Our Challenge
The Woolstore Group Ltd aimed to create Kai Tahi, a vibrant community space in Porirua featuring a distinctive arcade connecting the town centre and waterfront. The key challenge was the structural design and construction of a complex, geometrically intricate arcade envisioned as a “timber amphibian” making its way out of the water to the town centre. This required a material capable of achieving complex geometrical forms and large unsupported spans while adhering to the highest structural requirements and sustainability objectives. Precise fabrication and efficient on-site assembly were also critical due to the project’s unique design.

The Techlam Solution
Techlam provided structural glulaminated beams for the Kai Tahi arcade. Glulam’s high strength-to-weight ratio enabled the realisation of the intricate structure and long spans specified in the architectural design. Its inherent dimensional stability ensured the structural integrity and visual consistency of the exposed timber. Techlam’s advanced prefabrication capabilities, including digital modelling and CNC processing, allowed for the precise manufacture of intricate joint details off-site. This accuracy streamlined on-site assembly, minimising construction time and potential errors, ultimately achieving cost savings. The selection of glulam also addressed the project’s overall sustainability goals by utilising a material with a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional alternatives such as steel or concrete. The engineered properties of glulam provided a predictable and reliable structural solution for the arcade’s unique and demanding geometry, as well as answering aesthetic design needs.