Being a good problem solver requires more than knowing how things work. It’s about combining smart practical skills with clever thinking to solve problems that might seem impossible at first – something our electricians at BW Henderson have been doing since day one of the business.
During the devastating 2004 Manawatu floods, as floodwaters threatened a nursing home’s electrical system and the life-saving medical equipment it powered, an electrician who was on-site at the time, rewired the building’s power supply whilst standing in waist-deep water. He redirected critical circuits to higher ground using salvaged materials and extension cords, maintaining power until residents could be safely evacuated.
Whilst our BW Henderson team hasn’t faced such life-threatening scenarios (and we hope we never do!), the same innovative mindset drives our approach to every project we undertake.
Mastering concrete challenges – engineering the ultimate leisure space
Converting an underground concrete bunker into a sophisticated leisure retreat (or ‘man cave’) presented our team with a formidable technical puzzle. The solid concrete structure – ideal for structural integrity but notoriously resistant to modification – required our engineers to reconsider conventional installation approaches.
“Solid concrete environments demand a fundamentally different approach to electrical design,” explains Chris, BW Henderson’s owner. “You can’t run cables through wall cavities that don’t exist.”
The challenge of concealing an automated control system while still maintaining future accessibility required coordination with the building team, who cut narrow conduits through the concrete structure. Our electricians then installed all the wiring for the LED intelligent lighting systems, the media and data equipment, the fridges, and the regulated climate control. Problem solved – invisible but accessible wiring!
Long-term vision – future-proofing residential systems
The residential project in Remuera’s Victoria Avenue we worked on for three years, shows what can be achieved with forward-thinking electrical design. This luxury residence required us to look beyond immediate needs and consider how the electrical infrastructure would support new technologies for years to come.
The project scope encompassed a silent passenger lift, architectural LED lighting that transforms ordinary elements into design features, such as walk-in wardrobe light fittings, and elegantly concealed ventilation systems integrated into dropped ceilings.
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of our approach was the deliberate future-proofing of the entire system, right from the very beginning. By installing additional cabling infrastructure beyond immediate needs, we enabled future technological expansions that were not part of the original specifications. This foresight proved invaluable as the client’s vision evolved over the three-year project timeline.
Equally important was our commitment to maintaining continuity in our installation team throughout the project’s duration. This ensured every technician possessed a comprehensive knowledge of the system’s architecture and the reasoning behind each design decision. When modifications became necessary, this institutional knowledge allowed for changes without compromising the integrity of the overall system.
The completed residence represents state-of-the-art residential electrical design – a system that meets expectations of luxury and is engineered to accommodate tomorrow’s technological innovations.
Thinking differently – the BW Henderson way
These projects show an important truth about good electrical work – what makes the difference between a decent job and an outstanding one is often finding clever solutions to tricky problems. Whether we’re working with solid concrete walls, fitting in with a cinema’s show times, or creating systems that will still work well years from now, BW Henderson goes beyond the standard approach.
At BW Henderson, we’ve developed this practical approach throughout our 60-year history, earning a reputation for finding smart solutions that others might miss. Our focus on technical know-how, paired with creative problem-solving, means we deliver reliable, quality results even when the work gets challenging.
When the usual methods won’t do the job, it’s our ability to think differently that turns obstacles into opportunities – an approach that guides every project we take on.
Contact us today to discuss your latest project – we’re here to find solutions for you.