BLVNZ Dog Training

While undertaking the redevelopment of an old swimming pool complex into a new administration building, recreation centre and one of a kind guide dog training facility for BLVNZ at their Homai Campus, we were asked to enter into an ECI arrangement for the redevelopment of their new kennel facility for the guide dogs which consisted of three new standalone single level buildings.

The main facility was a green field development within the existing grounds, this was to be competed first so that the guide dogs could be relocated ahead of the demolition of the existing kennel facility and the building of two smaller isolation facilities.

The main facility consisted of 24 kennels each with auto opening external access to an expanse run system and internal access directly to the central support hub for the facility which include all of the services required to ensure the dogs are kept fit and healthy through their training period before they are re-homed to a person in need.

These services include a veterinary facility, food preparation and storage, physiotherapy, administration and a large laundry and dog washing area. The main structure was designed so the kennels all looked in towards the central trainer’s desk this resulted in a multi-faceted build with many quirky details to overcome.

The two smaller buildings were more straight forward builds and included 6 and 4 kennels respectively with varying degrees of isolation requirements depending on the need.

The grounds and driveways were developed to enhance the new kennel building facility and access to the property, with the much-loved addition of a large play area complete with a bone shaped splash pad for the dogs to unwind after a tough days training.