WIDE Trust Supports Next Generation at WoodWorks 2024: A Look Into the Future of Mass Timber
In October, over 200 industry leaders gathered at WoodWorks 2024, a pivotal event dedicated to advancements in engineered wood design and construction. From innovative mass timber technologies like LVL and CLT to sustainable design strategies, the conference provided an immersive look at timber's growing impact on commercial construction. Through a series of presentations, case studies, and field visits, attendees explored the evolving advantages of timber in construction - from accuracy and rapid build times to its long-term environmental benefits in creating sustainable, biophilic spaces.
Thanks to WIDE Trust, several young professionals and recent graduates, including site managers, engineers, and architecture students, had the opportunity to attend.
Conference Highlights: Advancing Timber Technology and Sustainable Design
WoodWorks 2024 emphasised timber's potential to reshape construction with a robust agenda featuring sessions on:
BIM and Mass Timber Trends – exploring digital innovations that streamline timber construction projects.
Showcased Projects & Key Learnings – covering real-world applications of mass timber in recent builds.
Tools for Proving Sustainability – providing strategies to quantify and communicate timber’s eco-friendly benefits.
The conference also included a site visit to Summerhill Timbers and Arvida’s Bethlehem Shores mass timber building project, where attendees saw first-hand how these materials and methodologies are applied in the field.
Keynote speakers Sam Leslie and Andrew Hewitt from Red Stag Timberlab kicked off the event with insights into advanced timber solutions. Following them, Melanie Tristram from Jasmax shared the latest in digital innovations for construction, and James McLean of LT McGuinness discussed project management in timber-focused builds. International speakers, including Nick Hewson from Sydney’s Arboralis and Steve Pryor from the U.S. company Simpson Strong-Tie, broadened the perspective with lessons and findings from global tall timber projects.
Insights from Attendees
WIDE Trust sponsored several young professionals to attend WoodWorks 2024, giving them a unique platform to learn from industry leaders, connect with like-minded professionals, and gain exposure to the latest timber technologies.
Peter Ravn (Site Manager, Armitage Williams Construction)
Peter found the event particularly valuable in expanding his knowledge of CLT construction and mass timber’s evolving challenges. A session on Building Information Modeling (BIM) showcased how this digital tool enhances early contractor engagement, ultimately leading to more accurate project execution. "BIM allows stakeholders to visualise projects from the outset, addressing complex design aspects specific to CLT and mass timber.
For someone in construction, the link between BIM and improved contractor engagement was refreshing and highly applicable," Peter shared. He was also inspired by LT McGuinness’s presentation on managing supply chain uncertainties and sustainability goals in mass timber projects. "Seeing how they overcame real-world challenges reinforced the importance of adaptability and innovation," he added.
Megan Scholtz (Architectural Student, Victoria University of Wellington)
Megan highlighted the value of attending as a student beginning her career, especially the exposure to interdisciplinary collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors. "The Q&A sessions allowed us to hear diverse perspectives, and it was great to see support among professionals," she said.
Megan was particularly drawn to the case studies on the Fisher & Paykel headquarters and the Botanic Clubhouse. "Seeing the integration of practical and conceptual ideas, like the NZ-inspired ‘house, garage, shed’ and the ‘nurture & nourish’ concepts, was inspiring," she reflected. Megan also enjoyed the field visit to Bethlehem Shores, noting how seeing the construction process up close made the experience more tangible and provided insight into the complexity of timber-based projects.
Building the Future of Timber Construction
WoodWorks 2024 underscored timber’s rising potential to redefine commercial construction, from enhancing environmental sustainability to fostering beautiful, biophilic spaces. Attendees left inspired and equipped with practical knowledge and networking connections that will shape their future careers in the timber industry.
For the WIDE Trust, supporting young professionals in attending events like WoodWorks is part of a broader commitment to building New Zealand’s wood and forestry industries. By enabling students and recent graduates to participate in such events, the WIDE Trust is helping to cultivate the next generation of leaders in these industries.