Business Details
Your Trusted Structural Engineering Partner in Melbourne
N Positive is a forward-thinking structural engineering consultancy based in Melbourne. We collaborate with architects, building designers, owners, and developers to create high-performance, sustainable buildings. Our expertise lies in residential new builds, alterations, and adaptive reuse projects, with a strong focus on innovative structural solutions. Principal Engineer Ben James brings over a decade of experience from leading local and international design firms, complemented by architectural studies and a passion for sustainability. We specialise in mass timber, CLT, Glulam, LVL, and Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS), offering services across Melbourne and regional Victoria.Our team prioritises responsiveness and ease of collaboration, ensuring early structural input to address potential challenges during the concept phase. We provide independent certification to Australian Standards and the National Construction Code (NCC), supporting clients from initial design to project completion. Our work addresses environmental impacts through sustainable materials and design practices, including passive house principles and urban infill solutions. With extensive experience in high-end residential projects, we aim to deliver tailored engineering solutions that align with architectural vision and client needs.
Services
Residential Structural Engineering
Mass Timber Design
Concept Design Reviews
Independent Certification
Adaptive Re-Use Projects
Highlights and features
- We specialise in high-end residential structural engineering with sustainable materials.
- Our team includes a registered building practitioner with 10+ years of international experience.
- We offer early concept design reviews to address structural challenges proactively.
- We utilise advanced materials like CLT, Glulam, and Structural Insulated Panels.
- Our services cover Melbourne and regional Victorian locations including Geelong and Ballarat.
Services
Residential Structural Engineering
We provide structural analysis and design for residential buildings, focusing on new constructions and renovations. Our expertise includes tight urban infill projects and high-performance architectural designs. We collaborate with architects and owners to ensure structural integrity while supporting innovative design concepts.
Mass Timber Design
Specialising in mass timber solutions like CLT, Glulam, and LVL for sustainable building projects. We deliver engineered timber systems that reduce environmental impact while maintaining structural performance. Our designs integrate with modern construction methods for residential and commercial applications.
Concept Design Reviews
We offer free 10-minute concept reviews to identify structural challenges early in the design process. This service helps architects and developers address potential issues before detailed planning begins, saving time and costs during project execution.
Independent Certification
We provide independent structural certification to Australian Standards and the National Construction Code (NCC). Our assessments ensure buildings meet regulatory requirements while maintaining design intent and performance goals.
Adaptive Re-Use Projects
We specialise in renovating and repurposing existing structures through adaptive reuse strategies. Our engineering solutions extend building lifespans while improving functionality and sustainability, particularly for heritage and underutilised properties.
People
Ben James
Principal Engineer
Ben James is a registered building practitioner with over 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He has worked at leading local and international design firms, combining engineering expertise with architectural studies to deliver sustainable solutions.
Questions
What structural engineering services do you offer?
We specialise in residential structural engineering, mass timber design, concept reviews, adaptive reuse projects, and independent certification for new builds and renovations.
Do you work outside Melbourne?
Yes, we serve regional Victorian locations including Geelong, Surf Coast, Mornington Peninsula, Ballarat, and Bendigo for residential and commercial projects.
What sustainable materials do you use?
We utilise mass timber (CLT, Glulam, LVL), Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS), and passive house principles to create environmentally responsible structural solutions.
Can I get a free design consultation?
Yes, we offer free 10-minute concept reviews to discuss structural requirements and address potential challenges early in the design process.
Are you registered building practitioners?
Yes, our Principal Engineer Ben James is a registered building practitioner in the civil engineer class in Victoria with 10+ years of experience.
