RYDGES HOTEL, WELLINGTON

This project involved the seismic strengthening and partial refurbishment of the Rydges Hotel building, Featherston Street, Wellington, first built in 2006/7. The building suffered some damage because of the 2013 earthquake.

The strengthening work included a new 700 tone shear wall below the existing lift pits, 5.0m below seal level. This required temporary supporting the full height of the lift shaft and shear wall while the existing tie beam between concrete piles was removed ad the new shear wall and foundation were constructed. The existing lift pit and its base were removed, and excavation extended a further 3.0m deep.

Work on the Hotel was planned and engineered to ensure successful outcomes despite working in a busy CBD location with limited working space and restricted access. Existing finishes to entry levels and restaurants were de-constructed to provide access, then reassembled to look as if the work had never occurred.

Extensive strengthening to the steel K-Brace structure was carried out for the full 17 levels. Seismic joints were introduced to the façade. This required deconstruction and refitting of guest suites and rooms.

Dominion successfully navigated project challenges including the need for 24hour dewatering and vibration control to minimize disruption to neighboring buildings and for minimal interruptions to traffic movements on one of Wellington’s busiest CBD street.

Work was carried out over a seven-month period with the hotel reopening in December 2022 and refurbishment of guest rooms continuing through to April 2023.

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