
Large-span industrial buildings are typically dominated by structural steel. Project Big Span explores whether hybrid timber–steel structural systems could provide a practical, lower-carbon and cost-competitive alternative.
Funded through the Mid-Rise Wood Construction programme, the MIBO white paper documents research undertaken by Red Stag TimberLab to investigate how engineered timber systems can be optimised for large-span industrial shed construction.
Read the full MIBO / Project Big Span white paper to explore the structural concepts, cost modelling, laboratory testing and commercial case study in more detail.
WoodWorks Issue – 23 Jun 2026
Welcome
Greetings from your WoodWorks team. Large-span industrial buildings are typically dominated by structural steel. Project Big Span explores whether hybrid timber–steel structural systems could provide a practical, lower-carbon and cost-competitive alternative.
For a small nation at the edge of the world — New Zealand is holding its own.
Hess Timber and the Warren & Mahoney team worked closely together to deliver the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre. This project highlights how large-scale timber construction is reshaping aquatic design through performance, efficiency, and strong architectural impact.
Pacific Koro is a landmark mixed‑use development in Suva, Fiji comprising of two six‑storey commercial buildings with retail, food and beverage, office and hospitality use.
One for the project managers and engineers: “Understanding tolerances in prefabricated timber construction.


Project Big Span

New Zealand’s holding it’s own

Adelaide Aquatic Centre sets a new benchmark in timber design

Enovate delivers structural design for Pacific Koro

