From the early pioneering days to now, natural wood-based products have featured heavily in the New Zealand building and construction environment. New Zealand builders are familiar with timber and this familiarity and comfort leads to innovation and confidence in the use of wood products.
It is evident from the exponential growth nationally in the use of LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) that the preference for wood-based building products continues to grow, even today. LVL is an engineered product which takes traditional wood and, using modern techniques, transforms it into a product that is stronger, stiffer and available in a wider range of sizes and lengths than traditional timber building products.
Futurebuild LVL takes projects to the next level; made from multiple layers of wood veneer laminated together under precise factory conditions, combined using heat and pressure resulting in a solid, consistent material that delivers proven structural reliability along with design versatility.
New Zealand builders, architects and engineers are unlocking the potential of LVL as a building material as they come to realise this product has more uses than just as a beam. With the next generation of LVL systems, including Timber Concrete Composite (TCC) Floors, LVL Portal Frame systems and LVL post and beam structures taking off, the use of LVL can be seen across residential, commercial, industrial and rural buildings.
In response to the constant changes and challenges in the building market, the industry needs to be innovative and utilise products that are both efficient and sustainable. LVL is made from sustainably grown plantation pine, a naturally renewable material. All Futurebuild LVL products are available FSC certified upon request and are Declare accredited, making them suitable for use in Living Building Challenge projects.
For more information on the Futurebuild LVL range of products such as hySPAN and hyJOIST, or to download technical guides, apps and software visit the Futurebuild website.