The objective.

Petone Engineering partnered with Naylor Love to strengthen the roof structure of the University of Otago’s Wellington School of Medicine Lecture Theatre.

Key challenges included a tight timeline, low roof clearance (0.5 to 2m), and preserving the existing decorative ceiling. The seismic upgrade required robust steel supports and bracing for the large concrete beams, while working within limited space.

Our involvement.

Petone Engineering conducted thorough planning, including scans of the structure to map out existing reinforcements and potential clashes.

We used BIM modelling and model overlay software to ensure accuracy and avoid clashes with existing components. Innovative design choices allowed the steel assemblies to be delivered through a small access point, preserving both the roof and decorative ceiling and reducing waste.

The team maintained safety and quality standards in a confined workspace and tight timeframe, completing drilling and preparations before steel arrived on site.

The outcome.

This project achieved a strengthened structure without compromising the theatre’s historical elements.

By designing smaller steel components, Petone Engineering avoided roof and ceiling removal, reducing environmental impact and keeping costs controlled.

The project was delivered on time, incident-free, and demonstrated the effectiveness of steel for seismic retrofitting in a heritage space.