No concern over University cladding

A recent article in the NZ Herald has identified the University of Auckland’s Sir Owen G. Glenn Building as one that includes exterior aluminium composite claddings.

Following the Grenfell Tower fire last year, the University Property Services team conducted a review of all buildings and found that the only one significantly utilising the panel is the Sir Owen G. Glenn Building. The panels form part of the Fisher and Paykel lecture theatres’ eternal cladding as well as being used in the main building’s internal atrium and on the exterior of the lift shaft.

However, the complex has comprehensive fire protection, including sprinklers, smoke detectors, smoke extraction and fire curtains. It also has multiple exits and is not used for accommodation. The fire protection system complies with fire code and regulations.

The University’s decision to take no further action is based on advice from structural engineers BECA (and supported by Auckland Council) that any risk is mitigated by the fire safety features.

Auckland Council stressed that buildings containing the ACP cladding are not necessarily dangerous because they have other means of fire protection.