Mid-Rise Wood Construction Programme: Resource Hub

Golden Rules for Mid-Rise Timber Construction

Developed through the Mid-Rise Wood Construction Programme, the Golden Rules capture the key principles and lessons learned from real projects to help teams deliver successful timber buildings.

Project Big Span: Cost-optimised industrial shed solution

Large-span industrial buildings are typically dominated by structural steel. Red Stag Timber's Project Big Span explores whether hybrid timber–steel structural systems could provide a practical, lower-carbon and cost-competitive alternative.

Since 2018, the Mid-Rise Wood Construction (MRWC) Programme—a partnership between Red Stag Investments Ltd and the Ministry for Primary Industries—supported New Zealand's transition to a lower-carbon built environment by advancing the use of mass timber and engineered wood products.

The programme built industry capability through direct project funding, technical guidance, real-world case studies, site visits, and the sharing of lessons from pioneering timber buildings. Together, these initiatives expanded industry knowledge and increased confidence in the design and construction of mid-rise timber buildings.

Engineered timber provided a compelling alternative to traditional construction materials. Alongside its natural aesthetic, it offered excellent structural performance, reduced embodied carbon, lighter building systems, efficient prefabrication, and proven fire and seismic performance. Products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), glulam and panelised timber systems demonstrated how timber could deliver faster, more efficient and more sustainable construction.

Although the Mid-Rise Wood Construction Programme concluded in 2026, its technical resources, research and project learnings continue to support the industry through Timber Unlimited, ensuring the knowledge developed over the life of the programme remains freely accessible.