NeXTimber® Project in Adelaide Tops Out

NeXTimber by Timberlink is pleased to announce it has supplied Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels for the roofs and floors of the Flinders University Factory of the Future and Tonsley Technical College project, located in South Australia.

Flinders University Factory of the Future is an innovation centre for research and manufacturing, while Tonsley Technical College is a TAFE college for training in building and construction, advanced manufacturing and engineering, and automotive and energy.

One of the 22 truckloads that delivered the nearly 200 individual CLT panels used to construct flooring and roofing for the Factory of the Future and Tonsley Technical College project.

The building is comprised of nearly 200 individual CLT panels, which were delivered in 22 truckloads. All NeXTimber CLT used in the project is manufactured from Timberlink timber, sourced from responsibly managed Australian pine plantations.

NeXTimber GM Technical and Sales, Jeremy Church said, “CLT is an engineered wood product comprising layers of solid structural timber boards, which are glued together, alternating the direction of each layer. This creates a strong and robust panel up to 16m long and 3.5m wide. CLT panels can be used to construct solid floors, walls, roofs and stairs in residential, commercial and industrial applications. The number of layers and the thickness can be customised to suit structural requirements, but will generally consist of three, five, seven or nine layers.”

“NeXTimber CLT is supported with dual sustainability credentials and offers an exciting alternative to traditional construction materials, which can help to reduce the embodied carbon of a project.

“This project is an excellent example of State Government investment in technology, innovation and sustainability. There is a real buzz around our offices and manufacturing facilities, knowing that we are part of this project,” Church added.

NeXTimber prepared the draft documentation based on the technical information provided by the customer including 3D modelling of the CLT structure, the loading drawings, shop drawings of the individual CLT panels and the assembly sequence drawings.

On 20 September 2024, representatives from the NeXTimber team were thrilled to attend the official topping out ceremony on site. This tradition marks the placement of the final structural element at a building’s highest point. In keeping with the ethos of the project, an innovative bespoke tree, crafted by NeXTimber, was placed at the top to honour the tradition.

Photo: Sarah Constructions