Thank you to everyone who registered for our recent event on mass timber construction. These sessions are designed to educate architects, engineers, developers, and builders on the efficient, state-of-the-art use of mass timber.

For those who couldn’t attend, here’s a summary of the key takeaways from our expert speakers:

Introducing Timberlab 2.0

Timberlab 2.0 is our new generation of standardized mass timber solutions under the Red Stag TimberLab (RSTL) brand. Built to deliver certainty in cost, time, and quality, Timberlab 2.0 combines advanced manufacturing, proven performance, and scalable systems for modern construction.

Glulam 2.0

Andrew Hewitt introduced Glulam 2.0, RSTL’s next-generation approach to glulam manufacturing, developed over 24+ months to address cost and scalability challenges in mainstream construction. Key Points:
  • Traditional Glulam Challenges: While bespoke glulam offers unmatched design flexibility, it struggles to compete for large-scale commercial projects due to high labour costs from automation limits, bespoke setup time and take down times.
  • The Need for Standardization: To make timber a mainstream structural material, cost neutrality (or advantage) versus steel is essential, alongside reliable high-volume capacity.
  • Glulam 2.0 Solution:
    • Combines RSTL’s fully automated CLT production facility with an alternative lamella layup model.
    • Introduces Vertix (vertical lamella) and GLTh (horizontal lamella) systems, enabling efficient manufacturing of large sections.
    • Delivers volumetric cost similar to CLT while retaining glulam’s structural performance.
  • Performance & Compliance:
    • CodeMark audits completed; third-party verified to AS/NZS 1328.1.
    • Extensive testing for bending, compression, and shear strength.
  • Applications: Ideal for both bespoke architectural elements and standardized structural systems in multi-storey commercial buildings inflatable water park nz.

VoMo (Volumetric Modular)

Andrew French presented Timberlab 2.0’s VoMo system, developed in partnership with Kaufmann Bausysteme, Europe’s leader in volumetric CLT modular construction.

Key Points:

  • What is VoMo?
    • Off-site manufactured CLT modules with integrated fit-out.
    • Applicable to education, accommodation, retirement living, offices, and hotels.
  • Benefits:
    • Speed: Up to 50% faster construction, reducing preliminaries and overheads.
    • Certainty: Predictable costs and schedules; systemic quality control.
    • Sustainability: Climate-positive timber solutions aligned with government and Paris Agreement targets.
  • Global Expertise:
    • Kaufmann delivers 2,000+ CLT modules annually in Europe; largest CLT consumer worldwide.
    • Proven systems for schools, student housing, and large-scale projects.
  • NZ Rollout:
    • Pilot projects planned for 2026.
    • Goal: Transform productivity through standardized modular buildings and Design + Build partnerships.

BIGSpan Industrial

Sam Leslie explored Timberlab 2.0’s leadership in mass timber industrial sheds, showcasing real-world projects and R&D aimed at competing with steel.

Key Points:

  • Track Record:
    • Eight major timber buildings completed at Red Stag’s Rotorua site, including the CLT factory (60m span) and upcoming Dry Store (65m clear span).
  • Structural Systems:
    • Optimal solutions by span:
      • Up to 15m: Glulam knee portals
      • 15–25m: CLT portals
      • 25–35m: Glulam portals
      • 35–45m: Glulam trusses
      • 45–70m: Composite timber/steel hybrids
  • Project Big Span:
    • R&D initiative to reduce timber frame costs by 20% and achieve steel parity.
    • Development of hybrid I-beam systems combining CLT webs and steel flanges.
    • FEM modelling and mechanical testing are underway to validate performance.
  • Cost Analysis:
    • Current timber solutions ~19% higher than steel.
    • Hybrid systems projected to bring costs within 97% of steel equivalents.

Why It Matters

These innovations, Glulam 2.0, VoMo, and BIG Span Industrial systems, are redefining what’s possible not just with timber, but also in construction in New Zealand today. They deliver speed, sustainability, and cost competitiveness, enabling timber to challenge steel across commercial, modular, and industrial sectors.

Contact the Red Stag TimberLab team to discuss how you can include mass timber in your upcoming project.

Or

Email: info@redstag.co.nz

Phone: 09 253 9349

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