Haven Road pioneers commercial application of a new generation of CLT screw based connection systems, translating PHD research by Engco team member Tom Wright, recently presented at the World Conference on Timber Engineering, directly into a real building.
This innovation replaces conventional heavy steel connection strategies with timber to timber machined castellations, readily available self tapping screws, and simple steel plates, achieving high structural performance with materially efficient, buildable components.
The building is located in a high seismic zone and landslide affected environment, requiring a structure capable of accommodating significant seismic demand while remaining inspectable and repairable. The timber connection system was deliberately engineered to behave in a ductile, low damage manner, concentrating deformation within accessible connections rather than primary structural elements. This approach enhances post event resilience and reduces environmental and economic costs associated with major seismic repair or replacement.
By delivering all primary gravity and lateral load resisting systems in timber, the project demonstrates timber’s ability to resolve complex structural and environmental challenges traditionally addressed using concrete or steel. The result is a structurally efficient, lower carbon building that expands the application of mass timber into higher risk and higher density contexts.
The predefined L shaped architectural footprint presented significant diaphragm continuity and load path challenges. Rather than compromising on geometry or introducing heavy steel or concrete materials, the engineering solution embraced the form and developed an innovative timber diaphragm strategy that enables clear, reliable force transfer around the irregular plan. This allowed the architectural intent to be maintained without compromising seismic performance.
Timber was used holistically, not as an exposed feature alone, but as the primary structural organiser of the building. Cross laminated timber panels form walls, floors, and diaphragms, while the refined connection strategy enables efficient assembly, predictable structural behaviour, and clear load paths. Simple, repeatable timber details allowed the building to reach a scale and height not previously achieved in comparable New Zealand residential projects at the time of construction.
This integration of structure and form demonstrates how timber engineering can actively shape architecture rather than merely support it.
At completion, Haven Road was the tallest timber residential building of its kind in New Zealand, and one of the few projects to rely on timber alone for both gravity and lateral resistance. Unlike many mass timber buildings that depend on concrete cores or steel frames for seismic stability, this project proves timber can perform as a complete structural system in demanding high rise conditions.
What differentiates Haven Road is its philosophy of simplicity as innovation. Drawing on the principle that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, the project avoids bespoke or proprietary systems in favour of elegantly engineered, readily available components assembled intelligently. This delivers a structure that is cost effective, robust, and resilient, while remaining easy to inspect, repair, and adapt over time.
By combining research led innovation, seismic resilience, and practical constructability, Haven Road establishes a new benchmark for low damage, high performance timber engineering in multi storey buildings.
