Working with mass timber construction

A recent Timber Unlimited Advanced Workshop was a good opportunity for two of our people to highlight fire-related issues with mass timber buildings to the sector.

Timber Unlimited is an industry-neutral, non-commercial non-profit, founded to encourage and facilitate the use of timber in the design and construction of all building and infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on the commercial, industrial, public, and multi-story sectors. 

Our National Advisor, Infrastructure, Jon Harris presented at the workshop along with Amy Harpur, Auckland Fire Engineering Team Leader. 

John said the objectives/goals of the workshop were to provide clarity on what is required to develop compliant fire designs for timber buildings and build confidence among designers, fire engineers and Building Control Officers (BCOs) on developing and approving compliant fire safe designs. This included raising awareness of and improving skill with the use of the new Timber Unlimited guidance documents that are available. 

‘I gave a presentation on firefighter concerns with mass timber buildings, as well as an overview of operations and the equipment, capacity, and limitations of the firefighting facilities available to New Zealand firefighters. 

‘Amy’s presentation highlighted the separate building evacuation regulations and the role and responsibility that Fire and Emergency has for these as the “regulator” compared to the Building Consent Authority and how this can affect a building. She also spoke of the benefits of consultants engaging early with Fire and Emergency. 

‘Mass timber construction is really taking off in New Zealand due to the low carbon design and the use of local sustainable materials. However, the NZ Building Code does not specifically address this type of construction.’ 

Jon said Fire and Emergency, including himself and Angela Chen (Fire and Emergency Senior Fire Engineer), have worked with Timber Unlimited over the last year to develop a Mass Timber Guidance Document to support the building code. The purpose of the document is to provide direction and remove uncertainty when mass timber buildings are being considered.’ 

‘The workshop was a good opportunity to engage with the industry. There were fire engineers, structural engineers, architects, designers, and timber manufacturers present. This is a rapidly evolving field, and we appreciate the ability to stay involved.’

Amy Harpur presenting to Timber Unlimited workshop

Jon Harris presenting to Timber Unlimited workshop