Mass Timber (CLT & LVL)

Plant and Food Research: Seafood Research Centre

Client:

Port Nelson Limited

Architect:

Jerram Tocker Barron Architects

Structural Engineer:

Sylvester Clark

Head Contractor:

Scott Construction

Location:

Maitai Wharf, Nelson, New Zealand

Building Methodology:

Mass Timber: CLT & GLT
XLam CLT (68m3)

Faced with poor ground conditions and harsh weather, XLam provided a lightweight, yet robust, prefabricated CLT solution for the purpose-built research centre on the Maitai Wharf in Nelson.

This award-winning commercial building showcases innovation, earning the NZ Wood Resene Timber Award for Excellence in Engineered Wood Products, and the 2018 Timber Design Award in Engineered Wood Products.

The building is a purpose-built Seafood Research Centre for Plant and Food Research, consolidating the seafood research team onto a single site. This building is the second stage and anchor tenant building for the new Seafood Research Precinct developed by Port Nelson Limited.

Designed by architects, Jerram Tocker Barron, the centre accommodates 50 sciencestaff in a purpose-designed modern working environment, comprised of an open plan office, collaborative spaces, focus room pods, meeting rooms, AV rooms, seminar room, cafeteria, and a feature entry foyer. Specialist science areas provided include; chemistry labs, PC2 Molecular labs, wet labs, a flow tank, and workshop spaces.

XLam supported key project outcomes including; sustainability, lightweight contruction, efficient construction, and site safety. XLam supplied XLam CLT and XLam AirStairs as well as technical advice and expertise.

Design & Structure

The building incorporates many innovative elements typical of a mass timber structure. The reclaimed land required a lightweight construction solution, engineered timber being an obvious choice. The building is supported by 15m long piles penetrating the old seabed to support a concrete ground floor, all main components are wood including 68m3 of XLam CLT and XLam AirStairs.

The structural design hinges on the use of lightweight prefabricated engineered timber components. The two storey offices and administration building incorporate a blend of products from XLam, Nelson Pine Industries and Potius Building Systems.

The main structural support and shear walls comprise XLam 5-layer 130mm thick CLT panels rising full height of the building. The XLam CLT panels are connected to the floor slab by cast-in projecting steel dowels over which the factory-drilled panels were lowered, with epoxy adhesive inserted once the panels were positioned. The walls were rapidly installed and wrapped against weather until the building was enclosed. The XLam CLT walls support a Potius floor fabricated from LVL, while bracing to the open south wall is provided by LVL cross columns.

Floor levels are linked by XLam AirStairs which provide a strong design feature to the double height entry. Much of the mass timber was sanded and clear finished post installation and left exposed to deliver warmth and ambience to the interior and for biophillic benefits.

Outcome

This award-winning project demonstrates the structural performance of MTC, including XLam CLT, in the face of adverse conditions. It is testament to the strength and versitility of mass timber.

Supplying XLam CLT and drawing on our expertise in MTC, XLam supported project outcomes including;

Environmentally conscious construction using MTC and XLam CLT
Reduction in carbon emissions, sustainable timber stores CO2, creating a lower carbon footprint than concrete and steel
Biophillic, timber is beautiful, warm and inviting, creating a healthy workplace that improves physical and emotional wellbeing of occupants
Due to cross lamination, XLam CLT and other MTC structural elements are strong and safe while also being lighter - perfect for soft ground and for reducing the weight (and cost) of foundations
Off-site manufacturing increased construction speed
XLam AirStairs (prefabricated from XLam CLT) are time efficient and easy to install supporting rapid construction
Pre-frabricated MTC is safer - with less processes being performed on site and a lower headcount, MTC using XLam CLT and XLam AirStairs reduces the risk and instances of injury