40 | Vert-X ENGINEERING Vert-X taking engineering a step further Stephen Pinkney formed the Palmerston North-based boutique structural engineering consultancy in 2012. T T Tracey Edwardes Delivering Smart, Practical Engineering Solutions www.vert-x.co.nz 202 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North Phone: 06 358 8880 Email: admin@vert-x.co.nz Making your Vision a reality. Vision Architecture are proud to support Vert-X 021 607 171 | nathan@valtd.co.nz | www.valtd.co.nz Proudly partnering with Vert-x to deliver quality builds throughout the Manawatu Shaun 021 270 7311 turbineo ce@gmail.com NEWHOMES | DECKS & FENCES |ALTERATIONS | RIB RAFT FLOORS AWARDWINNING BUILDERS | POD FLOOR FOUNDATION SPECIALIST A new building is as strong as the minds behind it. An engineer might argue the most vital component is its structure. However, Stephen Pinkney, Managing Director of Vert-X Structural Engineering, takes this a step further. Success on a project comes down to communication, he says. It is the key to the best outcomes, new ideas, and to mitigate problems. Quite often the architect, engineer and builder are working together as one. “All parties can then brainstorm to come up with a collaborative solution, rather than in isolation to each other. And this is exactly what we enjoy doing the most.” He formed the Palmerston North-based boutique structural engineering consultancy in 2012, to be able to work closely with clients and stakeholders in both the residential and commercial low-rise construction market. “Modern design and renovation incorporates much more open space, so that often means less structural supporting walls. New technologies, different materials and bespoke design - especially in high-end residential projects – all lend themselves to needing an engineer’s input.” Stephen strongly recommends getting an engineer on board as early on in the conceptual design process as possible for bespoke and complex projects. Getting engineering early on can avoid delays later. Its frustrating for everyone to be half way through the council consent process and find out and engineer is required. This can create knock on effects from the resultant delays, not to mention the extra cost to rework plans.” “We are mostly on board from our initial engagement, to on-site observations, through to the final PS4 sign off. Projects vary in size significantly and we are equally happy to do the smaller jobs - often being called up to design a single beam.” A small but highly skilled operation, Vert-X has six skilled staff including Jason Rhodes who recently became an Associate. A pool of regular sub contractors are also available to call upon as needed and for specialised work. Recent projects include being the structural consultants on the recently completed MAPU Building, a new wing at Palmerston North Hospital. Also in progress is a social housing development comprising seven three-story and a two story apartment buildings in Palmerston North. Also currently under construction is a 8,500sqm factory of steel and pre-cast concrete construction which is being purpose built for constructing pre-built homes, where the Vert-X team incidentally are also involved. Vert-X usually work with the client’s architect for most projects. Having a good working rapport with many architects in the area, Vert-X is often the go-to consultancy. For a large simple structure such as a farm shed, often just collaboration between the structural engineer and builder is required. Working regionally from Whanganui to Wellington, potential clients are most welcome to call, pop into the office for a chat, or email for advice. “We work with our clients to help make their dreams not only become reality but also that they stand up.” “We are mostly on board from our initial engagement, to on-site observations, through to the final PS4 sign off.”
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