Exposed trusses crafted from Prolam Glulam Beams became the hero of the rebuild of a Christchurch home – combining structural performance and striking looks to create an interior with impact. 

Rebuilding his home after earthquake damage, owner/architect Matt Bourne saw the opportunity to reimagine the interior space with materials that delivered both strength and beauty. Central to the design were exposed timber trusses, which could serve as both a functional solution and a defining architectural feature. 

Created from visual grade Prolam PL8 Glulam Beams and paired with stainless steel powder-coated plates, the trusses create a bold focal point – lifting ceiling heights and bringing more natural light into the home’s open plan kitchen and living area. 

Prolam’s glulam beams were chosen for their straightness and dimensional stability, and the engineered timber’s ability to span longer lengths than solid timber. They also offered a lighter and more aesthetically pleasing alternative to steel, giving Matt and his builders, McBride Construction, confidence that the trusses could meet engineering demands while achieving Matt’s desired aesthetic.

According to Matt, he looks for timber that “doesn’t just carry loads but carries character”. 

“The trusses offered more than structure – they brought warmth, rhythm, and authenticity that plaster, or steel could never match.”

Prolam glulam’s solid eco-credentials also aligned with Matt’s design ethos: “Every decision we make should build towards a future that is lighter on the earth. Timber allows us to lock carbon into architecture with elegance.”

The result has drawn overwhelmingly positive feedback, with the exposed trusses celebrated as the home’s signature design gesture. Builders also praised the product for being lightweight, straight and true – qualities that made installation efficient and provided a flawless finish. 

“Glulam bridges engineering and art: precise, stable, and efficient, yet still deeply human in its natural expression. It allows you to expand spaces without losing warmth, to span wide without feeling heavy, and to create structures that are both enduring and inspiring.”
-    Matt Bourne, Architect