with the grain

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Maple beech from a sustainable forest was milled for the new Supreme Court building

Interior view of the Supreme Court which features angle, floor, line, lumber, material, pattern, plywood, structure, wall, wood, wood stain, orange — Interior view of the Supreme Court which features native timer panelling by Lindsay & Dixon.

Interior view of the Supreme Court which features architecture, auditorium, ceiling, daylighting, interior design, performing arts center, wood, brown, orange

Interior view of the Supreme Court which features door, glass, window, white

The design of the elliptical courtroom within the new Supreme Court reflects a strong New Zealand influence the distinctive domed atrium references the cone of the native kauri. But the project was not just about visual links. It was also essential that New Zealand suppliers and sustainably produced materials were used wherever possible.

Lindsay & Dixon was contracted to supply maple beech timber and veneers for the interior of the courtroom and other joinery. The company also had to provide a guarantee that the supply was certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) and compliant with NZ Greenbuild Council guidelines.

Managing director Bernie Lagan says the solid timber and veneers were selected to provide a consistent quality, as well as a light colour and tone that would highlight the attractive grain patterns of the maple beech.

"The timber and wood veneers met all the technical criteria, and also ensured other social, economic and environmental benefits were achieved," he says. "The maple beech is native to New Zealand and was sourced from Maori-owned forests (Waitutu Incorporation), which are managed under a registered Sustainable Forestry Management Plan. In addition, our Tuatapere-based business provides regional employment benefits for Southland, employing 50 people in a town of 700."

Lagan says the final result is testament to the technical properties and quality of native Southland maple beech. Since the project was completed, the company has been awarded a further four major supply contracts for its FSC-certified timber and veneer products. "This is a worthy recognition of this fine New Zealand native timber," he says.

Lindsay & Dixon