The Mt Wellington development embodies a collaborative and efficient construction approach. Their team does not shy away from experimenting and trialling new structural systems which consistently refines as they progress. Suitably, the team achieves consistency in quality and efficiency all with a relatively small workforce. Subcontractors have embraced this unique style of delivering allowing them to be confident with the programmes that remain unchanged and therefore their resource commitment remains constant.
A stand-out feature of this development is Simplicity Living’s in-house Stackcell Structures walling system for in-situ concrete walls. This bespoke system designed by the team, is a telling example of innovative thinking as an alternative to traditional precast and in-situ concrete walls. The ability to effectively construct these walls without the traditional constraints of precast and in-situ construction, has allowed for reduced labour, along with efficiency in floor completion rates and reduction of unnecessary costs (i.e. cranage and logistical challenges). The Stackcell System allows general labour to install the system, ensuring greater certainty on the programme, productivity rates and economical wins.
The development as a whole, comprises 297 apartments, featuring a rooftop terrace, work-from-home spaces, a multi-use communal area, and a ground-level pavilion. The carefully planned landscape includes over 7,000 native trees and shrubs, transforming the development into an urban oasis. Simplicity Living has gone beyond the traditional development approach and are investing heavily in achieving a vision. The Build-to-Rent added value shows through providing enhanced public spaces for all tenants to enjoy.
Reflecting on our tour, it is clear that Simplicity Living’s Mt Wellington project is more than a construction triumph, it has challenged the norms of building historically. This collaborative model has been established from a well-planned vision of the team and how they can facilitate the build knowing all systems and processes are in place to allow for a win-win for both themselves and their delivery partners.
For White Associates, being able to work alongside the team and to be exposed to this way of project delivery, has allowed us to educate our own team, as well as clients, on the possibilities that it offers.