UK architect Andrew Waugh, who designed the “world’s tallest” timber building in London, has been promoting cross-laminated timber construction during a tour in New Zealand.
Mr Waugh, who designed the Stadthaus residential project, was involved in a seminar series in the country organised by NZ Wood Design Advisory Centre to promote the use of timber in multi-storey and high-risk construction.
He also visited Christchurch, where an earthquake in February severely damaged buildings and claimed 182 lives.
Mr Waugh, of Waugh Thistleton Architects, told seminar delegates that the plentiful supply of timber in New Zealand and the ability of timber construction to perform well in earthquakes made the build method an alternative to concrete and steel in areas like central Christchurch.
He told delegates that with engineered wood products such as LVL and cross-laminated timber, it was vital to demonstrate to authorities that they were different materials and methods from standard timber framing, with higher performance possible.
Mr Waugh said his company was designing 12-storey buildings in cross-laminated timber.
