Challenge:

The roofing membrane on the iconic Bruce Mason Theatre in Takapuna had reached the end of its usable life and begun to leak. Architects GHD sought advice from several industry stakeholders to verify the existing roof’s integrity and a solution to the problem.

The solution needed to meet specific criteria: provide a watertight finish; strengthen the existing ‘bouncy’ substrate; work around shows and weather; cope with a large ventilation system on the roof; resolve ventilation in the roof cavity; and adhere to compliance issues with the historic roof structure.

Solution:

GHD specified a Viking Warm Roof system because it could be laid on top of the existing roofing membrane. As an approved Viking applicator, Aquaproofing submitted a tender which proved successful due to our extensive experience in warm roof installation and realistic pricing.

A Warm Roof comprises of rigid insulation boards installed on top of the roof structure. These are then waterproofed with a sheet membrane. In this instance, Viking’s Enviroclad — a 3 metre wide thermoplastic waterproofing membrane — was specified.

It’s important as a contractor to be considerate of a building owner and its inhabitants’ needs. In the instance of a publicly-owned theatre which hosts daily performances, there can be no construction mess and negligible noise. But most importantly, the finished result needs to be completed to Best Practice standards and with quality materials so that the ratepayer receives value and isn’t called upon to prematurely fund remedial work.

Result:

The quality of installation ensured that ‘the show went on’ as visitors to Bruce Mason Theatre relaxed and enjoyed the performance, whilst being protected from the elements by its new tastefully installed Viking Warm Roof.