The new building will have a unique cone roof and include a state-of-the-art natural ventilation system which utilises thermal mass. Concrete, with its positive thermal mass properties, is a key factor in the functionality of the hi-tech system with Firth winning the contract to supply the 8,000m³ plus required.

Both scheduling of deliveries and the technical mixes are priorities for Firth. Gavin Allden Regional Sales Manager (Northern) for Firth explains, "Scarbro Construction require the concrete to obtain a high-grade, smooth finish as the client requested. We were able to develop a very high slump mix, that after some testing, proved to be exactly what Scarbro and the designers required."

With Firth's Hamer Street plant only one km from the construction site Firth are able to maintain a consistent delivery schedule without the need to deal with the considerable delays that can occur in Auckland traffic.

"Firth really do a very, very good job for us," says Jason Shaw, Site Manager from Scarbro Construction. "Their plant is very close to the site so there is never a problem with the delivery schedule and the finish we are achieving on the concrete is really good. Everyone is very happy with the progress we are making."