Timber bracing solution supports a sustainable build
The Prolam PLX Portal is an architects’ dream due to its built-in strength, high bracing capacity and solid eco credentials.
Mark Bishop of Bishop Architecture was one of the first to specify the PLX Portal, incorporating the breakthrough glulam timber bracing system into his latest design for Platinum Homes.
The PLX Portal provides a crucial structural element between the home’s open plan living space and lounge area. The steel-reinforced timber beam, combined with the portal’s compact design, seamlessly met the load bearing and bracing capacity requirements while overcoming the challenge presented by limited wall space.
By embracing the PLX Portal, Mark not only achieved his aesthetic goals for the home but stayed true to his firm’s commitment to use sustainable building materials. The PLX Portal is engineered from radiata pine from renewable and sustainably managed New Zealand plantations and manufactured using 14 times less energy than its steel equivalents.
"Beyond its practical benefits, specifying wood with the PLX Portal also aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability, showcasing our dedication to eco-friendly solutions to clients.”
- Mark Bishop
Mark also saved his client time and costs at the build stage. The PLX Portal’s lightweight construction and straightforward bracing system facilitates easy onsite assembly and installation – eliminating the need for specialised skills and equipment or extra labour.
The PLX Portal is designed and made in New Zealand by Prolam.
Use the Prolam Specifier for easy specification, including a PS1 certificate.
Images of the PLX Portal used in construction are not from the Platinum Homes building project