VANTAGE Windows & Doors
Roofing Industries
ALTHERM Window Systems
Dimond Roofing
Juralco Aluminium
dormakaba
Case Studies
Austaron Surfaces
Hettich 
Prolam
Hybrid strength at the core
“Products that give architects freedom without compromise is at the core of the PLX range,” says Prolam Managing Director John Woodman. “They deliver on three fronts: structural performance, support for open, light-filled designs, and building efficiency.”
This philosophy began with the PLX20 Beam — the innovation that started it all. A flat steel bar is inserted into the beam’s top and bottom timber laminates, creating a glulam-steel hybrid with outstanding load-bearing capacity and spanning capability. The same engineering underpins the PLX Portal and the newest addition to the range, the PLX Column — high-strength bracing systems suitable for a wide range of applications in residential and commercial design.
A thermal advantage
The PLX range’s high timber-to-steel ratio makes it a smart choice for energy-efficient design. The products not only absorb CO2 over a building’s life, but they also improve its thermal efficiency — reducing heat transfer through the building envelope.
Versus steel, which can reduce the thermal performance in a wall by 63%, homeowners benefit from reduced heating and cooling costs. While large openings and open plan layouts that support biophilic design are easily achievable due to the powerful structural properties of Prolam PLX products.
Sustainability built in
The Motueka-based business’ PLX range is also sustainably made. The timber is sourced from renewable New Zealand plantations, most grown locally in the Tasman region. They also utilise SG6 timber (previously considered a waste product), minimising waste while ensuring structural integrity.
Independently verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for the PLX20 Beam and PLX Portal provide cradle-to-gate data on embodied carbon, helping secure Green Star and Homestar credits. In addition, their lightweight construction eliminates the need for delivery and install equipment such as a hiab.
A proven partner in low carbon design
Prolam has a strong track record of collaborating with like-minded architects, engineers and building professionals from product development through to project delivery.
“We recently showcased the PLX Portal and PLX Column at a Passive House Institute New Zealand event in Christchurch, highlighting how engineered timber can deliver high performance, low carbon homes,” John says.
Backed by local manufacturing and engineering excellence, Prolam’s PLX range empowers architects to achieve their structural design and sustainability goals.
The Prolam PLX range is available to order through timber merchants nationwide. Design and installation guides can be downloaded from the Prolam website.
Popular Products from Prolam
Most Popular
Popular Blog Posts
