Lessons in Mass Timber Construction

Last week, project and site managers from our Canterbury region visited Queenstown for a knowledge-sharing session on mass timber construction. The visit focused on the upcoming facility, The Mill, Queenstown's leading sports performance and health and recovery centre. There, Glulam timber has been extensively used, providing valuable insights for Canterbury’s upcoming Nurse Maude Hospice build.

This cross-regional collaboration aimed to streamline processes, improve efficiencies, and gain a deeper understanding of working with mass timber. Brent, Project Manager from Canterbury, highlighted the benefit of learning from the Southern Lakes team’s experience:

“By sharing lessons learned, we can approach our own project with greater confidence, minimising risks from the outset. This connection between regional teams ensures we’re adopting best practices from those already working with the material.”

Key takeaways included:

• Meticulous Set-Outs: Combining simple, effective methods with constant checks to ensure accuracy.
• Moisture and UV Management: Practical strategies to protect timber throughout the project.
• Connection and Bracket Inspections: Addressing potential installation challenges early.
• Sequencing and Teamwork: Effective coordination between prep, lift, and install teams to improve efficiency.

The Canterbury team also met the Glulam installer, whose hands-on approach and comprehensive involvement in craneage, delivery, and installation were praised for streamlining processes. Site Manager Glen noted:

“It was incredible to see how the Southern Lakes team managed their site. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality assurance has inspired us to integrate some of their approaches into our own work.”

The visit not only strengthened connections between the regions but also fostered a positive and collaborative culture within the team. As Mark, Queenstown’s Project Manager, summed up:

“This was a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and ensure the success of mass timber projects across our regions.”

The learnings from this trip will undoubtedly play a vital role in the success of the upcoming Nurse Maude Hospice project.

You can read more information on the Nurse Maude project here.