Building on the shifting sands of the Kāpiti Coast requires a delicate balance between robust engineering and aesthetic sensitivity. The recently completed Arapipi Residence in Peka Peka manages just that, blending naturally with its rugged dune context while delivering a refined, high-performance structure. Bringing the project together on this stunning but challenging site required close coordination between MCooper Architects, Slate Construction and AMX Structures. Techlam played a supporting role, supplying the specific engineered timber needed to meet the demands of the coastal environment. 

The project, spearheaded by the homeowners’ vision for a sanctuary that could withstand the salt air while offering warmth and luxury, presented unique challenges from the outset. The sandy substrate demanded a comprehensive foundation system, while the architectural vision called for a striking feature gable end. This element needed to act as a visual anchor for the home, requiring materials that were not only structurally sound but visually flawless. 

Techlam was selected to supply the pre-engineered structural timber package, including the GL8 glulam feature trusses. Comprising a 240x88mm top chord and beam with matching webs, the truss system was designed to replace traditional steel elements which can be prone to corrosion and heavy to manoeuvre on difficult sites. 

For Jonte Walton, Quantity Surveyor at Slate Construction, the shift to engineered timber offered immediate practical benefits during the build. 

“Glulam gave us the strength and stability we needed without the weight or handling issues of steel,” Walton explained. The logistics of building on a dune site meant that ease of handling was an important criteria for the material selection. “The accuracy of the engineered timber meant we had no surprises on site; the truss arrived exactly to spec with no sizing problems.”

The decision to use Techlam’s prefabricated approach – where components are precision-manufactured off-site – paid dividends for the construction timeline. Rather than carpenters needing to piece together complex geometry on site, the components arrived ready for immediate assembly. 

“Because it was fully pre-assembled, the builders weren’t stuck piecing anything together or making corrections,” Walton noted, highlighting how the pre-fabrication “definitely lifted overall speed and efficiency on site.” 

Beyond the structural mechanics, the Arapipi House is a design-led project. The interior relies on a restrained material palette that celebrates texture and coastal tones. The exposed glulam truss, connected with white powder-coated stainless steel plates, had to meet a high visual standard to align with the rest of the home’s luxury finishes. 

The visual impact of the installed timber has become a talking point for the home. “The finish quality was top notch. Clean, consistent, and basically defect-free, which meant minimal prep work for painters,” said Walton. “The truss landed exactly how we wanted visually and added a strong architectural feature to the home.” 

The homeowners, who were deeply involved in every aspect of the build from material selection to colour palettes, were reportedly impressed with the final result, validating the decision to feature the structure rather than hide it. 

The success of the Arapipi House underscores the importance of good communication and early involvement in the pre-engineering process. From the initial design phase through to delivery, the synergy between the architect, the builder and the manufacturer ensured that the technical complexities of the truss design were resolved long before the timber reached the site. 

Walton commended the reliability of the process and partnership with Techlam: “Their communication was fast, clear, and reliable from start to finish. The team knew their stuff and made the process easy.” 

The Arapipi Residence serves as a practical example of how engineered timber performs in coastal settings. By combining structural durability with high-end design, the project team has delivered a home that meets the environmental challenges of the Kāpiti Coast without compromising on visual appeal. It is a fantastic result for the homeowners and a project Techlam is proud to have supported. 

Read the Case Study here.

Photo Credits: Slate Construction.