Greetings and welcome to our first newsletter of 2026!
The opening months of the year have flown by, and while we have successfully finalised several assignments, the real story of the quarter has been the sheer volume of new work arriving at our door.
It is particularly encouraging to see mass timber becoming a staple in public infrastructure. A great example is the current installation of the Techlam glulam canopy at the Honiana Te Puni Reserve in Petone, which will be the northern gateway to the Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One section of Te Ara Tupua project between Wellington and the Hutt Valley. We look forward to seeing this community space fully come to life when the path opens later this year.
Staying busy is a good problem to have, and the momentum across the industry suggests a productive year ahead. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to keeping you updated as these new projects take shape.
Please feel free to reach out if you would like to discuss how we can assist with your upcoming plans.
Brett Hamilton – Managing Director
// Sneak peek of the Te Ara Tupua project
Engineered timber is transforming how we experience community spaces and the new glulam canopy at Honiana Te Puni Reserve will stand as a prime example! The Techlam glulam structure will provide shelter between the three Tāwharau Pods, tying them together to create a central, sheltered patio area for the community to gather.
NZ-grown radiata pine glulam provides a resilient structural solution that withstands wind and salt air while offering a warmth that steel and concrete cannot match. Off-site prefabrication allows for a smooth and quick installation with minimal disruption to the foreshore. We look forward to seeing this space fully come to life when the pathway opens later this year!
// Product spotlight: Techlam EziPosts™ and Techlam Premium Posts
At Techlam, we offer two main post options to suit different needs: Techlam EziPosts™ and Techlam Premium Posts.
Techlam EziPosts™
EziPosts™ is a reliable, high-quality standard laminated post. These are the typical “go-to” posts for most visual applications. They come in a variety of standard lengths and feature a clean, planer-gauged finish with slightly rounded edges. If you are looking for a sturdy, attractive post that is ready to go for general backyard or structural projects, EziPosts™ are an excellent choice.
Techlam Premium Posts
When a project requires a top-tier aesthetic, our Premium Posts are definitely the answer. These are made to order, meaning we can cut them to the exact length requirements in 100 mm increments for the project. Techlam Premium Posts are sanded to a smooth 80-grit surface, providing a sophisticated look that is perfect for high-end architectural designs where every detail counts.
// Welcome Chyco Mallari
We are pleased to announce that Chyco Mallari has joined the Techlam team as our new QS Estimator. A qualified Civil Engineer, Chyco brings a wealth of practical construction knowledge to our estimating process.
His daily work involves preparing precise quantity take-offs from architectural and structural drawings and assisting with pricing proposals. With his background in site engineering and QA/QC, Chyco ensures that our estimates are grounded in real-world technical requirements.
“It is a real privilege to join Techlam,” says Chyco. “I’m impressed by the collaborative culture here and the efficient processes for delivering quality projects.”
His expertise strengthens our ability to provide reliable, detailed costings for our clients’ mass timber projects.
// Let’s talk about PUR adhesives for glulam products
Techlam has moved to using only one-component polyurethane (1K PUR) adhesive for all our glulam products. This active decision ensures a formaldehyde-free, low-VOC result that keeps the natural aesthetic of the timber intact with a clear glue line.
As a Type 1 adhesive, 1K PUR meets the rigorous standards for Service Class 3, providing excellent heat resistance and environmental durability. While some suggest traditional resorcinol is superior, comparative research shows no difference in performance between the two under these conditions.
The key to any long-term timber structure is proper installation. To mitigate the risks associated with moisture and extreme environments, we recommend specific design practices—such as sealing end-grains and ensuring proper ground clearance – to protect your investment.
Techlam has their own in-house regulatory expert who can be contacted at louise.swann@techlam.co.nz.
// Resurrecting a Pasifika community landmark
While we completed the supply of structural glulam for the Majuro ECC Sports Stadium some time ago, it has been rewarding to see the facility fully open and serving the community in the Marshall Islands.
Exporting high-performance mass timber to such a remote Pacific location required precise logistical coordination and the durability that only engineered timber can provide in a corrosive coastal environment. The new glulam structure also provides a long-term solution to the termite issues that destroyed the building’s original roof.
The radiata pine glulam portal frames allowed for efficient, prefabricated assembly while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for the local athletes and spectators. This project remains a great example of how New Zealand-grown timber can deliver sustainable, world-class sporting infrastructure across the Pacific.
// Glulam across the globe
Image Credit: Simone Bossi, Emanuele Bressan
Each quarter, we are featuring an inspiring glulam project from elsewhere.
Project
The Agordo Centre – Conference & Exhibition Hall
Location
Agordo, Belluno, Italy
Architects
Studio Bressan & Studio Botter
Structural Engineering
Studio d’Inca Levy & Ing. Fabio Valentini
Timber Construction Company
LignoAlp (Damiani-Holz & Ko)
Completion Date
2018
Situated in North East Italy, the Agordo Centre provides a fresh take on the traditional timber architecture found throughout the Alpine regions. Designed by Studio Bressan and Studio Botter, this 6,300m² multifunctional facility hosts international conventions and local cultural events against a backdrop of the Venetian mountains.
Structural Performance with Glulam. The building relies heavily on glulam to achieve its distinct look, using 1,800m³ of spruce glulam. The exterior is defined by a series of repetitive timber trusses and diagonal bracing. Positioned behind a glass curtain wall, this structural frame captures the surrounding panorama for visitors inside without obstructing the view.
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The use of glulam lattice beams enabled the team to clear spans of 44.8 metres. This creates the vast, open floor area needed for large-scale exhibitions and conferences.
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The project utilised prefabricated components and dry-assembly methods. This factory-led approach ensured high precision and allowed for a much faster build on-site.
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Timber was the natural choice to meet environmental goals and provide the necessary seismic resistance for the region.
The characteristic multi-pitched roof extends past the glass walls, sheltering the entrance while providing natural temperature control—shading the interior from summer heat and allowing solar gain during winter.
