Meet Bruce Wallace, owner of The Truss Joint and The Wallace Engineered Timber Products (ETP) businesses in Bendigo, Victoria.
Bruce and his team are passionate advocates for the use of timber beams in construction. Through the application of a design software from Hyne, Bruce and his team have been able to successfully implement timber beams, as opposed to steel.
The software, Hyne Design 7, assists designers and builders like Bruce all across Australia.
Providing the ability to design timber structures and produce the appropriate certificates when accredited to do so, the software caters to a wide range of experience levels.
It is a comprehensive structural timber design software that incorporates any changes to the Australian Building Code and Standards.
“We use Hyne Design 7 to calculate the appropriate glue laminated beams from our truss customer’s building plans and offer to replace any specified steel beams with timber, at a considerably lower cost than the steel would be.
“So basically, we sell builders the beams and they pay less than they would if they were using steel – plus they get to work with timber, a hugely preferred construction material of choice.”
Bruce added that engaging with a software such as this essentially adds value to not only the work being carried out, but also to the relationship with the customer.
“This complimentary, personal service for our customers is very well received, as demonstrated by the rate of acceptance from our quotes,” Bruce stated.
Design Solutions Manager for Hyne Timber Robert Mansell said the way Bruce has implemented the software is an excellent example of the program facilitating a valuable customer service experience.
He added that Bruce’s level of customer service is still present while, at the same time, the ability to be more profitable is a fantastic result from using the software.
“Bruce and his team are also promoting the use of timber for structural beams in construction, as opposed to steel, a switch that we know is welcomed by the builders.
“It allows the design of all building elements such as bearers and joists, roof beams and rafters, frames and lintels, battens and ceiling joists, hanging beams, strutting beams, hip beams, bracing and tie down.
“Our software has been developed and evolved over a number of years to ensure we provide our customers with a simple tool to add value to their businesses and continue building customer loyalty,” Robert added.
In late 2010, a survey of 30 structural engineering firms across Australia was conducted for the Forest Wood Products Association.
The findings revealed that the majority of structural engineering consulting firms now use design software such as Hyne Design for domestic residential applications.
The use of both timber and engineered timber are, without doubt, entering an innovative construction phase. There are currently architects challenging building codes by using engineered timber as their product of choice for multi-storey buildings all over the world.
With an increasing focus on climate change, the production of steel and concrete before construction has resulted in significant carbon dioxide emissions.
As a product that is not only strong, but sustainable, the application of timber beams – including by business owners such as Bruce Wallace – ensures that building with timber maintains a “˜carbon positive’ status for the industry.
Designs are continuing to push conventions more so now than ever before, and the digital age has been crucial in assisting all involved to get the most out of design and building with timber.For more information about Hyne Timber, the product range and Hyne Design, visit hyne.com.au and for more information on The Truss Joint, visit thetrussjoint.com.au
