Project Overview
The Lorne Street Student Accommodation project is an 18-storey, $127 million multi-residential development in Auckland, delivering 758 student units and communal spaces. Engaged by Icon, Moddex supplied and installed over 850 metres of Conectabal CB40 and Assistrail AR150 systems across two 18-storey fire and emergency egress stairs and several smaller stairwells. Having previously partnered with Icon on Indigo Hotel & Apartments and The Pacifica Apartments, Moddex again delivered a high-quality, compliant modular solution.
The Challenge
This multi-level residential build required precise coordination to match the rapid construction schedule. The Moddex team needed to progressively follow the build as each level was completed, installing face-mounted baseplates to stair flight pans to the triangle staircase in Core 2 before installation to ensure perfect alignment once stairwells were in place.
An additional challenge was ensuring the handrail could flow smoothly around fixed fire hydrants while maintaining continuous flow, accessibility, and compliance with fire egress standards, all without disrupting other trades.
The Moddex Solution
Using Assistrail AR150 and Conectabal CB40, Moddex provided a no-weld, modular system that simplified installation and minimised disruption to other trades. The pre-positioned baseplates significantly improved installation speed and ensured precise alignment across all 18 levels and other smaller stairwells.
The modular configuration allowed each section to be pre-assembled and installed efficiently, reducing onsite disruption and eliminating the need for welding or hot works. Close collaboration with Icon’s site team and flexible scheduling allowed Moddex to meet construction milestones efficiently.
