Project

CLT Garage / Sleepout - Waiheke Island

Project description

2025

This one-bedroom sleepout and garage at an existing property on Waiheke Island was proposed to be constructed out of CLT (cross laminated timber). Abacus Engineering initially undertook the design in 2022 and a building consent was obtained, however the old owners decided to sell and thus the project was never completed. In 2025 Abacus Engineering were contacted by Fitzjames Construction who were assisting the new owners to complete the project.



Cross laminated timber (CLT) is an emerging wood engineered product. By laminating sheets of timber in alternating directions, it allows to overcome the critical weakness of timber which is being weak against the direction of the grain. This allows for a high strength timber product to be achieved which can be more cost effective than other alternatives like steel & concrete. CLT floor panels are strong enough to act as structural members. Panels interlock with one another which also allows for fast construction and assembly. The final product has a nice dressed timber finish on both the floors, walls and ceiling.



As all the CLT sheets are pre-fabricated before being transported to site, accuracy of dimensions is crucial. Changes in panel widths due to lap lengths from 2022 to 2025, including direction of the floor panels, meant a large proportion of the calculations had to be amended for what was a small change. As CLT is still an emerging product, the design phase is yet to be streamlined and the calculations are more time consuming and complicated than other timber structures.

Last updated on 22-06-2026