INNOVATIVE NZ GLULAM TIMBER SOLUTIONS SUPPORT A SUSTAINABLE BUILD
Engineered timber specialist, Prolam, is carving a reputation for innovation as the company behind two New Zealand-first glulam structural timber solutions – the PLX20 Beam and PLX Portal.
Prolam managing director, John Woodman, who founded the Nelson-based business in 2002, says a commitment to products that simplify construction and meet the demand for more sustainable building materials was front and centre in the development of the two products.
“High strength, cost effective and easy to install, the PLX20 Beam and PLX Portal provide a smart alternative to steel beams and bracing options,” says Woodman.
“Central to the PLX20 Beam’s innovative nature, and pivotal to its effectiveness as a structural timber solution, is its ‘hybrid’ design which comprises a steel flat bar inserted in the top and bottom timber laminates.”
Precision engineered from New Zealand plantation grown radiata pine and available in a range of lengths, the steel-reinforced and precambered PLX20 Beam allows designers to achieve a span to size of beam ratio which eclipses the spanning capability of traditional timber beams.
“This ability to span further with smaller members delivers optimal flexibility for designing architectural features in residential and commercial buildings ranging from garage lintels, floor or ridge beams, and rafters,” says Woodman.
The development of the PLX20 Beam paved the way for the PLX Portal, which hit the market in July 2023 as the first and only New Zealand designed and made glulam timber bracing portal.
“The beam and portal have both been designed for ease and safety of installation. They are compact and up to 40% lighter than their steel equivalents and this makes them faster, easier and safer to install, saving time and money with no extra assembly, equipment or extra labour required for installation.”
For more information visit www.prolamnz.com or email info@prolamnz.com.