Spanning approximately 98 metres, the building demonstrates how engineered timber can compete with steel at a truly large scale, supporting Air New Zealand’s maintenance operations for decades to come.

Constructed using more than 1,200 m³ of LVL and CLT, the prefabricated timber elements were assembled on site in large sections, with individual trusses weighing up to 38 tonnes. Designed for New Zealand conditions, the structure offers seismic resilience, reduced weight, and resistance to coastal corrosion.

CUTEK® wood oil was applied to all timber substrates at XLAMs Tidal Road facility, with approximately 3,400 litres used across the project. Protecting the timber during storage and transport was critical, but even more so on site. In an active airport environment, there is no tolerance for coatings that can crack, peel or detach. By penetrating deeply into the timber, CUTEK® eliminates that risk, providing reliable protection without forming a surface film, and establishing a long-term maintenance system from the outset.

Images courtsey of © NZ Strong. Images cannot be reproduced without permission.

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Clad in charred timber from the outset, the home makes a bold architectural statement. The deep black tones contrast with the surrounding rock, grass and sky, allowing it to stand out while remaining grounded in its setting.

Originally coated with a film-forming product, the charred timber began to crack and break down under the region’s harsh conditions, creating an inconsistent appearance and ongoing maintenance issues.

The owners transitioned to CUTEK® Extreme with a double-strength Colourtone Punga, enhancing the richness of the charred finish while maintaining the timber’s natural character. Unlike film-forming coatings, CUTEK® wood oils penetrates deeply to stabilise the wood from within. This is critical in Wānaka’s demanding climate, where UV, temperature swings and moisture exposure can accelerate timber movement. By controlling moisture, CUTEK® helps minimise warping, cupping and splitting.

The CUTEK® Colourtone reinforced colour depth while providing UV protection, helping the timber retain its bold appearance for longer.

The result is a durable, low-maintenance finish that works with the timber, not against it.

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Western Red Cedar cladding plays a key role in the exterior, bringing warmth and texture while responding to the rugged alpine environment. However, Central Otago’s extreme climate, with intense UV exposure, dry conditions and large temperature swings, places significant demands on exterior timber.

Originally coated with a different product, the cedar was later recoated with CUTEK® Extreme to achieve greater durability and simpler long-term maintenance. Finished with double-strength Chestnut Colortone, the result is a rich, dark tone that enhances the natural grain of the timber while complementing the surrounding landscape.

By choosing a penetrating oil system, the homeowners now have a finish that protects from within and will continue to age naturally, requiring minimal upkeep over time.

The homeowners were particularly pleased with how easy CUTEK® oil was to apply, with the entire family involved in the process — reinforcing the simplicity of the system and its suitability for hands-on projects.

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