Case Study

Arapipi House

  • Location
    Peka Peka, Kāpiti Coast
  • Client
    Private Residential
  • Architect
    MCooper Architects
  • Structural Engineer
    Michael Heather (AMX Structures)
  • Builder
    Slate Construction
  • Date
    2024
  • Photo Credits
    Slate Construction

Pre-engineered timber trusses for refined coastal architecture

Our Challenge
This two-level home on the Peka Peka sand dunes required a high-performing structural package with exceptional aesthetics. The design featured a prominent gable end that needed a visually striking, precise timber truss system. This required structural components offering superior strength, stability, and aesthetic quality, especially against the demanding coastal conditions.

The Techlam Solution
Techlam provided a pre-engineered package of structural glulam timber, focusing on the feature gable end truss. We supplied visual appearance grade GL8 glulam components for the chords and webs, complete with white powder-coated stainless steel plates. Our precision off-site manufacturing ensured all elements fit perfectly, guaranteeing rapid, accurate assembly for Slate Construction and delivering the required robust, visually appealing coastal structure.

Products Used
01

Pre-engineered Trusses

The feature trusses, including the top chords, webs and associated beams, were supplied pre-cut and pre-finished with specific connection hardware, ensuring rapid and precise on-site assembly.

02

Glulaminated Visual Appearance Grades

Glulam components were used for the main structural supports and the primary members of the feature truss, chosen for strength, visual quality and dimensional stability.

Jonte Walton

Quantity Surveyor

Slate Construction

“Glulam gave us the strength and stability we needed without the weight or handling issues of steel. The accuracy of the engineered timber meant we had no surprises on site; the truss arrived exactly to spec with no sizing problems.”

“Because it was fully pre-assembled, the builders weren’t stuck piecing anything together or making corrections. We measured directly off plans ahead of time to make sure delivery lined up with the programme, and it slotted straight in without slowing progress. The pre-fabrication definitely lifted overall speed and efficiency on site.

The finish quality was top notch. Clean, consistent, and basically defect-free, which meant minimal prep work for painters. The truss landed exactly how we wanted visually and added a strong architectural feature to the home. The feedback from the homeowners was consistently positive. They were genuinely impressed with how it looked once installed.

 Techlam’s communication was fast, clear, and reliable from start to finish. The team knew their stuff and made the process easy. Support was solid the whole way through. We’d absolutely use Techlam again and have no hesitation recommending them. ”

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