12 | REGIONAL Techlam NZ Northbrook Aquatic Centre, Wanaka TO BUILD BETTER WITH TIMBER. Timber Manufacturer: Techlam Architect: Woods Bagot Timber beams coating: CUTEK® Euro with a custom Colourtone Photography: © Winton NZ WORKING TOGETHER T T Russell Fredric Reshaping commercial construction Structural glulam combines high strength with low weight, allowing engineers to design lighter structures while simplifying construction. “Engineered timber can be manufactured and shaped into virtually anything you can dream up, from massive clear spans to complex curves.” Techlam is helping reshape New Zealand’s commercial construction sector, combining advanced engineering, digital manufacturing and sustainable timber design to deliver landmark buildings in communities throughout New Zealand. From its Levin manufacturing facility, the family-owned company designs and manufactures structural glulam systems for projects ranging from community facilities to large commercial developments, working closely with architects, engineers and builders from the earliest stages of design. One recent example is the eight-storey building in Devonport Road Tauranga, now home to Tauranga City Council. Techlam supplied more than 58 cubic metres of premium structural glulam, including 600 x 600mm exterior columns up to 7.8 metres long, for what is New Zealand’s largest mass timber office building. Techlam managing director, Brett Hamilton, says early collaboration was fundamental to the project’s success. “Getting involved early with the design and engineering teams was very important. It meant we caught potential clashes onscreen rather than on-site, which kept delivery timelines on track. The columns were on the critical path. If they were late, the whole build stopped.” The building balances the structural requirements of a large commercial office, with exposed timber elements and cultural narratives developed alongside tangata whenua. It achieved a 6 Green Star design accreditation and is expected to reduce lifetime carbon emissions by more than 60% compared with a conventional concrete and steel structure. Structural glulam combines high strength with low weight, allowing engineers to design lighter structures while simplifying construction. “Glulam is strong but lightweight compared with steel or concrete,” says Brett. “Architects and engineers can design smaller foundations, while construction teams need fewer heavy truck movements and smaller cranes. Because most components are prefabricated, they arrive ready to install, and basically slot together.” Beyond its structural performance, Brett says engineered timber gives designers greater freedom than conventional solid timber. “Engineered timber can be manufactured and shaped into virtually anything you can dream up, from massive clear spans to complex curves. In New Zealand, it performs exceptionally well in earthquakes because of its natural flexibility, and in a fire the outer layer chars to protect the structural core.” That design flexibility is supported by a digital manufacturing process that translates building designs into precision-built structural components. Using 3D modelling, CAD/CAM technology and CNC machinery, Techlam digitally maps every connection before cutting, drilling and machining each component. “Every joint, screw and connection is mapped out digitally before a single piece of timber is cut,” Brett says. “Because we cut, drill and often pre-coat the timber in the factory, site delivery becomes a matter of precise assembly. It removes the guesswork.” Sustainability is another driver behind engineered timber’s growth. Brett says glulam stores carbon captured as trees grow, while manufacturing requires far less energy than producing steel or concrete. Techlam sources timber from sustainably managed New Zealand plantations and manufactures components to exact project requirements, reducing waste while helping developers meet ambitious environmental targets. “We are investing heavily in our prefabrication capacity, CNC machinery, staff and building a data-driven process that connects directly with design teams.”
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