Wednesday, January 7, 2026
For many New Zealand builders and developers, the path from architectural vision to on-site assembly is often blocked by a familiar hurdle: the engineering approval process. Bespoke timber trusses require individual engineering, third-party reviews, and lengthy council approvals, which increase the time and costs associated with projects. Techlam, a leader in structural laminated timber for over 30 years, has officially launched a solution designed to bypass these traditional “bottlenecks.” Techlam provides standardised, code-compliant truss designs for easy selection by specifiers, with pre-verified engineering assumptions.
Developed in an exclusive partnership with PTL Structural & Fire Consultants, the Techlam system provides a level of compliance rarely seen in off-the-shelf timber products. Each design is backed by a PS1 (Producer Statement Design), ensuring it meets the rigorous demands of the New Zealand Building Code.
The versatility of the range is engineered to handle New Zealand’s unique geographical challenges:
Recognising that every project has different labour capacities and site constraints, Techlam offers three distinct delivery models for their pre-engineered trusses:
Unlike standard light-frame trusses that are often hidden away, Techlam’s glulam trusses are frequently designed to be seen. Manufactured from high-quality Radiata Pine or Spruce, the trusses are available in finishes ranging from “Utility Grade” for concealed structural use to “Smooth Sanded” for high-end architectural applications.
To suit different environmental conditions—especially coastal New Zealand regions—connection hardware can be specified in hot-dip galvanised, powder-coated, or 316-grade stainless steel.
The reliability of these pre-engineered designs is rooted in Techlam’s advanced manufacturing technology. At their facility in Levin, a state-of-the-art 6-axis CNC processing line handles timber members up to 1,200mm wide and 500mm thick.
This robotic precision ensures that every bolt hole, notch, and rebate is accurate to the millimeter. “This level of accuracy significantly reduces site time and eliminates the risk of human error during assembly,” says Brett Hamilton, Techlam’s Managing Director. While the pre-engineered range covers the vast majority of applications, Hamilton notes that Techlam’s heritage in custom fabrication remains a core pillar for projects requiring unique, one-off geometries.
Techlam’s innovation isn’t limited to trusses. The company has recently expanded its structural portfolio through the acquisition of the Woodspan brand. This move integrates Parallel Laminated Timber (PLT) panel systems into the Techlam ecosystem.
Through a strategic manufacturing partnership with Taranakipine, Techlam now offers a comprehensive “single-supplier” solution for mass timber projects. This integrated approach allows builders to source glulam trusses, structural posts, and PLT flooring or wall panels from one technical support team.
As New Zealand moves towards lower embodied carbon in the built environment, the shift from steel and concrete to engineered timber is accelerating. Techlam’s products are FSC®-certified, ensuring the timber is sourced from responsibly managed forests. Because glulam and PLT act as carbon sinks, specifying these systems directly contributes to a project’s sustainability goals.
Techlam offers a quicker, safer, and more reliable method of building for the future of New Zealand by fusing more than 30 years of manufacturing experience with the flexibility of pre-engineered design.
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Content Courtesy: Builders & Contractors Magazine (issue #161)
Tags: glulam truss designs, mass timber construction NZ, prefab timber solutions, sustainable structural timber, Techlam pre-engineered trusses
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