The enormous LVL elements now in place are integral to the strong sustainability focus of He Toki Kai Te Rika, which follows living building challenge (LBC) principles.
Cross laminated timber (CLT) is also being used, both giving the three-storey design a low-damage seismic resistance which would dissipate energy in an earthquake.
Construction of the $31.7million project at the heart of Otago Polytechnic’s Forth St Campus in Dunedin began in January 2021.
Initially, the building was to be completed later this year, but delays caused by Covid-19 lockdowns mean the project is now expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023.
Otago Polytechnic chief executive Dr Megan Gibbons said the project was stimulating and supporting economic activity in the city and region by employing about 200 tradespeople, construction managers and consultants.
"The project is significant to both the local and national construction industry."
She said He Toki Kai Te Rika was being built to keep up with the expected growth in the number of students pursuing building and construction qualifications, as well as to give the facility more capacity to deliver apprenticeship programmes.
"It will be of international standard.
"It will provide an outstanding learning environment, offering modern learning facilities including common learning spaces, to meet industry and more sophisticated learner demands."
