Building & Investment (Nov - Dec 2015) (Nov - Dec 2015) | Page 26

Special Feature Galeri Glulam: in praise of engineered timber Showcase of Malaysian hardwood, its potential and viability as building material. COMPLETED IN JANUARY 2011 and officially opened in May 2012, the Galeri Glulam is built on a 4.9-acre land owned by the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) located along Jalan Tampoi in Johor. Recognised in 2002 by the Malaysian Book of Records as the first building completed using glue-laminated timber (Glulam) as the load bearing structure, the iconic building uses more than 80% wood to complement the design concept. The building is a showcase for the potential and viability of applying innovative engineered timber products, namely, locally-manufactured glulam using tropical hardwood indigenous to Malaysia, as building material/structural members. It also functions as a referral/training centre for industry professionals in the private and public sector and is an exhibition venue that is open to the public. 22 Building & Investment | www.b-i.biz