78 | T T Richard Loader Growing market for CLT products New Shoots ECEC Greenhithe, Auckland NZ (Photograph: Kelvin Lim) XLam TIMBER INDUSTRY Natural timber nourishes the soul like no other material and XLam’s range of CLT mass timber products exemplify that wonderful aesthetic appeal. There has been a lot of research around human exposure to natural products and the biophillic nature of timber. Meaning the love of nature, biophillic design focuses on humans’ innate attraction to nature, natural processes and the effect it has on health and wellbeing. Studies have measured the heart rate of people inside wooden buildings and found it to be lower than in concrete buildings — such is the positive effect of timber on humans. But XLam’s products are much more than aesthetics and low heart rates. They also provide an efficient, safe, cost effective and sustainable building product used in a diverse “The mass timber used in a building, effectively locks up the carbon it has previously stored while growing in the forest as a tree, and it is a renewable source of building material.” range of construction projects, making them the perfect material. Founded in 2010, Xlam started life in Nelson and had the honour of being the first ever cross-laminated timber (CLT) plant in the southern hemisphere. Now a truly Australasian business with operations across New Zealand and Australia, including its new facility in Tidal Road, Auckland, XLam works closely with clients and project partners applying its experience and expertise to support the delivery of inspiring and functional buildings, using XLam CLT as a safe, efficient, and sustainable building material. So what is XLam CLT? XLam CLT panels are structural building components for floors, roofs, stairs, soffits, balconies, internal and external walls and can be used in most AS/NZS 4364:2010 Service Class 1 and 2 environments for structural applications subject to project specific design requirements. The structural timber panels are made with layers of finger jointed Radiata Pine lamellas arranged at right angles to one another, and laminated together under pressure. The 90-degree cross lamination of alternate layers provide dimensional stability, strength, and rigidity. Jordan Robinson, Technical Sales Consultant XLam NZ, explains that Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is a bespoke product, made to order based on detailed drawings developed through the design and engineering phase. This process determines the specific structural considerations, panel thickness and spans, CLT layout and connection details. The product is also installed a lot quicker. Because everything is manufactured off site it’s like piecing together Meccano. All the panels are designed, cut and numbered off site and on the construction site it can be assembled more safely. “You just have to crane it into place. It’s a faster and a more efficient building solution than traditional alternatives. XLam applies its expertise in DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) to improve efficiency, reduce site waste, and maximise ROI.” In addition to being a more efficient construction material, there are a number of environmental benefits to using CLT, including carbon sequestration. “The mass timber used in a building, effectively locks up the carbon it has previously stored while growing in the forest as a tree, and it is a renewable source of building material. XLam CLT timber feedstock is sourced locally from renewable and vertically integrated production. CLT also uses the lowest amount of energy consumption compared to any other building product, and the density and characteristics of CLT provides favourable fire and acoustic performance.” XLam proudly supports government, commercial, industrial and residential construction projects and Jordan says XLam CLT is suitable for use either as full mass timber construction, or in hybrid construction used in conjunction with concrete and steel. The use of mass timber products in construction is an emerging market for which XLam has established technical expertise The company’s capability and the breadth of application for XLam CLT means that it can supply projects in Australia and New Zealand across all industry sectors, drawing on a broad base of engineering and construction knowledge and experience to provide advice and support its clients in the use of mass timber and DfMA. “We will work as an integral part of the project team supporting the lead architects and engineers with technical information and advice,” says Jordan. The product’s green credentials have also gained traction with architects and those pursuing green star rated construction, and ticks all the boxes in respect to the New Zealand Government’s drive to a low emissions future. That will hold timber businesses like XLam in good stead moving into the future. • Hiab hire • Hiab truck and trailer • Swinglift • Flat deck and trombone trailer transport services To book call: 0508 123 444 www.elevatet ranspor t .co.nz T R A N S P O R T L O G I S T I C S
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