Local operator, Optum was a natural choice to implement designer, Steve Jarvis, of HDS,’ vision for the infrastructure. Being leaders in sustainable energy solutions in the region, Optum had a high level of experience with all renewable systems involved. The project required a working-knowledge of a wide variety of systems including solar hot water, ground-source heating, wastewater, photovoltaic solar, rain water-harvesting and water treatment and filtration, and Optum Managing Director, Kevin Henderson, is extremely proud of the role he and his staff played in the establishment of this world-renowned campsite.

“The layout and design had to be strictly adhered to, as every litre of water, flow rate, pipe diameter, every pump, every watt of power, everything had to be accounted for, to maintain the Living Building Challenge Approach that our clients wanted.”

Alongside the elaborate design, one of the biggest challenges Optum faced was the sourcing of components from as far away as Europe, and the installation of the system in extreme and adverse weather conditions. Components had to be ordered well in advance to ensure there would be ample time for deliveries to arrive from abroad, while also keeping track of stock sourced in New Zealand. The logistics then had to be meticulously planned so that all components required for a certain installation could be transported the remaining 40km from the closest major town to the remote build location, with everything arriving on time and in order. To add to the logistical challenges, the extreme weather experienced by that part of the country made flexibility and innovation a must when working to conditions.