Metra Panel Inter-Tenancy System Saves Costs on Multi-Unit Complex

Laing Properties, a Metra Panel Platinum Installer in Christchurch has developed a reputation within the industry as the go-to multi-unit development installer. They have completed a 42 unit, two-storey apartment complex on Rex and Elizabeth Streets for the Legacy Group, of which 22 units are earmarked for Housing New Zealand and 20 of them for residential resale.

The site was deemed of poor quality and the cost to construct foundations to support a concrete tilt slab structure were far too expensive. Changing to a lightweight timber structure was the best option to reduce foundation costs, and Metra Panel was a perfect solution. Metra Panel is a product produced by LaminexNZ at their plant in Taupo. The panel is made from compressed wood fibre derived from plantation pine, and heat compressed with an exclusively formulated resin. The raw board then arrives at the re-manufacturing plant based in Huntly, where it is pre-primed by applying two coats of specially formulated Resene sealant. The architect's drawings are converted into panel drawings, and these are then precision cut with CNC technology and flat packed ready for delivery.

Metra Panel's solid 2.45 x 7.35m wood panel means there are fewer sheet joins than would be found under timber-framing and plasterboard systems. The homeowner gets the advantage of smooth, strong and durable walls, resulting in extensive cost maintenance savings over time — perfect for astute property investors, housing for the disabled, social housing and retirement villages.

Key Features:

BRANZ Appraisal 364 (2015)
Available in three sizes: 36mm walls, 25mm floors and ceilings and 18mm linings
Durability and impact resistance with 640kg/m³ density
Level 5 finish with inbuilt insulation
Metra Panel buildings are suitable for all Wind Zones up to and including Very High
Design flexibility for tailoring the design to individual requirements

With the use of the Metra Panel Inter-tenancy Wall system, the project offered ease of design for the architects and engineers, and a reduction in contractors required on site. One of the thinnest systems currently on the market at 172mm in width, the system is constructed to provide structural support, a 30/30/30 FRR and STC61 rating, whilst offering more overall floor space for projects for the same size building footprint.

In comparison to block and tilt slab systems, aside from being lighter, the Metra Panel Inter-tenancy System is 40% more affordable and is installed in half the time. Proprietary linings can be eliminated and through clever design, plastering may not even be needed due to the larger panel size.

The project came in on time and on budget, and Housing New Zealand rated the project as having a very high level of finish by Laing Properties using the Metra Panel System.

Project Credit: Laing Properties

Metra Panel System

Metra Construction Panels

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The Metra Panel System is a house building system based on Metra Panel wall, floor and ceiling panels.

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Metra Panel can be used as a stand-alone product, or complimentary to other systems leveraging a hybrid approach. The system can be used in the following applications:

Residential (according to BRANZ Appraisal 364, single unit (detached) housing which meets the scope of Clause 1.1.2. of NZS 3604).
Transportables (including minor dwellings, baches, traditional farm style cottages, granny flats, classrooms and subdivided properties). In a factory built environment can deliver a 153sqm transportable house in 4-6 weeks.
Commercial (including internal office fit outs and partitioning, modular components such as bathrooms for high rise structures and purpose built factories, storage units and two storey apartment complexes and student accommodation facilities).
Retirement (including individual units, duplexes, multi-storey complexes, communal facilities and hospitals).
Education (including classrooms, gymnasium, scholl facilities adn student accommodation).

In the opinion of BRANZ, the Metra Panel System comprising Metra Panel wall and ceiling panels, and connections if designed, used, installed and maintained in accordance with the statements and conditions of the BRANZ Appraisal 364 (2015), will meet the following provisions of the NZBC: This is an appraisal of an Alternative Solution in terms of the NZBC

Clause B1 Structure: B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.4 The Metra Panel Construction System meets the requirements for loads arising from self-weight, imposed gravity loads, earthquake, snow and wind (i.e B1.3.3 (a), (b), (f), (g) and (h)). See paragraphs 8.1-8.8
Clause B2 Durability: B2.3.1 (a) not less than 50 years. The Metra Panel Construction System will meet this requirement. See paragraphs 9.1 - 9.3
Clause F2 Hazardous Building Materials: F2.3.1. The Metra Panel Construction System will meet this requirement and will not present a hazard to peoples health. See paragraph 15.1 - 15.3

BRANZ Appraised

Metra Panel Wall System: Inter-Tenancy

Metra Construction Panels

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Metra Panel's Inter-Tenancy Wall System is constructed to provide structural support and both fire and sound insulation between habitable spaces from one dwelling to another.

Homestar / Green Star

Lifemark Product Partner

When integrated with the entire METRA walls, floor, and ceiling system, Metra Panel Inter-tenancy Wall system is a BRANZ Appraised system suitable for terraced/multi-unit developments up to 2-floor levels.

The 172mm Metra Inter-tenancy Wall Design and Construction boasts an FRR 60/60/60 fire resistance rating and STC61 sound insulation, which can achieve a 1S Fire Rating classification for the NZBC and 1 for the NCC upon application of additional specified coatings.

Clause B1 Structure: B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.4 The Metra Panel Construction System meets the requirements for loads arising from self-weight, imposed gravity loads, earthquake, snow and wind (i.e B1.3.3 (a), (b), (f), (g) and (h)).
Clause B2 Durability: B2.3.1 (a) not less than 50 years. The Metra Panel Construction System will meet this requirement.
Clause F2 Hazardous Building Materials: F2.3.1. The Metra Panel Construction System will meet this requirement and will not present a hazard to peoples health.
Fire Resistance Ratings refer to assessments of the degree to which the Metra Panel system is able to meet the categories of Structural Adequacy/Integrity/Insulation in accordance with AS 1530.4-1990.
STC refers to Sound Transmission Class and is a measure of sound insulation. It is measured as per the requirements in section G6/VM1 and G6/AS1 of the New Zealand Building Code.
Test results for both STC measure and FRR are available from Metra Panel on request

BRANZ Appraised

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