A seamless refurbishment of an iconic Auckland apartment complex. The Pines.

Set on the eastern slopes of Maungawhau Mt Eden, The Pines remains one of Tāmaki Makaurau Aucklands most iconic apartment buildings. Built in 1969, its classic style has been carefully preserved, with the original aluminium joinery replaced by a premium Gutmann system; designed, imported and installed by Symonite.

‘The Pines is truly a landmark,’ says Paul Miller, director of PJM Project Management. ‘This complete refurbishment demanded a prestigious, high-quality product that could do justice to its heritage.’

To replace all 400 windows, Symonite recommended the Gutmann S70+ thermally broken window series, with a custom flashing weathering detail developed through rigorous performance testing in New Zealand. The S70+ provided a high performing window, along with elegant frames and detailing that increased the amount of clear daylight compared to the original, improving access to the expansive city and harbour views.

‘The body corporate and project management company wanted a solution that offered quality, longevity and durability,’ explains Symonite Project Manager Stefan Claveria. ‘We developed the new system in collaboration with Gutmann specifically for the unique bay windows featured at The Pines, ensuring excellent thermal and noise insulation while blending seamlessly with the building’s architecture.’

A New Zealand first

Symonite’s in bouse design and engineering team provided a full design-and-build service in partnership with architect Mark Callander from Resolution. Although the Gutmann S70 system is widely used internationally, this marked its first installation in New Zealand–necessitating comprehensive testing.

‘Our local engineering team conducted desktop reviews on the design and engineering prior to full-scale testing, and our work was peer reviewed by Babbage Facades,’ explains Matthew Harris, Senior Technical Adviser at Symonite. ‘We built a full-scale mock-up bay window and tested it to AS/NZS 4284 to demonstrate B1 and E2 compliance. This was essential given the complex interfaces of the bay windows, with their three-dimensional geometries requiring seismic movement.’

‘Wind performance was a major consideration,’ adds Stefan. ‘The windows were tested for extremely high wind loads and seismic resistance to ensure they could withstand local conditions. We incorporated a three-part customised weatherproofing system–external rain screen flashings, EPDM seals moisture barriers and an internal air seals–so that water simply cannot penetrate.’ We verified this on site with AAMA 502 testing

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Meeting the residents’ needs

Beyond performance, the windows needed to meet the aesthetic expectations of discerning apartment owners, while preserving heritage interior features. ‘The old windows had small panes and were single glazed,’ explains Paul. ‘Some residents worried that modern glazing might be thicker and compromise their marvellous views.’

In fact, with the windows anodised in a natural silver finish, they integrate so seamlessly that, at a glance, you wouldn’t notice they’ve been replaced. In addition, the new double-glazed windows offer substantial benefits. ‘The old windows let in too much UV, which caused furniture to fade says Stefan.

‘The new system features high performing, low-E laminated double glazing that blocks UV while still inviting natural light. And with the thermally broken frames, condensation is eliminated.’

The benefits of a total service

After Henderson Demolition removed the old windows and internal liners, Symonite managed the entire project in-house, ensuring a smoother process with one co-ordinated, integrated team managing installation to CCC issuance.

Although most residents vacated for about six weeks during the refurbishment–including window replacement by Symonite then the reinstatement of linings and finishes by builders CTL–special care was taken for those who remained, including some infirm residents.

For Paul Miller and The Pines’ body corporate, choosing Symonite meant they could rely on the new windows to perform in every respect–from design and testing through to installation and long-term operation.

‘Technically, they were excellent,’ Paul concludes. ‘The system was fully tested and approved to New Zealand standards–and Gutmann is high-quality, international window manufacturer. Everything worked seamlessly. The Pines is a prestige building, and it deserved a quality solution; Symonite delivered that.’

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