Timber Design Society Series 2026 | 3

The Mill in Queenstown demonstrates how complex commercial buildings can be successfully delivered using mass timber in New Zealand. This webinar shares a builder’s perspective on what worked, what challenged us, and how early decisions, strong BIM coordination, and a focus on buildability drive safer and more predictable outcomes. Join us for practical insights into managing real-world challenges and unlocking the full value of mass timber beyond sustainability.

The Mill, represents a great example in how we deliver complex commercial buildings using mass timber in New Zealand. In this session, Josh Gibbons shares a builder’s perspective from delivering this mass timber building in Queenstown, what genuinely worked, what challenged us, and where the real value sits when mass timber is approached with the right discipline and intent. Beyond the well‑understood sustainability benefits, mass timber fundamentally changes the construction conversation, driving earlier decisions, higher levels of coordination, and a much sharper focus on buildability and sequencing.

A key theme of the webinar is how mass timber demands and rewards strong BIM coordination. The precision required upstream significantly reduces ambiguity onsite, leading to safer, cleaner and more predictable installations for construction teams. Josh will also talk candidly about the challenges—programme risk, procurement lead times, tolerances, and the learning curve for site teams—and how these can be managed through early contractor involvement and disciplined planning. Ultimately, the session aims to provide practical insight into how mass timber can be successfully integrated into commercial delivery, not just as a sustainable material choice, but as a catalyst for better project outcomes.