We’re proud to announce that we were awarded Silver at the New Zealand Commercial Building Awards 2025, recognising the exceptional delivery of the Windowmakers Building project. This recognition highlights not just a building, but a bold vision executed with precision, collaboration, and a clear commitment to innovation.
A Remarkable Transformation
Originally a horse arena, the building has been reimagined into a modern, efficient, and people-centric facility – a factory with heart. The core Steltech portals were retained, paying homage to the structure’s past. But under the hood, this is a whole new beast: structurally upgraded to meet today’s building codes, delivering both performance and personality.
This adaptive reuse approach earned high praise from the judges, showcasing how heritage and modern utility can coexist when innovation leads the way.
Innovative Features for People and Purpose
The building doesn’t just work—it works for its people. Unique features include:
- An on-site apartment
- A fully functional cafeteria, designed with future plans for in-house catering
These additions are more than just amenities—they reflect a clear intention to create a self-sufficient, staff-friendly environment, especially valuable given the site’s distance from nearby services.
Project Management That Delivered
From the first sketch to the final sign-off in May 2024, this project was underpinned by tight communication and consistent coordination. SAM Property Ltd worked closely with the contractor and end user to manage the delicate dance between practical completion and occupation.
Our trusted partners, Ashton Mitchell (Architects), MSC Consultants (Engineers) and Holmes Fire Practice (Fire Engineers) brought their A-game—navigating consent challenges without slowing momentum on site.
A Proud Moment for the Team
Winning Silver is no small feat. It’s an acknowledgment of everyone who contributed to turning vision into reality. The Windowmakers Building now stands as a beacon of smart design, repurposed space, and human-centred functionality—a model of what can be achieved when innovation meets purpose.