Dolomite Point Redevelopment
Architect: Sheppard & Rout Architects
Product: Kooltherm K10 G2 Soffit Board 90mm
Application: Subfloor and midfloor bridge insulation
Area: Approx. 400 m² (Stage 1 – 240 m²; Stage 2 – 160 m²)
Photography: Jason Mann
Designed by Sheppard & Rout Architects, the new visitor facilities celebrate the region’s cultural and geological significance while providing an environmentally responsive and durable building suited to the area’s challenging coastal climate.
The redevelopment features a carefully considered design that integrates natural materials and modern construction methods to enhance the visitor experience and reflect the dramatic surrounding landscape. High levels of energy efficiency and thermal comfort were fundamental to ensuring year-round usability and longevity.
The Challenge
The site’s exposed coastal location posed multiple design challenges, including high rainfall, humidity, and persistent winds. To maintain thermal efficiency within the elevated structure, insulation beneath the suspended subfloor and across the midfloor bridge was essential.
Key performance requirements included:
Achieving thermal performance in limited build-up depth,
Providing moisture resistance to suit the coastal environment,
Ensuring a robust and long-lasting installation beneath service areas, and
Maintaining the architectural integrity of the design without compromising internal head height or structural clearances.
The Solution
To meet these requirements, Kooltherm K10 G2 Soffit Board 90mm was specified for both the subfloor and midfloor bridge areas. Its phenolic insulation core offers one of the lowest thermal conductivities of any commonly used insulation material (λ = 0.022 W/m·K), enabling superior R-values with minimal thickness.
Installed directly to the underside of the suspended structure, the Kooltherm K10 G2 Soffit Boards 90mm created a continuous thermal envelope that minimised heat loss and eliminated cold bridging. The foil-facing provided an additional layer of protection against moisture, while offering a clean and neat appearance once the ceiling linings were installed.
The installation was completed in two stages:
Stage 1: Approximately 240 m² of Kooltherm K10 G2 Soffit Board 90mm installed to the subfloor.
Stage 2: A further 160 m² was installed to the midfloor bridge, ensuring complete thermal continuity across the building envelope.
Results
The Dolomite Point Redevelopment now benefits from a durable and energy-efficient thermal solution designed to perform in New Zealand’s harsh coastal conditions. The use of Kooltherm K10 G2 Soffit Board 90mm enabled the project team to meet energy efficiency requirements without compromising structural design or internal aesthetics.
With its combination of high thermal performance, moisture resistance, and slim profile, Kooltherm K10 G2 Soffit Board 90mm has contributed to the creation of a comfortable, sustainable, and resilient facility that will serve visitors for decades to come.
Key Benefits
Thermal efficiency in a compact 90 mm profile
Moisture-resistant phenolic core ideal for coastal environments
Continuous insulation coverage for reduced heat loss and cold bridging
Clean, durable finish suitable for exposed or concealed soffit areas
Compliance with New Zealand Building Code energy efficiency standards
