Whittaker’s Chocolate Factory: High-Performance Waterproofing Solutions

Architect: Moller Architects 

Builder: Highrise Group, Niche Commercial Ltd 

Products Used: 3PM, 3PTM, Bituthene & Preprufe 

Situation 

Whittaker’s had a requirement to expand their chocolate production facility with a new building to house their latest state-of-the-art chocolate machine and improve logistics across the site. 

Designed by Moller Architects in Auckland, with Norman Wei leading the design team and Michael Vasigano on-site, the building provided an upgrade for management offices and modern staff amenities. 

To ensure long-term performance, a full Nuralite waterproofing system was specified, including Preprufe for under-slab waterproofing, Bituthene for vertical block walls, Nuradrain for vertical walls, Nuraply 3PM for level two decks and internal gutters, and Nuraply 3PTM for the power unit building. 

Challenge 

The project presented a range of technical and logistical challenges. With a multi-level building and complex waterproofing requirements, the team needed to ensure all systems were installed correctly across multiple zones.

Waterproofing had to integrate seamlessly around heavy machinery and services-intensive areas without impacting operational flow. 

Additionally, coordination between the architect, project manager, and applicators was critical, as was precise timing and sequencing to keep the project on schedule.

Successfully managing these factors was essential to delivering a high-performance, durable facility that met both operational and design requirements. 

Solution 

A collaborative approach between Nuralite, Highrise Waterproofing, Moller Architects, and Niche Commercial ensured the project ran efficiently from start to finish.  

“Carefully prepared site conditions and Nuralite’s early technical support kept installations on track” - Highrise Waterproofing 

Regular site visits allowed potential detailing issues to be resolved before installation began, preventing delays and maintaining quality. 

The result is a high-quality, fully integrated waterproofing system that performs reliably across the entire facility. The new building successfully houses Whittaker’s latest chocolate-making technology, improves logistics, and enhances staff and management spaces, demonstrating the value of careful planning, technical expertise, and collaboration. 

16 December 2025