New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport

This project was born from a pre-existing relationship between Coresteel Wellington and the owner of the NCZIS facility. They had undertaken previous work for the client in the past, who had knowledge about Coresteel’s construction systems based on completed projects. 

The construction process

Once construction commenced, Coresteel Wellington supplied approximately 400 tonnes of fabricated structural steel for the build, which included the patented DonoBeam and DonoBrace. Using DonoBeam, our exclusive tapered box beam system, Coresteel Wellington reduced the amount of steel needed for the design without compromising the structural integrity. This allowed for the architectural freedom to incorporate a wide range of aesthetic and practical elements that a project such as the NZCIS building requires.

Occupying a 17 hectare site, Coresteel Wellington constructed all of the building’s state of the art facilities. The main building has internal dimensions of 50m x 70m, which was designed to serve as an indoor field with a World Rugby and FIFA approved turf surface. The total building is 7500m², which includes a green room, gym, pool, doctor and physio, and a walkway. Coresteel was also responsible for the cladding of the brand new J3 change room facilities (pictured below).

Additionally, the build included VR technology for immersive training experiences, high altitude training capabilities and hydrotherapy pools which offers athletes cutting-edge recovery options. 

Coresteel Wellington’s execution on custom elements of the design brief is reflected in features such as the Lymb multiball interactive sports screen. Standing at an impressive nine metres tall, the German designed screen offers a unique training experience that blends physical activity with digital innovation. 

Since project completion

This impressive build is already gaining recognition. The performance institute is now home to the Hurricanes super rugby men’s and women’s teams, management and coaching staff. It also houses the regional Wellington rugby teams; Wellington Lions and Wellington Pride. It was selected as an official Team Base Camp for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Sweden will also be joining next year to use the NZCIS facilities. Local team the Wellington Phoenix have just moved into the facility with the A League Women to follow in the near future.

By October 31st the building will be in the final stages of testing, with operations to commence by the end of November. Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome says it is set to be “one of the top facilities in Australasia and the Southern Hemisphere”.  

The facility will be officially opened by the Prime Minister in the coming months and this momentous occasion underscores the national significance of this project, marking a new era in New Zealand’s sporting history.

This is an innovative building solution provided by Coresteel Wellington, showing their comprehensive design capabilities and excellent project management skills to execute on a build of this size and detail. Great work team!