Graeme Jacobs, a Christchurch based Architect with a passion for the outdoors, was employed by the New Zealand Back Country Trust to design a new hut to replace the Brass Monkey Biv on the Lewis Pass Top. We were obviously thrilled when he asked Pocket to take on the engineering works.

This unique project, although small in size, was a privilege to be part of. Designing and building in New Zealand’s magnificent landscapes and specifically on DOC estate does not happen that often. This architectural hut, held many specific design requirements, including building for; high snow loads, extreme SED wind zones, materials being transported by helicopter, limited resources on site, budget and of course those cheeky Keas.

I sat down with Graeme for a coffee at TOMS and chatted with him about his experience of working with Pocket on this challenging project, we were both in agreement that collaboration is key to design success. 

What does good collaboration look like to you? And how does it impact a project?

Collaboration is about the consultant team finding the right solution for the project rather than the solution the individual members want.  

The process is not necessarily linear.  Ideas need to be tested and if they don’t work out that is okay because knowing what does not work has as much value as what does work.  

Can you describe the process of collaboration with Pocket? What did it involve? 

All our meetings were in the meeting room at the Pocket studio 

While we did have some phone calls and email correspondence the regular in-person meetings allowed real understanding and progress to be made while discussing the project with printed drawings spread out on the table.  This works a lot better for me than screen sharing which is a bit clunky. 

In the early stages I like to work in freehand and the fact that this is the way Pocket work makes collaboration easy.  I like working with engineers who pick up the pencil and sketch ideas.  

Do you have a favourite moment of solving a problem with Pocket?

I think seeing the bracing solution for walls in the short direction with the triple posts was a highlight.  I’ve never seen this before and I’m in my 35th year as an architect. The drive from Pocket for a steel free design made the project simpler to build.  We had lots of manpower onsite to lift frames but steel might have been beyond us.  

Graeme and I agreed that for great design to exist collaboration is essential and the earlier you can engage an engineer in the design stage the better.

Do you have an architectural project that needs an engineer?

Let's get a coffee and chat

email jenmarsh@pocketeng.co.nz