Southern Demolition was engaged by Naylor Love to undertake the careful deconstruction of the iconic pyramid structure at the Southland Museum & Art Gallery. As part of this significant redevelopment project, the works were carried out under Green Star requirements, with Southern Demolition committing to achieving a minimum of 90% diversion of materials from landfill through recycling, reuse, and salvage initiatives.

Given the unique design and construction of the building, the project required a carefully planned and methodical approach. The deconstruction of the pyramid involved the removal of polystyrene panels using a high-reach excavator, followed by the manual separation and stripping of metal components to ensure each material stream could be processed and recycled appropriately. This selective deconstruction process maximised material recovery while supporting the project’s sustainability objectives.

A strong focus was placed on salvaging materials for future use. Bricks were individually removed, cleaned, and prepared for incorporation into the new museum development, preserving a tangible link to the original building. Concrete generated during the demolition process was crushed on-site and repurposed as aggregate for car parks and foundation works, significantly reducing waste and the demand for new construction materials.

Environmental responsibility remained at the forefront throughout the project. During the deconstruction works, our team discovered several juvenile tuatara living within the site. Thanks to the quick actions and awareness of our crew, the first tuatara was safely captured and relocated. Work in the immediate area was immediately suspended while specialists carried out a thorough inspection, resulting in the discovery of additional juvenile tuatara. It is believed the reptiles had hatched during the museum’s closure, making the discovery an unexpected but rewarding reminder of the importance of protecting New Zealand’s unique native wildlife.

This project demonstrates Southern Demolition’s ability to successfully deliver complex deconstruction projects while balancing safety, sustainability, heritage material recovery, and environmental stewardship.