For generations, the humble woolshed has stood the test of time in the countless farms and high-country stations all the way from Northland, down through the mighty Waikato and Bay of Plenty, across to the Hawkes Bay, and down to the South Island's Canterbury Plains and beyond. Inextricably linked to New Zealand’s sheep farming heritage, even today the humble woolshed remains a necessity for the nation's sheep farmers.
Visit any sheep station in New Zealand, and you'll inevitably find magnificent old woolsheds, many of them built entirely from timber. From the earliest settlers, timber was the natural choice – abundant, versatile, and relatively easy to work with. Some over a century old, these structures stand as a testament to timber's incredible durability when properly constructed and maintained.
Today, while steel and other materials have entered the construction landscape, timber continues to offer distinct advantages for not just woolsheds but all types of sheds that can’t be overlooked. Timber allows for a high degree of customisation. Whether you need specific layouts and catching pen designs, or unique wool handling and storage areas, timber-framed buildings can be easily adapted to suit your precise operational flow.
Timber-built woolsheds also offer a locally sourced eco-friendly build choice. New Zealand's timber industry is built on sustainable plantation forests, primarily Radiata Pine and Douglas Fir. Choosing timber means opting for a renewable resource with a lower carbon footprint compared to many other building materials. This aligns perfectly with the growing focus on sustainable farming practices.
A well-designed woolshed can positively impact productivity, wool quality, and the overall well-being of your livestock and your team. Here are the main things to consider when designing and building woolsheds for New Zealand sheep farms.
The efficiency of a woolshed hinges on its internal layout. Designs should focus on:
From the chilling southerlies of the South Island to the humid conditions of the North, NZ’s climate demands durable and resilient buildings. Timber-framed woolsheds must be built to withstand the challenges of everyday wear and tear and include:
Safety in the woolshed is a top priority for both farmers and shearers. All woolshed structures must comply with the New Zealand Building Code and integrate best practice safety measures. These include building consent from your local council. Ensuring all plans meet the necessary regulations for structural integrity, fire safety, and environmental considerations. Please note that there are specific exemptions and requirements for agricultural buildings in NZ.
Woolshed safety and compliance also includes designing for good ventilation, sufficient lighting (both natural and artificial), clear pathways, non-slip surfaces, and safe access to all work areas. The "ShedSafe" initiative, while originating from Australia, offers excellent guidelines for creating a safe shearing environment, and it is wise to incorporate these principles into your design. Designs need to prioritise sheep movement, minimising stress and injury. The use of appropriate fire-rated materials is also necessary as adherence to building codes can mitigate risks.
A new woolshed is a significant investment, it needs to serve the farm for decades to come. So it is important to get it right the first time. Some of the more important factors to consider are:
At Greenwood Sheds our focus on timber sheds aligns with our commitment to environmentally responsible building practices and building sheds that stand the test of time. If you're considering a new woolshed or an upgrade to an existing one, talk to Greenwood Sheds in Rolleston for a no-obligation consultation and quote.