CHRISTCHURCH WOMENS HOSPITAL A major public healthcare project utilizing Kiwi technology and Holmes Consulting Group’s innovative structural engineering design is currently under construction in Christchurch, New Zealand. Work began on the NZ$47 million Christchurch Women’s Hospital and Day Surgery Unit for the Canterbury District Health Board in November 2002, with completion expected in 2005. It will be the South Island of New Zealand’s first seismic base-isolated building. The Christchurch Women’s Hospital has been fitted with special devices and details specific to the structural design concept of seismic base-isolation. This design will minimise the damaging effects of large earthquakes on the building structure and contents, thereby enhancing asset and life safety. Holmes Consulting Group’s specialist structural engineers have designed the hospital structure and base-isolation system. Holmes engineers have also designed base isolation systems for many buildings around the world, including New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings and Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand - both in Wellington. The following photographs show general construction progress. For more information about all aspects of seismic base isolation, or to download our design guides, visit http://www.holmesgroup.com/seismic.html For information about the origins this Kiwi technology, visit http://www.robinsonseismic.com

East end panels

East end

East end

From outside

L2 roof steel

L6 south

L7 east

L7 under way

south elevation

West end

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