The Materials Handling Unit: A Bespoke Solution
One of the most striking examples of Brosnan ingenuity is the development of the Material Handling Unit (MHU) at the Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort project in Queenstown. Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the four-block, multi-unit hotel and apartment complex is undergoing an extensive remediation. The site is challenging, as it sits directly off the busy main road into Queenstown and slopes down to the lakeshore, severely limiting access.
After exploring multiple alternative options to deliver material to the site, including manual handling, accessing from down the road via the council's bike trail, and even bringing materials in a barge from across the lake, Brosnan landed on an innovative solution that made use of the steep bank down the side of the site.
Early engagement between Brosnan and engineering partners enabled the design of an innovative Material Handling Unit (MHU), thereby transforming the project's viability. The MHU was installed away from the complex's access road, keeping construction traffic off the main entrance. This solution enabled the road to remain free, keeping the hotel-apartment complex fully operational and open to guests throughout the remediation.
The Material Handling Unit became the project's lifeline. By aiding the flow of supplies in and waste materials out, the MHU limited the need for trucks to use the residential road. This was particularly critical given the sensitive live environment: noise, dust, and disruption had to be kept to a minimum. The team established a close relationship with hotel management, informing them of all upcoming activities and agreeing on suitable start and end times.
“The MHU was simple to operate, and when necessary, it could be done by one person. This is a lot easier than using a crane and trying to work around exclusion zones.” said Project Manager Mike Harrison.
The operator would perform all prestart checks and fire up the MHU for the day. The MHU functionality was automated, similar to a hotel lift. The operator would have to check that all automatic gates were opening and closing correctly and that the system was ready for the day.
The trolley, which could carry materials on 1.2-by-4.5-meter pallets, would be removed at the top station, allowing the forklift to safely load. The operator would then push the trolley onto the MHU platform, close all the autogates, and carry the load to the bottom, where the materials would be lifted off via the telehandler.
Brosnan’s Material Handling Unit (MHU) exemplified our design capability, transforming a logistically tricky site and directly contributing to the project being the 2025Australasian Concrete Repair and Building Remedial Association (ACRA) Awards Overall Winner. Watch the full story of the Materials Handling Unit to see how this one-person solution became the blueprint for Brosnan’s award-winning project.
