New Zealand has announced that 95 per cent of the construction work has been completed on its country pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai with the final touches being given on the project, including its feature façade.

New Zealand was one of the first countries to break ground on the Expo 2020 site in May 2019.

The pavilion now has all mechanical, engineering and plumbing in place along with doors, windows, floors, walls and interior painting completed. This also includes built-in security systems by Gallagher Security. The project is due for completion in mid-2021.

The New Zealand at Expo 2020 team marked the project milestone with a ceremony to recognise the contribution of Rimond Middle East, the main contractor and its construction team that has put in 260,995 work hours on the site.

Rimond Middle East, which completed the shell and core of the New Zealand Pavilion at the end of 2019, is also responsible for the build of Al Wasl Plaza, Expo 2020’s central dome.

The pavilion was designed by Jasmax architects and is located in the Sustainability District of the Expo 2020 site.

Its façade will be a highlight feature of the structure. Made from Kaynemaile, a lightweight, New Zealand-made material that is 100 per cent recyclable and includes recycled materials in its composition.The building was designed to increase efficiency through its construction methodology and use of sustainable materials including Abodo New Zealand eco-timber, which will be a striking aspect of the pavilion’s restaurant and hosting venues, said Kimpton.