Showcasing NZ Timber innovation
FROM REVOLUTIONARY BUILDING DESIGNS WITH THE potential to change the way architects and engineers use timber, to a brand new, flexible organic material developed from balsa wood that’s significantly stronger and more transparent than the original, the NZ Wood-Resene Timber Design Awards once again showcased just what can be done with wood in New Zealand. “The range and innovation demonstrated by entries increases every time and this year, with new and revised categories, these qualities have been even more in evidence,” say the judges.
In line with Coronavirus requirements the awards ceremony had to be cancelled but the winners were announced online last month. A selection of the winning designs follows.
Engineering Innovation award and Highly Commended, Resene Supreme award: Lindis Lodge, Omarama, Otago
Judges’ comments: A high level of collaboration, knowledge blending and ingenuity have achieved efficient and effective structural solutions. Screwlaminated spotted gum forms a hybrid gridshell in unison with the steel beams, forming the topographic curves of the roof. The exquisite architecture, interior design and attention to detail elevate Lindis Lodge to the cusp of design where architecture and engineering fuse – much like the interior and exterior spaces created.
INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE TREE management scene. The Magni rotating telehandler has been called a ‘game-changer’ in the construction market but also brings a safe and effective way to cut down, delimb or resize trees.
APS Equipment was awarded the Magni agency for New Zealand at the end of last year.
“It is aimed more at urban tree shaping or removal but the opportunities are bigger than that as it can cut trees up to 750mm in diameter and has a telehandler up to 51m,” says APS Equipment’s Darren Boon.
The main application areas are currently in safe removal of trees in sections, problematic tree fellings in urban and residential areas, maintenance work along traffic roads and routes and felling of dangerous trees, he adds.
“Already we are getting strong interest and enquiries from vineyard and shelterbelt management companies. The Magni telehandler setup offers something different because of the extended reach and the ability to lift complete trees or sections down and place them safely. It can also take multiple attachments including forks, a bucket, hook, winch, Jib, grapple, tree-cutter or man-basket.”
Darren explains that Magni customises each telehandler to take the tree cutter attachment. The cab and boom are fitted with extra protection to prevent debris entering or the glass breaking.
“It has a digital load chart to accurately show weight of the tree as it’s cut and an overload protection system with quick dump mode should the load become too heavy. One of the biggest safety features is remote operation. This gives the operator the ability to operate outside the cab for safety and better viewing,” he says.
Other features include 4wd, a tight turning circle, three steering modes, a 21 to 51m boom range and 40 Kph Transmission
The saw attachment unit boasts a swinging chassis with active suspension and an automatic chain tensioner which keeps the chain under tension no matter how long the machine is in operation.
Currently in stock is a 23m telehandler (RTH5.23) with another arriving next month (RTH6.23) with a 6 tonne lift x 23m reach.
NZL