Taranaki Pine
Smarter Industrial Expansion in Taranaki
- Client
Taranaki Pine
- Industry
Manufacturing + Industrial
- Location
New Plymouth, Taranaki
- Completion
March 2025
- Project Size
540sqm
- System
SuperSpan™ Structural Beam System
Structural Performance with Reduced Cost and Environmental Impact
Structural Performance with Reduced Cost and Environmental Impact
Taranaki Pine required a 540sqm extension to expand operational capacity at its New Plymouth facility. The brief called for additional clearspan floor area that matched the structural performance of the existing building, while improving cost efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Traditional structural methods would have replicated the same material intensity and cost profile. Instead, Taranaki Pine partnered with Chris Bell Construction and Formsteel to engineer and deliver a more efficient structural solution.
Formsteel implemented its SuperSpan™ system to optimise beam geometry and reduce overall steel tonnage while maintaining the required clearspan capability. Working alongside Chris Bell Construction, the coordinated structural and build programme ensured seamless integration with the existing facility and efficient on-site execution.
The result was a 540sqm extension delivered with approximately 25% cost savings and around half the carbon footprint of a conventional structural steel solution, without compromising strength, span, or durability.
Challenges + Solutions
Coordinated Construction
Formsteel worked alongside Chris Bell Construction to align structural engineering and on-site execution.
Clearspan Continuity
SuperSpan™ beams delivered the same unobstructed internal span as conventional structural steel systems.
Carbon Reduction
Optimised beam design reduced steel tonnage and embodied carbon without compromising structural integrity.
Cost Efficiency
The structural system was engineered to reduce overall construction cost while maintaining clearspan performance.
Seamless Integration
The extension was designed to connect efficiently with the existing facility while maintaining operational continuity.
By engineering smarter beam geometry rather than replicating conventional methods, we delivered a 540sqm clearspan extension for Taranaki Pine with approximately 25% cost savings and around half the carbon footprint of a traditional build.
Coordinated Delivery
Structural engineering and construction were aligned through collaboration with Chris Bell Construction.
Smarter Material Use
High-tensile formed beams achieved required structural performance using significantly less steel.
Seamless Integration
The new structure was engineered to connect efficiently with the existing facility.
Greater Open Span Areas
The extension maintained the same unobstructed internal span as traditional structural steel construction.
Lower Total Build Cost
Optimised beam design and material efficiency reduced overall construction expenditure.
Environmental Performance
Material optimisation contributed to a significantly lower carbon footprint.
“ Formsteel has the potential to change the commercial construction game. It’s a building system that’s lower cost, simpler to construct, faster to build, and lighter. All those things add up and it’s just a better, completely new approach. Of course, we can’t forget that Formsteel is the greenest option out there and that’s something to be seriously considered. ”
Campbell Barbour
NZRPG
“Formsteel as a building solution has undeniably changed the game for large-scale commercial construction projects. Starting with the Formsteel system from the inception of a project ensures cost effective, simple build solutions with a shorter build timeframe. It just makes sense."
Bojana Hynes
Cottee Parker Architects
“The real benefit of Formsteel is that it allows us as developers to deliver quality buildings that are faster and more cost effective to build. 47% less embodied carbon; this is becoming a bigger and bigger deal. Formsteel source from reputable mills, they are a lot quicker to build with than traditional steel, and cheaper. That's why we are interested in it.
Alan Lockie
Stride Property
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