Prolam has launched the next generation of its innovative PLX Portal bracing system.

Now featuring a new foot plate and foundation fixing option, the latest PLX Portal provides increased bracing capacity in a more compact design that makes it an even more versatile solution for building design and construction.

Managing Director John Woodman said the original PLX Portal, released to the market in July 2023, had quickly gained popularity among architects, engineers, and builders seeking a sustainable alternative to steel portals for internal openings, garages, and window structures.

Now, the team have taken their market-leading timber bracing solution to the next level. 

“The enhancements we’ve made to the PLX Portal reflect our ongoing commitment to product development that’s grounded in consultation with our customers,” John says. “We've worked closely with structural engineers to refine the portal’s design to meet the needs of specifiers and builders.”

What’s new?

• New foot plate and angled anchor bolts: Increase bracing capacity and provide a robust fixing solution for insulated foundations.
• Space-saving 240mm column option: Ideal for projects where there is limited space around openings, such as garage doors.
• Simplified installation: Top-down fixing enables quicker and easier installation, speeding up the construction process.
  
  

A solution for insulated foundations 

A key driver for the design evolution was the growing demand for insulated foundations in residential construction. This is in response to changes to Clause H1 of the NZ Building Code which regulates the energy efficiency of buildings and covers floor, wall and ceiling insulation. 

Insulated foundations, also referred to as ‘hot edge’ foundations, reduce the space available at the edge of concrete slabs for fixing anchor bolts. 

John says the new foot plate, coupled with its precisely angled anchor bolt that’s cleverly guided by the foot bracket drill guide, effectively solve the problem of edge distance on insulated slabs, while securely fixing the portal to the foundation.

Design flexibility and sustainability at its core

The new foot plate has also facilitated Prolam’s introduction of a narrower, 240mm wide column. This allows for a more efficient use of space without compromising strength or bracing capacity. 

In addition to its practical applications, the PLX Portal is also backed by an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), offering full transparency on its environmental impact. The innovative timber and steel hybrid bracing system is a more sustainable alternative to steel, using 14 times less energy in its production. This makes it an excellent choice for Green Star and Homestar projects.

Putting builders on the front foot 

Structural engineer Andy Van Houtte from Potius Building Systems was heavily involved in the original PLX Portal’s design and has played a key role in the latest refinements to the portal’s design. 

“A commitment to designing a smart solution that simplifies construction has been front and centre in our development of the PLX Portal System from the outset,” Andy says. “The new design makes installation even easier.”

He says the new foot plate and the use of screw anchors enable builders to erect the portal and position it before bolting it into place.

“This top-down fixing solution and the portal’s lightweight design mean it can be installed in significantly less time and with greater precision, without the need for specialised skills, extra labour or equipment.

"A team of motivated and enthusiastic people developed this solution. Everybody has contributed to creating a product that’s not only robust but incredibly functional in real-world applications."

Builders are reporting the PLX Portal can be installed in as little as 30 minutes!

Extensive testing and independent validation

The new PLX Portal has undergone extensive testing, including in-house testing at Prolam, independent testing by Scion and verification by a third-party engineer, to ensure it exceeds the necessary performance standards. 

Tested in accordance with the BRANZ P21 (2010) bracing test and evaluation procedure, the PLX Portal provides bracing units to resist wind and earthquake loads; and is compatible with other structural timber elements used in NZS3604 buildings.

“We didn’t just test the portal itself,” explains Andy. “We also tested the anchor bolts and their performance in various concrete foundation types.”

He says the comprehensive validation provides specifiers and builders with the confidence that the new system will perform in a wide range of situations.

Opening up the design possibilities

As the building industry increasingly adopts sustainable building methods, the PLX Portal is gaining traction in a variety of sectors. 

“It is now specified in residential projects, including passive houses, where structural timber solutions are being favoured due to their low carbon footprint and reduced thermal bridging compared to steel,” Andy says.

Beyond residential projects, he says the PLX Portal is also being specified for multi-unit developments and light industrial hybrid buildings, where it integrates seamlessly with other materials such as steel and concrete to create high-performing structures.

Download the latest PLX Portal resources

Explore the full capabilities of the upgraded PLX Portal! Watch the product video and download the updated design guide or installation guide to discover more about how this advanced solution can benefit your projects.

The PLX Portal is also available in our online specification tool, the Prolam Specifier, for fast, precise product specifications with PS1 certification for council compliance. 

For additional support, Prolam’s in-house structural engineers and team of glulam specialists are available to answer your questions at any stage of the design or build process.