LumberBank: Building a Sustainable Future
On October 14th, 2025, LumberBank marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its new office at 320 Neilson St, Auckland. This event showcased the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability in timber construction.
The new building stands as a living example of LumberBank's capabilities and vision for the future of sustainable construction.
In 1996, LumberBank established its roots at 322 Neilson St, adjacent to what is now its new office. For nearly three decades, the building was the operational hub of the Ernslaw One and LumberBank. However, it became clear that a second refurbishment wouldn't make economic sense, leading to the development of a new, purpose-built facility, designed to accommodate the growing team.
Building the New LumberBank Auckland Office: A Team Effort
The new office is a great example of collaboration among stakeholders, including Ron Fox from Studio Fox Architects and Maurice O’Connell, LumberBank’s General Manager. With the opportunity to acquire the neighbouring property at 320 Neilson Street, they pivoted to a fresh start, allowing for a design that would more effectively showcase LumberBank's engineered timber products.
Ron and Maurice aimed to incorporate LumberBank’s offerings right from the start. They used materials like Nelson Pines LVL for the floors and walls, LumberBanks own LumberWorx I-Beams for long spans in the roof, and newly introduced products like Lumber Therm PureOak for cladding. A key highlight isthe use of (Kwila) Hardwood Glulam, called Magna, for the elevated foundation and decorative beams. Inside, LumberBank’s selection of exotic timbers were used for flooring, adding a natural touch to the workspace.
Leisurecom, the builder tasked with the project and a prefabrication specialist, played a crucial role in bringing the project to life. They assembled the office in four separate sections at their warehouse in Cambridge, which has its benefits. Off-site construction often leads to better quality control and safety, not to mention less waste. With the complex elevated design, having about 90% of the building done before transport was a significant advantage.
Before the sections were transported, the Magna foundation was already in place, and it held up well during the wait, ensuring the tight tolerances needed for the design were met. In total, the sections were truckedin over three days and craned into their final positions, showcasing how teamwork and careful planning can result in a smooth process.
The LumberBank Auckland Office is a fantastic example of how working closely with suppliers, designers, and builders can lead to a successful project. By integrating LumberBank's products throughout the design, they’ve created a modern workspace that not only meets the company’s needs but also highlights the benefits of engineered wood products in construction.
