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Waifir & ITM

  • Locally Owned
  • Chemical Free
  • Healthier Natural Product
  • Renewable Resource
  • Durable
  • Natural Resistance to Moisture



Specify ITM’s new sustainable building solution for your new home

Waimea Sawmillers in partnership with ITM have worked closely with local councils, architects and builders to create modern house designs that maximise the use of locally grown, chemical free Douglas fir timber. As a result Nelson home owners now have the option of building a chemical free house using Wai Fir. And in areas where treated timber is required, the designs use Wai Fir treated with boron- a naturally occurring earth element.



The Home Energy Centre is proud to be working with ITM Building Centres and Waimea Sawmillers to offer clients a healthier, more natural option for their timber framing. In the Nelson-Tasman region we’re lucky to have a large, sustainably managed Douglas fir resource, providing a renewable source of naturally durable timber. By working with these local partners, The Home Energy Centre can help clients build more sustainable homes using Wai Fir and at the same time support local businesses and the community.

Waimea Sawmillers and ITM can help make it happen

Waimea Sawmillers and ITM know how to incorporate chemical free Wai Fir timber into your project so that you can rest assured that you will have a healthy home that will stand the test of time.

We ensure that your chemical free Wai Fir frames and trusses are protected from moisture using three key building design features:

Deflection:

Water is deflected away from the external walls by a simple hip/gable roof with a pitch greater  than 10 degrees, and eaves suitable for the wind zone (high wind >600mm, or low wind >450mm)

Drainage: 

Any moisture that gets into the wall frame will drain away through the drained, vented cavity.

Drying: If moisture does get in, the timber frames will dry out due to the drained vented cavity.

Douglas fir has natural resistance to moisture and decay and recent research confirms that even under extreme decay conditions (i.e., 160 weeks of continuous wetting), it retains its stiffness (link to research paper). So, with deflection, drainage and drying design features in place to protect the frame from moisture and allow it to dry out if it does get wet, you can be sure that your chemical free Wai Fir frames and trusses will last the distance.

For further technical information supporting the use of Douglas fir timber in external wall framing see:http://www.douglasfir.co.nz/net/buildwith/downloads.aspx


How do I get Douglas Fir Specified?

1. I don’t have any plans yet...

Waimea Sawmillers and ITM can help you chose an architect or designer that knows how to maximise the use of untreated Douglas fir timber.

2. I have working drawings haven’t been consented yet...

Waimea Sawmillers and ITM can work with your architect or designer to ensure help them maximise the use of untreated Douglas fir timber.

3. My plans are already consented...

Waimea Sawmillers and ITM can manage the process of getting your plans amended and signed off by the Council. This process is straightforward and doesn’t need to lead to delays.

Built in advantages of ITM’s Wai Fir Frames & Trusses

Local supply chain:

ITM’s Wai Fir frames and trusses touch local hands all the way through the supply chain - from planting and harvesting the trees and trucking logs to the mill, to manufacturing the timber and the frames and trusses and delivering them to your site. Few building products have such a truly sustainable supply chain.

Quality frames & trusses, guaranteed:

Wai Fir timber and ITM frames and trusses are independently verified by third party auditors. And ITM’s new sustainable building solution is supported by both local councils.

A Trusted specialist structural timber:

Douglas fir timber from New Zealand Plantations has been used and trusted in construction since the 1930s. It is a specialist structural timber http://www.douglasfir.co.nz/net/characteristics/renowned for its strength, stability, stiffness and natural resistance to moisture and decay.

Builders enjoy building with Douglas fir because of its superior structural qualities. It is a naturally stronger and more stable product with tough fibre and a dense grain structure. This means it can carry greater loads, and doesn’t bend or twist, providing a straight, clean finish for interior linings.

Because of its strength, Douglas fir joists, beams and lintels can be used in place of more expensive steel beams, saving you money.

A healthier option for your home:

Douglas fir timber has natural resistance to moisture and decay, so it can be used in many parts of your home without chemical treatment. This is good for the health of your family and your builder.

Contact Information

Lauren Walker
Douglas fir Promotion
Waimea Sawmillers Ltd
P 03 547 5621
M 021 786 663
E lauren@waisaw.co.nz


Tony Broughton
Operations Manager
Nelson ITM Building Centre

P 03 548 5487
F 03 548 5796
M 027 233 3693
E ops@itmnelson.co.nz