The newly completed New Zealand Artificial Limbs Society (NZALS) Centre in Burwood, Christchurch, beautifully demonstrates the incredible potential of New Zealand timber. Techlam proudly contributed to this innovative project, working closely with a skilled team to transform the architect's vision into reality.

From the beginning, the NZALS Centre was designed as a timber structure. The client wanted a sustainable building that would showcase New Zealand's natural resources while enabling rapid on-site construction.

The success of the NZALS Centre reflects the project team's collaborative spirit. Architect RM Designs, Structural Engineer ENGCO and Contract Construction brought together Techlam glulam beams with XLam CLT and Woodspan PLT for the walls and roofs to create something truly unique and ensuring a smooth process from design to installation.

Techlam's visual glulam beams were prefabricated at their manufacturing facility in Levin, ensuring precision and efficiency. The beams integrated perfectly with the CLT and PLT elements, utilising timber connections from Rothoblaas. The result is a stunning timber building that embodies sustainability and craftsmanship.

An interesting environmental benefit emerged from the project's use of engineered timber. The Techlam glulam beams used in the NZALS Centre sequestered close to 11 tonnes of carbon, contributing to a more sustainable approach to building design, demonstrating that material choices can make a difference in reducing the construction industry's carbon footprint. 

Beyond its structural function, the exposed timber throughout the NZALS Centre creates a warm and inviting environment. The reception area features a striking glulam "tree" that highlights the design possibilities of engineered timber. This biophilic approach fosters a connection with nature, contributing to a calming and healing atmosphere.

Bjørn Stankowitz, Structural Engineer at Engco, shared his enthusiasm: “I'm really happy how it went down, communicating with Techlam and the quality of the material and everything delivered on site, really good from responses to everything, which is really important for us engineers and design teams.”

Key project takeaways: 

• The NZALS Centre showcases the environmental benefits of New Zealand timber, demonstrating how local resources can be used effectively in modern building design. 
• Techlam's prefabricated glulam beams significantly accelerated on-site construction, reducing time and potential complications. 
• Glulam enabled the creation of unique architectural features that would be challenging with traditional building materials. 
• The timber structure contributes to a calming and restorative environment, supporting the centre's healing mission.

The NZALS Centre exemplifies the great potential of innovative design and local craftsmanship. Techlam continues to explore new ways of working with engineered timber, committed to creating buildings that are not just structures, but living, breathing spaces that connect people and communities with the natural world around them.