When the Torrie family wanted to transform their home with a large semi-enclosed outdoor entertaining area, they needed a structural solution that wouldn't compromise the design. Four Prolam PLX Portal Frames enabled architect Alec Pert of Pert Wilson Design to create a light-filled extension that seamlessly connects the original home with the new entertaining area and swimming pool.      

Built in the 1930-40s, the Gisborne home was reimagined to strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor living while respecting the character of the existing home. The new 30m2 semi-enclosed entertaining area provides a sheltered space designed to flow with everyday life and able to be enjoyed all year round.

Opening up the home, solving the bracing challenge

The desire for expansive glazing and wide openings left little room for conventional bracing. 

Rather than introducing steel, Alec Pert incorporated four Prolam PLX Portals to maximise the size of the openings and minimise wall space, while meeting structural requirements. One portal supports a generously proportioned opening between the existing living room and the new entertaining area, while two portals frame each side of the extension. A fourth PLX Portal, spanning 5.9 metres and standing 3.0 metres high, frames the open outlook to the swimming pool. 

Together, the four portals delivered the bracing performance the renovation required while freeing the design from the constraints of conventional bracing systems. 

“The PLX Portals do ‘double duty’ as both beam and bracing element. They’re smart and efficient.”

The result is an open, connected entertaining space that feels like a natural extension of the original home. As Alec reflects, this is a growing trend in residential design:

“People want less walls and more glazing. Sometimes I’m prescribing a portal for no other reason than that I’ve got limited wall space to work with. The bracing they provide is a bonus.”

Faster to design. Greater confidence. 

Beyond the benefits of the products themselves, Alec says the ability to progress the design without a lengthy wait for engineering calculations and reviews offered significant time and cost savings. 

Using the Prolam Specifier, Alec was able to complete the design himself before working with Prolam engineer Zubin Karami to refine connection details specific to the renovation and confirm compliance with the building code. 

This streamlined design process and Zubin’s fast response times kept the project moving:

“Avoiding engineering delays saves valuable time during residential projects.”

Built for builders

The PLX Portal system was also straightforward to install. 

Supplied as a practical kitset, complete with an assembly guide and installation details, the portal frames allowed the builder to erect the portals in a reduced timeframe.

Builder Brendan Fry says that’s one of glulam biggest advantages over steel. 

“This was my first time installing PLX Portals. Once you know how to put them together, they are easy to build with. The portals are easy to handle, you can trim them to fit if needed, and unlike steel, there’s no need to pack them out.”

Making a complex renovation simple

The Torrie House Renovation demonstrates the value of combining innovative engineered timber products with practical design tools, responsive engineering support and builder-friendly solutions.

From concept through to construction, Prolam helped the architect and builder move faster, design with confidence and deliver the open, connected living environment the owners envisioned.

"The PLX Portals gave us the bracing we needed without compromising the design. Being able to specify it ourselves using Prolam's online design tools meant we could move from first design to final document much faster, while Prolam's technical support gave us confidence throughout the project."
— Alec Pert, Pert Wilson Design

Get the look

• 4 x Prolam PLX Portals
• Sizes: 
  One Prolam PLX Portal 200BU Series 3.0H x 6.0L
  One Prolam PLX Portal 200BU Series 3.0H x 5.1L
  Two Prolam PLX Portal 200BU Series 3.0H x 3.3L
  Treatment: H1.2
• Finish: Non-visual grade glulam
  
  

Design tools and support

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Images courtesy of Brendan Fry Builder.