Vorstermans Architects

Seismic Strengthening

Vorstermans — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 03:05:47 +0000

St Benedict’s, Khandallah and St Mary’s, Karori – Tower strengthening

Seismic strengthening is currently one of the biggest issues facing NZ property owners. Unfortunately, there is not a one size fits all solution. Not only do buildings differ in terms of design, size and usage but there is also large variation in the ground conditions they are built on. Bringing a building up to code requires a tailored solution. After working on several earthquake strengthening projects including heritage Churches, Wellington Free Ambulance and St Pats College we have gained invaluable knowledge of the process. Best, all were strengthened and modernised without compromising the original design.

Wellington Free Ambulance, Kapiti Station

Individual solutions

With unique structures it is necessary to consider several factors. These include budget, design and regulatory requirements, it is at this point you can come up with an individual solution. Common wisdom and knowledge of seismic strengthening is constantly changing, so it is also important to keep up with latest practice. With numerous options for strengthening it is necessary to consider the pros and cons of each technique before formulating a plan.

Work experience

Rob was part of a team called Project Stronger set up by the Catholic Church. Their scope was to establish policies and procedures for assessing and advising users should their buildings be assessed as earthquake prone. The Archdiocese of Wellington assessed some 200 churches and parish buildings to ensure users were aware of risk and started to progress discussions and decision making in respect to problem buildings and their future.

Rob was also on the Board of Proprietors at St Patricks College Wellington when four of the school’s buildings were strengthened. The school’s 30-year-old buildings had lower than expected building strengths which was doubly impacted by better understanding of liquefaction gained following the Christchurch earthquakes. It was surprising that only 30% of the cost was the structural work, and 70% was the flow-on architectural impact of the strengthening, showing how important architectural input is to the strengthening process.

Uncovering other issues

During any upgrade process other issues will likely be uncovered. These could include re-piling, implementing structural systems, the need for fire protection upgrades and the modernisation of the space. It may even be time to consider general maintenance of the building. This is where using the services of an Architect can provide guidance and advice.

St Pat’s College – K- frame a cost-effective solution

Coordinating

During the strengthening process several professions including engineers, property valuers and Architects will be involved. With these and building and resource consent applications to be navigated we can help with co-ordination and guide you through the strengthening process.

St Matthias, strengthening is invisible

Benefits of an Architect

Vorstermans — Mon, 20 May 2019 21:35:17 +0000

Building from scratch or renovating a property, no matter how small, can be a complex and sometimes confusing process. There is a lot to think about and not just what it will look like. Hiring a professional to guide you through the process is invaluable and will save you time, money and stress in the long run.

The NZIA website states an Architect’s work is essentially driven by four fundamental elements: technical skill, practical understanding, analytical ability and creativity.

The first step is choosing who to use.

It is easy to confuse an Architect with an Architectural designer, but they are very different.

A registered Architect has passed a five-year degree, completed several years of supervised work and passed a rigorous oral exam. Architecture designers are not required to do this. Professional standards are set and supervised by the NZ Registered Architects board ensuring your Architect is someone you can feel secure with.

Ensuring you get a great design

Architects love design! They will take the time needed so you can feel confident you will not only get a great design but also creative and practical solutions to any issues. This could be better utilising space or a clever solution to a difficult layout.

Of course, the visual aspect of a project is only part of the process, there are many facets to an Architects role. They have the skills needed for the technical, administrative and consent processes aspects of a job.

They get budgets.

Most Architects are very conscious of how expensive it is to build.

Their fee is a small part of the overall project. It cannot be overemphasised how much having a highly detailed set of plans is crucial for avoiding issues and unexpected costs during the build. It is far cheaper to make a mistake on paper than during the construction process. It is also easier for a contractor to accurately price your job if they have detailed plans. Once they have knowledge of a brief, they can let you know if your expectations are realistic for your budget.

Architects know all the pitfalls.

Architects will also oversee a job. They have the skills to navigate the build, dealing with any problems that arise and ensuring the project is built according to the plans. They know the building codes and how to balance the structural requirements without compromising the design. They also prepare all the documentation that is required to secure a building consent or if required a resource consent. Architects bring the same skills and abilities to small projects as they do larger commissions. While they often design hospitals, schools and other large projects most of their work tends to be small projects including kitchen and bathroom renovations or a new garage.

Building a personal relationship.

It is worth spending time and booking an initial meeting with us if you are looking for an Architect. This is an opportunity to discuss your ideas, look at some examples of their previous work and see if they are someone you believe you can work with.

While it may be your first build or renovation Vorstermans Architects have done many previous projects and knows what to expect and look out for.

Most importantly they will also be excited about your project as we love turning peoples dreams into reality.

Vorstermans.

From Gorse Block to Award Winning Home

Tim Rosenbrook — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 22:10:26 +0000

Our clients purchased Lot 1 of a new subdivision in the hills above Wellington Harbour in early 2015. On the recommendation of the site developer, they got a concept and quote from a design and build company affiliated with the subdivision. Unfortunately, the design didn’t seem to compliment the land or maximise the views and sunlight. Most importantly it lacked reflection of their personality and in their view, would have just blended in as another spec-built house.

They approached Vorstermans to get an alternative design. At the first site meeting, Rob produced a hand-drawn sketch which they loved, at that point, they knew their relatively small budget wouldn’t exclude them from great design

Pre-Construction

Developed Design

Framing/Cladding

Award-winning project

After moving in our clients realised how critical it was placing the house at the top of the site. If they had gone with the original concept from the design and build company which set it much lower, the views would have been seriously compromised as other houses popped up in front of them. Nestled seamlessly on the site with thoughtful placement of the windows maximizing sunlight, the completed design reflects the client’s vibrant personalities

Winning an NZIA regional award for housing was the final confirmation our clients made the right decision by using an Architect. Check out the full details of the award-winning hillside house here

The Award-Winning House

We would like to thank everyone who was involved in this project especially Ben and his team from Makers Fabrication who managed the prefabrication and construction. For more information on this award-winning project or to discuss your own design ideas please contact Vorstermans Architects – email info@vorstermans.co.nz or phone (04) 384 8395.