The New Zealand Timber Design Society (TDS) has become the new home for Timber Unlimited, providing a stable foundation for the initiative's continued growth.
As one of Timber Unlimited's founding members since its establishment in 2022, TDS brings deep technical expertise focused on advancing knowledge for timber structures and elements among engineers and industry professionals. “This partnership creates a natural synergy - TDS provides technical depth while Timber Unlimited drives broader adoption of wood in construction across New Zealand” explains Lisa Oliver, President of TDS.
"Despite the relatively short tenure, Timber Unlimited has achieved significant outcomes that build on previous industry initiatives," says Daniel Scheibmair, Chair of Timber Unlimited. "We benefit from strong collaboration with our founding members: BRANZ, SCION (now a group of the Bioeconomy Science Institute), WPMA, and of course TDS, who continue to provide invaluable support." With initial funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), Timber Unlimited successfully launched multiple projects to promote increased timber use in New Zealand, which TDS is enthusiastic about supporting Timber Unlimited to further develop and share.
Timber Unlimited's website has become New Zealand's go-to timber resource, providing design information, inspiration, and knowledge that empowers industry professionals to design and build better. The initiative also collaborates with SPEC Toolbox (previously known as CLT Toolbox), offering free access to this software design aid for New Zealand designers, supporting more efficient implementation of increasingly complex design methods and Standards.
Looking ahead, the Timber Unlimited team is working to facilitate the return of the popular Timber Design Awards for 2026, while continuing to foster collaboration and connections across the industry. These efforts build a thriving community of timber enthusiasts, bringing together like-minded individuals to share knowledge, skills, and techniques.
"It's about unlocking timber's potential and building trust in its possibilities," Daniel explains. "We want to showcase timber's versatility in various forms beyond residential construction, which people traditionally associate with wood. Whoever you are across the timber and construction value chain, and wherever you are on your timber learning journey, Timber Unlimited aspires to inspire you with the endless possibilities of timber in the built environment."
