Hyder Consulting - General Development - Auckland, New Zealand

Date: 01 Sep 2008

Auckland City Council has selected the dramatic design submitted by a team of Hyder Consulting, Denton Corker Marshall and Kenneth Grubb Associates as winner of its international design competition for the Te Wero Bridge.

The winning design is a twin leaf bascule bridge, with a mast structure that houses counter weights and a control room.

The Chair of the Judging Panel, Professor John Hunt from Auckland University's school of Architecture commented: "The judging panel agreed that this striking submission stood out from others in respect of its high level of design innovation and the unique way the twin leaves open."

Rod James, Director of transportation from Hyder's office in New Zealand, added: "We are delighted to be involved with what we believe will become an international icon for Auckland."

The judging panel was particularly impressed by the Hyder team's submission for:
- the high level of design innovation
- the dramatic effect of the bridge opening and closing
- the landmark impact of the mast structure and its potential for special event illumination
- the profile of the three main elements subtly reflecting contemporary yacht hull and sail forms
- the combination of the two pedestrian routes in a single generous promenade

"I'm proud that an example of modern bridge design and engineering will sit on Auckland's waterfront. I believe people will come to the Viaduct Harbour to see Te Wero Bridge in motion," commented Councillor Peseta Sam Lotu-Liga, Chairperson of the City Development Committee.

The bridge will be located in a site surrounded by tall structures, so the winning solution needed to have strong visual impact, be large in scale, bold in form and clearly identifiable from its surroundings. Taking inspiration from images of closely tacking America's cup yachts, the form and motion of the bridge were developed to create a stunning efficient design that transforms a routine opening bascule into elegant choreography.

Phil Tindall, Hyder's technical director in the international design team explains: "The NZ$50 million bridge will have a clear opening span of more than 40 metres to retain boat access to the Viaduct Harbour. Constructed with a lightweight aluminium deck, the design of the counterweight results in very low energy use. The material selection also gives excellent durability and provides a sustainable low maintenance solution."

Auckland City Council sees the Te Wero bridge, which will carry cyclists, pedestrians, passenger transport and possibly light rail, as vital to its plans for the future success of the wider waterfront and CBD regeneration.