Plytech specialises in offering the very latest and highest quality of plywood products, working together with architects and specifiers to ensure the right products are specified and all requirements are met.

Birch Elite is the finest A-grade Birch veneer available in New Zealand, and with pre-finished options in both ultra-matt clear and satin white tint, Birch Elite is unbeatable for value and quality.

Harmen from Plytech explains how they first became involved with the Balmoral School project: “We first met with Balmoral School Principle Malcolm Milner and Executive Officer Liz Oorthuis to discuss their large-scale school upgrade including brand new gymnasium facilities designed by RTA Studio Ltd," he says. "It was clear they both loved the aesthetic and sustainability benefits that plywood provides. They wanted to create calm, comfortable spaces that promote creativity and productivity for their students."

Plytech really enjoyed working closely with the client making sure the product specified would meet all of their requirements. The plywood would be used for classroom joinery (eight kitchenettes and several art stations) as well as extensive wall lining throughout the large gymnasium, changing rooms and bathroom facilities. The stability and performance of the panel was equally important to the way it would look and feel.

“The school was faced with various solutions but working with Harmen from Plytech made the decision to use Birch Elite so easy," says Liz. "Harmen listened and understood both the aesthetic and robustness qualities that we required from the product. We were given all technical and specification details, samples and reassurance that Birch Elite would be the ideal product for our requirements. Everyone at Plytech assisted 100% to ensure the school was making the right decision using their products."

It was obvious that the Birch Elite was the right choice. The 12mm is a single sided A-Grade face with a kraft-paper back perfect for wall and ceiling lining. The 18mm has two A-Grade faces ideal for premium joinery. By selecting the pre-finished ultra-matt clear option, the cost and time involved with coating was eliminated, adding more value to the project.

With almost 500m² of Birch Elite specified for the gym alone, the spaces really are breath-taking. “The school and the community all love the final look and feel of the finish, and we could not have wished for anything better," says Liz. "The smooth finish is beautiful and leads to an extravagant feel. It is airy and at the same time warm, welcoming and natural, letting the space do the talking. This product has exceeded our expectations in every way possible. Now it is all up to the children to enjoy the new facilities."