Tumu ITM's 4200sq m store in Ahuriri features a world-first roof design, says University of Auckland PhD student Felix Scheibmair.
The university designed a connection that enabled steel and laminated timber to be joined more efficiently with a bolt system.
"In the past these connections have been by nailed gussets but they
were horribly inefficient," Mr Scheibmair said.
"With the Quick-Connect the work can be quickly done on the ground. The idea is to provide an alternative to steel.
"There are a raft of advantages that come with using timber."
The university was commissioned to design the Quick-Connect by Christchurch Research and Development consortium Structural Timber Innovation Company. CEO Robert Finch said timber offered strength-to-weight advantages over steel for spans between 20-50m and was light enough to be lifted into place in one piece by crane.
The building was designed by Hastings-based Stratagroup Consulting Engineers, with the building contract awarded to Alexander Construction of Ahuriri.
