Sky Lid

Jagas was engaged by JFC, on behalf of Auckland Council and City Rail Link Limited, to deliver a key architectural feature for the Waitematā Station Plaza project. Our scope focused on the manufacture and delivery of the Sky Lid - a large-scale precast concrete installation in Auckland, positioned at the main station entrance. As specialists in architectural precast concrete and bespoke concrete manufacturing, Jagas was entrusted with transforming an intricate artistic vision into a durable and precisely engineered precast structure. Design Interpretation & Manufacture The Sky Lid was designed by artist Graham Tipene and features a detailed sandblasted pattern inspired by the historic Waihorotiu stream and its convergence with the Waitematā Harbour. “The design talks about the Waihorotiu stream. When the stream meets the harbour, the waters behave differently — with tides, whirlpools and swirls reflected in the pattern. The centreline represents the meeting place of these two waters.” — Graham Tipene As an experienced precast concrete manufacturer in Auckland, Jagas worked closely with the artist’s vision to ensure the cultural narrative and intricate detailing were accurately translated into durable, high-quality concrete. Manufacturing Challenges & Solutions Complex Pattern Execution The flowing pūhoro-inspired design exceeded standard material dimensions, requiring segmentation across multiple steel sheets. These were precisely shaped and welded to maintain a seamless pattern — a key capability in custom precast concrete fabrication NZ. Custom Steel Mould Fabrication Leveraging our in-house facility, Jagas produced bespoke moulds tailored to the 8-metre structure. The custom mould ensured dimensional accuracy, structural integrity, and the precise reproduction of the artwork throughout the casting process. Sandblasted Surface Finish Our in-house sandblasting team delivered a high-resolution finish, enhancing both durability and design clarity. This reflects our expertise in decorative concrete finishes NZ. Structural Accuracy & Installation The Sky Lid was manufactured in two major precast components, engineered to strict tolerances for crane lifting and installation. This ensured precise alignment and seamless installation process. Outcome The completed Skylid stands as a landmark feature within Waitematā Station Plaza and the wider City Rail Link development. Combining art, culture, and advanced precast concrete engineering, the structure showcases the versatility and architectural potential of bespoke precast concrete solutions. The project demonstrates Jagas' ability to deliver complex, large-scale architectural concrete elements for public infrastructure projects, from concept development and custom mould fabrication through to precision manufacturing and delivery.