Timber as a sustainable building material: introducing a new engineered timber

For over 30 years, Juken New Zealand has been heavily involved in the local forestry and wood-processing industries – manufacturing advanced and innovative wood products from selectively planted, managed and harvested radiata pine for local and export markets. 

“At Juken New Zealand, our success depends on and reflects our commitment to the environment,” says Liam McGillivray, Juken sales representative. “Our customers demand it and we respond to that demand through our environmentally sensitive forestry and manufacturing processes. Our practices and products deliver on that.

“Not only is our very purpose environmentally friendly by replacing the use of non-sustainable hardwoods from around the world with sustainably grown radiata pine, we also strive to reduce our impact on the environment through reuse and recycling practices to minimise our impact on the environment – all while maintaining a sustainable resource for future generations.”

Read more - The engineered timber framing that emphasises strength and stability

The latest Juken product to be made from sustainably grown radiata pine is J-Frame 11, a general-purpose structural laminated veneer lumber (LVL).

“J-Frame 11 is manufactured in the Wairarapa from 100 per cent renewable radiata pine. Logs are peeled into veneer sheets and laminated together under high pressure and heat with glue between the veneer sheets,” says McGillivray. 

The process uses phenol formaldehyde resin to produce an A Bond classification – a bond with a proven, internationally recognised durability record for exposure to moisture and stress. The Australian Standard/New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 2754.1 (Adhesive for Timber and Timber Products) states that products with a Type A bond “can be used in applications involving extreme long-term exposure to weather or wet or damp conditions and/or long-term structural performance requirements without glue line break-down or glue line creep”.

“Being manufactured this way aids the strength of the timber by creating a consistent strength rating throughout the entire length of the timber. The multiple layers help to keep the timber straight by removing the natural bends and movement within each piece,” says McGillivray.

This consistent strength grade means the entire length of timber can be used, including for studs and dwangs. Standard lengths of J-Frame 11 over three metres will have one finger joint per length.

“The straightness of J-Frame 11 also means you will spend less time straightening walls and subcontractors and plasterers have straight, even surfaces to work with.”

This process is the same way Juken’s J-Frame 8 is produced. However, J-Frame 11 is made to a higher strength grade to service buildings that require a stronger, more durable material.

The characteristics of J-Frame 11 are above the minimum of MSG10, as documented in table 2.3, NZS3603:1993 (Timber Structures Standard).

“J-Frame 11 can be used in buildings in higher wind zones,” says McGillivray. “As it is a stronger timber than SG8, stud centres can be further apart to accommodate higher R-rated insulation.”

Registered as a Codemarked product, J-Frame 11 is resistant to warping, twisting and bowing, making it suitable for a range of applications – from residential to commercial.

Read more - A question of structure: what are the benefits of LVL framing?

An expert in Juken New Zealand’s J-Frame 11, McGillivray is on hand to answer any questions you may have when specifying this LVL product for projects. 

“I’m excited to build valuable relationships with people within the New Zealand building industry. It excites me to see the residential and commercial market grow while being involved in it with a company that is environmentally sustainable and innovative,” he says. 

“My background before and through Covid was working with Bunnings Trade Palmerston North, dealing with customers and suppliers of every level in the Manawatū, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington regions. Post-Covid, I did a stint in project management for WSP where I worked with the Ministry of Education and Kāinga Ora.”

Get in touch with McGillivray today and explore more products by Juken New Zealand.