The Enviro NZ depot in Tauranga is a smart, future-ready facility that showcases the versatility and visual appeal of Prolam engineered timber. 

Waste management and recycling specialists, EnviroNZ, needed a purpose-built office and break room facility for its Tauranga operations – one that could stand the test of time, but also be relocated if required. The result is a cleverly designed, fully transportable building that can be disconnected from its piles and moved to a new site when needed. 

To achieve this, Sabre Construction worked with Blackridge Group to create a freestanding, modular structure that combines functionality with architectural flair and ingenuity. 

A covered canopy crafted from Prolam glulam between the buildings creates a durable, all-weather sheltered area for staff. 

Visual Glulam Beams and Visual Glulam Posts were selected for their natural timber aesthetic, and their strong but lightweight construction and ease of installation – key advantages for a portable building design. 

The  engineering design for the canopy was developed by Prolam’s in-house structural engineers, who worked with the architects and builders to achieve the performance requirements as well as the desired look. The solution incorporates:

• Exposed trusses made using 240 x 42 PL12 H3.2 Beams and 190 x 24 H3.2 PL8 Beams for the rafter bottom and top chords
• A 140 x 88 PL8 King Post, and 
• 180 x 180 H5 Posts. 

Together, these components deliver a robust structure that looks as good as it performs. 

The builder praised the Prolam products for being easy to work with, cost effective, and a sustainable alternative to steel. The Enviro NZ team are also thrilled with the result – a strong, flexible building solution that reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability. 

“The exposed timber trusses not only look great but made for an easy, durable, and cost-effective solution. The client was super happy with how it turned out.”
-    Scott Rushbrooke, Sabre Construction