A new generation of buildings have been designed in recent years with an innovative structural system developed in New Zealand over the last decade. Conventional post-tensioning is combined with timber structures made of engineered wood products to produce highly efficient systems suitable for supporting long floor spans. The moment connections are particularly useful in structures designed for seismic regions. The post-tensioning ensures self-centering in addition to ductility provided by additional energy dissipating elements within the connections. Extensive experimental and numerical studies have confirmed the expected performance of the systems and design procedures have been developed for practical applications. A summary of the evolution of the concept and developments are presented here. The concept has already been applied in design of a number of structures within and outside New Zealand. The applications are reviewed with discussion on the details implemented. The system has excellent prospect of emerging as a practical alternative for multi-storied timber buildings. Arrangements have been made recently to utilize the technology in North America and initiatives are currently underway for implementation in Canada
