1Vector Arena is much-loved sports and event venue located in the heart of downtown Auckland – home to the NZ Breakers, and host to entertainers from all over NZ and the world. With seating capacity of up to 15,000 guests, and a highly flexible configuration, it has proven to be one of the most profitable arenas in the world.

The expert engineers at Holmes Consulting were called in to deliver a design that answered the need for flexibility in the venue, as well as creating a compelling atmosphere for its many visitors. The project was fast-tracked and went very quickly from the foundation design to the construction of the building.

2The roof incorporates a 200-tonne structural steel spine truss spanning 100m and measuring 5m wide x 11m tall at its highest point. Structural steel rib trusses span 38.5m, giving a total cross span of 82m, and a total structural steel roof weight of 860 tonnes. The rib trusses either side of the spine truss were lifted in two halves and joined together in mid-air, completing the truss structure. It was an innovative engineering solution that was fun to watch in construction!