Technology taking timber taller

Technology taking timber taller

Business as usual in the construction industry is getting something of a shakeup, as emerging trends in materials, technology and construction systems come together to create a whole new paradigm – specifically around timber.

Dr Perry Forsythe, Professor of Construction Management at the University of Technology says that in terms of construction materials, there is growing interest in timbers generally.

For three to five storey building, he says we will see more use of timber-framed construction. This market, particularly multi-residential mid-rise, will grow with the densification of our major cities. Companies that can deliver prefabricated systems for framed construction will be well positioned to succeed as densification gathers momentum. “A few companies will be the trend-setters, then there will come the fast-adopters,” says Dr Forsythe.

Because timber is easy to machine, it works well with the concurrent trend in architecture and design for the use of building information modelling and other 3D design modelling technologies. The more advanced construction companies will also see the value-add of such approaches in terms of faster erection of load-bearing walls and flooring and an overall more continuous construction process.

In Australia, leaders like Strongbuild, Lendlease, Impresa House, Timberbuilt Solutions and Sekisui House’s Shawood operation are creating a real stir with projects that showcase how new engineered timber products combined with 3D design modelling and high-tech manufacturing technologies can achieve more cost-effective and efficient project outcomes.

Just recently in New Zealand, Sir Bob Jones announced his plans to build a timber office building in central Wellington, making for an exciting week for tall timber. Jones’ announcement coincides with news of Ara Institute of Canterbury’s new, three storey, 6500 square metre architecture and engineering building. The designers, Jasmax, deployed new innovative wood building technologies.

The upcoming national building industry conference, entitled “Changing Perceptions of Engineered Timber in Construction” will be focused on ‘The Advantages of Timber in Mid-Rise Construction’. It's the second annual conference for Innovatek in commercial wood building and will be held in Rotorua on 28 September. The diverse programme attracts building owners, developers, architects, engineers, specifiers and key engineered wood suppliers.

Conference organiser John Stulen says, “Australian companies like Lendlease and Strongbuild have moved quickly and decisively in the tall timber building game. They’re well ahead of their New Zealand counterparts in commercial gains. So, Jones’ decision to go big with a wood structured tall office building augers well for the whole sector in this country.”

The conference is set to be part of a wood technology week of events coming to the city in September, including the FIEA WoodTECH 2017 two-day conference and trade expo. Rotorua Lakes Council are event partners promoting their successful “Wood-First” policy. For more details see: www.cpetc2017.com

For further information contact: John Stulen, Conference Director, Forest Industry Engineering Association (mob 027 275 8011)

ENDS

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