Projects and News

A nine-storey building with over 150 apartment suites and studios with a basement carpark, gymnasium, conference facilities and restaurant. An efficient structural design with an emphasis on construction speed, simplicity and consideration for market supply conditions resulted in a cost-effective structure. The comflor steel tray concrete composite floor system was designed as un-propped to increase construction speed and reduce labour associated costs. The supporting steel beams were designed as composite to reduce steel tonnage with specific fire design, reducing the use of intumescent paint. Steel K-Braces were used in conjunction with precast shear walls (stair and lift cores) creating in a highly efficient seismic bracing system.

Three six-storey buildings with over 120 apartment suites and studios over a two-storey carpark. Early co-ordination of the apartments and the carparks has resulted in a highly efficient structure with no costly transfers or reduced carpark numbers. A combination of precast shear walls on the façade, lift and stair core with steel braces in the inter-tenancy walls will minimise disruption to the apartment layouts while providing a cost effective bracing solution. A steel framed gravity system in combination with a metal tray concrete composite floor system is a cost effective and easily supplied solution in the current market. Internal lift and stair shaft walls and stairs in some cases are constructed using Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) for speed and cost effectiveness.

A six-storey building with over 130 serviced apartment suites and studios, a basement carpark, restaurant, conference facilities and a gymnasium. Early co-ordination of the apartments and carparks is important to ensure no costly transfer structures or carparks lost. A ductile eccentrically braced frame system is being used to dissipate energy under the high seismic loads applicable to the area. A shallow foundation solution (due to dense gravel soils over very deep rock) was initially investigated however due to high uplift forces on the frames a shallow piled system was adopted. Internal lift and stair shaft walls and stairs are constructed using Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) for speed and cost effectiveness

Two seven-storey buildings with over 150 serviced apartment suites and studios, a basement carpark, restaurant, conference facilities and a gymnasium. The structure consists of steel eccentrically braced frames and gravity systems supporting a metal deck concrete floor system. Internal lift and stair shaft walls and stairs are constructed using Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) for speed and cost effectiveness. This building overlooks the spectacular Remarkables mountain range and offers tourists and investors the opportunity to for quick access to the Queenstown township, the Remarkables ski village and other scenic attractions all a short 5 minute drive from the airport.

This project consists of a five storey apartment block (with a total of 10 apartments) constructed primarily using reinforced concrete ComFlor floors, insitu concrete walls and structural steel framing. Interior structural walls are constructed using the AFS formwork system and external walls a predominately precast concrete (non-structural) cladding panels. The top floor is constructed using light timber frame wall framing and trusses. Internal stairs are constructed using Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). After extension collaboration with the Geotechnical Engineers, the high cost and constructability issues of reinforced concrete piles were avoided in favour of a shallow rib-raft foundation solution.

Four separate three-storey buildings that include commercial/retail space and 42 apartments. The structure consists of prefabricated panelised light timber frame laminated veneer lumber (LVL) walls, glue-laminated timber (Glulam) and LVL posts and beams, cross-laminated timber (CLT) floors and roof and a reinforced concrete and steel substructure for one of the buildings. This project investigated an alternative solution design for the European supplied CLT floor and roof panels. This required extensive engagement with Auckland Council and collaboration with the design team to demonstrate that the CLT complied with the performance requirements of the New Zealand Building Code.

A five-level high-end apartment building on the lakefront of the Clearwater Development. The structure will consist of prefabricated panelised light timber frame sawn timber walls and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) moment resisting and gravity frames, cross-laminated timber (CLT) floors, light timber frame roof and reinforced concrete foundations. This project incorporates an innovative LVL moment-resisting frame system, which enables a relatively open floor plan and stunning views of the lake.

This development consists of five apartment blocks (with a total of 60 apartments) and two terraced unit blocks (with a total of 6 units). The structure consists of prefabricated panelised light timber frame walls, glue-laminated timber (Glulam) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) posts and beams, cross-laminated timber (CLT) floors. A key driver for this development is reduced construction time and cost.

Three-storey apartments across four blocks consisting of CLT floors supported on Glulam and LVL framing with CLT bracing walls on shallow foundations. Enovate were engaged to provide structural engineering services and advice throughout the design process which had early contractor involvement and hence a focus on speed during construction. Early engagement with the CLT supply chain was critical to ensure manufacturing slots were locked in considering the limited supply options for this product.

This project consists of two, two-storey terrace unit blocks constructed using volumetric modules. Each module has a maximum dimension of 4.6m wide by 12.5m long by 3m high and is constructed entirely of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) structure. The units have high thermal efficiency and follow Passive House standards. The structural design incorporates concealed inter-module connections that minimize on-site construction.

This project includes three-storey apartment blocks constructed from volumetric modules designed for both Porirua and Auckland sites. Each module has a maximum dimension of 3.6m wide by 12m long by 3m high and is constructed using a mixture of light timber frame walls and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) floor structure. The units are designed for high (Wellington) seismicity. Currently, Enovate is also supporting Citiblox in the development and creation of their supply-chain to enable the large-scale fabrication of the modules for sites throughout New Zealand.

This four storey development for Classic Developments requires a cost-effective structure with a focus on simplicity and speed during construction. Blockwork shear walls requested by the client were challenging due to their low shear stress limit however worked well with a cost-effective shallow foundation solution on fairly limiting soil bearing capacities that are more typical for light framed house construction.

Three storey apartment building with an emphasis on simple cost effective structural design. The building structure is comprised of a comflor metal deck concrete floor which was unpropped to ensure speed of construction and supported on steel framing where required with blockwork gravity and shear walls. Shallow foundations were implemented with combined retaining actions at the ground floor. A lightweight timber roof is supported by timber framing and GIB lined bracing walls.

Seven storey high end apartment building with bottom floor commercial/retail space and triple carstacker in sub basement pits. Challenging site constraints including considerable excavation undermining the neighbouring bridge retaining abutment and neighbouring rail line requiring early engagement with contractor and thought around construction sequencing. Steel framed structure with well co-ordinated columns to suit different floor plates supporting metal traydeck floors and a combination of precast concrete shear cores and K-Braces.

During previous employment, Mike was the lead engineer for the structural design several Ecotech Homes and a preschool in Christchurch. The Ecotech Homes system is essentially re-purposed steel containers that are modified/fitted out in China and delivered to New Zealand as volumetric models (https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/104985147/chinese-factories-could-build-8000-homes-a-year-for-kiwis). Each volumetric model is was 2.4m wide by either 6 or 12m long. These projects involved the investigation of the compliance requirements for the use of Chinese structural steel within the New Zealand Building Code (under clause B1-structure and B2-durability). This system is now being applied to commercial multistorey buildings in Queenstown. 

This three storey architecturally designed house includes large open (post-less) spaces resulting in large spanning steel beams supporting concrete floors with extremely complex load paths. The bracing system consists of blockwork shear walls around the garage level, steel portal frames on Level 1 and a combination of steel portal frames and plywood/GIB timber framed shear walls for the top floor. Four pools surround the perimeter with considerable cantilevered roof and floor structures creating a high level of complexity for the gravity and lateral load resisting system.

This project consists of five medium-rise apartment blocks (between 6 and 8 stories) constructed primarily using precast concrete (Flatslab) floors, precast concrete walls and structural steel framing. This projects represents one of the largest (single site) developments by Kainga Ora. Key performance criteria for the project include cost-effectiveness and durability. Structural design innovations include simply-supported/cantilevered precast concrete decks and support of an extensive communial rooftop garden. The some balconies are supported on concrete-filled CHS columns to avoid intumescent coating of external steelwork. The project also involved the design (in parallel) of the an engineered timber structural system for one of the eight storey apartment buildings including prefabricated panelised light timber frame and CLT floors. The design for the engineered timber and concrete/steel building where compared across many performance criteria including cost, embodied carbon, operational performance (thermal and acoustics) and durability.

A mixture of refurbishment/retrofit to existing buildings and three new structures. The new structures make up the majority of the scope and are one to five stories and are constructed from a mixture of concrete, steel and timber materials. The project features innovative timber structures and strict sustainability criteria (as defined by the Living Building Challenge). Due to extensive building service requirements and the use of prefabricated structural systems, BIM coordination is employed by all designers including Enovate. A low damage seismic resisting system was implemented using Tectonus connections which dissipate energy in an earthquake. Engagement with the supplier was a key part of the design to inform the client of the cost versus the benefits of using the system.

The Trades Training Center is educational building that incorporates workshops (for welding and metalwork), laboratories offices, computer suites that is funded under the Governments ‘Shovel-Ready’ programme. Therefore, the building has a diverse user group with many/differing design criteria (such as heat and air extraction, acoustic separation etc). Further the project features an innovative engineered timber structure (on upper floors) and strict sustainability criteria (as defined by the Living Building Challenge). Due to extensive building service requirements and the use of prefabricated structural systems, BIM coordination is employed by all designers including Enovate. A low damage seismic resisting system was implemented using connections which dissipate energy in an earthquake. Engagement with the supplier was a key part of the design to inform the client of the cost versus the benefits of using the system.

This project involved the design and construction monitoring of the TTT Raft foundations for Kauri Flats school. The structure consisted of four timber raft foundations which incorporated hollow timber round foundations (Multipoles) and jack studs. The TTT Raft foundation solution is very light on the ground and great for sites that are prone to liquefaction or long-term settlement and is very cost effective compared to deep-pile foundation options.

The scope of this project includes a new 12 classroom block structure that is constructed using shallow reinforced concrete foundations, precast concrete walls, steel gravity and portal framing, steel/concrete tray deck floors and timber purlins with steel roof bracing. The classroom block is disaggregated into three structural isolated buildings to limit damage during a  seismic event. The structural systems were selected to provide economy, to achieve the requirements for a flexible layout and satisfy the client’s visual aspirations. The foundation system is designed to bridge over underground services that run through the block. Engineered timber purlins were selected to avoid issues with thermal bridging/condensation that may occur with light gauge steel purlins.  

This project consists of 12 volumetric engineered timber modules to make up a two storey four classroom block building. A combination of laminated timber portal frames with plywood timber framed shear walls brace the structure in both directions to allow for open learning spaces. Once the foundations have been installed a two week construction window has been targeted in line with school holidays.

New 50m x 12m two storey school building consisting of metal deck concrete floors supported by steel framing on shallow foundations and a lightweight steel roof. Precast concrete cladding panels also form the structural bracing system providing an efficient external wall build-up and allow skinny SHS posts to be used internally. Structural design also features the design of two-way precast concrete external landings supported precast columns and a tree shaped column structure supporting the entrance roof.

The project is Stage one of a two stage development. Stage 1 consists of the structural design of 16 Classrooms, a Library, Administration area, Resource area and Legitimate giving a Gross Floor Area of 2009 m2. A main buildings are two stories consisting shallow reinforced concrete foundations, internal steel framing, steel tray-concrete composite floors, light gauge steel purlins and reinforce concrete blockwork walls. Attached single storey buildings were designed as light timber frame. Precast concrete floors and external walls were also considerd at the concept phase but these systems were discounted due to cost and supply constraints. Because of the layout of the buildings and the MOE design recommendations, two seismic isolation joints were required.

The project is consists of two classroom blocks with an connected covered external space giving, resulting in a Gross Floor Area of 1500m2. The site is in a flood plane which required  an elevated ground floor. Initially a traditional steel frame and concrete foundation (with perimeter blockwork walls and fill) was considered at the concept design phase. However, it was determined that cost of the reinforced concrete foundations, fill and blockwork was significant. Further the additional weight applied by the concrete ground floor and fill would have resulted in significant potential settlement of the weak soils on-site. Instead Enovate proposed the use of suspended timber floor supported on concrete encased timber piles with a light weight timber frame wall and truss superstructure. This concept saved significant construction cost and avoided the risk of ground settlement. 

At his previous employment, Mike was the lead engineer through the design phase. This project consisted of two separate wings which included student dorms, suites and a common entertainment and administration area. The building structure included is shallow reinforced concrete foundations (on stone column ground improvement), CLT wall and floor panels and LVL gravity framing. This structure is one of the largest CLT buildings in New Zealand.

Enovate provided the structural peer review for this project. The structure incorporated a reinforced concrete and steel structure on the basement carpark level, ground floor and Level 1, and eight levels of CLT superstructure above. This projects represents the largest and tallest CLT/engineered timber structure in New Zealand. Because the designers were relatively unfamiliar with CLT/engineered timber the peer review was extensive and involved requiring numerous rounds of review. Enovate was also requested at contractor/consultant meetings to resolve build-ability issues during and prior to construction.

The Kaipatiki Project is situated in Lauderdale Road, Birkdale, Auckland and consists of a new highly sustainable community building. Surrounding the new structure are gardens that are attended by volunteers and young children from the area (as part of school/education). The structural design considers and applies the draft Green Building framework from Auckland Council (provided by Duncan Munro). To minimise embodied carbon the used of engineered timber rafters and purlins (rather than steel) is maximised and potentially toxic building materials are avoided (such as PVC and Copper Chrome Arsenic Treatment).   

A suspended walkway and stairwell for entering the To Sua Ocean Trench in Apia, an iconic tourist attraction in Samoa. The structure consists of a large curved glue-laminated timber stringer and treads. The foundation solution is cast insitu reinforced concrete placed at the top and bottom of the staircase, the latter of which is designed to resist tidal and wave action. The staircase is to be prefabricated in New Zealand and exported to Apia.    

Stage one of a two stage development for the Ormiston Baptist Church. A large spanning glulam portal frame structure meets the spatial and aesthetic for the main part of the church with light timber framed plywood shear walls used elsewhere for bracing.

A curved glue-laminated timber roof structure to replace the existing roof structure, which will also consist of TG &V sarking and a plywood roof diaphragm. The roof structure was designed in accordance with the International Building Code (appropriate for the USA) for loadings (including cyclonic wind actions) and the New Zealand Timber Standard.

During previous employment, Mike was the lead engineer on the design and construction of this culturally sensitive project. The project consisted of two separate structures, the larger of which included a meeting space for up to 300 people, a taunga and Archive museum and commercial kitchen. The other structure was a two storey office block. This project was the first Living Building in New Zealand (under the Living Building Challenge or LBC) and incorporated many innovative structural systems, including post-tensioned round-wood shear walls and round-wood floors, to satisfy the requirements of the LBC.

At his previous employment, Mike was the lead engineer through the design phase. This project consisted of long-span glue-laminated timber arches. The structure was designed to resist cyclonic wind loading and glulam was supplied by TimberLab Solutions in Auckland.

A new retirement village with a variety of residential dwelling types and amenities ranging from single storey villas to multi-unit apartment blocks (up to 3 stories). Enovate are engaged to provide innovative structural engineering solutions using both traditional concrete and steel material as well as prefabricated engineered timber options. The feasibilities on both types of construction materials were investigated up to the preliminary design phase.

A new retirement village with multiple 4-5 storey buildings over a large basement/podium. A number of structural materials and solutions were tested to ensure a cost-effective structural solution was adopted. Post-Tensioned floor systems were chosen with precast shear walls and shallow foundations. Highly co-ordinated structural design at a preliminary level optimised the structural efficiency and eliminated multiple transfer structures between the residential, communal and basement layouts. Three storey prefabricated engineered timber buildings yet to be designed will make up one quarter of the apartments.

A new retirement village with multiple three storey buildings including apartment, amenity and care facilities. The floor system was extensively tested with input from all consultants (particularly in regard to fire penetration cost) to ensure a cost effective solution was adopted. A flat slab floor system was chosen with precast shear walls, steel framing and shallow reinforced concrete foundations. An under-croft car parking solution was adopted to remove the need for costly underground car parking. Long term maintenance issue is a key focus with concrete filled SHS columns in the carparks being adopted to remove the need for high maintenance intumescent paint systems. Cost effective shallow reinforced concrete foundations were implemented despite limited soil bearing capacity.

A new retirement village with multiple three storey buildings including apartment, amenity and care facilities. The amenity building is to be constructed over an in ground basement requiring considerable early co-ordination for vertical load bearing structure to avoid costly transfer structures. A cost effective solution for the apartments has been adopted with blockwork shear was acting as inter-tenancy and load bearing elements resulting in structural, fire and acoustic benefit and a highly cost effective solution. A cost effective cantilevered balcony solution was developed using a precast balcony deck only (no steel beams) to provide the required architectural outcome.

This project involved a Detailed Seismic Assessment (DSA) for 40 Eden Crescent, Auckland. The primary purpose of the investigation is to assess the seismic performance of the existing building to determine if it satisfies the requirements established in the Building Act 2014 and the current standards for existing buildings. The assessment identified some improvements that are required to meet those standards including the removal for parapet blockwork and shear strengthening of blockwork walls. This assessment determined whether proposed modifications (the addition of one or two levels of timber on top of the existing roof) are achievable or not, and proposed a strengthening concept to achieve the desired alterations.

At his previous employment, Pat was the lead engineer through the design phase of the retrofit of an existing multi-storey office to a residential apartment building. The project required seismic strengthening to 100% NBS taking into account approximately 30% more GFA to the existing floor plates as well as an additional two stories on top. The floor system was the main seismic weakness and strengthening was proposed in the form of additional steel floor supports. The GFA was increased in the form of cross laminated timber (CLT) floors supported on steel framing to all levels.

While working for OPUS, Denis was the lead structural engineer for this iconic project in the pacific islands. The Mixed-Use Building (MUB) is located on the south-west side of the Star Mountain Plaza Development in Papua New Guinea. It consists of a 3 storey podium used for retail, car parking and hospitality purposes, and a 16 storey tower for high-end residential use. Precast floors supported by steel beam and columns were selected in order to achieve long spans and speed-up the constructive process. The bracing is provided by an efficient combination of a reinforced concrete shear core and CBF bracing accomplishing a slim and elegant structure. 

A mixed use development consisting of basement carparking, retail and commercial spaces with an existing heritage building strengthening scheme. The challenging site constraints and different floor plates meant a light weight engineered timber structure for the upper levels with a reinforced concrete transfer level at ground floor was the most optimal solution which also suited the 7 green star target. Eliptical stair cores and boundary precast concrete shear walls braced the majority of the structure.

This project involved the design and construction monitoring of a barracks and visitors accommodation building for the New Zealand Defence Force. The structure consisted of prefabricated panelised light timber frame walls, floors, light timber frame trusses and timber piles. The project proved to be highly cost effective and incorporated innovative (and low cost) fire protection measures. Timber piles provided a relatively low cost and simple foundation solution for very challenging soil conditions.

This project involved the design and construction monitoring of a 12m high single storey 1800m2 warehouse with provision for a future extension of similar size. The structure consisted of perimeter precast concrete panels, steel portal frames and shallow foundations. Post-tensioned slab-on-grade was proposed to support heavy storage racking and forklift loads. The precast shear walls were designed to cantilever in the fire cast to avoid intumescent paint for the steel portal system. A 1m diameter sewer line ran through the middle of the site requiring piling either side in accordance with asset owners requirements.

A grid shell curved glue-laminated timber roof structure supported on reinforced concrete columns over an atrium space. The roof structure will consist of curved glulam rafters arranged in a grid pattern, creating a bi-directional spanning structural system. Epoxied rod connections will be employed between primary and secondary rafters to provide rafter continuity. The roof structure is designed in accordance with the local Taiwanese Building Code for loadings (including cyclonic wind actions) and the New Zealand Timber Standard.

This project is a four storey office/commercial structure in the center of Rotorua that consists of engineered timber moment-resisting frames, plywood sheathed shear walls, cross-laminated timber (CLT) floors/roof and a decorative glue-laminated timber stair with a tree-shaped support structure (in the atrium). The site soil conditions are challenging and include weak surface layers, high corrosivity and high temperature conditions. Where possible timber materials and engineered wood products will be sourced locally to support the local value-add timber industry.

At his previous employment, Mike was the lead engineer through the design phase. 30m span timber arch canopy for Star Mountain Plaza in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The structural system is New Zealand made glue-lamented timber arches and purlins with steel rod bracing and struts.

Watercare pump station structure with an architecturally designed form incorporating Watercare specifications. Precast concrete walls form the façade and with the additional benefits of bracing the structure and supporting a lightweight timber trussed roof. The pump station is in a below ground chamber designed for hydrostatic and retaining actions with a removable webforge floor system to ensure future replacement of the pump station equipment which can be performed via a permanent internal 2 tonne crane.

Helicopter hanger with a light guage steel roof spaning to steel portal frames supported on shallow foundations. Full height operable doors on one face allowed for helicopter access. A two storey commercial building at one end was constructed of engineered timber and steel.