Cardboard Tubes for Transitional Cathedral Arrive in Christchurch

17 Sep 2012

Cardboard for Cathedral Arrives in Christchurch

On Tuesday, 18 September 2012, 180 of the 320 six metre, 120 kg cardboard tubes, which will construct Christchurch’s Transitional "Cardboard’’ Cathedral, began arriving in Christchurch.

Delivered by truck, the first shipment of cardboard tubes was handed over to the Cathedral’s construction contractor Naylor Love.

Naylor Love Project Manager Stephen Lynch was first in line to watch the unloading of the innovative building material. “These cardboard tubes are about to play a significant role in the rebuild of Christchurch. They will help to create a distinctive structure for the whole of New Zealand to enjoy. We are proud to contribute and be involved in the Cathedral’s construction.”

The “Cardboard Cathedral” which is estimated to cost around $5.3 million is expected to be completed by early 2013. Notably, by its completion more than 17 suppliers and contactors will have donated almost $1 million worth of time, labour and materials to its construction, which has not been included in the estimated cost.

The generosity of these businesses has made a huge difference to getting this project off the ground, says Reverend Craig Dixon, the ChristChurch Cathedral’s spokesperson. “Insurance from the ChristChurch Cathedral covers $4 million of the build, however we still require a further $1.3 million in fundraising to complete the build, despite the kind donation from our supplier and contractors.”

Though working to give Christchurch a transitional Cathedral is at the core of Naylor Love’s commitment, it is not the sole reason the company put their hand up to assist on this project. “We aim to be at the forefront of innovation in the building sector. The ‘Cardboard Cathedral’ presented us with an opportunity to work with world renowned architect Shigeru Ban and a unique building material. It is fantastic to be a part of a true ‘first’ for New Zealand construction,” says Lynch.

Building contractors and suppliers are not the only group to express an interest in volunteering for the construction of the Cathedral. Curiosity from the public has prompted Naylor Love and the ChristChurch Cathedral to organise a working bee to paint the cardboard tubes. “There are a lot of groups and individuals willing to support this project,” says Lynch. “The cardboard tubes need three layers of polyurethane applied before we can move on to the next stage. Each tube will take approximately four to five hours to coat. We need assistance, on Wednesday 19 September, for those who want to get involved.”

Though the polyurethane coating is designed to offer additional waterproofing to the cardboard tubes, the tubes will not be exposed to the rain as a polycarbonate roof will be in place.

Those wanting to join the working bee can contact Kylie Richardson on 03-374-6285 or at kylie.richardson@naylorlove.co.nz

Over the next four weeks, 100 laminated veneer lumber (LVL) will be delivered from the North Island. The LVL will then be inserted by Naylor Love into the cardboard tubes. From there, construction of the Cathedral will begin off-site and the frame will be erected before Christmas.

On the 24 September, Naylor Love will begin pouring the concrete for the Cathedral’s foundations.

Photos courtesy: Convergence Communications & Marketing Ltd