You are using an outdated browser version not supported by this website.
Click here to upgrade your browser

Metra Panel System
Description

The Metra Panel System is a house building system based on Metra Panel wall, floor and ceiling panels. The design and construction of the remainder of the building, comprising foundation, flooring, roof, joinery and claddings, is conventional.

The Metra Panel System was developed to create a frameless interior system which replaces timber-frame and plaster-board. According to BRANZ, the system is 'fit-for-purpose' and will comply with the NZ Building Code.

Homes built using the Metra Panel System are constructed by Licensed Installers throughout New Zealand.  Metra Panel is a product produced by Laminex NZ. The panel is made from compressed wood fibre derived from plantation pine, and heat compressed with an exclusively formulated resin. The re-manufacturing plant then converts the raw board to pre-primed Metra Panel after applying two coats of specially formulated Resene sealant.

Metra Panel's solid 2.45m x 7.35m wood panels means there are fewer sheet joins than would be found under timber-framing and plasterboard systems — the homeowner gets the advantage of smooth, strong and durable walls, resulting in extensive cost maintenance savings over time.

Key Features
  • BRANZ Appraisal 364 (2015)
  • A plan range from 55-117sqm smaller scale dwellings to 251sqm for family homes or up to 317sqm for extra spacious living - that is Lifemark certified and 7/10 Homestar rated
  • Available in 3 sizes: 36mm walls, 25mm floors and ceilings and 18mm linings
  • Durabilty and impact resistance, with 640kg/m3 density
  • Level 5 finish with inbuilt insulation
  • Optional added STC ratings
  • Optional added thermal ratings
  • Metra Panel ceiling diaphragms can be up to 12m long
  • Can achieve a 1S Fire Rating classification for the NZBC and 1 for the NCC upon application of additional specified coatings
  • Metra Panel buildings are suitable for all Wind Zones up to and including Very High
  • Speed of construction by up to 40-60%, perfected 6 week turnaround for an average 160-180sqm home (based on a team of 3)
  • 6% more floor space can be achieved with the same footprint, providing larger rooms or an extra small room like an ensuite, office or walk-in wardrobe
  • Design flexibility for tailoring the design to individual requirements
  • Environmentally conscious recyclable product, with reduced wastage as offcuts can be used for shelving, treds and rises, bath cradles and wardrobe organiser
  • Energy efficiency provide 28% savings in cooling and 4% saving in heating energy compared to a typical 94mm traditionally framed home
Homestar / Green Star (Envirospec) Compliant
Homestar / Green Star
Lifemark Product Partner
Lifemark Product Partner
NZ Made
NZ Made
NZ-Owned Business
NZ-Owned Business
Scope of Use

Metra Panel can be used as a stand-alone product, or complimentary to other systems leveraging a hybrid approach. The system can be used in the following applications:

  • Residential (according to BRANZ Appraisal 364, single unit (detached) housing which meets the scope of Clause 1.1.2. of NZS 3604).
  • Transportables (including minor dwellings, baches, traditional farm style cottages, granny flats, classrooms and subdivided properties). In a factory built environment can deliver a 153sqm transportable house in 4-6 weeks.
  • Commercial (including internal office fit outs and partitioning, modular components such as bathrooms for high rise structures and purpose built factories, storage units and two storey apartment complexes and student accommodation facilities).
  • Retirement (including individual units, duplexes, multi-storey complexes, communal facilities and hospitals).
  • Education (including classrooms, gymnasium, scholl facilities adn student accommodation).
Limitations on Use
  • The use of Metra Panel wall and ceiling panels has not been assessed for rooms exposed to sustained high humidities (greater than 85% RH) such as a sauna, or areas where the temperatures are in excess of 35 degrees for prolonged periods such as ceiling heating installations, or in excess of 50 degrees in localised areas (e.g. adjacent to a fuel burning appliance).
  • Roof pitches must be greater than 5 degrees but not exceed 30 degrees.
  • The ground floor construction platform must comprise of a concrete slab on ground constructed in accordance with NZS3604, or a suspended timber framed floor supported on a concrete wall or piled foundation, and the first floor load must not exceed 1.5kPa.
NZS 3604 Wind Zone Very High suitable
Very High WInd Zone
Statement of Building Code Compliance

In the opinion of BRANZ, the Metra Panel System comprising Metra Panel wall and ceiling panels, and connections if designed, used, installed and maintained in accordance with the statements and conditions of the BRANZ Appraisal 364 (2015), will meet the following provisions of the NZBC:  This is an appraisal of an Alternative Solution in terms of the NZBC

  • Clause B1 Structure: B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.4 The Metra Panel Construction System meets the requirements for loads arising from self-weight, imposed gravity loads, earthquake, snow and wind (i.e B1.3.3 (a), (b), (f), (g) and (h)).  See paragraphs 8.1-8.8
  • Clause B2 Durability: B2.3.1 (a) not less than 50 years.  The Metra Panel Construction System will meet this requirement.  See paragraphs 9.1 - 9.3
  • Clause F2 Hazardous Building Materials: F2.3.1.  The Metra Panel Construction System will meet this requirement and will not present a hazard to peoples health.  See paragraph 15.1 - 15.3
In-Service History
  • 25 year proven system providing reassurance that the system has stood the test of time
  • 130+ Certified builders and 15+ Licensed Installers nationwide
  • 9000 homes built throughout New Zealand, using the Metrapanel System
  • The Metra Panel System has been utilised for eight retirement projects New Zealand wide, including four hospitals.
  • Over 500 classrooms and 1,000 student units completed, including an entire primary school installed in two weeks.
B1 Structure compliant
Structure
B2 Durability compliant
Durability
F2 Hazardous Building Materials compliant
Hazardous Building Materials
BRANZ Appraised
BRANZ Appraised
Documents
Metra Design & Construction Manual

V1

Metra Surface Finishing Guide

V4

BRANZ Appraisal Metra Panel 364 2021

2021

Metra FRR 60/60/60 Ceiling Test Report
Warranty
Brochure
CAD/PDF Details
Metra Panel Construction Details Brick
Metra Panel Construction Details Timber Weatherboard
Metra Panel Construction Manual Details
Metra Panel DWG Details
Metra Panel Internal Details
Metra Panel R3 Wall Detail
Metra Panel Speedfloor Midfloor System Detail

Metra Construction Panels are a New Zealand owned and operated, 25 year proven modular panel housing system — a robust, durable, energy efficient alternative.

Product Enquiries

News from Metra Construction Panels

Metra Panel Speeds Up Construction for Woodlands Resort
Save Time with Prefabricated Wall and Ceiling Systems
Robust Modular Ceiling Panels Increase Building Efficiency
Get a free weekly digest of essential news

New and updated architectural products, design solutions, inspiration, technical advice and more when you sign up for EBOSS.