A new building product developed in the Green Triangle will take centre stage on national television in early April, showcasing the region’s growing role in Australia’s advanced manufacturing market.
The GL24 blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) glulam product, produced by WTIBeam will feature in the new television series Epic Builds: The 90 Day Challenge, hosted by science communicator Adam Spencer.
Premiering on 28 February on Channel 9 and 9Now, the new docuseries follows Australian-based prefab and modular construction teams as they race against the clock to deliver complex, high-performance builds in just 90 days.
Navigating remote locations and tight deadlines, each episode captures the rapid rise of modular and prefabricated construction in Australia. WTIBeam owner Edwina Vulcz appears in the series, sharing the story behind the development of the new GL24 blue gum product – the strongest engineered timber beam currently available in the domestic market, utilised across commercial, residential and prefabricated construction applications.
The product was developed through federally and Victorian Government–funded research coordinated by the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub, with support from the Victorian Forest Products Association.
A feasibility study is now underway to assess the commercialisation of the product at scale, alongside other building components such as LVL, as part of The Precinct project in Portland, funded by Australian Forest & Wood Innovations (AFWI) – a $200 million research and innovation fund supported by $100 million in Commonwealth funding – and the Victorian Government.
Development lead for The Precinct project Tim Woods, of IndustryEdge, said the series demonstrates how locally produced engineered timber can contribute to Australia’s housing demand, reducing reliance on imported materials.
“Viewers will see that the wood fibre, skills and technology already exist here locally. The Precinct project in Portland provides a pathway to bring that capability together in one place and keep more value, jobs and expertise in regional Australia. It’s great to see a national broadcaster shine a light on this specialised capability,” Mr Woods said.
Ms Vulcz said the series would challenge outdated perceptions about how Australia builds its homes and commercial buildings.
“We’re incredibly proud to see this new GL-24 product showcased on national television,” Ms Vulcz said.
“The glulam product represents years of hard work, research and belief in what locally grown plantation timber can achieve. To be able to demonstrate its performance and versatility, on a national platform, is both exciting and deeply rewarding for our whole team.”
To learn more about the program visit www.epicbuilds.tv or see the preview here
