Plumbing

Big Building, Big Water! The Perfect Siphonic Solution

28 March, 2023 by

The recently completed Massey University Innovation Complex (IC Building), on the East Precinct Auckland Campus, Albany is a big project by any measure.

The 9,800 square metre state-of-the-art facility will be home to the science, innovation and research centre, and houses teaching and research laboratories and collaborative working spaces.

But it isn’t just the scale of the building, or the approx. 3,500 square metre roof area that made it a challenging project for architects and contractors involved, the science and laboratory aspect made for additional pipework, ducting and services that made the available roof areas and ceiling spaces very congested indeed.

This complexity meant that the Marley Akasison siphonic roof drainage system and its space-saving attributes provided an ideal solution.

Siphonic roof drainage systems are an efficient method of draining rainwater rapidly, especially from buildings with a large roof area. A siphonic roof drainage system utilises the full height of the building and the fall and acceleration of rainwater down the downpipe to create negative pressures that suck water off the roof. They require fewer, smaller downpipes and the pipework can be installed close to the roof with zero gradient and because of the suction the water volume is drained much faster.

Project architects, Athfield Architects approached Marley in February 2018 to provide siphonic roof drainage solutions for the Massey building, having previously worked together on the PwC Centre in Wellington.

Young architect Chi Tran was given the task of working with Marley to develop the drainage plan. A recent graduate, it was Chi’s first siphonic drainage project and a steep learning curve for him.

“With the usual gravity system, you need to integrate all these additional falls in the pipes. So, knowing that we’d be limited in space and competing for every single millimetre in those ceiling cavities, the siphonic system was definitely the most efficient way to get our routes to work,” he said.

Chi says that the siphonic system needs to be carefully planned, as the spacing between dropper pipes is very precise to create the hydraulic pressure needed for the system to prime and function. That meant a lot of coordination was required between hydraulic services and structural.

“Every little turn, every tailpipe, and offsets had to be considered. There were a couple instances where we had to design the structure around the siphonic system, otherwise penetrations would be required through a steel beam, for example – which we aim to avoid.”

In these cases, Chi worked with the structural engineer for a solution. “They were accommodating. And when we couldn’t, Marley was also very accommodating,” Chi said.

James Rodger, Building Services Manager at Southbase Construction coordinated the design/build on the project along with DL Good Plumbers and the hydraulic consultant.

James received the novated design from Athfield Architects and together with D.L. Goods, created a 3D model using Navisworks 3D visualization software, allowing the project team to fine-tune the system well before the install was scheduled to happen.

“Having Marley on board really early on, and DL Goods doing the coordination design, meant we had a really bulletproof design. So, we knew exactly where the fittings were going, there were no clashes, and there was no rework.

“And Marley were really good. Any changes, Marley would be really quick to respond, and tell us what we could and couldn’t do,” he said.

An additional benefit of getting the roof drainage system in place early was protecting the worksite during the record weather events that hit Auckland during the build.

“The main thing if you’re getting rain events during construction is you need to get water off the roof and away from the building. It was really handy for us – we didn’t have to do any temporary drainage, we could use a permanent system,” James says.

“From a contractor perspective, it was a very smooth process. Communication was good. Marley was very good to work with. The end result was a good outcome for the project, for us, and for the client and for the contractor.”

The Massey IC project was one of the largest Marley Akasison installations to date, but even though the massive building has only recently been handed over, the system’s effectiveness – even through record downpours, plus the ease of installation and exceptional support by the Marley team has won over the entire project team. In fact, Athfield Architects has already begun investigating it as an option for a major public building project. Stay tuned!

Project Details:

Developer: Massey University Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa
Architect: Athfield Architects Limited
Main contractor: Southbase Construction Limited
Plumbing subcontractor: D.L. Good Plumbers Limited

See more Akasison projects here

Turanga Christchurch Central Library meets Marley Akasison

17 May, 2019 by

Behind the clean, uncluttered lines of the very stylish Tūranga Christchurch Central Library, is a highly efficient Marley Akasison siphonic roof drainage system.

And the beauty of it is you can’t see it.
It’s a revolutionary concealed system that rapidly drains water from a roof.

Steve Skidmore, Marley’s National Technical Sales Engineer, worked closely with Architectus and Southbase Construction to design and assist in the installation of a Akasison roof drainage system for this major project.

The Akasison system was ideal for the library as it gave the architects so much more freedom with their design.

The Marley Akasison system siphons water through small pipes installed close to the roof. These pipes can be installed horizontally with zero gradient and they can be routed with far more flexibility than traditional systems. This frees up more usable space within the building as well as giving designers more latitude.

Quite apart from the design advantages the Marley Akasison system delivers, it also stacks up for cost savings. Compared to traditional drainage systems, material and installation costs are reduced because a building requires fewer downpipes and far less groundwork. And it’s self-cleaning.

Because the Marley Akasison siphonic roof drainage system is so new and different to anything on the New Zealand market, Steve Skidmore is the man to talk to. He can offer you a Free trial of our in-house design service or he can come and visit you and determine whether the Marley Akasison system is right for your next project.

To arrange a time or for further information, email: steve.skidmore@marley.co.nz

See more Akasison projects here

Mixed Metals Design Trends 2018

16 May, 2019 by

Like peanut butter and jam, tables and chairs or rubber and road, some things are just meant to be together. This year, all things shiny are pairing up to create an exciting trend; mixed metals are in for 2018.

A juxtaposition of brass, copper, iron, rose gold and gold gives a modern touch to any home, and it is easy to achieve on any budget. Get inspired with the latest in design trends for kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms and the exterior of your home below.

Make your kitchen shiny like new

Start with the basics. Use your everyday necessities such as your oven, fridge and dishwasher as a base to incorporate this trend into your home. Kitchen accessories can be a great place to start too, create a warm glow with copper vases and pans and gold containers and vessels, like this kitchen below.

Another striking way to incorporate the mixed metal trend is to mix up door handles, lighting and tapware. Take note from this kitchen – its gold tapware looks striking with copper handles and they’ve even added some brushed chrome handles to take the ‘mixing’ to the max.

Bold and brave in the bathroom

Add the mixed metallic trend by opting for stainless steel cabinetry, and gold lighting or mirror frame, to add a little shine to any bathroom space, large or small.

Dare to make a statement with a gold splashback, silver bath tub or metallic furniture for an eye-catching look. Take note from these luxe bathrooms.

Make your bedroom soft and warm

Accessories are the best way to mix metallic in the bedroom. It’s easy to use soft furnishings like pillows, throws and poufs to add extra shine and texture.

Teamed with a simple white palette this bedroom oozes the perfect balance of copper, silver and gold and they all work together seamlessly for the overall look.

Add some bling to your bed and decorate with affordable copper seed or fairy lights to create a dream-worthy bed like this one below.

Shine inside and out

Your spouting and downpipes are another great way to make a statement outside the home. Team aluminium joinery with copper spouting to mix it up. Marley offer the Stratus Design Series^®range in both Copper and Titanium making it easy to get shiny on the exterior of your home.

Stratus Design Series^® Copper doesn’t discolour like traditional copper and it really does stand the test of time in harsh or coastal conditions.

You can also incorporate the metallic trend outdoors with a lick of metallic materials over awnings and sills, add a little bit (or a lot!) of sheen to your cladding or roof like this stunningly modern copper sheet roof.

For anyone on a budget, this luxe trend is set to be a game changer this year!

If you are ready to give it a go for yourself, be sure to order your Stratus Design Series^® spouting and downpipes from your local plumbing and building merchant.

$300 million leading-edge JUSTICE PRECINCT

30 August, 2017 by

The Justice & Emergency Services Precinct (the Precinct) is a $300 million project led by the Ministry of Justice, to bring together all justice and emergency services in one purpose-built, leading-edge precinct in Christchurch’s central business district.

Expected to be operational by the end of 2017, the Precinct will be used by an estimated 2,000 people daily. Set to be the largest multi-agency government co-location project in New Zealand’s history, and the first major public building to be built in Christchurch by the Government since the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.

The Precinct will combine:

New Zealand Police
Ministry of Justice
Department of Corrections
Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group (National, Regional and Local)
St John New Zealand

Behind the scenes

We spoke with some of the team working for the main contractor Fletcher Construction on the Precinct project, including John Leen of John Leen Plumbing (JLP), and Steve Skidmore of Marley NZ, to get their insights on the unique challenges this 42,000m² area commercial build presented.

“We set in place a strategic plan back in 2013 which included a watching brief on the rebuild works in Christchurch post-earthquake.” says John Leen, owner of JLP.

“In November 2013 I came to Christchurch and set up a new JLP division.”

JLP initially tendered and won the in-slab and civil works, before securing the full plumbing package for the balance of the building, seeking Marley’s products, planning and design expertise for the siphonic rainwater system: Marley Akasison Siphonic Drainage.

“JLP started in-slab works in July 2014 and we’ve had a presence on the site since then.” John says. “We celebrated 30 years in business last October and we are thinking of taking up plumbing full time!”

BIM for the win

Steve Skidmore is Marley’s NZ-based National Technical Sales Engineer, assisting architects, developers, engineers and specifiers in designing the Akasison siphonic roof drainage systems for projects NZ-wide.

The Precinct certainly posed more than a few challenges. “The buildings are complex, with inputs and requirements to consider for all disciplines,” said Steve, adding “JLP’s use of Building Information Modelling [BIM] meant coordination between the requirements of architecture, structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, data, and HVAC [heating, ventilation, air conditioning] could all be modelled in advance to secure a route for siphonic pipework through the ‘busy’ building ceiling spaces and service risers.”

If a section of work is not modelled then you don’t know if you might have a clash.

John adds, “We worked very closely with the project team to complete the plumbing install in the 3D world of BIM.”

“The software allowed us to create the full plumbing install in conjunction with the structure and other sub trades, and review the clashes on desktop in 3D.” John said. “This is an exceptionally good process to ensure the bulk of the works are coordinated prior to site install.”

This enabled JLP to install major pipe runs very early in the construction stage, working around other trades without major conflict issues.

“Like all new technologies, there were some fish hooks so to speak,” says John, “But they were well outweighed by our ability to get in front of the installation programme.”

“The greatest learning is that you need everyone in the waka paddling in the same direction, if a section of work is not modelled then you don’t know that you might have a clash, but if you were in the waka you had a lead on those that were not!” says John.

Size & seismic

A lot of complexity came down to the sheer size of the project, however Christchurch’s high seismic activity brought with it additional requirements. The allowance for movement in the design of the buildings meant the many soil, stormwater, water and gas pipes that crossed this plane also had seismic considerations.

“They had to have seismic joints installed from fixed-up to fixed-down, literally hundreds of them, which also meant all in-ceiling services had to have seismic restraints and hangers fitted, so in a major seismic event, these services not only survive but continue to operate.” John explains.

“This meant there was significant emphasis put into services having dual standby and duty type, including dual water supplied from adjacent streets, water storage supply tanks, sewer storage tanks, dual gas supplies, backup power supply via generators, fire system backup supply, and various security, data, communications, and BMS type support.”

In excess of a thousand onsite

With the project’s size also came the complication of getting sufficient staff. At the height of the project, JLP had around 30 staff onsite at one time, including contracts admin, quality assurance, site foreman and a variety of trades. This included around 12 Filipinos, 4 Frenchmen, various English and Irishmen and a base of Kiwis.

“If it were not for our ability to employ overseas immigrant tradespeople, we could never have completed this type of project.” John says.

Local design

Marley’s team, led by Steve Skidmore, provides a unique service in New Zealand, with Marley NZ able to carry out siphonic designs locally and liaise directly with expertise within the wider Aliaxis group (Marley’s parent company), with 15,700 staff across 40 countries.

The Achilles heel of other siphonic systems is the design team being offshore, often delaying installs when changes are required. Marley’s behind-the-scenes support team are always exceptionally helpful with technical answers and support for whatever we may require

Everyone together

“We place all our orders though Plumbing World, our preferred plumbing supplier, who supplied all of the ‘behind the wall’ plumbing requirements for this project and have provided strong support.” says John. “Between Marley and Plumbing World we always get a great response.”

As well as many other suppliers and contractors, JLP also worked with Mico for ‘front of wall’ fixtures, as well as Humes for the bulk of the civil work requirements, Tauranga-based Hose Supplies for seismic requirements, and Viaco for special seismic fixings.

Heaps of roof

Over 9,000m² of roof area bought its own unique challenges.

Pipe runs with NO falls excites architects and consultants

Heaps of roof meant heaps of gutters and outlets, somewhere around 2.5kms of pipe, the equivalent Unirail support system, and around 110 outlets, all acoustically wrapped, seismically supported, air tested, then water tested from ground to flood level.

JLP also installed a complete Marley uPVC overflow secondary path system to deal with any water if for some reason all siphonic outlets managed to get blocked.

“The roof areas were all dual layer torch-on products which also determined the minimum falls from high points to outlets in the box gutters,” John says. “This kept all the outlets at approx. 8m centres so the fall in the gutters maintained the torch-on guarantee requirements.”

“The Akasison siphonic system allows you to run all the horizontal pipes in the ceiling space level, so with the size of the building that meant very long runs, which if falls were required, would have meant most of the system would be hanging through ceilings!”

“Pipe runs with NO falls excites architects and consultants, as this means less space required for services and high ceiling heights. Plumbers do not need to work out falls and it is easy to install.” says John.

The Marley Akasison Siphonic Drainage system saves space, frees up design, and reduces material and installation costs.

The concealed system rapidly drains water, siphoning through small pipes close to the roof to maximise space, allowing more flexibility for routing of pipework, giving more usable space inside the building due to small pipework that can be installed horizontally with zero gradient.

Find out more about the Akasison Siphonic Drainage system for your next commercial project.

Pictured above: Steve Skidmore, Marley & John Leen, John Leen Plumbing

See more Akasison projects here

Copper home design trends 2017

11 July, 2017 by

All that glitters is not gold. Copper became the design trend de jour in 2016. Showing no signs of slowing down in 2017, copper in and around the home has now grown up, becoming more relaxed, natural and inclusive, moving away from 2016’s statement ‘look at me’ approach.

From interior design, to architecture and home exteriors, copper is a luxe accent colour that lifts your home inside and out.

Get inspired for your new home build or renovation, or just add the finishing touches to your home’s interior, with these home design trend ideas from cosy bedrooms and inviting bathrooms, to copper accented exteriors.

Copper in the kitchen

Interior designers made the call early in 2017; this is the year of the minimal kitchen.

Trends see clutter being hidden away, push and pull cabinetry without handles, pots, pans and appliances neatly stowed out of view, hidden storage areas, and slimline benchtops.

Although white will always be popular for kitchens, 2017 sees designers and homeowners favouring softer, more muted colours like greys, greens and blues, and more natural textures and materials, such as wood and marble, moving away from glossy monochrome surfaces.

Instead of last year’s statement copper pendants and accessories boldly contrasted against stark white, copper now blends in to the kitchen, highlighting natural materials.

Like this kitchen above, with its pale wood-grain cabinetry, charcoal tile splashback and copper tapware with exposed pipes over a generous butler sink.

Copper brings a soft warmth to the kitchen compared to the industrial black metal trend, or highly reflective silver, making it easy to achieve a warm and inviting space.

Like this elegant kitchen below. A copper-lovers dream with polished copper cabinets and clever use of black negative space creating instant wow factor. The natural wood parquet floor is complemented by copper tapware and a slim, pale-grey marble benchtop and dove-grey walls.

Copper bathroom trends

With kitchens and bathrooms both being key selling points for a home, cohesion between the two is easily achieved when using copper, from tapware to handles and small accessories, to the entire bath.

2017 sees bathroom colour and material trends echoing the kitchen, turning away from stark white towards more luxurious, darker shades to create a haven – an escape from the hectic outside world.

Like this soothing bathroom below with its inviting copper bath reflecting the natural wood floors, and relaxing sage-green walls.

For budgets that don’t quite extend to the scale of a copper bath or full bathroom renovation, a change to copper tapware, basin, light fittings or accessories can instantly update your bathroom.

If you have painted bathroom walls it’s even easier to affordably embrace the latest bathroom colour trends with dark colours warmed by touches of copper. Like these two deliciously dark bathrooms, with inky wall colours paired with copper accessories, mirrors, tapware and lighting.

Bedroom trends

Bedrooms aren’t missing out on the copper design trend this year either.

Designers are seeing the same muted colour palette, from moody blues through to lighter, yet still muted pastels – washed pinks, soothing greys and nature-inspired greens. These all are perfect colours for warm copper metallic accents. Bedroom fabrics are also showing the same trends, from natural fabrics like linen to lush, textured choices like rich velvets.

Like this Norwegian inspired bedroom with linen bedding in dusky pink and dove grey, natural, pale wood floorboards, and clever copper accents in the lighting, bedside table and accessories.

Copper exterior design trends

Last on the list – but number one for that essential curb-side appeal – is copper’s popularity in home exteriors.

Copper spouting and downpipes add the finishing touch of luxe to your home.

Copper spouting blends beautifully with natural wood cladding and brick exteriors, or makes a design statement against New Zealand’s ever-popular white weatherboard Villas and Bungalows, or newer trend of grey home exteriors.

So even if you’re not building new, or doing a full renovation, it’s obvious why copper is such a popular choice when your guttering needs replacing. No need to change your home or roof colour.

Like this unique Nelson stunner by Bruce Design & Build using Marley Typhoon:

These Ellerslie apartments got the high-end finish with Marley Typhoon also:

This home by Bella Homes in Whangarei blends the classic with the modern:

Marley Typhoon spouting in copper beautifully highlights this cedar clad home in New Plymouth:

Not surprisingly, copper is one of Marley’s most popular colours in the Stratus Design Series^® range, and the perfect finishing touch to achieve that on-trend yet classic copper look that won’t date – without the cost or risk of theft that usual metal guttering has.

Get the look

Marley’s uPVC copper spouting and downpipes are available in Marley Typhoon^® spouting and RP80^® 80mm round downpipe, making copper not only affordable but also extremely hard-wearing.

Since it’s the copper look you want, you can trust Marley’s uPVC copper spouting to handle NZ’s harsh sun to protect from discolouring or tarnishing with age over time. Marley’s uPVC spouting also mean coastal NZ homes can put copper spouting back on your wishlist without corrosion concerns.

Marley is available from leading plumbing and building supply merchants nationwide.

Students get the silent treatment

7 March, 2016 by

Victoria House was originally built in 1907 and the Wallis Wing was added to the campus in the 1970’s. With 185 current student residents, the halls can get pretty loud.

In 2014, Fletcher Construction was tasked with a major renovation to modernise the facilities. The scope of work included a broad range of noise-reduction improvements including double glazing, insulated walls and silenced air-conditioning. With multiple bathrooms and kitchens over several floors, a plumbing system that reduced water-flow noise was going to significantly enhance the wellbeing of occupants.

The Marley dBlue^® Acoustic Plumbing system was specified because of the benefits of the triple layer polypropylene construction and proprietary rubber lined acoustic brackets that reduce waste water noise. The system offers a full range of pipe and fittings to suit any application.

The dBlue^® BRANZ-appraised system is lightweight and didn’t require the wrapping of pipes in acoustic lagging. This lagging-free construction made the product easier for installers Aquaheat Plumbers and helped ensure dBlue^® was a time, space and cost saver.

Furthermore, due to the absence of lagging, the dBlue^® system can be easily accessed for future inspections and maintenance.