| 13 wiehag.com THE MILL: A MASTERCLASS IN TIMBER CONSTRUCTION AND BIOPHILIC DESIGN At the heart of Queenstown, New Zealand, The Mill is redefining what a sports facility can be. O cially known as the Queenstown Sports Performance Hub, this groundbreaking centre for sports, rehabilitation, and healthcare owes much of its success to the innovative timber engineering of WIEHAG. As one of Europe’s leading mass timber manufacturers, WIEHAG played a pivotal role in bringing this architectural vision to life. TIMBER INNOVATION BY WIEHAG From its headquarters in Altheim, Austria, WIEHAG Timber Construction meticulously craed 250 m³ of laminated timber, including the beams and supports that form the backbone of The Mill’s dynamic roof structure. Transported across the globe in eight containers over 70 days, these precision-engineered components were ready for seamless assembly upon arrival in New Zealand. The decision to use mass timber was not just an architectural choice— it was a commitment to sustainability and health. WIEHAG’s expertise ensured the highest quality materials were used, reinforcing The Mill’s status as a model for environmentally conscious construction. A FUSION OF NATURE AND PERFORMANCE Designed by Warren and Mahoney Architects, The Mill spans over 2,500 m² and stands as the largest private sports facility of its kind in New Zealand. The building embodies biophilic design principles, using natural materials and maximizing the connection to the surrounding landscape to create a space that promotes physical and mental wellbeing. Mass timber lies at the heart of this vision, oering numerous benefits: • Warm, Natural Aesthetics: The exposed timber creates a calming, inviting atmosphere that mirrors the natural environment of Queenstown. • Health Advantages: Research has shown that wooden interiors can reduce stress, lower heart rates, and improve overall mental health—a key consideration for athletes in recovery and performance seings. • Sustainability: Timber is a renewable resource, and WIEHAG’s advanced manufacturing processes ensure minimal waste, making it a carbon-e cient alternative to steel and concrete. BIOPHILIC DESIGN IN ACTION The Mill exemplifies how biophilic design can enhance both form and function. With passive ventilation systems and abundant natural daylight, the facility reduces reliance on artificial systems, lowering energy consumption and creating a healthier environment for its users. “The design establishes a strong connection to the surrounding landscape and context,” says Ian Adamson, Project Principal at Warren and Mahoney. “The use of mass timber allows us to achieve a dynamic floor plan and flexible spaces, ensuring that the Sports Performance Hub not only meets its functional requirements but also serves as a model for sustainable and health-conscious architecture.” A NEW ERA FOR SPORTS FACILITIES The Mill sets a new standard for combining athletic excellence with eco-conscious design. It is a testament to what’s possible when visionary architecture meets advanced engineering and sustainability practices. WIEHAG’s contributions, from precise 3D modeling to the delivery of world-class timber, were instrumental in realizing this vision. As the world shis toward more sustainable construction practices, The Mill stands as a shining example of how mass timber can transform spaces. For WIEHAG, the project underscores its commitment to craing solutions that align with both environmental values and cuing-edge architectural design. By blending biophilic principles, sustainability, and innovative engineering, The Mill is more than a building—it’s a legacy for the future. Discover more at wiehag.com
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