A Building That Matters - Repairs in Christchurch

December 20, 2011

A Building That Matters
Fletcher Construction begins repairing earthquake-damaged Ronald McDonald House South Island

The rebuild of Christchurch’s ‘home away from home’ for families with sick children is now well underway.

The main wing of Ronald McDonald House South Island was significantly damaged in the February 22 earthquake. Four metres of instantaneous water movement underneath the two-storied building caused it to be forced upwards.

As a result the building has to be lowered to its original position. New steel beams in the basement will take the full weight of the building whilst the existing columns are cut. The steel beams will then be lowered until the building is returned to its correct position.

Ronald McDonald House South Island provides free accommodation and support to families who need to travel to Christchurch for their child’s hospital treatment.

Over the past 10 months the House has been operating at half of its capacity, accommodating families in 13 out of a total 26 rooms. It is hoped that it will be back to full capacity by mid-2012.

“Our main focus since February has been keeping our doors open to families, and we are extremely grateful and fortunate that only the main wing was damaged,” says Ronald McDonald House South Island General Manager Emma Jones.

“As a result we have been able to continue in our mission of providing a ‘home away from home’ for families when they need it the most.”

Fletcher Construction built Ronald McDonald House South Island, and it is a testament to their work, and that of Lewis Bradford Engineers and Wilkie and Bruce Architects, that the building did not suffer to a greater extent.

Structurally speaking, the House performed extremely well and the damage is repairable.

ENDS

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