Project Overview
Moore Construction delivered complex foundation and retaining works for The Carlin Hotel development in Queenstown, supporting a high-end commercial build within a constrained and geotechnically challenging site.
The project included deep bored piling, retaining structures, and excavation works, forming the critical enabling stage for the hotel development.
Engineering Solution
The retaining and foundation design utilised a combination of cantilevered and anchored bored pile walls with shotcrete infill, providing stability for excavation and long-term structural support.
The integrated system was designed to manage both temporary excavation loads and permanent structural forces within a challenging alpine ground environment.
Piling & Ground Engineering
A total of 84 bored piles were installed, with diameters ranging from 750mm to 900mm and depths between 14m and 24m, socketed into schist bedrock to provide high-capacity foundations.
- Drilling through glacial till and rock formations
- Formation of rock sockets for structural capacity
- Sequential drilling and concreting operations
- Integration with retaining wall systems
Earthworks & Excavation
Significant excavation works were undertaken, including removal of approximately 6,500m³ of glacial till and schist material to form the development platform.
Excavation was staged to ensure stability, with retaining structures installed progressively to support the surrounding ground.
Construction Methodology
- Sequential piling and excavation to maintain stability
- Installation of retaining walls with shotcrete infill
- Construction of reinforced concrete capping beams
- Monitoring of wall deflection during staged excavation
Excavation was performed in controlled stages, with works paused to measure wall movement and ensure performance criteria were met before progressing further.
Structural Works
Reinforced concrete capping beams, buttress slabs, and floor slabs were constructed to integrate the retaining system with the building structure.
Capping beams required early strength gain to allow excavation sequencing and maintain overall programme efficiency.
Project Challenges
- Complex alpine geology including glacial till and schist
- Deep excavation adjacent to developing structure
- Restricted site access in Queenstown CBD
- Coordination of multiple construction stages
Construction Delivery
Moore Construction delivered the project using its in-house plant and teams, including fabrication of specialist tooling required for drilling and piling works.
Close collaboration with concrete and reinforcement suppliers ensured consistent quality and timely delivery throughout the project.
Outcome
The project was successfully delivered, providing a stable and robust foundation system for one of Queenstown’s premium hotel developments.
The works demonstrate Moore Construction’s capability in managing complex excavation, retaining, and foundation systems within high-value commercial environments.
