Seismic Engineering
bracing communities for today and tomorrow
How to Get Your Building Off the Earthquake-Prone Register
This is a practical guide for property owners navigating seismic compliance in New Zealand.
Learn why traditional strengthening is often over-engineered, the real risks of doing nothing, and how Blue Barn’s SAPPHIRE methodology has helped buildings around NZ achieve compliance with minimal (or no) disruption.
Our expertise in Seismic Solutions is driven by our commitment to protecting what matters most, without compromising the safety of our people.
We offer:
Seismic Assessments (DSA & ISA) for Buildings and Infrastructure
Seismic Restraint Design of Non-Structural Elements & Construction Monitoring
Evaluation of Earthquake Prone Status - Studies
Strengthening of Buildings including Heritage Buildings
Building Condition Assessments for multi-storey, residential and commercial projects
Our Projects:
Big City Building, Big Engineering Win
This 16-storey commercial tower in central Auckland was given a seismic rating of just 20% NBS — a result that threatened major disruption, tenant headaches, and a $10 million strengthening bill.
The owners turned to Blue Barn for a second opinion. Using advanced modelling tools and deep seismic expertise, we re-assessed the building and delivered an 80% NBS rating — no intrusive work, no downtime, and no disruption.
The result?
✅ $10 million saved
✅ Zero impact on tenants
✅ No environmental or H&S implications
Smart, confident engineering — that’s what we’re known for.
Heritage Protected, Strength Upgraded
This beautiful four-storey, Category 2 historic building in Wellington needed a seismic upgrade — but the initial proposal was costly, intrusive, and didn't respect the heritage character.
That’s where Blue Barn stepped in.
Our independent assessment revealed the building was already performing better than thought. We then designed a smart, low-damage retrofit that respected its heritage features and quietly boosted the seismic rating to 100% NBS — all at half the cost of the original scheme.
Stronger. Smarter. More respectful. That's the Blue Barn way.
High Profile Landmark Protected
This historic building, located in central Auckland; host to a mix of restaurants, retail outlets and apartments, received a seismic rating of 20% NBS which threatened the livelihood of tenants, retailers, and patrons.
With an estimated strengthening bill of $2.5million, the owners turned to Blue Barn for a second opinion.
Blue Barn gave the building a seismic rating of 40% NBS, meaning that the building is not earthquake prone, resulting in ZERO construction costs and no downtime.
Heritage preserved – costs saved.
