Kia mataara—Upcoming works

E tū e hine mā e tama mā, whakaarahia ake ngā poupou o tō whare—First timber columns on site mark the start of superstructure works. 

Kia mataara—Upcoming works

E tū e hine mā e tama mā, whakaarahia ake ngā poupou o tō whare—First timber columns on site mark the start of superstructure works. 

2-min read
Ngā mahi ki te Pā—Site Works
21 February 2023

After hours of planning and a lot of expert involvement, the first delivery of two, 12-meter, timber T-columns are being ferried from Nelson to the Living Pā this week.

It is very exciting for the team to get to this point as it marks a milestone when foundation works start to connect with superstructure works, and the Living Pā will start to rise.

If you follow site activities, this week, on Tuesday 21, between 7am and mid-morning, you will see the huge columns arrive and be unloaded. Weather dependent, over the course of the week they will be erected. For most of this year a truck will return weekly with a similar delivery.

Related disturbance to the University and wider community is anticipated to be minimal. Traffic management will be in place so the columns can be delivered on a standard 40-foot trailer. Additionally, superstructure works will not result in high levels of noise other than general construction noise. This type of noise is always closely monitored as a matter of consideration and good practice.

Fun facts

  • The manufacturer of the columns cannot make anything larger than 12m, meaning these columns are the biggest available option in Aotearoa.
  • 12 of these huge timber T-columns will be delivered to site, and 20 others that aren’t as large.
  • 1088 screws will go into each T-column.
  • Mid-rise timber structures like the Living Pā are rare in Aotearoa, making this week only more exciting.
  • Each column the Living Building Challenge requires responsible sourcing of materials, which includes a requirement to source 25% of materials within a 500km radius of the site. Sourcing LVL columns from a Nelson manufacturer helps significantly towards achieving this target.
  • The T-columns are made of laminated veneer lumber (more commonly known as LVL) an engineered wood product. This product is stronger, straighter and more uniform than solid timber.

E tū e hine mā e tama mā, whakaarahia ake ngā poupou o tō whare.

Arise young men and woman, raise the posts of your house.

Kaore Tāku Raru

Nā Rangiāhuta Broughton