Applying first principles and collaborative creativity
for superior fire engineering
Origin Fire is a leading fire engineering consultancy based in Auckland, New Zealand. We are known for our ability to provide fire consulting for unusual and challenging construction projects. To do this we take a first principles approach to fire engineering. Instead of hearing “it can’t be done”, from us you’ll hear “here’s how it can be done”.
Our fire engineering consultants can assist your team with strategic fire consulting, fire engineering design, construction monitoring, compliance checking, and the design and implementation of fire protection systems.
What is ‘first principles’ for fire engineering?
The application of engineering principles, rules and expert judgement based on a scientific appreciation of fire phenomena, the effects of fire and the reaction and behaviour of people in order to save life and protect property.
Call us on +64 9 520 0439 or send an email
Fire Engineering
Overcoming the fire safety challenges of any type of structure.
Fire Protection
Designing the components of an effective fire protection system.
Advisory Consulting
Sharing our unsurpassed knowledge wherever it’s needed.
Latest Projects
Apollo Square Apartments…a great result
Apollo Square Apartments The Apollo Square Apartments at 40 Rosedale Road are located adjacent to the Apollo Medical Centre. Rangitoto College is a short walk away. Just a short drive away are Massey University, Kristin School, Albany Westfield Mall, AUT Millenium Sports Centre and North Harbour Stadium. Browns Bay and Mairangi Bay beaches are close […]
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Pulse Apartments
Pulse Apartments: a reclad that became hugely complex Repairs began on one of Auckland’s largest leaky apartment complexes – The Pulse – a 65-unit Ponsonby block at 80 Richmond Rd on April 2015, a full decade after evidence emerged that the cladding required urgent attention as well as attention to persistent leaks posed by severe […]
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Underwater Restaurant
Underwater restaurant Hurawalhi Island Resort Project design lead, concept designer and structural engineer Mike Murphy had already designed one underwater restaurant, the Ithaa (Pearl) for a luxury Maldives resort. His second underwater restaurant, also destined for the Maldives was for the Hurawalhi Island Resort. Mike knows it is attention to detail that makes or breaks […]
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Pop-up Globe
Origin was recruited to the Pop-up Globe project as the fire and emergency lighting engineers. Michael James oversaw the project, Sajeesh Nair produced the fire engineering design and Clive Revie completed emergency lighting.
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Cromwell House Hospital, Epsom
This is an existing building undergoing alterations where two blocks (hospital and dementia) are combined into one building.
Read MoreOrigin Fire Team Quotes
Fire engineering impacts all of the building design disciplines – architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical. By engaging with experts in each of these disciplines and applying first principles, Origin Fire is able to achieve fire protection outcomes that support the project’s overall vision. We have a track record of breaking new ground and coming up with original ideas.
Michael James
Managing Director, Fire Engineering Consultant
I enjoy the challenge of projects that have special fire engineering requirements, particularly those that involve children, the elderly and hospital patients. The process of modelling fire scenarios allows me to apply all my knowledge and skills to formulate best-practice solutions.
Sajeesh Nair
Fire Engineer, Origin Fire
My many years as an electrical engineer has provided the perfect foundation for emergency lighting design. I’m an excellent collaborator, which assists the consultation, design and implementation process.
Clive Revie
Emergency Lighting Engineer, Origin Fire
Latest News
The Good Stuff Happening in the Fire Industry
July 4, 2017
While the media and various commentators are on a laudable mission to identify combustible cladding on buildings and defective passive fire installation, I want to take a moment to reflect on the good stuff happening in the fire industry. The good stuff comes from individuals rather than organisations. Organisations may provide the framework, but within any […]
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Michael James interviewed on Grenfell Tower tragedy
June 16, 2017
With major cities shifting towards more high-rise living, is there cause for concern when it comes to New Zealand’s fire safety? While our thoughts and condolences go out to the people caught up in Wednesday’s tragedy at Grenfell Tower in west London, NZ commentators’ thoughts have also turned to how our own apartment buildings might […]
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MBIE Fire Programme Update
May 15, 2017
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) have been busy advancing their fire program. The following is an update of key areas based on a series of presentations made to the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) by members that were on the working groups. Passive Fire Protection Responsibility to progress this important field […]
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Fire Design in Complex Offshore Infrastructure
May 8, 2017
In collaboration with Cowi Gulf A/S Fire Engineering and Arup London, Origin’s contracted Senior Fire Safety Engineer was recently engaged in the fire engineering design for the Oman Botanic Gardens Northern and Southern Biomes. The Northern and Southern Biomes are unique and impressive structures built to withstand the extreme climatic conditions of a harsh equatorial […]
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Allen Bestwick joins Origin
May 3, 2017
Electronics engineering and service as a volunteer firefighter came together for Allen Bestwick in the mid-nineties and led him to a rewarding career in the fire protection industry. A business management degree meant Allen was well suited to a management role in the sector but it was his strong desire to get back into engineering that […]
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