Christchurch's Most Festive Seismic Structure

A few seasons ago, Christchurch unveiled a spectacular Christmas tree structure in the heart of the city. Behind the scenes of this festive centerpiece, the Brevity engineering team worked rigorously to ensure the safety and stability of the unique aluminium-framed design.

Standing proudly on the Bridge of Remembrance, linking Oxford and Cambridge Terraces, the structure became a symbol of the city's ongoing post-earthquake rebuild. Brevity’s expertise ensured that the tree was not only visually stunning but fully compliant with New Zealand’s rigorous building standards.

Addressing Local Standards

Standing 8.6 metres high and 3.1 metres wide, the tree was a significant structural undertaking. While the metal framework was crafted in Europe to international standards, those specifications do not automatically satisfy the New Zealand Building Code.

Interpreting local codes for a non-traditional structure is a complex task. The Brevity team delved into the nuances of the regulations, identifying innovative solutions to bridge the gap between European design assumptions and New Zealand’s unique environmental requirements.

Collaboration with the City Council

Because the tree was positioned in a high-traffic public space during the busy holiday season, mitigating risk was the top priority. Typically, a structure of this scale would be assigned Importance Level 3.

However, acknowledging the temporary nature of the installation, Brevity collaborated closely with the Christchurch City Council to balance safety with the project's specific needs. This resulted in the establishment of a specialized temporary structure wind management plan, ensuring the festive display remained secure under local conditions.

Working Closely with Clients

Engineering for the real world often requires pivoting during the design phase. While the initial plan suggested concrete blocks for stability, Brevity’s analysis determined they would be insufficient for the tree's size and wind profile.

Working collaboratively with the council and installers, the team developed a code-compliant solution using concrete screw anchors. This provided the necessary stability to meet AS/NZS 1170.2, the New Zealand standard for structural design actions regarding wind loads.

The Balance of Creativity and Compliance

Brevity’s involvement in the Christchurch Christmas tree project highlights our ability to balance creative vision with structural compliance. By combining wind loading expertise with a collaborative approach, we helped deliver a festive centerpiece that prioritized public safety without compromising the holiday spirit. This project remains a proud example of how Brevity uses technical ingenuity to solve unique challenges, ensuring the community can celebrate safely.

We know you're busy so let's get straight to it - How can we help you today?