Business South September 2022

32 | Mass timber construction sets building apart Solid oak timber flooring sits on an acoustic floor, with Birch veneered columns and beams enhancing the overall high-end appearance. T T from page 30 Construction Solutions Central: Clearwater Quays DEVELOPMENT “This is all about sustainable building and being environmentally friendly. We left everything exposed in the stairwells. When you’re walking up the stairs, you can see just how the building was built, because it’s all exposed. That was done on purpose to showcase the mass timber construction. I must admit, it looks awesome.” Throughout the project 210m3 of CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) were used, including in the stairs and landing, along with 123, 352 of LVL/ Glulam (Laminated Veneer Lumber) as the building’s columns and beams. While Auckland based Enovate were engaged as the project’s engineers, Christchurch’s Kobe Construction was selected as lead contractor on site. “Blu (Blair) Tipler is the director of Kobe Construction,” says Phil. “He’s incredibly passionate and enthusiastic and we wanted to find the right contractor for the project. Like myself, Blu, could see the opportunities with mass timber buildings, and that it’s a way of the future with more and more people looking at carbon emissions, the environment and sustainability in buildings and their construction. We both saw the project as a perfect opportunity to learn more about mass timber construction.” While mass timber technology is not new to the construction industry, Phil says Clearwater Quays Apartments presented itself as something of a test-bed and both the design and construction team learned a lot about mass timber construction along the way. “Those learnings became part of a case study completed by Midrise Wood Construction, so that we can share the learnings with the industry and encourage others to use mass timber in their construction. That case Study and the learning now forms part of the Timber Design Centre, which provides industry guidance on timber construction. I’ve had people who are looking at Mass Timber buildings call me and ask questions about our experience.” While the construction project was set as an 11-month build, like so many projects, COVID-19, supply chain and resourcing issues impacted on the time-line. “The structure went up very quickly because we already had all the materials on site. We are now finished, and the first two apartments have been sold with solid interest for others.” After an extensive career as a builder, Phil established Christchurch based Construction Solutions Central 11 years ago and operates nationwide and has managed a diverse range of projects. While sometimes operating as a construction project manager, Phil often sees himself in the role of client representative/project manager and, as in the case of Clearwater Quays, has early involvement in the design process. “I’m looking to get more into design and consulting. I know the on-site challenges and I know what I could do for clients in making that easier for all concerned. The time spent up front right from that design stage, can save so much time and cost on site later on. It’s all about constructability. “On this project the consultants and architectural team have been very receptive to the onsite solutions that we brought with our extensive experience and knowledge in construction. It is a real team effort, to make the right decisions for the client. The team here are problem solvers, not problem makers.” “We left everything exposed in the stairwells. That was done on purpose to showcase the mass timber construction. I must admit, it looks awesome.” Waste Management is proud to have provided recycling solutions for this environmentally sustainable project. To find a sustainable waste solution for your project, speak to the experts. Call 0800 10 10 10 or visit wastemanagement.co.nz Data communications | Directional drilling | Civils | Fibre networks Wireless / CCTV / Audio visual / Matv 022 189 8844 | lee@ctgroup.co.nz | www.ctgroup.co.nz Covering all bases of communications ROUP

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