Official Information Request - Rotorua Bath House

6. What level of compliance is targeted?
80% of New Building Standard.

Further Response:

Sent: Friday, 22 September 2023 2:23 pm
Subject: LGOIMA request - Rotorua Bathhouse

I refer to your further LGOIMA request regarding the Rotorua Bath House roof, and provide the following responses to your questions:

1. Specifically what roofing systems were considered.
   The building is a category 1 listed building; the resource consent requires to replace like for like where possible and approvals from Heritage NZ. We explored two options - replace with clay tiles as per existing, and a lightweight Chiefton composite tile from Sealco. The Chiefton tile failed UV tests and is four times more expensive than a standard clay tile.
2. Having been born in Rotorua , had a Grandfather whom worked as a masseuse at the Bath House I am very aware of the need to retain the authentic visual architectural features of the bathhouse. Pressed colour steel is substantially lighter than the tiles. My reference to a colour steel roof was that of a pressing made replicating the bathhouse tiles and colour. Has a colour steel roof replacement been considered to increase safety and lower the seismic loading?
   A roof made of steel has a very short lifespan in the geothermal area where the Museum sits. We have had experience with the Energy Event Centre where the roof had to be replaced after 10 years. Council’s structural engineer has advised there are very few benefits seismically with a lighter roof - vertical loads is only one part of the overall seismic solution and does not address in and out of plane loading.
3. What specifically are the relative contributions to the total seismic loading of the tile roof versus a colour steel roof?
   No calculation is available.
4. The stated method of fixing is irrelevant without its appropriate detail of physical implementation. Has a risk assessment been done on possible dislodgement of tiles during a seismic event?
   The design solution and fixing methodology meets building code requirement and the project has a building consent.
5. If not why not and is safety not a consideration?
   Not required as above.

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this response/decision. The Ombudsman’s Office can be contacted by calling 0800 802 602, emailing info@ombudsman.parliament.nz, online at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz, or by post to The Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wellington 6143.

Publication of responses to LGOIMA requests

Please note: Our LGOIMA responses may be published on the Rotorua Lakes Council website after they have been responded to, with requesters’ personal details withheld. If you have any concerns about this please contact the Council on info@rotorualc.nz.

Regards