This article was originally published in Builders & Contractors Magazine #161.
For most builders, getting engineered trusses approved represents a familiar bottleneck. Rather than engineering each truss system from scratch, Techlam has developed a suite of pre-engineered, building code-compliant truss designs that builders can specify directly from standardised sheets.
The system covers spans from 1.5 to 8 metres, with pitches ranging from 20° to 35°. Each design comes with a PS1 and clearly stated engineering assumptions, developed through a partnership with PTL Structural & Fire consultants.
Three ways to build with Techlam pre-engineered trusses
Trusses can arrive fully assembled and ready to crane into position which is ideal for tight timelines and limited site labour situations. Alternatively, they’re available as prefabricated kitsets for on-site assembly, or as glulam members only for teams who prefer complete site control.
Material specifications can be adjusted depending on the project. Trusses are manufactured from radiata pine or sprucelam glulam, with surface finishes ranging from smooth sanded options for exposed applications to utility grades for concealed use. Connection hardware can be specified as stainless steel, powder-coated or hot-dip galvanised to suit architectural requirements or challenging environments.
Pre-engineered in New Zealand, for New Zealand
The pre-engineered designs account for very high wind zones, seismic zone 3, sub-alpine regions and both light and heavy roof claddings. This means the same truss design can be deployed across different geographical locations without performance compromises or engineering delays.
Applications span from open-sided structures like carports, verandahs and covered walkways through to fully enclosed buildings. For open-sided uses, trusses come with specified posts and fixings. For enclosed applications, builders integrate them with supporting wall structures using provided connection details.
Behind the pre-engineered designs sits over 30 years of manufacturing expertise at Techlam’s Levin facility. The advanced 6-axis CNC processing line handles members up to 1,200mm wide, 500mm thick and of unlimited lengths, supporting state-of-the-art pre-fabrication facilities that deliver great accuracy.
This precision manufacturing, backed by strict quality management systems and environmental certifications, aims to significantly reduce site time, labour and risk. Techlam provides integrated technical support from concept through to assembly, helping builders manage accurate budgeting and build efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.
“The pre-engineered range covers most applications,” says Brett Hamilton, Techlam’s Managing Director, “but when projects need something unique, we can still design and manufacture custom trusses to specification.”
Innovative products to strengthen your projects
Beyond trusses, Techlam’s product range includes structural laminated posts and beams, curved elements for complex architectural applications and structural flooring solutions. Recently, the company completed acquisition of the Woodspan brand, adding parallel laminated timber (PLT) panel systems to their offering through a manufacturing partnership with Taranakipine. These PLT panels provide engineered timber solutions for walls, floors and roofs.
For projects pursuing comprehensive mass timber systems, the combination of glulam, PLT and pre-engineered products offers an integrated solution from a single supplier.
