The 6th annual WoodWorks mass timber conference bought together leaders in engineered wood design and construction. It successfully brought together 260 architects, project managers, designers, quantity surveyors, BIM specialists, engineers and wood producers from throughout New Zealand and internationally.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event was postponed twice before moving to a 100% online event for March 2022. Luckily, the conference programme itself was not affected and we were treated to 15 outstanding presentations throughout the day.

WoodWorks 2021/22 focused on case studies, technology developments (including LVL and CLT) and the prefabrication and connection systems transforming commercial and multi-residential construction.

Top sessions from the one-day conference included case studies of some building project exemplars, including the mass timber demonstration project – Clearwater Quays Apartments near Christchurch and Mary Potter Hospice Apartments in Wellington constructed using a range of engineered mass timber products and technologies.

The “Build-to-Rent” session, which included a business case from Roy Thompson of New Ground Living and in-depth analysis by Shamubeel Eaqub from Sense Partners, also received excellent feedback.

Jason Wilson, deputy director-general of Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, also announced the creation of a new Timber Design Centre. In addition to providing information on engineered timber design guidance, it’s expected that the centre will foster connections across the forestry and construction sectors to build up local design and construction expertise, knowledge, techniques, and skills.

Plans also include a new industry advisory service to provide advice to building designers and help promote, facilitate and speed up the greater use of timber for mid-rise buildings.