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The following references are a selection of the acknowledgements received from our satisfied clients in appreciation of the results achieved on Argon projects.
Northland Events Centre, Whangarei
I am by profession a civil engineer with nearly 40 years of experience in the industry not only in my native UK but also in Arabia, South East Asia, Australia and NZ. I have extensive experience of design and construct contracts and have worked on multi—million dollar projects throughout the world with more than my fair share of success. I also have a solid experience of joint venture management.
After running a nationwide design competition, the Northland Regional Council selected Argon Construction to design and build a multi—purpose sports and events centre in Whangarei.
Over the last 18 months, I have acted as Project Director on behalf of the client, Northland Regional Council, where I am Chief Executive Officer. The role of Project Director has proved a valuable and rewarding diversion from normal Council business.
An absolutely critical part of the success of any design and construct contract is the attitude and role played by the main contractor and their designer. In my opinion, I am happy to record that the attitude and role by Argon throughout this contract has been exemplary.
One of the key criteria for the final selection of the main contractor was that the successful design/build team would value-manage the whole project so that the design brief was exceeded and the project was completed on time and within the $18.5 million budget.
The other key factor was that they would need to manage the needs of the Northland Regional Council, the Whangarei District Council, the New Zealand Rugby Union, the Northland Rugby Union and the Northland community — a major organisational task in itself.
The project team, of which Argon Construction played the major role, has provided an outstanding community facility which far exceeds the initial brief provided by all the stakeholders. The Argon design/build team have worked together with everybody to maximise the use of all available resources and this has meant that we not only have a 1 fantastic new stand with all the necessary facilities (catering, administration offices, retail outlets, etc) but we now also have new terraced seating, a large grassed area available for corporate tents or family picnic spots and a user friendly stadium.
I am confident that in months to come this facility will win awards for its innovative thinking in design and construction, which has led to incredible value for money - the best value for money I have ever achieved in my career.
The current and future ratepayers of Northland now have an outstanding asset that will grow with the community and provide facilities not previously available. This has been achieved through the use of the design/build process that Argon proactively engaged in, making a huge contribution to the final outcome.
I strongly believe that the additional benefits that we have been able to achieve with Argon would not have been possible under a standard tendering process. The Argon team have carried out this project in an enthusiastic, professional and co-operative manner which has meant that the work has been completed on time and to the highest standard.
I have no hesitation in recommending Argon as a highly professional construction company, with a design and construct skill that gets results.
I would be happy to provide further information if required.
Ken Paterson Chief Executive Officer Northland Events Centre
Coffey Projects
I have been working with Argon Construction Limited on two design/build projects over the last 18months. The first project is a 24 bed Hospital and the second is an Apartment Block. The Hospital is due for completion in June this year and will be completed on time. The second project is scheduled to commence construction early in 2011.
Argon Construction were appointed as the preferred contractor at the outset of the Hospital projects having been involved from the commencement ofthe Concept Design stage. They have provided valuable input on site placement, budget costings and construction methods to ensure efficient use of resources throughout the process.
Both projects had to meet extremely tight budget criteria for approval to commence work, authorised by the Boards involved. My experience of the traditional tendering process is that there are often large numbers of variations at later stages to the detriment of the Project and budget. I believe by involving the main contractor at the outset of the Design process has meant that we have achieved a much more accurate budget, and that we will achieve buildings that meet the Clients requirements on time and on budget.
We have found the team from Argon Construction to be professional and proactive throughout the design and construction stages. They have worked well with us, the Client, other consultants and with the subcontractors involved in the project.
We have enjoyed working with Argon Construction and their team and are looking forward to the commencement of our next design/build project next year.
Laurie Peckham Senior Project Manager Coffey Projects (NZ) Ltd.
Hastings District Courthouse
"Argon Construction Limited has recently completed construction of the new Hastings Courthouse for the Ministry of Justice.
The project required of the construction of a new 3,500m2, three level building. The site is on the corner of two busy CBD streets with the existing courthouse and the local Police station as neighbours.
Courthouses are complicated buildings involving many contrasting spaces, from high quality judicial accommodation and courtrooms, to staff administration offices, to public waiting and counter facilities, to prisoner holding and circulation areas. The building’s design included a high level of technology and environmentally sustainable features and materials.
This project offered many challenges.
Throughout the project, Argon’s management team have interacted well with the Ministry and its consultants, building good relationships and providing an invaluable level of assistance. They have been approachable and cooperative, pragmatic, flexible and dedicated.
Argon has risen to all challenges whilst keeping themselves and the many sub-contractors focused on the end goals of quality, cost and time. The resultant finished product is an iconic civic building of which all associated parties are very proud.
Argon Construction came highly recommended, promising high levels of professionalism, fowvard planning, experience, performance and quality. They have delivered on all counts.
The New Hastings Courthouse Project has been a resounding success for the Ministry and Argon Construction Limited’s contribution to that success was pivotal. I have no hesitation in recommending them for similar projects."
Stephen Dean Project Manager Property National Office Property
Blue Water Black Magic – A Tribute to Sir Peter Blake
"Argon Construction has recently completed the construction of the new exhibition wing for Blue Water Black Magic — A Tribute to Sir Peter Blake at the New Zealand New Zealand National Maritime Museum.
This is a nationally important project which has received considerable funding from both Central and Local Government. Furthermore the building and related exhibition are designed to serve as an enduring tribute to an iconic New Zealander and as such public interest and expectation are incredibly high.
The project has offered many complex challenges including a tight timeframe, innovative design elements, materials new to New Zealand and the fact that the entire wing has been constructed on a wharf which required significant structural adaptation.
Throughout this project Argon Construction have worked in a proactive and collaborative manner with the many project consultants and have built strong and successful relationships with all parties on a foundation of open and honest communication.
The Argon team have always been flexible, dedicated and pragmatic in their approach. The success of this project has been attributable in large part to the integral role they have played.
Argon has demonstrated a high degree of planning and performance and most importantly quality of workmanship. Argon have achieved a truly beautiful building which will be an iconic addition to Auck|and’s CBD waterfront.
We have been so satisfied with their work, that we have since engaged their services for another project at the Museum."
Paul Evans Chief Executive Officer NZ National Maritime Museum
Selwyn Village Apartments
"The Selwyn Foundation Group engaged Argon Construction Ltd for the construction of an $1M, 50 apartment complex entitled Bishop Selwyn Apartments at Selwyn Village, Pt Chevaller, Auckland in 2005/2006. This project has gone exceptionally well for The Selwyn Foundation and while there were cost overruns Argon Construction Ltd has done everything in their power to ensure they were not of their making.
We have found Argon Construction Ltd to be an excellent firm to deal with, their upright and forward—thinking stance, together with being excellent to deal with at every level, has meant that this project has gone exceptionally well for The Selwyn Foundation Group.
I warmly commend Argon Construction Ltd as a reliable, trustworthy, and honest building company to work with and we can not speak highly enough for the good work they have done for an on behalf of The Selwyn Foundation. We would have no difficulty in using them again, and hopefully on a long term basis.
Their methodologies and way of looking at the most economic solutions on site has meant that considerable savings were made both in their tendering contract and in the way they carried out the work. The project has been completed in an excellent manner and their staff have been excellent to deal with. I warmly commend them to any other people looking at construction and would be more than happy to speak on a personal basis."
Duncan Macdonald Chief Executive Officer The Selwyn Foundation Group
Villa Maria Estate
"Argon Construction Limited has been employed to construct a new Winery complex at Mangere for Villa Maria Estate Limited.
The works comprise five main buildings; Warehouse, Bottling Hall, Winery Building, Barrel Store and Administration Building together with associated services installations and site works. The project is currently eighty percent complete.
The work was competitively tendered and won by Argon Construction Limited.
From inception the Principal has imposed rigid financial constraints on the project budget. As a consequence, Argon were requested to actively assist in achieving the most economical solutions on site. Further pressure has been put on the project budget with an expanse of extra scope being introduced by the Principal.
Since construction commenced on site, Argon have proved themselves to be team players. They have been very forthcoming in providing cost information and identifying economical alternatives to the proposed specifications and construction methodologies. Argon’s contribution in this respect is showing positive affects in achieving the Principal‘s financial desires and ultimately the efficacious completion of the project as a whole."
Stephen Berry Director PHC Management Limited
The Grand Boutique City Residences
"Melview Developments Limited engaged Argon Construction Limited for the construction of the 15 million, 23 storey, 389 unit apartment complex known as The Grand Boutique City Residences. The project is now almost 75% complete and is on programme for completion in July 2006. During the early contract negotiations I found Argon to be extremely thorough, very responsive and flexible. Since commencement of construction this positive professional attitude has continued. I am happy to recommend Argon Construction Ltd as a company capable of undertaking a project of a similar size and scale.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require a more detailed reference."
Nigel A. McKenna Managing Director Melview Developments Limited
Dilworth School
"Ben has been the Project Manager for our School Expansion 2005 project which covered the following items:
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Construction of a 36 bed dormitory block
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Construction of two town houses
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Construction of a six unit residential block
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Construction of three tennis courts
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Major renovations to two of our larger dormitory blocks
The value of this work was around "m and covered a construction period of approximately 15 months.
During construction a number of issues arose from external factors. The delay in obtaining the various consents put a severe time pressure on Argon as the dormitory block had to be open by the start of term.
It is fair to say that Ben made a major contribution to achieving completion of the construction by the required date and it is equally fair to say that he is one of the best Project Managers that I have worked with. His skill and professionalism is taken as a given but his people skills in dealing with client/neighbours/staff were of the highest order. We have a site that has some neighbours who are sensitive to construction noise etc. and Ben’s ability to recognise their needs but not to accept their domination, was outstanding.
I can unreservedly recommend him for any future project you may be considering.
If you wish any further information please do not hesitate to contact me."
Martin Thomson General Manager Dilworth Trust Board
Church and Community Facilities, Robertson Road Mangere
"We have recently completed the construction of one of AuckIand‘s largest Church / Community Facilities at Robertson Rd, Mangere with Argon Construction being the Main Contractor. This is the latest in a number of projects that our firm has had an association with Argon Construction.
Due to the treatment these facilities have to endure, and the need for minimal ongoing maintenance, the client has a very stringent construction and quality requirement that few in the industry can achieve. The fact that the client requests that Argon be included on all their tender lists is a recommendation in itself.
We found Argon to be extremely professional from the outset with all levels of management providing the ‘hands on’ approach which made the projects we were involved with flow smoothly. Mike Taylor and Pat Carmine provided attention to detail, whether it was the $6m Church or the $100k refurbishment (located in Lorne St, Auckland City). Grant Dye provided transparent costings and claims which made the payment procedure a lot easier to manage and stay on top of.
On site, John Firth and his team, ‘Dad’s Army’, provided a degree of accuracy to the project that I have seldom seen. John ensured all on site were aware of the expected quality and stringently enforced this expectation. No detail seemed too difficult for them and all problems were treated as a challenge with a solution generally offered when raised with us.
The effort and attention that was put in by all at Argon Construction is evident in the completed product at Robertson Rd. An exceptional degree of quality was achieved that the client is very happy with.
We would be more than happy to be involved with Argon Construction in future projects, as not only have they provide a degree of skill and finish that is of the highest standard, they are also a pleasure to work with."
Chris Bowkett Director Clifford Paul Senior Architect Walker Architects Limited
NZ Pavilion Expo 1992
"I had the opportunity as the project architect to visit the New Zealand Pavilion at Expo 92 in Seville Spain last October.
I must congratulate Argon Construction on the excellent standard of workmanship achieved on the pavilion.
I particularly stress this fact in knowing the difficult working environment that your company had to cope with in Seville where building conditions & regulations are quite different to New Zealand.
Further more Argon Construction achieved this excellent result without on site supervision or on site guidance in interpreting the architects detailed drawings.
Your Company's positive attitude towards achieving a well built job on time & on budget is exemplary, well done Argon."
P.G. Hill Peter Hill Architects
Sky City Casino
"This is to advise that we have been working with Argon Construction over the last 18 months on a number of interior fitout contracts in the Sky City Project.
Each contract had a specific need because of thematic requirements of the programme, and therefore the techniques, materials and design and construction disciplines varied to relate to these. Argon Construction responded to these varied needs in a most comprehensive way in their project management; on site supervision and organisation; and workmanship and co-ordination of sub-contractors.
The finished result is outstanding, and a credit to the Argon team. Argon has surpassed our expectations for what we would normally expect for high quality fitout work.
We recommend their skills and services, and we would be happy to elaborate on our experiences with them, should this be appropriate."
Gordon Moller Craig Craig Moller Limited
Beach House at Matiatia, Waiheke Island
Hulena Co Architects have recently been involved with Argon Construction Ltd in the construction of a very substantial beach house at Matiatia, Waiheke lsland.
At all times Argon Construction Ltd have acted in a competent, professional manner. They have progressed the building contract meeting the rigorous requirements of complex architectural detailing and have achieved an exceptional quality of workmanship with the desired restrained look.
The co-ordination of subtrades has not been easy given the nature of working on Waiheke Island, but this has been handled diligently with competent project management and on site supervision.
Argon Construction Ltd have surpassed our expectations with regard to the very high standard of construction produced and in their joint problem solving capabilities.
I have found the team at Argon Construction Ltd, Tom Cashen, Dave Clark, Pat Carmine and John Ngatai a pleasure to work with, and have no hesitation in recommending their services and skills as preferred building I contractors."
Brent Hulena Registered Architect Hulena Co. Architects
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