Mass timber is going through a meteoric rise within NZ, with many major projects committing to significant timber content of the building’s structure. Locally, Holmes have worked with the RM Design team to develop an understanding of the challenges for multi-level CLT construction within the NZBC.

The approach to fire compliance of mass timber in NZ has changed over the last few years. Haven Rd has been the latest and tallest of our projects with RM Design. The external cladding performance, assessment of burnout rating with the additional timber contribution, fire rating of the CLT system, and passive fire stopping of penetrations to detailing of structural connections in the project all needing specific consideration for NZBC compliance.

We were fortunate to be able to draw on our local and international experience from the wider Holmes team to help resolve these issues. This was further enhanced by our involvement in experimental testing of UC research undertaken at Holmes Solutions.

We have really enjoyed collaborating with the RM Design and the team of consultants they have brought together over a number of projects to refine their overall approach to CLT designs.

MIKE INWOOD, Manager Fire Specialist Services, Holmes NZ LP