The Mid-rise Advisory Program (MAP) is entering its next phase, which will see the management baton passed from the existing, dedicated MAP team into the capable hands of WoodSolutions.
Since 2016, the MAP team developed a strong reputation for providing expert, impartial advice to building and design professionals and key industry decision makers. In partnership with the federal government and industry sponsors, this unique program has become renowned for engaging and educating the construction industry around the benefits of timber and supporting specific project applications using engineered wood products (EWPs).
Comprised of Australia’s leading technical specialists with experience in architecture, structural engineering and costing, the team has shared information based on up-to-date research findings to progress the adoption of timber in mid-rise construction. Members have acted as advisors and facilitators, helping project teams to optimise and realise the benefits of timber systems.
The program has enjoyed great success that following its initial three-year pilot period in Victoria and Queensland, it was expanded to cover all Australian east coast states, along with additional limited coverage for South Australia and Western Australia. This development was a strong endorsement of everything the program achieved during its first three years.
Since the program’s inception, it was agreed funding arrangements would be reviewed at the six-year mark, and in the event that industry partners elected not to continue their funding contributions, management, contacts and resources would be handed over to the WoodSolutions team.
After careful consideration by members, the MAP program has drawn to a close. During an ongoing period of handover, WoodSolutions is working closely with the MAP team (as it has done throughout its existence) to ensure the many exciting ongoing projects are completed as intended. Beyond this, WoodSolutions will work to build on the impressive legacy created by the founding team.
Going forward, WoodSolutions will respond to all enquiries from the construction industry about timber use, as well as providing up-to-date information on mid-rise buildings and EWPs, including the wealth of resources and technical design guides developed under the program through the years.
Andrew Leighton, CEO of FWPA, thanked the MAP team for its ongoing hard work, enthusiasm and commitment, and the difference members have made during the past six years.
“When the MAP team started out, the Australian construction industry had very little experience or knowledge of how wood could be used effectively and safely, particularly in mid-rise buildings,” said Andrew.
“The team’s hard work and expertise has educated the marketplace about the significant value and many benefits associated with the use of EWPs.
“Thanks to the team’s incredible efforts, in 2022 there is a large cohort of consultants and industry stakeholders who are not only comfortable using EWPs in construction, but who have become keen advocates for them.
“As a result, we can say with confidence there are many mid-rise timber buildings standing across Australia today that simply would not have been possible without the expert input of this team.
“The team is to be commended and congratulated for everything it has achieved, and the solid foundation it has provided for WoodSolutions to continue building upon long into the future.”
Just a few of the many significant projects developed with input from the MAP team include the Bendigo GovHub in Victoria, Monterey Apartments at Queensland’s Kangaroo Point, and the Honeysuckle Building at the University of Newcastle.
In addition, the program facilitated Victoria’s Holmesglen TAFE becoming home to a full-scale, eight-storey, mid-rise demonstration building using engineered wood products. The model allows students to see first-hand what timber can be used to achieve in construction.
Going forward, anybody with queries relating to timber use in mid-rise construction should email – info@woodsolutions.com.au.
