At Techlam, we’ve spent years delivering engineered timber solutions across Aotearoa and beyond. From bespoke glulam beams to large-scale structural systems, we’ve seen firsthand what makes mass timber projects succeed – or stall. While sustainability and aesthetics often drive interest, cost remains the biggest hurdle. So, how do we make timber not just viable, but the smart choice that truly unlocks its potential for sustainable, beautiful constructions?

Here’s our five-step approach to making mass timber affordable, efficient and future-ready.

1. Experience Matters – And It Pays Off

There’s no substitute for experience.

Our team has worked across diverse sectors – civil, residential, commercial. We’ve learned that timber’s true value lies in how it’s applied, not simply its volume or price per cubic metre. It’s about understanding logistics, structural performance, acoustic needs, and how timber integrates with other systems.

We bring that holistic perspective to every project, helping clients avoid expensive errors, like incorrect panel sizing that leads to significant on-site waste, and gain efficiencies they might otherwise miss.

2. Get Timber Experts In Early

The earlier we’re involved, the more value we can add.

Waiting until late-stage design to bring in timber specialists often leads to rework, delays, and missed opportunities. Early engagement allows us to influence layout, grid spacing, and detailing.

This sets the project up for smoother consenting, faster fabrication, and easier installation. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about reducing risk and building smarter from the very beginning, potentially opening doors to more innovative design solutions.

3. Think Slow, Build Fast

We believe in the mantra: “Think slow, build fast.”

A few extra hours spent refining details in the design phase can save days on site. That’s why we champion off-site planning, pre-assembly, and digital coordination. Precision in every crane lift, every connection, every panel is vital. By investing in precision early, we reduce waste, speed up installation, and deliver better outcomes for everyone on site.

4. Look Beyond Material Costs

Timber’s cost isn’t just in the product – it’s in how it’s handled.

A cheaper beam that takes twice as long to install isn’t a bargain. We help clients evaluate the total cost: material plus labour plus time.

Whether it’s optimising panel layouts, reducing crane lifts, or pre-assembling connections, we focus on solutions that deliver real-world savings.

This means making smart trade-offs, like investing in larger pre-fabricated elements to reduce on-site labour, rather than simply cutting corners.

5. Dedicated Timber Project Management

Mass timber projects need more than good design; they need great coordination.

Our project managers understand the full timber lifecycle, from shop drawings to site delivery. We align architects, engineers, and contractors under a unified plan, ensuring that every bolt, bracket, and beam arrives on time and fits first time.

Without this dedicated management, scheduling conflicts and material delays can quickly derail a project. That’s the Techlam difference: seamless delivery, every step of the way.

Bonus Step: Smarter Metrics for Smarter Timber

We’re also developing new ways to measure timber efficiency, like timber volume per square metre of building.

These metrics allow us to pinpoint areas for material optimisation, track performance, reduce waste, and improve carbon outcomes by quantifying our efficiency. Because at Techlam, we’re not just building with timber – we’re building a smarter, more sustainable future.

Let’s Build Better, Together

Whether you’re designing a pedestrian bridge in the Waikato, or a resort on a remote island where getting materials there is half the challenge, we’re here to help you make timber work. Let’s talk early, plan smart, and deliver projects that are beautiful, efficient, built to last and make everyone involved proud to have been part of the team. Get in touch today!