Exclusive to Plytech, Birch Elite is the only A-grade birch plywood available in New Zealand. The hand-selected A-Grade panels feature finer and softer grains to ensure a consistent finish — ideal for projects where designers want to incorporate the natural look and warmth of timber while maintaining a sleek aesthetic.

Not only do Birch Elite panels ensure the highest consistency in quality, colour and grain, but they also bring the benefits of versatility, durability and low maintenance.

Here’s a look at how Birch Elite panels created a stunning finish for two very different projects:

A cohesive timber look for a country home

Birch Elite ply creates flow between indoor and outdoor entertaining areas of this Pukehohe home designed by Jann Hurley Architects. The design combined both uncoated ply for wall and ceiling linings which was finished on site, and pre-finished ply for cabinetry.

“The guys at Plytech went the extra mile and hand-picked the ply to make sure we had a good matching batch,” says Harry Van der Putten, builder, Van der Putten Construction. “The plywood was very consistent in its texture and colour.” Plytech even helped select the coating for the uncoated ply to ensure it would be consistent with the pre-finished panels.

The cohesive finish throughout the home — from the walls and high raking ceilings of the kitchen and living areas through to the kitchen, laundry and bathroom cabinetry, highlights the consistency that can be achieved using Birch Elite panels.

Warm ply surfaces for a welcoming school

For Balmoral School’s recent upgrade designed by RTA Studio, Birch Elite met the brief for a sustainable, long-lasting solution that would create a calm and welcoming atmosphere for students.

Almost 500m² of Birch Elite pre-finished in ultra-matt clear was specified for wall linings for the school’s brand-new gymnasium — adding warmth and detail to the large space while still delivering a consistent overall finish. Elsewhere, the subtle grain of Birch Elite brings a touch of nature to walls in changing rooms and bathroom facilities, and joinery for classrooms.

"The smooth finish is beautiful and leads to an extravagant feel,” says Liz Oorthuis, Executive Officer, Balmoral School. “It is airy and at the same time warm, welcoming and natural, letting the space do the talking. This product has exceeded our expectations in every way possible. Now it is all up to the children to enjoy the new facilities.”