BOTANY TOYOTA

Auckland, New Zealand

Project Description

CREDITS: Consulting Engineer: Blueprint / Architect: Woodhams Meikle Zhan / Contractor: Savory Construction

Who Said Commercial Structures Can’t have Flare? Winner of Commercial Architecture – Auckland Architecture Awards 2020.

When the designers of the new Toyota centre in Botany wanted something a little more stylish than a concrete box or run-of-the-mill steel portal frame, they came up with an eye-catching solution using triangular engineered timber portal frames.

This innovative form was achieved by leaning the fabricated LVL portals and tying them together along the rafter using specially shaped timber diaphragms.

With rafters nail-fixed into the top of the columns to form a rigid joint, and diaphragms fixed between the triangular portals, the free-standing frames made an impressive profile.

Portal legs were fabricated by gluing shaped LVL panels with side panels extended to allow the rafter members to slot between.

Successful execution required precise bevelling and detailing to ensure efficient on-site assembly and installation. TimberLab achieved this by producing detailed 3D computer modelling and using our 5 axis CNC gantry machine to prefabricate all the components.

Housing the newest range of Toyota vehicles, the TimberLab fabricated portals bring a modern clean line cut to this highly visual award-winning facility.

AWARDS

Auckland Architecture Awards 2020 – Winner Commercial Architecture

NZ Wood Resene Timber design Awards – Winner Commercial Design