Australasian Timber by Provincial Press Group

FEBRUARY 2018

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Incorporating Australian and New Zealand Timberman – Established 1977.

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

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O S I

T R U T

L O O R I N G

A S S E T T E S

PosiStrut CASSETTES are

FLOORING customers.

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

New Zealand (09) 274 7109

NEWS

Ŷ Graeme Rees

Lonza Wood Protection’s Graeme Rees retires

raeme Rees, long serving Managing Director of Lonza Wood Protection Asia Paciﬁc, has retired. Originally from Gore in the far south of New Zealand, Graeme has had a long and distinguished career in the wood protection industry starting over 30 years ago with Hickson Timber Impregnation as manager of the Mataura roundwood treating plant. In 1986 Graeme transferred to Auckland to take up the role of marketing manager for Hickson Timber Preservatives and was instrumental in

the restructuring of the Hickson’s New Zealand business into separate preservative supply and wood treatment operations and subsequently the formation of the Koppers-Hickson Timber Protection joint venture company in 1989. In 1997 Graeme transferred to Brisbane with his wife Rachel and two sons to become the marketing manager for Koppers-Hickson Timber Protection in Australia. In 2000 with the acquisition of Hickson by US-based Arch Chemicals, Graeme became the general manager for the renamed Koppers

australasian

Incorporating Australian and New Zealand Timberman – Established 1977.

February Vol.26, No. 1 Established 1977

Arch Wood Protection company in Australia. Moving forward, when Arch Chemicals bought out the Koppers share of Koppers Arch to become Arch Wood Protection in 2007, Graeme became the regional managing director for the Asia Paciﬁc region from the start of 2008. The next change was the acquisition of Arch Chemicals by the Swissbased Lonza Group in 2011 and again Graeme was heavily involved in the local aspects of the integration of the Asia Paciﬁc wood protection business with the new owners.

Publisher and Chief Executive: Hartley Higgins General Manager: Joanne Oertel Editorial: John Hudswell j.hudswell@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide: (08) 8369 9512 Out of ofﬁce: (08) 7127 6370

Most recently Graeme again took a key role in a transformative stage of the business with the acquisition and integration of New Plymouth-based Zelam in 2015. “After 32 years I wonder where all that time has gone,” Graeme said. “It has been a great journey working with many different customers, industry colleagues and dedicated staff over the years. In the time I have seen many changes in the industry and the company. I wish everyone well going forward and I am sure that the business under the new leadership will go on to

Advertising: Kent Humphrys k.humphrys@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide: (08) 8369 9516 Timber classiﬁed: k.humphrys@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide: (08) 8369 9516 Production: NEMedia

Ŷ Angelo Hrastov

further success.” Melbournebased Angelo Hrastov will take over as Regional Director for Lonza Wood Protection Asia Paciﬁc. Angelo has been with the group for 22 years and has had a

series of roles in account management and customer support, general management and most recently as the sales and business manager for Lonza Wood Protection Asia Paciﬁc. “I am very humbled with this appointment and very appreciative of the guidance that Graeme has provided over the years. It really is the end of an era with Graeme’s retirement. However, I look forward to working with our customers and my colleagues in Lonza in my new role,” Angelo said.

Subscriptions: subs@forestsandtimber.com.au Adelaide: (08) 8369 9522 Accounts: Adelaide: (08) 8369 9555 Postal Address: 630 Regency Road, Broadview, South Australia 5083 Phone: (08) 8369 9555 Fax: (08) 8369 9501

FRONT PAGE: Mjøstårnet will be more than 80 metres tall and stand 30 metres higher than what is today considered the world’s tallest timber building. Read more on Pages 14-15

Conditions: The opinions expressed in Australasian Timber Magazine are not necessarily the opinions of or endorsed by the editor or publisher unless otherwise stated. All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. All material in Australasian Timber Magazine copyright © Ryan Media. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, the published will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published.

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NEWS

Macca retires after 44 years with Hyne Timber Now he’s set to focus on ‘pen-ultimate’ hobby

especially during our Ŷ Macca signs off after 44 years at Hyne Timber. time building and growing the Tuan Mill. at the mill applauded his arrival in true 1973 rookie style. “He has been a part of the business growth In 1986, Hyne Timber opened their new flagship over the years, seen the introduction of com- softwood manufacturing plant, the Tuan Mill and puters, and been an integral part from tim- Macca transferred as their new Production Manager. ber manufacturing to meeting customer orders. Faced with a brand new, large empty ware“He has been heavily relied on as a coordinator house, Macca, supported by fifth generation within the business and regularly put in long hours. James Hyne, set it up with the various products. “I wish him all the best for his retirement and his Six semi-trailer trucks back then was a busy day. Today, next endeavours, the growth of ‘Macca’s Pens’, the mill has anywhere around 200 trucks per day on site. Mr Kleinschmidt said. He later took on the role of Customer Service Manager, Macca started with Hyne still looking after production planning, making sure Timber at their old hard- what the customer wants is getting produced and supwood manufacturing plied – not a straight forward process when you never plant in Maryborough know what quality of timber you will get from each log. He was based at the Tuan Mill for 28 years before back in 1973. Red-faced start moving to the Sunshine Coast where he started work He answered an adver- at the company’s Kunda Park distribution centre. tisement for a company In his spare time, Macca has been growing a hobby Clerk role, a position business, turning timber pens, which continues to he successfully won. go from strength to strength from his market stall in Turning up to work on Cotton Tree on the Sunshine Coast. He’s also takhis first day, suited and ing personal and corporate orders from all over the booted at their head of- world, and his Facebook page is proving a success. fice, he quickly learned On his return from a well-deserved holiday, Macca he was actually based intends to set up a new website and significantly on the ‘shop floor’ at grow his online presence now he has more time the hardwood mill over to make more of his pens and other wood crafts. the road. Young and red One of Macca’s ongoing corporate customers for his faced, his new co-workers timber pens is of course Hyne Timber! Ŷ Hyne Timber’s Corporate Gift Pens from ‘Macca’s Pens’. fter 44 years with Hyne Timber, John McDonald -- aka Macca -- has signed off for the last time. However, with an ongoing love of timber, his ‘timber turning’ pen hobby will now take precedence as he retires at the age of 60. According to Hyne Timber’s CEO Jon Kleinschmidt, Macca was a valued member of the Hyne Timber team, a hard-working and incredibly organised mentor for the warehouse and customer service staff, “Macca has been with the business for over 44 years and I’ve enjoyed working closely with him

Principals’ purpose

ifference deﬁnes the two new Principals who have just been appointed by BVN, according to CEO James Grose. “One is merging his practice with BVN, the other is emerging from the BVN milieu and together they bring the types of experiences and thinking that are suited to the purpose of architecture in these challenging and fast changing times,” said Mr Grose Kevin O’Brien has established a commend-

able reputation as an architect seeking to apply his skills across the four areas of the profession, academia, creative practice and community service. “I was trained to understand that an idea is required in order to pursue genuine architecture. For me, ‘Finding Country’ is that idea and one that has informed my thinking and work as an architect, teacher, arts collaborator and board member,” said Mr O’Brien Catherine Skinner has been with BVN since

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2010 and has spent most of that time working on large teams on complex projects. In her most recent roles she has taken a leadership posi-

Ŷ Kevin O’Brien.

tion in the BVN/3XN collaboration on one of Sydney’s tallest buildings at the Quay Quarter, Circular Quay and the redevelopment of the

Sydney Fish Markets. “A large project brings associated complexities that along with working collaboratively with a mixed team of both ar-

Ŷ Catherine Skinner.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

chitects and consultants is not only challenging but highly invigorating,” said Ms Skinner who added “I cannot see working alone as being nearly as fulﬁlling”. “The evolution of the Brisbane Studio will continue as Kevin and Catherine’s skills and leadership are added to those of the existing Studio Principals,” said Mr Grose. “This will ensure that BVN Brisbane is ready to meet the opportunities to offer collaborative creativity to design a better future,” he said.

NEWS

Frame Australia notches up 20 years

he ‘Timber Offsite Construction’ 2018 conference will be bigger than ever, according to Frame Australia’s director Kevin Ezard, with the event celebrating its 20th year. “Building markets in Australia are buoyant due to continually expanding population, which is creating growth

within urban areas for mid-rise and high-rise multi-residential buildings,” said Kevin. “A major shift is the consolidating demand for pre-fabricated offsite timber and engineered wood systems in mid-rise timber frame projects up to 5-storeys, and high-rise up to 10-storeys, with builders achieving faster build times and lower costs. “The 2018 conference program will re-

ﬂect these strengthening market trends with renowned international and local expert speakers on the key themes of Building Design, Technology, Manufacturing and Construction”,” he said. Sessions will cover design development of both multi-residential and commercial buildings for low carbon, energy efﬁcient outcomes; BIM and 3D design digital platforms; plant automation and robot-

ics in prefabrication; examples of timber and engineered wood construction systems; and current timber building projects around Australia. Panel sessions will include in-depth case studies of mid-rise residential developments utilising timber frame panelised walls and cassette ﬂoors, plus high-rise apartments and commercial buildings using CLT, Glulam and LVL in engineered

wood systems. Delegate tours will visit residential and commercial timber building construction sites; prefabrication and panelised manufacturing plants; and recently completed building projects that are outstanding examples of architectural and engineering design in timber structures. “Display booths in the conference exhibition area provide suppliers with an exceptional

opportunity to access market sectors that have high interest in timber building construction products and services, that is projected to be a major growth market in the next decade,” Kevin added. ‘Timber Offsite Construction’ will be held on Monday and Tuesday 18-19 June 2018 at Park Hyatt Melbourne, and for event details visit the Frame Australia website www.frameaustralia.com

Chief Executive Ofﬁcer Mick Stephens. “Understanding how Queensland’s building industry outlook impacts our pipeline will be a key focus. Conference attendees will visit Australia’s tallest timber ofﬁce tower, 25 King St, to gain an insight into how engineered timber and prefabrication is building our future. Looking

to what and why there is Room to Grow the event will host an awards program for forestry, architecture and engineering students.” The conference will be complemented with ﬁeld trips and a workplace health and safety workshop and an informal conference dinner to ensure plenty of networking opportunities.

Future industry trends in spotlight

Ŷ Timber Queensland Chief Executive Ofﬁcer Mick Stephens.

imber Queensland, the state’s peak industry organisation, is planning to put the spotlight squarely on future industry trends. In fact, its second biennial conference Doing Timber Business in Queensland -- Room to Grow, will delve into where the real growth potential is in Queens-

land’s forest and timber industry. This special event will be held at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Showgrounds, 18-20 April After the overwhelming success of the inaugural Doing Timber Business in Queensland conference in June 2016, Timber Queensland is again gathering local

industry players and national stakeholders to network and examine our future. The 2018 the event will focus on who, where and how the industry has room to grow. “The conference will reﬂect on the impact developing regional timber hubs will have on growth, resource availability and opportunities,” said Timber Queensland

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NEWS

Burnie to be home of $190m super mill

ustralia’s largest plantation hardwood mill and timber product manufacturing facility is to be built in Burnie. The Hermal Group (formerly owners of Australian Sustainable Hardwood in Victoria) is investing $190 million in the Tasmanian project. “The Hermal Group’s decision to build the Tasmanian Amalgamated Renewable Timbers (Start) Mill and CrossLaminated Timber Panel (CLPT) facility in Burnie is terriﬁc,” said Terry Edwards, CEO of the Forest Industries Association of Tasmania (FIAT). “It will mean a major boost for our sustainable forest industries, not just in the north-west, but for the whole of Tasmania,” Mr Edwards said. “We commend the Tasmanian Government

Ŷ Ross Hampton.

for its commitment to provide $13 million in grant and training support funding for the project,” said Ross Hampton, CEO of Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA). “We understand it to have been critical in the

Ŷ Terry Edwards.

ﬁnal investment decision being made and I encourage political consensus on the funding in the interests of investment and jobs for Tasmania,” Mr Hampton said. Once complete, the facility will employ around 200 ongoing staff and

will process more than 300,000 cubic metres of sustainable plantation hardwood logs each year. Initially they’ll be used in the creation of building products, including cross laminated timber panels. The investment will

also lead to the creation of a signiﬁcant number of indirect jobs in the north-west and in Tasmania generally, which is a signiﬁcant development in an area that has struggled for investment and employment creation projects.

“This investment is good news for FORICO which will supply the bulk of the timber for the mill, but it also presents opportunities for smaller private holdings of sustainable native timber plantations in Tasmania,” Mr Hampton said. “It is a welcome development that the project will provide for value-adding to the plantation resource within Tasmania, rather than exporting that resource to create wealth and jobs in other countries,” Mr Edwards said. “We look forward to working with the Hermal Group and the Tasmanian Government to ensure this investment materialises and the beneﬁts are far reaching for forest industries and more broadly, the whole of Tasmania,” Mr Edwards said.

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

NEWS

Ŷ Russell Maher, Peter Schiller and Peter Tregaskis at Devcon Construction Site, Buderim

Queensland’s fastest growing builder chooses Hyne Timber T2 Blue

demon- builder to not only unshine Coast Queensland builder Devcon strates that we’re getting get that right, but to has been named it right,” Mr Schiller said. add further value with in the Australian Finan- The company prides it- a structure that will cial Review Fast 100 list self on quality while pro- stand the test of time. for two years in a row, curing materials in bulk “Hyne Timber is susnow ranking as the 13th quantities to help keep tainably grown, locally fastest growing compa- their pricing affordable. and most importantly, ny in Australia and the Local retailer Sunshine the termite treatment offastest growing builder Mitre 10 are supplying fers guaranteed protecever-increasing tion without the need in Queensland in 2017. their With a significant hous- orders of treated tim- for ongoing inspections. ing and construction ber for their frames. “Imagine buying a brand boom under way, Dev- The timber is all lo- new home only to find con’s business model cally and sustainably out the frame isn’t prois to build smart yet af- grown before being tected? There’s no insurance for that. fordable housing “This additional to meet the inquality assurance creasing demand. Increasing focus on is what makes Company sales sustainability and Devcon a trusted professional Pebuilder and why ter Schiller said efficiency we stand by our buyer trends for homes with pride,” new builds were changing and, like all processed by Hyne Tim- Mr Schiller concluded. industries, businesses ber in Maryborough - a Devcon has extensive experihave to focus their carbon neutral process. construction teams to deliver the right Hyne Timber’s T2 Blue ence, established in customer solutions, termite resistant framing 1993 and growing ever “Both home owners and is the preferred timber since. They have reinvestors are looking for all Devcon projects, cently secured a number for quality, well located due to the guaran- of major developments homes at the right price. teed treatment quality. close to the Sunshine “There is an increas- “When people inspect Coast University and ing focus on sustain- a home or a house new Sunshine Coast Hospital. ability and efficiency. plan, they make deci- University “This is something we sions based on prac- Their Sunshine Mitre have to deliver on, and ticality and aesthet- 10 Commercial Sales being listed as the fast- ics,” Mr Schiller said. Manager, Russell Maest growing builder in “It’s up to us as the her, said the supplier 8

Ŷ Peter Tregaskis, Russell Maher, Peter Schiller and Katie Fowden

is proud to be partnering with Devcon throughout their growth and development, “We have been a supply partner for some years now and they are a great company to work with. “We supply the timber, claddings and all ﬁt-out requirements. “We are proud to be partnering with Devcon who are set to be one of our largest customer this year,” Mr Maher said. Hyne Timber has been operating since 1882 and today distributes T2 Blue framing throughout the Eastern Seaboard, south of

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

the Tropic of Capricorn (Rockhampton). It comes with a fully transferrable, 25 year termite guarantee, is safe to handle and work with and is independently CodeMark certified. Hyne Timber Customer Manager Peter Tregaskis said you can’t go and replace the structure of a home so it is important builders get it right the first time. “Buying a new home is one of the most important financial commitments people make in their lives so it makes sense for it to be protected. “It’s great to see build-

ers such as Devcon recognising this as a value proposition for their buyers and investors and something which they can actively market, gaining further trust in terms of quality. “The treatment is organic and designed to mimic the naturally occurring termite resistant properties of some plant species. It uses ingredients similar to those found in pet ﬂea collars and head lice shampoo. “There are no annual inspections required for T2 Blue house frames. Set and forget,” Mr Tregaskis concluded.

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

AUSTRALIAN PAPER MILESTONE

Australian Paper has a long, strong commitment to sustainability Maryvalle Achieves

ustralian Paper has a proud history in the local manufacturing of paper stretching back to 1868. Australian Paper is a vertically integrated manufacturer of pulp, paper, envelopes and stationery. It is Australia’s only manufacturer of ofﬁce and printing papers, bag, sack, lightweight packaging and industrial papers and a major supplier of kraft liner board for the cardboard carton industry. It is committed to sustainable practices throughout its operations in a way that aims to minimise our impact on the environment, and maximise our social and economic contribution to the communities in which we operate.

Innovative paper recycling process Making paper is a cyclical process of combining wood ﬁbres with water which are then dried to create a sheet of paper. After each use, paper can be recycled and more ﬁbres added to restart the cycle. 10

The $90 million waste paper recycling plant at Maryvale, has the capacity to divert up to 80,000 tonnes of waste paper from landfill each year. This has the potential to save up to 230,000 tonnes of carbon emissions from landfill. Australian Paper manufactures a range of premium recycled products including Reflex 100% recycled, Planet Ark Mindful Paper and Australian 100% recycled. These 100% recycled papers are all FSC® Chain of Custody certified.

$7.5 million energy study With support from the Australian and Victorian Governments, Australian Paper is undertaking a $7.5 million feasibility study to quantify the benefits of energy from waste technology at its Maryvale Mill. Like any local manufacturing business, Australian Paper is facing challenges. It is determined to face these efficiently and sensitively by harnessing innovative, proven technologies. One of its immediate priorities is to stabilise costs and one of the most significant focus areas is energy. Despite being Victoria’s largest generator of baseload renewable en-

ergy, it is the largest industrial user of natural gas in Victoria and also uses significant quantities of coal-fired electricity. Like any other business or household in Australia, it is exposed to surges in energy prices and uncertainty of supply. AP wants to address its future energy needs proactively, which is why it is carrying out the comprehensive Energy from Waste (EfW) feasibility study into an EfW facility at its Maryvale Mill. This facility could divert up to 650,000 tonnes of waste from Gippsland and Melbourne landfills each year, saving 500,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. An EfW plant at Maryvale would require a $600 million investment estimated to support more than 1,600 Victorian jobs during construction and more than 440 ongoing. The study is expected to conclude in mid-2018.

Investment Strategy AP has been developing the Maryvale site since 1937 and has an asset base in excess of $3 billion. Australian Paper is committed to ongoing strategic investment to maintain and develop its core manufacturing

assets. Its capital investment strategy over the next 5 years will support Australian Paper’s mission of sustainable growth for the next generation by focusing on four key areas. s Supporting our commitment to Zero Harm s Increasing our production output s Manufacturing internationally competitive products s Improving ongoing operational reliability and maintenance efﬁciency

Lignin-based biofuel Lignin is a fully renewable, organic compound made up of a range of complex carbon

molecules that naturally occur in wood. AP’s Maryvale operation produces more than 600,000 tonnes of lignin based biofuel every year from the wood it processes, making Australian Paper Victoria’s largest generator of baseload renewable energy. Although AP currently uses this lignin based biofuel to generate energy, it can be further processed as an input to new generation bio-products such as: s Substitutes for plastics s Complex chemicals s Carbon ﬁbre s Biofuels

Celebrating 80 years of sustainable growth Maryvale Mill Open Day Australian Paper will celebrate 80 years of pulp and paper productions at Maryvale with a Community Open Day at the Maryvale Mill on Sunday 25 March. Entry is free and, as the company says, we would love you to come along and celebrate with us while enjoying free Mill tours, family activities, marquees, food and live entertainment all on the Maryvale Oval. The open day will run from 9am to 3pm.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

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Maryvalle Achieves

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

AUSTRALIAN PAPER MILESTONE

Major boost for Australianmade recycled paper Maryvalle Achieves

FLASHBACK TO 2015:

ustralia’s only premium wastepaper recycling and de-inking plant has opened in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, with Australian Paper announcing that the $90 million facility at Maryvale Mill had started producing recycled copy paper and would soon extend into envelope and printing papers. “This plant will take up to 80,000 tonnes of wastepaper out of Australia’s landﬁll each year which is enough to ﬁll a tennis court to more than twice the height of the Eureka Tower. We are

committed to meeting the growing demand for premium, local recycled paper,” said Peter Williams, Chief Operating Ofﬁcer, Australian Paper. “It is a vital part of our future operations and we thank everyone who has made this investment in regional Victorian manufacturing possible. “We received project funding from the Federal and Victorian Governments and letters of support for the project from Planet Ark, Green Capital and a number of our key customers. “We applaud this initiative, it is a great win for recycling and it creates green jobs when we are seeing a decline in Australian manufacturing in other areas,” said

Paul Klymenko, CEO of Planet Ark. “The Australian Government has specified that it will purchase 100% recycled papers from 1 July this year and we are hopeful that all Government Departments, Federal and State, will recognise the sustainability advantages of Australian-made 100% recycled paper over imports when making their purchase decisions,” Mr Williams said. “The environmental benefits of this project are significant. Importing recycled paper made overseas only adds to Australia’s landfill and also generates significant sea-freight emissions. In contrast, removing 80,000 tonnes

Ŷ The Australian Paper Recycling Plant.

Ŷ Pictured at the ofﬁcial opening of the Latrobe Valley’s new $90 million Australian Paper Recycling Plant are (left to right) Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Richard Colbeck, Nippon Paper Industries Chairman Yoshio Haga, Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, State Member for Morwell Russell Northe, Australian Paper CEO Kunihiko Kashima and Victorian Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh.

of wastepaper from people, mostly in the $600 million pulp mill Australia’s landfill saves local manufacturing and upgrade in 2009 was up to 200,000 tonnes of wastepaper collection the largest private capital project in Victoria in carbon emissions every industries. Federal Member for that decade. year, which is equal to State Member for taking more than 70,000 Gippsland Darren ChesMorwell Ruscars off Australia’s sell Northe roads. “The current Removing 80,000 tonnes said Australian Paper was Australian market of wastepaper from the largest emdemand for recycled content office Australia’s landfill saves ployer in the Valley, papers is only one up to 200,000 tonnes of Latrobe providing more third of the new plant’s capacity, so carbon emissions every than 900 fulljobs. we need everyone’s year, which is equal to time “It is eshelp to lift the demand for Australtaking more than 70,000 timated the Mill ian-made recycled cars off Australia’s roads Maryvale provides a furcontent paper and ther 4800 fulldo the right thing time jobs indifor our local environment,” Mr Williams ter described the recy- rectly,” Mr Northe said. The Maryvale Mill cling move as a valusaid. The construction able show of confidence is Australia’s largest phase of the plant has that Australian Paper has manufacturing site and supported almost 1,000 been prepared to invest produces a wide range Australian jobs and the in the Latrobe Valley di- of packaging, printing ongoing operation will versifying production at and office papers including the well-known REprovide flow on employ- its Maryvale Mill. “Australian Paper’s FLEX copy paper brand. ment for around 250

Paper bag preference is better in the long run

he Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) is calling for a ban of single use light weight plastic bags nationally and is urging the use of renewable and recyclable paper bags. “It’s good to see that many jurisdictions have already taken the step to ban single use light 12

weight plastic bags,” says Ross Hampton, AFPA Chief Executive Ofﬁcer. “It is now important that this effective measure is adopted nationally to realise the full environmental beneﬁts. The UK Government has just announced it will eliminate avoidable plastic waste by 2042 across the nation and Australia should

not be left behind,” Mr Hampton said. “Australians use around 4 billion plastic bags every year, many of these ending up in waterways and oceans. “There is an alternative for plastic bags that is both convenient and good for the environment – renewable and recyclable paper bags that store

carbon and are made from sustainably sourced Australian wood ﬁbre. “Using Australian renewable and recyclable paper products also underpins considerable economic activity and jobs in our sustainable paper businesses, many of which are based in our regions,” Mr Hampton said.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

Ŷ One of KMart’s paper bags with the advice ... reuse this bag over and over again to help reduce our impact on the environment.

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RESPONSIBLE WOOD

Wood ... nature’s own building material No other building material can be prefabricated to such a degree, which makes wood perfect for industrial construction. Three different building systems for modern construction in wood. Industrialised processes and prefabricated units provide control over quality, costs, logistics and the working environment. Shorter time at the construction site also leads to less disruption for the neighbours. From the Swedish Wood Building Council

here is set to be as much building over the coming 40 years as has taken place over the whole of human history. That translates into 14,000 apartments per day! If the world is to keep up this pace of building, a switch to new materials and new construction processes will be needed. Wood is going to be part of the solution. A sustainable approach is critical for future building, and wood is a renewable resource that can be industrially engineered using extremely energy efﬁcient processes compared with concrete. Wood is part of nature’s own ecocycle; the material stores carbon dioxide and the growing forest produces oxygen and cleans the air. There is also a good supply of the raw mate-

rial – in Sweden alone the forest is producing enough growth for a fivestorey building every 30 seconds. Today’s environmental certification of buildings focuses on energy performance and the use of the building once constructed. However, the majority of the carbon emissions occur during the construction phase and in the production of the materials. Global concrete production generates twice the carbon dioxide emissions of global air traffic. Wood, on the other hand, is a renewable building material that stores carbon dioxide. In addition, growing forest also produces oxygen and cleans the air. Building a wooden house takes very little energy. And with a structure made of wood instead of traditional materials, the building’s carbon dioxide emissions show a significant drop. The finished building will also continue storing carbon dioxide for its entire lifetime. Sustainable forestry is about preserving forests for future generations. About taking responsibility for biodiversity, ecosystems and their species, as we as well as for the people and communities that depend on the forest. In other words, it is about maintaining a healthy balance between

economic interests, employment and respect for our invaluable nature. Around 100 years ago, Sweden introduced new forest legislation that has helped to ensure sustainable forestry over the long term. For every tree that is felled, at least two new ones must be planted. Forest resources have doubled since the legislation was introduced. Wood is light, strong and easy to work with. No other building material can be prefabricated to such a degree, which makes wood perfect for industrial construction. The industrial processes mean that the majority of a building can be produced in a factory and then assembled on site. Sweden currently uses three different building systems for modern construction in wood: the post and beam system, load-bearing walls with lightweight or solid wood elements, and a modular technique that employs volumetric units. Modern industrial construction in wood saves time and money, and creates good conditions for increased building. Industrialised processes and prefabricated units provide control over quality, costs, logistics and the working environment. Growing cities challenges the need of linking existing buildings

with inﬁlls and new ones. Thanks to the properties of the material, wood building techniques are exceptionally good for vertical extensions and supplementary develop-

ment in dense urban environments. Not only that, the shorter time at the construction site also leads to less disruption for the neighbours.

Ŷ Prefab panels.

Ŷ Manufacturing prefab units.

Ŷ Prefab building system.

Wood accounts for a rising share of the construction market In Europe and North America, large buildings made of wood are no longer a unique phenomenon in the construction and property market. The area has seen substantial growth and development in recent years, and building in wood accounts for a steadily rising share of the market. Halved construction times, major environmental benefits, new collaborative forms, advanced technology and attractive wooden architecture are just a few of the reasons behind the successes. New research combined with longstanding experience has, for example, led to a growing number of open construction systems that in turn are further improving productivity. Interest in modern wood construction is growing all the time with more high-rise buildings, sports halls and road bridges. Today highrise buildings with a wooden structural frame account for around 10 % of total construction in Sweden.

Ŷ Checking the timber work.

Beautiful. Natural. Sustainable. Australian. responsiblewood.org.au You can be assured that wood carrying the Responsible Wood mark has come from certiﬁed Australian forests that are sustainably managed to the highest global standards.

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North Bondi Residence by CPlusC Architectural Workshop Runner up – Excellence in the use of Australian certiﬁed timber, Australian Timber Design Awards 2017 Photography: Michael Lassman

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION

Norway to build world’s tallest timber building

jøstårnet will be more than 80 metres tall and stand 30 metres higher than what is today considered the world’s tallest timber building. “It will set new standards for timber constructions. The building is the closest we come to a skyscraper in timber,” says investor and contracting client, Arthur Buchardt. The record-breaking construction will sit on the edge of the northeastern tip of Norway’s largest lake, Mjøsa, in the small town of Bru-

munddal, an hour and a half’s drive north of Oslo. Spanning over 18 ﬂoors, the building will reach 80 metres high, and include apartments, an indoor swimming pool, hotel, ofﬁces, restaurant and communal areas. Construction is scheduled to be completed in December 2018. Moelven, a Mjøsa-local Scandinavian industrial group, is supplying the timber constructions from local spruce forests required to construct the tower and the swimming pool area.

“The assembly and construction of the Mjøstårnet is nothing short of world-class engineering, and will be managed without external scaffolding, despite the complexity of working at heights. We are primarily using cranes and supplementing with lifts as needed. We have reached 33 metres to date, meaning we have 48 metres to go,” says Buchardt.

Climate-friendly Arthur Buchardt says that he can evidence the climate friendliness of

building with wood. “A project group established by Norwegian road authorities investigated the possibility of building the world’s longest timber bridge across Lake Mjøsa. Their studies show that building with wood instead of concrete can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 30%,” says Buchardt. He believes that the construction sector will evolve in the footsteps of the automotive industry. “In 15 years’ time I believe it will be illegal to produce and sell cars

that run on fossil fuels. Similarly, I expect that climate-friendly materials will become an international statutory standard,” says Buchardt. Buchardt hopes that his ambitions to build the world’s tallest timber building may inspire others. “Through Mjøstårnet we demonstrate that it is possible to construct large, complex wooden buildings. The planned construction of the Norwegian Government quarter can become a wooden landmark internationally,” he says.

Ŷ Moelven industrier ASA is a Scandinavian industrial group that supplies products and associated services to the Scandinavian building market. The Group’s businesses employ over 3.600 and have a total annual turnover of some NOK 11 billion. The Group’s close to 52 business production units are organised into three divisions: Timber, Wood and Building Systems.

Ŷ To Arthur Buchardt it is important that the raw materials are local and that they come from the forests nearby. Photo: Anti/Jens Haugen

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

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OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION

sim[PLY] Framing System is an all new way to build

lemson Uni- packed, requiring less mental impact here at v e r s i t y ’ s transport space and home. Beyond causing School of Ar- smaller vehicles versus a greater demand for chitecture is developing other forms of prefabri- timber, wide acceptance of the sim[PLY] an innovative construc- cated structures. Cut pieces lock into process would mean a tion method that is gaining worldwide attention place on site with no more diverse and robust tools use of forest resources; for its potential market power-operated impact in rapid, low-tech or heavy equipment re- plywood manufacturing, unlike that of lumber, quired. sustainable housing. sim[PLY]’s evolving makes use of older, more Using the sim[PLY] mature trees. Framing System, “With impact: Architectural comA national Departa click of the button, someone could order a ment of Defence (DOD) munities in Italy, Austria custom-cut, flat-packed building contractor has and Germany – counhome online and con- looked at sim[PLY] for tries considered to be Deployable worldwide leaders in struct it by hand with Rapidly the help of their friends Housing applications, wood construction and sustainable buildand neighbors ing – have exin a matter of interest in days,” said Kate Faster, safer, easier and pressed sim[PLY]. OverSchwennsen, seas and in the professor and more energy-efficient U.S., sim[PLY]’s director of the sustainable perSchool of Archiformance benefits tecture. such as for use in temare compelling. One of the sim[PLY] porary military housing. An example of a Framing System’s innosim[PLY] is being consim[PLY] structure in vative advantages is its sidered as a potentially use is the CropStop comrevolutionary interlockcost-saving opportunity munity kitchen on Lois ing tab-and-slot conto build better structures Avenue in Greenville. nection system (patent faster, safer and using The building makes it pending). Assembly is less energy on the jobpossible for crop owners intuitive and easy; so site. to better process their buildings come together sim[PLY] ’s builtharvests to meet local much like a 3D puzzle, in ease of construction demand for fresh farmusing no nails, just steel makes it an ideal framto-table foods. A new zip ties and some screws. ing model for various universal CropStop proThis means buildings types of do-it-yourself totype was designed in can be disassembled just housing. Think: tiny the fall and could impact as easily, without caushomes. To explore this global agrarian econoing structural damage. popular housing trend, mies where there is in“sim[PLY] is faster, Clemson’s architectural terest in this concept for safer, easier and more students have designed sustaining local growers energy-efficient than an energy efficient and evolving farm comtraditional construcsim[PLY] tiny home munities. tion with power tools,” prototype that could be sim[PLY] was first Schwennsen said. structurally framed in developed by Clemsim[PLY] offers a rapson architectural id, low-tech confaculty and stustruction solution dents as part of with a profound their entry in the reduction in a Flat pack delivery 2015 Department building’s total of Energy Solar carbon footprint. Decathlon comHere’s how: petition. While sim[PLY] uses their end result was a locally sourced plywood just one day. Timber is one of solar-powered, energyand computer numeric control (CNC) fabrica- South Carolina’s most efficient home, it was important cash crops, just the beginning for tion. Construction plans with an economic im- the innovative framing are digital and can be pact of $20 billion, ac- system that is proving it emailed anywhere there cording to the Forestry has a marketable life of Association of South its own. is a CNC controller. “sim[PLY] is an onsim[PLY]’s Components can Carolina. be pre-cut using off- use of plywood would going, evolving project,” the-shelf materials, create both a positive Schwennsen said. “New pre-measured and flat- economic and environ- teams of students are www.timberbiz.com.au

being challenged to optimize the design and create newer, smarter versions to meet the needs of a variety of commercial, government and end-user market applications.” The School of Architecture and its faculty continue to be leaders in integrating critical and creative research into its nationally ranked accredited graduate program. The sim[PLY] team includes faculty inventors Dan Harding, Dustin Albright, Dave Pastre, Ulrike Heine, Vincent Blouin and Ufuk Ursoy; and contributing student inventors Anthony Wohlers, Michael Stoner, Eric Balogh, Tyler Silvers, Clair Dias, Alison Martin, Jon Pennington, Jeff Hammer, Will Hinkley, Justin Hamrick, Alexandra Latham, Neely Leslie, Daniel Taylor, David Herrero, Rebecca Mercer, Russell Buchanan, Amelia Brackmann, Paul Mosher, Allyson Beck and Alex Libengood.

Ŷ A team of Clemson architecture students assemble Indigo Pine East, the first structure built using the sim[PLY] construction method. Off-theshelf plywood is cut by CNC routers into interlocking tab-and-slot pieces that fit together to form a solid, tight frame. With the sim[PLY] method, digital cut files can be emailed to a CNC fabricator, then shipped flat-packed to the construction site, ready to be assembled by hand by unskilled laborers.

Ŷ Architecture student Paul Mosher examines sim[PLY] pieces cut by a Computer Numeric Control device. Sim[PLY]’s interlocking connection technology is patent-pending.

Ŷ The sim[PLY] rafter assembly for a CropStop community kitchen. Image Credit: Clemson University School of Architecture

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

EVERY TWO MINUTES THE U.S. HARDWOOD FOREST GROWS BY THE SIZE OF A FOOTBALL FIELD

Our unique, online interactive map uses published U.S. Forest Service data to show national and regional distribution, growth and removal information for most of the main commercial American hardwood species

¾Ų ȊŦė ŲƵƭ ŤŲƙĞ ǍŃơŃƭ AMERICANHARDWOOD.ORG

@ahec_anz 16

@americanhardwoodANZ AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

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TIMBER IMPORTS

The timbre is something special! American tulipwood uplifts and updates the performance hall at Northern Beaches Colleges Senior Campus in Freshwater

n seeing the h o r iz o n tal l y positioned boards of solid American tulipwood, staggered in width, ﬂowing around the stage in the Performance Theatre at Freshwater Senior Campus, you might correctly assume that this was not the creation of a standard acoustic paneling company. The design was conceived and created by young furniture designer Ben Percy from 3 cubic metres of American tulipwood. Percy deliberately sought out a timber that

would provide variation in colour and tone to create interest in the backdrop to the 300seat theatre. The ﬂashes of purple and black in some sections of the wall and mottled grey that runs through others has led to stunning results and, according to Percy, is one of the most talked about elements of the design. The tulipwood has been ﬁnished with a transparent oil to ensure the natural colour remains the key feature. The proven sustainability of American

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tulipwood was also a key factor in the choice of material. “I think it matters that we embrace the importance of creating designs that endure beyond a single generation – especially in an environment such as this, where young Australians are forming values and ideas for their future,” the designer commented. Unfamiliar with the technical requirements of acoustic paneling, Percy’s ﬁrst step was to do what he describes as a ‘ton of research’. This led to the wavy sur-

face texture inherent in the design to minimise ﬂat surfaces and break sound waves to reduce reverberation when the stage is in use. Percy admits that the project forced him out of his comfort zone. “I wanted to create something that referenced my background as a furniture designer. I drew on techniques from furniture design rather than paneling, such as laminating and bending the timber. “I was happy with how easy the timber was to machine and work

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

with,” Percy added “I had considered other timbers such as American hard maple. It would have looked beautiful, but I think would have been too hard for this design.” The stage has provided an immediate improvement in the acoustics in the theatre, which is regularly used for concerts and screenings at the school and is also made available to external companies for conferences and speaking events.

Playing major part Ŷ The American tulipwood panels were installed with help from local contractor Altone Constructions. Ŷ The lumber was provided by Britton Timbers (http://www. brittontimbers.com.au) and Northland Forest Products (http://www. northlandforest.com/) Ŷ Commercially American tulipwood is one of the most proliﬁc hardwood species from the U.S. hardwood forests and is unique to North America. Tulipwood has less pronounced grain characteristic than species such as ash and oak, and is more like maple in character but darker in colour. Ŷ The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) is the leading international trade association for the U.S. hardwood industry, representing the committed exporters among U.S. hardwood companies and all the major U.S. hardwood production trade associations. Ŷ Photos by Jack Bussell

TIMBER IMPORTS

Limited Edition range is a winner in more ways than one

he American Hardwood Export Council in collaboration with Adam Goodrum and NAU created the Bilgola Limited Edition in American cherry and tulipwood Made in Australia and launched at Denfair in Melbourne, the range proves the sound environmental credentials of good design combined with American hardwoods. The Bilgola range itself is inspired by the modernist architecture found on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Launched at ICFF in

New York in May, Adam Goodrum extended the range through the creation of the Limited Edition in two new American hardwood species, cherry and tulipwood. Goodrum says of the Limited Edition: “I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to have a limited edition version of the Bilgola collection. The collection is primarily about timber, so what better way than to realise the pieces in other beautiful species. The range is constructed of reﬁned elements requiring timber with great strength. Both the cherry and tulipwood

have performed beautifully and have added a new look to the standard collection.” Manufactured in Australia by Evostyle, the range has been subjected to a full environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) to prove its true environmental impact. LCA is a means of analysing and capturing all elements of the timber production process. This shows that the carbon stored in the cherry and tulipwood used in all 5 Bilgola Limited Edition designs exceeds all the carbon emissions associated with extraction, processing

and transport. On arrival at the factory door in Sydney’s north-west, the timber used was still carbon negative. An extraordinary thought given its long journey to Australian shores. During the manufacturing process, Evostyle painstakingly recorded all energy used by each machine involved and meticulously measured and monitored all waste. This data allowed an independent assessor to establish the carbon footprint of the timber in the ﬁnished range to be just over 65kg of CO2 equivalent. That’s about the same as a sin-

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

gle 350km journey in an average Australian car. The timber not only has a minimal carbon footprint but is also truly sustainable. The American hardwood forest, which occupies about 120 million hectares of the United States, has been well managed by successive generations of private landowners. Trees are selectively harvested and replaced through natural regeneration. The timber grows more rapidly than it is extracted and the forest increases by 401 hectares each year – the equivalent of a soccer pitch every minute.

Rod Wiles, Director of AHEC for Oceania said of the collaboration: “It’s been fantastic to work with both Adam and Evostyle and of course Cult who have launched Bilgola as part of their new brand NAU. We all have a duty to scrutinise the environmental impact of what we do and Adam’s enthusiasm and commitment to using American species and creating designs that have a minimal environmental impact is very exciting.” Bilgola for NAU is available at Cult showrooms nationwide.

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NEW NEW

Bold thread design provides superior holding power, even into the end grain of timber. Double barrier coating provides superior corrosion resistance over zinc plated fasteners.

Large washer-head provides superior clamping, while nibs offer control for the installer when seating the head.

Patented SawTooth point for faster starts, less torque, and no pre-drilling. ™

6-lobe T-40 drive elimin s for easier installation and longer bit life. End grain installation = no strapping + no interference with wall frame trades. Head stamped ffor easy Head y identiﬁcation of screw length and d diameter forr building b certifier. c

The New Strong-Drive ® SDWS TIMBER Screw is even better than the original! Its patented SawTooth™ point ensures fast installation and reduced torque as well as eliminates pre-drilling. The bold thread design provides superior holding power while the large, low-profile head provides a broad bearing area which allows for superior clamping of the timber, whilst also providing less interference after installation. All of this and a double-barrier coating for superior corrosion resistance — now that’s a fastener engineered to perform. One fastener for multiple timber projects with high withdrawal and shear loads. To find out more or obtain withdrawal and shear engineering data call 1300 STRONGTIE or visit strongtie.com.au

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

FASTENERS

The right connections count in time, money and safety

he second generation S i m p s o n Strong-Tie® SDWS Strong-Drive Timber Screw, is the faster alternative for stud connections. You may have heard the old saying about building a better mouse trap. But unless there is some added benefit, the new design will struggle to find its place in the market. Quite often the benefit is related to the price. But what if the price is relatively the same, what other benefits are there? When considering a new method of fastening stud connections it is important to look holistically at the connection and evaluate the overall installed cost. After all, time is money. Simpson Strong-Tie® is no stranger to the construction industry, and with over 60 years of experience the company focusses heavily on making products that help its customers build safer and stronger structures. Simpson StrongTie Australia is excited to announce the release of its second generation 20

SDWS Strong-Drive® Timber Screw. After the outstanding success of the ﬁrst generation SDWS, released in Australia back in 2016, the fastener team at Simpson Strong-Tie looked at what ways it could make the SDWS screw even better for their customers. The second generation SDWS is the result of extensive research and testing. The new and improved design has a patented SawTooth™ point which has a unique serrated thread pattern to ensure faster starts and less driving torque. This also eliminates the need for pre-drilling in framing applications. All of which results in much faster installation time i.e. saving you money. The 6-lobe T-40 drive reduces the driver-bit cam-outs which allows for easier installation as well as longer driverbit life, yet again saving you money. This multipurpose structural screw has a wide range of applications from structural framing, such as ledger installation, multi-ply timber beam connec-

tions, or wall plate tie downs just to name a few, through to even landscaping. The structural aspects of this fastener is where the SDWS screw shines. The large 19mm washer-head provides a broad bearing area which allows for superior clamping of the timber whilst the low proﬁle head provides

control for the installer when seating the head. The bold thread design provides superior holding power, even into the end grain of timber. The screw has a 5.6mm diameter and comes in a variety of lengths from 75 mm up to 250 mm giving the versatility to cover a wide range of applica-

less interference after installation. This low proﬁle head makes it ideal for framing applications where protrusion of the screw may effect ease of installation of the framing onsite. Underneath the head of the SDWS are nibs that offer greater

tions. The heat treated carbon steel gives strength characteristics equivalent to larger size fasteners. This results in a more efﬁcient fastener design, as well as the ability to use the screw in other applications that previously may have re-

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

quired additional bracing or framing anchors. As per all of Simpson Strong-Tie innovative products, the screws are proven and have undergone extensive R&D and testing. Structural load data is readily available in accordance with Australian Standards for both shear loads as well as withdrawal loads. Therefore, the screw can be used as an alternative to bolting or traditional coach screws, or for tie down of wall frame top and bottom plates to the end grain of the studs. Wall frames that have the wall plates tied to the studs with SDWS screws will also be stiffer than traditional nailed frames and if the frames are manufactured in a factory and transported to site there will be less chance of any damage occurring which may need to be repaired on site. The added beneﬁt is that the plasterer does not have to contend with any metal connectors protruding down the face of the wall frame making clean ﬁnishing easier. Perhaps something that is not always con-

sidered is the coating of the screw when used in internal applications and in treated timbers. Simpson Strong-Tie has a double barrier coating on the SDWS which provides corrosion resistance that makes it suitable for interior, certain exterior and preservative treated timber applications. It is this added corrosion protection that gives the installer extra peace of mind knowing that if the framing is exposed for extended durations on site the SDWS has the appropriate level corrosion protection. The heads of the screws are stamped to easily identify that the screw is in fact a Simpson Strong-Tie product detailing the screw diameter and length. So to ensure that it is in fact a better mouse trap for you, go out and get your hands on the new SDWS screw and to take it for a “test drive”. For more information on the Simpson Strong-Tie SDWS Strong-Drive Timber Screw contact your local Simpson StrongTie representative on 1300 STRONGTIE.

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TRAINING

Unique competition creates open innovation platform around modular wood construction

platform ing city. The concept he true value, innovation aesthetics and around modular wood aims at building large Metsa autonomous and floatease of use of construction, wood have been high- Wood is aiming to con- ing neighbourhood size lighted in a unique com- nect the local wood con- developments in coastal petition. Metsa Wood struction industry with and riverside areas. organised the first Open global knowledge to fa- Floating buildings are Source Wood Hack- cilitate innovation, col- made of reinforced conathon in Nantes, France, laboration and growth. crete hulls with water Metsa Wood is call- ballast on top of which with the challenge being to create an innovative ing on all architects and are superimposed three wood element for build- engineers to share their levels of constructions: ing design in multidisci- innovations in wood con- one technical level under plinary teams, mentored struction. The objective water line; one working is to share knowledge and living level above; by experts. The Hackathon about prefabricated ele- one green gardening and brought 15 participants ments and grow the use farming at rooftop level. together to generate in- of wood in construction. The modules are made novative wood designs exclusively of Kerto® Team 1 (SafeCube) using Kerto® LVL (lamLVL panels for walls, inated veneer lumber). Solution to emergency floor and roof as well as The Hackathon was held relocation after a storm Kerto posts and beams. in collaboration with the or other natural disaster. The dimensions for International Institute SafeCube is a simple, one module are: 3 m x of Wood Science and quick to build solution 9 m x 2.7 (w x l x h). Technology (Ecole Su- for temporary housing. The module envelope is perieure du Bois). The SafeCube is delivered as covered with rigid fire school provides higher a “lego kit” that can be resistant thermal materials and waeducation focusing on timber enterproofed with cladgineering. Engineered wood is the ventilated “This is the ding panels and first Open Source material of the future for roofing material. Wood HackThe modules and urban building athon, but also a building kits can pioneering event be prefabricated in the wood conin mobile infitted into one maritime struction industry,” said dustrial facilities such container. All parts are Mikko Saavalainen, SVP as large factory ships. light enough to be carried Business Development at Team members: Rémi by 2 people, without usMetsa Wood. Thépaut, Mathilde Goding a mechanical crane. Participants were diard, Floris Marchais, You don’t need electricvided into three teams Christophe Henry. ity, you only need a hamand challenged with difmer and wrenches. All Team 3 (Kerto Ski) ferent construction probcomponents of the Salems. The day resulted in Mobile living in the feCube can be recycled. three innovative modular Sahara. “Kerto Ski” is The modular system is wood solutions. a modular design conbuilt using Kerto® LVL The winning work cept for light buildings T-studs for the columns of the day was named that need to be easand beams (45x140 Kert’eau ... a clever conily moved to a different mm²). Bolted plywood cept of a floating residenplace. It can be used in gussets (21mm) are used tial neighbourhood offerharsh environments as to link the columns and ing 300 housing units. deserted zones, where beams. Kerto® LVL “Engineered wood is it can be filled in with L-panel is used for the the material of the fusand to assure the buildbracing envelop (27mm). ture for urban building. ing stability to wind Team members: Philippe The Open Source Wood efforts. It is prefabriBlanchard, Antoine Initiative is a great way cated with 3 horizontal Gerard, Maxime Boucito promote sustainable pieces in Kerto® LVL caud, François Morisset, building,” said Philippe S-beams (machined to a Maxime Baudrand. Blanchard, lecturer from shape of a ski), overlapEcole Superieure du Team 2 Kert’eau ping 2 columns made of Bois. (Floating City -- winner) Kerto® LVL Q-panels. By creating an open The columns are 0.50m Design for a floatwww.timberbiz.com.au

high to allow the natural ventilation of the slab. All the elements are glued and screwed. A metallic plate is screwed to the Kerto Ski to assure timber protection and sliding comfort. A slab (75mm thick) made of Kerto® LVL Q-panel can be used for a 3m-span ﬂooring. The building on sliding foundations can be of light beams and posts twin elements folded-out for easy transport and a quick on-site assembly. Team members: Bastien Lagofun, Francesca Lanata, Christophe Bonnin, Gaëtan Genès, Kevin Guidoux

Ŷ Hackathon participants.

Ŷ Kerto Ski drawing.

Ŷ Detailed section of SafeCube.

Ŷ Floating City.

YOUR INVESTMENT IS IN GOOD HANDS.

Over 2 decades of experience in timber manufacturing Full range of wood working machinery All machines are CE compliant Unit 1, 31 Kenworth Place Brendale QLD Australia 4500 enquiries@stirlingmachinery.com.au www.stirlingmachinery.com.au Freecall 1800 077 862

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

TRAINING

TAFE NSW puts Dylan on cutting edge of career

ylan Smout works on the cutting edge of the timber industry – literally! A secondgeneration saw doctor, Dylan is among a noble band of technicians who ensure cutting tools are kept razor-sharp and in working order. It’s more science than art form – a highly specialised ﬁeld where skilful exponents can command hefty incomes. At just 22 years old, Dylan is already making his mark on the industry. Graduating with a Certiﬁcate III in Saw Doctoring from TAFE NSW Tumut in July, Dylan was recently honoured with TAFE NSW’s Saw Doctor Student of the Year award. He’s now a fully-

ﬂedged tradesman, working at Hyne and Son’s Tumbarumba Sawmill the largest sawmill in the southern hemisphere. Dylan said the TAFE NSW course had equipped him with the tools for success. “I found it a very good experience,” he said. “They had all the modern equipment and a lot of it is the same equipment as we have on-site (at Hyne), which makes it easier. “The teachers were great and it was good to be able to network with other students in the same ﬁeld.” Originally from New Zealand, Dylan moved to the high country of NSW in 2012 in search of work opportunities in the thriving timber industry.

“A lot of people don’t fully understand the way saw doctors work,” he said. “It can be quite stressful – we deal in thousandths of an inch. “Because of that, there’s a lot of job opportunities around.” The Certiﬁcate III in Saw Doctoring is one of 11 forestry courses offered by TAFE NSW. Noy Garner, Hyne Timber’s acting site manager at the Tumbarumba mill, said relationships with TAFE were essential in ensuring the specialist, qualiﬁed trades required in regional timber processing were available. “Specialist trades such as saw doctoring are essential in our regional manufacturing opera-

tions,” he said. “We are able to offer apprenticeships and long-term employment because the regional industry is supported through partnerships with local TAFEs who offer such specialist trade courses.”

Ŷ TAFE NSW Saw Doctoring Student of the Year Dylan Smout credits TAFE NSW with giving him the tools to succeed.

Ŷ Manager of the TAFE NSW Forest Industry Training Centre David Priem, Dylan Smout, acting TAFE NSW regional general manager Belinda Mackinnon at the Saw Doctoring Apprentice of the year Awards December graduation at TAFE NSW Tumut.

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

ARMOURPANEL

Where Munich meets Melbourne

ust like a crisp, golden pint of fine beer – traditional Bavarian bier hall architecture often mirrors the warm, honeyed tones of the popular beverage by using natural woods to create a feeling of cosiness and intimacy. Echoing this sentiment perfectly is the Hop Haus Bier Bar on Melbourne’s popular Southgate promenade. Designed by Maddison Architects, architect Drew Carling says traditional bier cafes were analysed to determine common material elements. This was then reinterpreted in form and function, as well as through the use of traditional materials during the Hop Haus Bier Bar design stage. “We found materials such as terrazzo, timber, glazed brickwork, stone, fine steelwork and custom lighting elements conveyed a crafted and bespoke feel,” says Drew. “Treating familiar elements with a contemporary slant and creating a simultaneously recognisable, yet new atmosphere, Hop Haus looks to historic German architecture for inspiration,” says Drew. “Texture and warmth are created by using crafted and hand finished materials such as brick, steel, timber and stone throughout.” Featuring Big River Group’s Armourpanel Blackbutt timber on the establishment walls and ceiling, the material choice was crucial to the overall bar look and chosen for its hardy nature. “The product

is unique as a hardwood timber finish and can withstand considerable impact,” explains Drew. As Australia’s strongest decorative plywood, Big River Group Armourpanel is thoroughly designed, tested and approved to withstand extreme heat and humidity, and to resist shrinkage. It’s this tolerance of changes in ambient temperature and its toughness that make it ideal for flooring, ceiling and wall lining in hard-wearing areas. “With functional durability and a visual integrity that is unlike other materials, Armourpanel Blackbutt was the ideal choice,” says Drew. Also important to the project design was seeking environmentally friendly materials, “we are obligated to be aware of the environmental sustainability of the products we specify and Big River’s AFS certification ensures source material is from managed regrowth and plantation forests,” he says. As a cosmopolitan reinvention of the great Bavarian Bier Halls dotted throughout Germany, the Hop Haus Bier Bar project site needed to not only transform into a contemporary adaptation of the classic halls, but also needed to seamlessly tie into the waterfront location and city vibe of Melbourne’s Southbank. “Hop Haus evokes some of the design sensibilities and bold geometric forms that can be found in

the important architectural legacy of art deco Melbourne,” explains Drew. “We were inspired by the substantial and expressive columns, fully integrated artwork, fixed mount lighting and bold use of form and colour as a palette of components able to be adapted to the design.” Comprising of a large front bar, communal and booth seating, and a rear lounge bar area; Hop Haus also includes a spacious dining area that faces a large kitchen servery. Making the space flexible and suitable for a variety of social occasions – from large groups to small intimate gatherings, sliding screens were installed. It’s this detail to design that allows a layering of uses to the large venue. “Adaptable to patron numbers, the spaces and their relationship to one another required a crafted and considered approach,” explains Drew. “This is seen in plan and the undulating levels of soffits throughout. Zoning of services and lighting also attempted to enhance the sustainable approach to sizeable establishment”. Attention to detail, traditional materials, warm and welcoming and a selection of fine beer – the Hop Haus Bier Bar is indeed a little bit of Munich in Melbourne.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

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Ŷ Photos by William Watt.

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Major sawmiller opts for Microtec solution

t has always been a sawmiller’s dream to be capable of seeing inside logs before they are sawn, says Olle Larsson, CEO of Swedish sawmilling company Fiskarheden. Why so? Logs are a natural raw material whose properties may vary a great deal. To make the best use of this resource, it is, therefore, a huge advantage to know the logs internal quality before you decide how to cut it - and that is where Microtec enters into play. Fiskarheden decided to implement a comprehensive investment plan, starting with a Microtec CT Log system for their sawmill in Transtrand. The company’s main goal is to increase the value of each log and to reduce waste. This will

enable Fiskarheden to for our customers,” utilize the potential of said Magnus Larsson, the highly valuable raw CEO of Fiskarheden. material coming from The development plan well-managed forests in for Fiskarheden sawmill the most efﬁcient way. foresees a scanner soluŶ Magnus Larsson, Jörn Rathke, Olle Larsson, Federico Giudiceandrea, Karl To get an overview tion out of one hand, as Lundevall and Martin de Haas. Photo by Linda Eggens of the entire sawmill, well as a further investFiskarheden will use ment and development in are getting the best out July. At the log yard, the opening new horizons Microtec’s scanning the sawmilling process. of their wood resources. CT Log will be installed in sawmilling,“ says technology not only in “Everything we do is The alignment with a and started up. At the Jörn Rathke, Technithe sawmill itself but driven by the passion of Goldeneye 900 trans- same time, a new wane cal Sales at Microtec. also in the green sorter introducing new tech- verse dry sorter and the scanning system will As for Fiskarheden, Mill Manager be installed in the green the investment is seen and the dry sorting mill. A GoldWe are looking forward software will ac- sorter. In the second half as a huge step towards them of 2018, the newest ver- digitalization of the eneye 900 board to this exciting project company industry. into a fully auto- sion of the Goldeneye sawmilling quality scanner will be implethat has the potential of mated “Sawmill 900 board quality scan- This allows the westWe are very ner will be implemented ern Swedish sawmill mented in the exopening new horizons in 4.0”. happy that Swe- in the dry sorting mill. Fiskarheden to enisting dry sorting den, being such “We are renowned for hance their position on mill. “Using Misawmilling an important timely and accurate pro- the market. crotec technolFiskarheden is a ogy and especially the nologies and innovation country in matters of ject implementations. internal information of to sawmills — creating wood processing, acts Our team is upfront and family owned company the logs will allow us to true partnerships with as a pioneer introducing on-site until the produc- with an annual producimprove our partnership our customers. Fiskar- this new technology,” tion line runs smoothly. tion of 340 000m3, with the forest owners heden’s important in- said Microtec CEO Fed- We are looking forward which makes it one of as well as creating the vestment in CT technol- erico Giudiceandrea. to this exciting project the largest sawmills best possible products ogy ensures that they The installation starts in that has the potential of in Sweden.

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Maximizing value through vision scanning

Hyne’s modern, progressive approach will keep it at the forefront of competitive advantage through ongoing investment to effectively meet the needs of its customers. Ŷ Hyne team: (left to right) Jack Galvin, site electrician, and Mat Thomsen, project manager, both from Hyne Timber; Bob Arnold, manager for sawmill grading systems, Paul Kangas and Mark Mellow, service technicians, all from USNR.

SNR has a wealth of experience with vision scanning dating back to the mid-1990s. The breadth of knowledge ranges from chop and rip saw scanning, to dry mill grade scanning, and now green mill value scanning, and in transverse as well as lineal conﬁgurations. Following are two applications utilizing USNR’s superior knowledge and experience to improve value in the sawmill.

Hyne Timber’s BioVision upgrades Following on the heels of successful vision scanning upgrades of its two edger lines, Hyne Timber of Tumbarumba, recently selected USNR to increase the value resulting from its sawmill trimmer lines. When it initially decided to give vision scanning a go with its edger lines, it had determined that the technology was ripe for its needs to increase the value of its output. At the time of the edger vision upgrades, Jon Kleinschmidt, CEO

of Hyne Timber, emphasised the importance of remaining competitive in a company newsletter. “Sawmill technology developments have advanced signiﬁcantly and we need to reinvest to ensure that we can remain viable and competitive. The BioLuma scanner upgrade to the green mill (at Tumbarumba) will enable visibility of knots in each board to assess for knot size, knot location and dimensional properties so as to make a better edging decision. This will maximize the

value we extract from each board.”

Informed decision Hyne Timber’s manufacturing manager, explains. “For Radiata pine, knots and stiffness deﬁne 80% of the downgrade reasons in structurally graded products. With our edgers cutting mostly sap (outer) wood, knots are our primary reason for downgrades. The BioVision system allows us to see these knots and make an informed decision on what to do with

them.” The BioVision systems at Hyne Timber are predominantly required to grade for knots over 10mm in diameter, as well as wane. The systems offer additional features, defect recognition and classiﬁcation attributes. The edgers process material from raw sizes of 2.4 to 6.0 M lengths, 75 mm to 600 mm widths, and 25 mm to 75 mm thicknesses. The edger lines operate at 32-36 ppm, and include USNR’s Maximizer positioning infeeds, two

Ŷ Edger-Frame: The Tenon BioVision system saw the installation of a new scanner frame to house the BioLuma 2900LVG sensors.

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5-saw edger machines – one with reman head, and shortcoupled tipple-ﬁnger outfeeds. In this project, the existing t r a n s ve r s e scan frames were replaced with new USNR B i o Vi s i o n frames that each accommodates 22 BioLuma 2900LV sensors. For this application the two rows of sensors are arranged above and below the ﬂow, for 2-sided scanning which is typical for an edger process.

Improved grade yields Hyne was very satisfied with both grade uplift, and the progression of the projects. “We are very happy with the results. Grade yield improved by about 4% across all products.” The mill was not surprised that it lost a small amount of solid fiber recovery. The manufacturing manager commented that the optimization system features parameters that quantified the volume loss for them ahead of time. “Because of the knot sizes and configuration of the wood we are processing, we fully expected we would reduce the volume of fiber recovery. The simulations we did told us that would happen, it did happen, and we got the subsequent grade uplift that we needed.” He also ex-

plained that the system is performing as expected; the task for Hyne Timber is to ensure they utilize the systems’ capabilities to get the best possible value from their investment. In addition to improving grade uplift and value, BioVision in the sawmill allows for focused sorting and specialized handling, drying and treatment of certain grade products as deﬁned by the mill and identiﬁed by the BioVision system.

Maximizing value The key driver for Hyne Timber’s business is ensuring it extracts the maximum value from the resource that has been entrusted to the company. It’s modern, progressive approach will keep it at the forefront of competitive advantage through ongoing investment to effectively meet the needs of its customers.

Tenon’s BioVision edger Another outstanding example of USNR’s leading position in this market, Tenon at Taupo, New Zealand, came to USNR when they looked to source a new edger line with vision scanning technology. Darryl Robinson, Sawmill Operations Manager for Tenon, explained their situation. “We buy high value prune logs on the open market, and we recognised that we needed to extract more Continued on page 28

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Maximizing value through vision scanning Continued from page 27

value and recovery out of those logs. “We selected USNR because we believed the BioVision system could fulﬁll our requirements.” The Taupo operation comprises a complete sawmill, dry kilns, planer mill, and secondary processing plants. The site processes Prune Butt logs into appearance grade products including lumber, solid lineal mouldings and clear pine boards.

The supply At Taupo, logs are a mix of sizes ranging in diameter from 35cm to 950cm. The supply begins with a radius back unscrambler feeding a turn/pass station and lug loader that is monitored from above utilizing USNR’s MillTrak system for ﬂow and backlog control. The boards pass through the transverse scanner and on to the Maximizer positioning infeed table where they are rapidly fed into the 5-saw edger sawbox. The edged boards exit the process via USNR’s Flying-V Tailer, with tailings separated to a waste belt below. The sawbox selected for this application utilizes 5 saws and a shifting straight edge with hold-over shoe. This allows the mill to process splits with one saw, and no edgings. Darryl commented, “We basically run slower than what the machine is capable of running. When we run wide boards we want to be absolutely sure the solution recovers the highest value. We can cut up to about 100 mm thick, and every shift has a different cut ranging from 5/4, 25mm, 50mm, 65mm, 77mm, etc. It varies all the time, and that 28

was the idea for choosing the 5-saw machine.”

Data collection The sensor the Tenon team chose with the system is the BioLuma 2900LVG. This sensor is a powerhouse for collecting high density data from geometric measurements and visual characteristics, to grain angle measurements. It is the only sensor on the market to integrate this range of technology within a single sensor housing. It is, without a doubt, the best sensor on the market for the job of collecting the vast amounts of data required for accurate and precise defect recognition and analysis on green lumber.

The layout – Tenon and Skookum connection Designing the layout for the system didn’t come easily. Kaki Waenga, Tenon Project Manager, noted: “The concept changed several times. Tenon’s project engineering team working with operations personnel, reviewed a number of layouts with Skookum Technology. We initially tried to insert the new Edger line within our existing building footprint.” The ﬁnal design came from the Tenon project team, situating the Edger next to the existing production line, which proved to be a very strategic move and paid large dividends in time management and commissioning. That’s where USNR’s agent on the ground in New Zealand, Skookum Technology, came in. Skookum’s General Manager, Geoff Strang, relates: “Skookum assisted with the original project feasibility study, and worked with Tenon over a period of time specify-

ing and determining the best layout for the new edger line.”

Positive performance Darryl related the benefits that Tenon has achieved. “We’re getting an increase in log to lumber recovery, more than we initially expected, so we’re really pleased with that. Also the system allows us to do a lot more rationalizing of products to improve efficiencies in our secondary processing.” He also noted the project delivered all the benefits outlined in the original scope and was delivered on time. “The board edger was a game-changer for us. It’s changed the bottleneck in the sawmill. We can put more wood out of our facility, we’ve increased our throughput, now we’ve got to look at the rest of the mill and speed that up to balance mill flow.” Today, Tenon’s needs for improved recovery and throughput have been more than satisfied with their technology choice. Tenon describes the operation as the country’s largest single site producer of defect-free, appearance grade radiata pine products. This new edger line, with its BioVision grading capability, dovetails nicely with the company’s goal to expand and grow its output and its market, and to maintain its standards for the utmost in quality products. USNR has long been a front-runner in advancing this technology, and is proud that the strong relationships it has forged with customers like Hyne Timber and Tenon have allowed it to provide the tools our customers need today to meet their goals.

Ŷ Defect: This piece demonstrates the value equation utilizing edger BioVision. The top screen solution uses visual defect optimization compared with the bottom solution which uses laser proﬁle data only. Having the optimizer switch the position of the 100mm product, the mill is able to obtain a higher grade board.

Ŷ 845-screen: The BioVision optimized decision shows a 2-board solution; 1. is a #3 Shop 5/4 x RW, 150 mm wide x 3.6 m long. 2. is a #2 Shop 5/4 x 145 mm wide x 3.6 m long. The interface also shows such details as saw positions, recovery volume and value, list of cuttings from each board, etc.

Ŷ Tenon-edger-infeed 2: As ﬂitches are transported through the scan zone the image and applicable defect data is displayed on the user interface screen.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

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ASSOCIATIONS

Understanding the DOs and DON’Ts of unfair dismissal valid reason for the dismissal related to the person’s capacity or conduct (including its effect on the safety and welfare of other employees). This valid reason should be legitimate and able to be defended;

Notiﬁcation of the reason:

Brian Beecroft Chief Executive Ofﬁcer - TTIA

f you take more than a passing interest in of any of my industrial relations/safety articles over the past year in Australasian Timber, this is the one to soak up! TTIA has represented a signiﬁcant number of Members over the past 10 years. Many of these businesses have taken wise steps before terminating an employee and these cases have often been discontinued or been reasonably straight forward to defend. Yes, they have taken up some time and yes, they have been an annoyance to many business owners who often felt the claims were spurious and should never have been made. That said, they were defended based on logic and a determination not to pay monies under false pretence. However, a number of cases involved Members making fundamental errors where a system places an onus on the employers to follow certain procedures and tick certain boxes. Just what those boxes and factors are that the Fair Work Commission expect you as an employer to follow include:

Valid reason for dismissal: whether there was a

whether the person was given any prior notiﬁcation of the reason for termination;

Opportunity to respond: whether the person was given an opportunity to respond to allegations regarding their conduct; Support person: any unreasonable refusal by the employer to allow the employee to have a support person/witness present to assist at any meetings prior to the dismissal;

Prior warnings: if the dismissal related to unsatisfactory performance by the person – whether the person had been warned about that unsatisfactory performance before the dismissal;

Size of the enterprise: the extent to which the size of the business would be likely to impact on the procedures followed in the dismissal;

HR expertise: the degree to which the absence of dedicated human resource management specialists or expertise in the enterprise would be likely to impact on the procedures followed in the dismissal;

Any other relevant matter: any other matters that the Fair Work Commission considers relevant.

Other Relevant Factors The Fair Work Commission has broad discretion to decide what is ‘any other relevant mat-

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ter’ in an unfair dismissal claim. In past cases, the Fair Work Commission has balanced the seriousness of the reason for dismissal against: s the employee’s length of service, s employment history (i.e. previous counselling and warning history; s the employee’s ability to ﬁnd other employment following dismissal (including their age, any illness/ injuries etc.); s the employee’s personal situation (i.e. family and ﬁnancial commitments). It is therefore critical to consider the employee’s response to any proposed dismissal to determine the likelihood of any unfairness.

Is serious misconduct treated differently? Even though an employee has committed serious misconduct, they can still be eligible to make an unfair dismissal claim. While the employee’s conduct may justify instant dismissal from your point of view, it is important to first take into account the employee’s responses, the whole of the circumstances, and the weight of evidence before making a final decision. This is because an instant dismissal may be harsh, unjust or unreasonable (and potentially an ‘unfair dismissal’) if: s the outcome is disproportionate to the gravity of the misconduct (including consideration of the employee’s personal or financial circumstances) s the employee did not actually commit the misconduct s there is insufficient evidence to support the employer’s conclusions

Improving confidence in treated timber From the Timber Preservers Association of Australia

he purpose of the TPAA is to represent the interests of the timber treatment industry in Australia. As such, it is reasonable that as a national body, TPAA hosts a quality system to support treated timber in this country, Secretary Jack Norton wrote in a recent edition of Contact (TPAA’s newsletter). “I am writing to let you know that at a recent meeting of the TPAA Council, I was asked to work on setting up a quality system to support treated timber being sold in Australia. The intent is to improve conﬁdence in treated timber. “Some of you may be aware that the Queensland Government recently implemented “Non-conforming Products” legislation and the word is that the other States will be doing the same or something similar. An industrybased quality scheme will help you operate in this legislative environment.

“At this stage, some of the ground rules are: Ŷ Registering a brand that can be used in the marketplace to identify product that has been produced under a quality system. Ŷ Any TPAA quality system needs to be compatible with existing organizational systems. Ŷ Not be too expensive but still deliver the intent. Ŷ Not be complicated. Ŷ To be easily communicated to buyers, users and speciﬁers of treated wood.

“Setting up a quality system will involve a lot of consultation and will not be done overnight. As a registered brand holder, you will be invited to comment as the system evolves and once in place, you will be invited to take part. “I hope to develop a workable system that we can all use to promote our product and welcome any input you may have. As always, please contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or issues.” Jack Norton Mob: +61 (0)4 1898 9398 Fax: +61 (0)7 3311 5612 Skype: jak.norton1

If you are going through a process of counselling/warning an employee at your workplace that could lead to termination, it is advisable you seek early advice from the Association about the circumstances and appropriate procedures. TTIA is your resource – use it! Contact the TTIA on (02) 9264 0011.

SUPPORTERS & SPONSORS

For information visit: www.ttia.asn.au

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

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Current trends indicate strong and increased acceptance of Glulam

By Josh Wallace Managing Director (Vicbeam) Deputy Chairman GLTAA Chairman, Marketing Committee (GLTAA)

ell, 2018 is here and for many in the industry it sounds like the end of year holidays were a slight bump in the road that did little to slow the pace! Vicbeam begins the year with a solid pipeline of work and continues day by day to be confronted with plenty of evidence that Glue Laminated Beams (Glulam) continue to be a product of choice for an increasing number of building designers in Australia. True, there are challenges this year – changes in supply lines and attendant increases in 30

the cost of raw material remains tricky terrain to navigate for the timber industry as a whole – especially manufacturers, however, the outlook is overwhelmingly positive with every successful project the industry delivers only serving to increase interest and creativity in and around the use of timber. The Glulam industry began in Europe around the mid-19th century and has been produced commercially in Australia for over half a century with many of our locally-sourced timber specie being effectively glued together to produce engineered timber beams with consistent structural and aesthetic qualities. Australian timber species such as Radiata Pine, Victorian Ash, Spotted Gum and White Cypress and others have all been effectively glued and installed over the years as curved beams, ridge beams, rafters, lintels, ﬂoor joists, posts or members of beautifully exposed bolted trusses. Appearance grades are described in AS/ NZS1328.1, Clause 2.7 as A, B and C with the latter being used for ap-

plications where appearance is not important and ‘C Grade Glulam’ continues to be available and used as the structural product of choice in many markets. Since the entrance of LVL in the 80s and 90s, Glulam has increasingly become sought after as the premium choice in building design scenarios where the aesthetic quality of timber is just as important as its structural qualities. Vicbeam is one of a number of manufacturers that have been increasingly asked to produce ‘A Grade’ architectural finishes on their beams for specific applications in which the timber is a feature to be displayed. The advent of television programs such as Grand Designs and The Block, which often showcase the beauty, structural efficiency and green credentials of timber and engineered wood products, has also served to increase exposure to the virtues and versatility of Glulam as a timber product and there has been a corresponding rise in interest. One of the events prominent on the Vicbeam calendar each year is the bi-annual meeting

of the Glue Laminated Timber Association of Australia (GLTAA). This March (14 – 15) sees the GLTAA meeting being held in Brisbane with participating Glulam manufacturers from Australia and further abroad gathering to collectively address industry issues, discuss new and relevant technology, provide mutual accountability in relation to quality control, maintain third party certiﬁcation as well as discuss and implement strategies to enhance and promote the use of Glulam in Australia. The GLTAA was established in 1989 by the main Glulam manufacturers operating in Australia at that time, A GLTAA Inspectorate was established as a third-party quality assurance for the GLTAA members, subjecting the manufacturers to a very rigorous inspection and testing regime to ensure compliance with the relevant Australian Standards. The association was actively involved in shaping the revision of the relevant Australian Standards for Glulam that have prevailed for the last 30 years and is currently involved in an

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER FEBRUARY 2018

advisory capacity in the development of the new Glulam standards. The GLTAA membership is comprised of producers and importers of Glue Laminated Beams. In recent years the association has seen an influx in membership from manufacturers throughout Australasia keen to ensure their product conforms to the relevant Australian standards. The GLTAA also welcomes as Associate members, businesses with commercial interests in Glulam such as adhesive manufacturers, engineered timber wholesalers and timber machinery suppliers. Manufacturers welcome the contributions and expertise of associate members and greatly benefit from their presence at GLTAA meetings. The GLTAA also reaps rewards from a membership pool which includes timber engineers with many years of experience and expertise. The GLTAA is associated with the University of Melbourne which acts as the inspectorate for the GLTAA and carries out the qualification, and on-going audit process leading to the certi-

fication of each accredited members’ Quality Assurance system. Over the last 20 years, the GLTAA has collaborated with the FWPA, University of Melbourne and Monash University in several research projects to develop new Glulam design concepts that were adopted in the Glulam standard and have benefited the Glulam industry. With current trends indicating strong and increased acceptance of Glulam, it’s an exciting time to be part of an association that has from its inception envisaged and worked for such a time in order to provide consumers with the confidence they need to choose Glulam. I’m delighted to accept the invitation of the Australasian Timber editor to participate through the means of a regular column in this magazine. I look forward to sharing news in relation to the excellent and ongoing work of the GLTAA, providing a platform in which to educate about Glulam as well as showcasing some of the exciting projects around Australia which feature locally manufactured Glulam.

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