Wednesday, December 31, 2025
XLam, a subsidiary of James Jones & Sons Ltd based in Australia, has gained international recognition as the supplier of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) for the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services North Coast Region headquarters and the Maryborough Fire and Rescue Station. This recognition comes after the project was awarded the prestigious Built by Nature “Public Infrastructure” award. Chosen from nearly 400 global entries, this honour was awarded following a comprehensive judging process conducted by renowned experts, including architect Kevin McCloud, best known for hosting the Grand Designs TV show.
The Queensland-based fire and emergency services complex is the first of its kind in Australia, being built with mass-engineered timber. The recognition of the project as a winner in the Built by Nature awards underscores the increasing role of timber in sustainable, modern construction. As part of this accolade, the project will be highlighted at COP30 in Brazil, where it will be featured in a short documentary, narrated by Sir David Attenborough and alongside McCloud. This showcase further emphasizes the importance of timber in the future of sustainable building design.
Kim Baber, the principal architect from Baber Studio, who led the design of the fire station complex, travelled to London to accept the award. Baber expressed immense pride in the project, which represents a significant milestone in the development of timber-based infrastructure. The Built by Nature awards recognise not only innovative use of timber but also its role in promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility within the construction industry.
Tom Bruce-Jones, Chairman of James Jones & Sons Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the award, calling it “a tremendous accomplishment and a validation of timber’s potential in modern construction.” He also congratulated the Queensland government and the project team for their achievement in delivering such a sustainable, innovative building. Bruce-Jones highlighted that this project aligns with the company’s global strategy, reinforcing its advocacy for sustainable timber products and practices, particularly within the UK’s building sector.
The success of this timber project in Australia echoes recent initiatives by James Jones & Sons Ltd in the UK, where the company has been advocating the use of C16 timber for construction. The C16 timber initiative aims to promote the sustainability and versatility of timber in the building industry. It also highlights the growing recognition of timber as a leading material in sustainable construction projects worldwide.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services headquarters and Maryborough Fire and Rescue Station are not just significant for their innovative use of timber but also for their functionality. The mass-engineered timber buildings are designed to withstand the rigorous demands of emergency services while offering a modern, eco-friendly approach to public infrastructure. By using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), the project reduces its carbon footprint and promotes a more sustainable method of building.
The award-winning design reflects the strong commitment of the Queensland government and the project team to sustainability. It also serves as an example of the growing trend of using timber in public infrastructure projects. Timber is increasingly being seen as a material that not only meets the practical needs of buildings but also contributes to environmental conservation and long-term sustainability.
In addition to the project’s recognition at COP30, this award also positions the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services complex as a leader in sustainable architecture. It highlights the growing demand for timber in global construction markets and the increasing importance of sustainable practices in urban development. The award is a clear demonstration of the potential of timber to reshape the way we think about modern construction and the materials we use to build our future.
For James Jones & Sons Ltd, this recognition further strengthens their position as a global leader in the timber industry. The company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, combined with its focus on developing high-quality timber products for modern construction, continues to drive innovation in the sector. The success of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services project is a testament to the company’s ability to provide innovative solutions to the challenges of sustainable construction.
Looking ahead, James Jones & Sons Ltd remains focused on advancing the use of timber in construction, both in the UK and internationally. With continued support for projects like the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services complex, the company aims to expand its role in shaping the future of sustainable architecture. The growing interest in mass-engineered timber as a construction material offers exciting opportunities for the global building industry, and James Jones & Sons Ltd is committed to leading the way.
In conclusion, the recognition of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services headquarters and Maryborough Fire and Rescue Station for the Built by Nature “Public Infrastructure” award highlights the growing role of timber in modern, sustainable construction. The project demonstrates how timber can be used to create functional, eco-friendly infrastructure that meets the needs of both local communities and the environment. Through partnerships like this, James Jones & Sons Ltd continues to showcase the benefits of timber as a key material for a sustainable future.
News Source- https://www.ttjonline.com/
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Tags: James Jones & Sons Ltd, mass-engineered timber, sustainable infrastructure, timber construction, timber in construction, Wood news and updates, XLam
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