• All Projects
  • Commercial
  • Construction
  • Fabrication
  • Innovation
  • Metalwork

Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa

Location

Rotorua

Sector

Commercial

Wai Ariki Spa is a landmark luxury Māori cultural wellness destination on the Rotorua lakefront, built on Ngāti Whakaue values and healing traditions. Fabworx secured both the structural steel and architectural metalwork packages for this development, contributing key engineered elements that shape the spa’s striking form and premium finish.

Client

Pukeroa Lakefront Holdings Ltd

Finished

June 2023

Scale

$1.2M

Partners

Hawkins Construction
Wai-Ariki-Hot-Springs-and-Spa-01
Wai-Ariki-Hot-Springs-and-Spa-02

102+

  • ~70 T of complex steel roof framing delivered and installed
  • Ground-assembly methodology improved safety

64tn

  • Stainless steel balustrades, handrails, decorative screens, and architectural elements supplied and fitted

50%

  • Rapid design adjustments ensured the build stayed on track

102+

  • ~70 T of complex steel roof framing delivered and installed
  • Ground-assembly methodology improved safety

64tn

  • Stainless steel balustrades, handrails, decorative screens, and architectural elements supplied and fitted

50%

  • Rapid design adjustments ensured the build stayed on track
Add Text Here If
You Want To

The Challenge

The project timeline was heavily impacted by the pandemic, creating significant pressure on sequencing and resource allocation. Adjustments by the main contractor required Fabworx to rapidly redesign elements, particularly stainless steel handrails, to maintain progress and minimise disruption to other trades

Add Text Here If
You Want To

The Solution

Fabworx worked closely with Hawkins Construction to reassess sequencing, identify risk areas, and adapt design details to keep the project moving. Our team provided responsive engineering input, additional resourcing, and alternative installation strategies. This included:

  • Partially assembling roof steel on the ground for safer, faster installation
  • Redesigning handrail elements to suit revised construction sequencing
  • Coordinating fabrication and installation around Covid-driven delays
  • Maintaining constant communication with the project team to mitigate risk
Wai-Ariki-Hot-Springs-and-Spa-04
Wai-Ariki-Hot-Springs-and-Spa-05
Wai-Ariki-Hot-Springs-and-Spa-06

Fabworx delivered approximately 70 T of structural steel for Wai Ariki’s distinctive saw-tooth roof, forming the primary structural support for the building. Multiple ridges and valleys created geometric complexity, which required meticulous planning, fabrication accuracy, and coordinated installation.

Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa is positioned as a premium Māori cultural wellness destination that blends contemporary design with deep cultural storytelling. Fabworx supported this vision through refined metalwork elements, including polished stainless balustrades, architectural handrails, and custom aluminium privacy screens.

Innovative construction Methodology

To accelerate the build and reduce working-at-height risks, one of the roof sections was partially assembled on the ground before being craned into place. This approach minimised safety risk, improved accuracy, and reduced time onsite.

Wai-Ariki-Hot-Springs-and-Spa-07
Wai-Ariki-Hot-Springs-and-Spa-08
Wai-Ariki-Hot-Springs-and-Spa-09

Another possible image layout set, caption can cover all 3 images.

77A Paraone Koikoi Drive,
Tauriko, Tauranga 3110