Geotechnical & Structural Engineering Consultants
Christchurch & Canterbury
Branch Consulting provides practical, site-specific geotechnical and structural engineering services for residential projects. We work with homeowners, builders, architects, and designers – delivering clear advice and consent-ready documentation without the big-firm overhead.
Clear, Practical Engineering
Residential projects don’t need unnecessary paperwork or big-firm overheads. Canterbury ground conditions and council requirements often mean site-specific assessment and engineering design is required. We handle the technical details so your project can move forward smoothly.
Our Services
Geotechnical Investigations & Reports
Site-specific geotechnical investigations including auger drilling and Scala penetrometer testing in accordance with NZS 3604. Clear, council-ready reports for new builds and renovations.
Foundation & Structural Design
Engineering design for slab-on-grade and other foundation systems, including structural calculations and documentation for residential new builds, alterations, and extensions.
Earthquake Damage Assessments
Engineering inspections and professional advice for earthquake-related damage, insurance assessment, and repair planning.
Exploration and Geological Modelling
Specialist geological modelling, resource estimation and exploration support – more than 25 years in the resources industry, including JORC (2012) resource reporting.
Led by a geologist who began in the field at St Ives Gold (Kambalda, WA) in 1998, Branch Consulting supports New Zealand’s mineral exploration sector from early-stage targeting through to resource reporting. Current work spans multiple gold prospects across Central Otago and the South Island.
Recent Projects
Oxford – New Dwelling
Soil investigation for a brick veneer home on flat land. Scala penetrometer testing confirmed >300kPa bearing capacity – NZS3604 “Good Ground”. Standard waffle slab. Report in 5 days.
Lake Tekapo – New Dwelling
Geotechnical investigation on glacial moraine site. Cut/fill building pad. >300kPa bearing. “Good Ground” confirmed under NZS3604.
Nelson – Retaining Wall
Retaining wall under existing dwelling after soil slip beneath pile foundations. 20 Series Block concrete wall with PS1 and PS4.
Sumner – Deck
Cantilevered deck on steep cliffside property. Structural design and PS1. Engineered to avoid deep foundations near slope edge.
Mairehau – Townhouse Development
Deep soil testing for a multi-unit townhouse development on TC3 land – CPT drilling, liquefaction modelling, and deep pile foundation design.
Resource Modelling – Listed ASX Explorer
Resource estimation for a listed exploration company, plus geological modelling and exploration results reporting for ASX release.
Working With Builders & Architects
We’re your go-to engineering consultant. Fast turnaround, PS1/PS2/PS4, direct access to the engineers doing the work.
How our fees work
Engineering fees depend on scope – ground conditions, site access, TC zone and what the project actually needs. We scope each job before quoting, so there are no surprises.
To give you a realistic number, we need:
- The property address
- What you’re planning (new build, extension, subdivision, assessment)
- Any existing plans or reports
- Your timeframe
Send us those and we’ll come back with a clear scope and fee estimate.
Contact Branch Consulting
Email: james@branchconsulting.co.nz
Phone: 021 211 7347