8 July 2025
Have a look at this clip from the US.Â
Kat and Michael built their dream home using prefabricated, solid-engineered wood panels called cross-laminated timber (CLT) – just like an IKEA cabinet.
They thought using the method would expedite the process. Instead, it took twice as long as they expected and cost twice as much as they budgeted.
The advantages of using CLT panels, common in Europe, are superior acoustic, fire, seismic and thermal performance. The disadvantage: it is hard to find local contractors who know how to assemble them.
But the couple, both 46, who finally moved in last year, says they are still glad they decided to use such an unusual approach.
Read more:
wsj.com
WoodWorks Issue – 08 Jul 2025
Welcome
Greetings from your WoodWorks team. First up we read about the milestone reached with the new parliament buildings in Wellington. Then we check out Techlam’s glulam solution for the new Palmerston North airport that’s sure to takeoff. In our third story we see the winners of the bridge building competition at the recent International Conference on Timber Bridges. Then, watch a clip from the US – perhaps we are marketing mass timber wrong? And finally, check out these beautiful timber-steel portal frames over a soccer court in Upper Macungie.
8 July 2025
New Parliament building makes progress, flat-pack style
Construction of the new six-storey parliamentary building on Museum Street, behind the Beehive, has reached a new milestone. Contractors have begun installing a mass timber frame, the building’s main structure,...
8 July 2025
Techlam’s glulam is ready for takeoff at Palmerston North Airport
Techlam has secured a contract to supply glulam for the redevelopment of Palmerston North Airport’s new terminal, a $43 million project set for completion by mid-2027. This initiative highlights the...
8 July 2025
Top Performers at the International Timber Bridges Conference
Yet again, the performance of wood exceeded expectations at the International Conference on Timber Bridges in Rotorua last night. We conducted the load tests on all five bridges. All exceeded...
8 July 2025
Perhaps we are marketing mass timber wrong
Have a look at this clip from the US. Kat and Michael built their dream home using prefabricated, solid-engineered wood panels called cross-laminated timber (CLT) – just like an IKEA...
8 July 2025
85m timber-steel portal frames over a soccer court
Timber preassembly and installation has began at the Upper Macungie Township Community Lifestyle Center site! The massive 280ft trusses are being preassembled in 3 segments, respecting the capacity of the...