DECEMBER 2018
MANUFACTURE • TECHNOLOGY • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION
Incorporating Australian and New Zealand Timberman – Established 1977.
Unrestrained celebration of timber Real storey of high expectations
King reigns supreme XLam says talk of sell-off is way off the mark
Innovation in timber engineering www.hundegger.com.au
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NEWS
■■ Gary Caulfield, XLam General Manager
XLam says talk of sell-off is way off the mark
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Strongbuild goes into voluntary administration Strongbuild was placed into voluntary administration on 15 November after Frasers Australia pulled out of a contract two weeks prior to commencement. Brian Silvia and Andrew Cummins of BRI Ferriers have been appointed voluntary administrators. The contract had been for stage two of Edmondson Park, for 104 townhouses. Mr Strong said 22 townhouses in stage one had already been successfully delivered by his company. The $40 million project for Frasers included about $10 million worth of prefabricated product, he said. Mr Strong said that about 120 of 150 staff had lost their jobs and that the most viable part of the business was the factory where about 30 people were employed. Now, according to industry pundits, some of the country’s top builders are said to be eyeing off Strongbuild’s prefab building facility at Bella Vista in Sydney’s north-west. Strongbuild was started in 2002 by long term friends Chris Francis and Jamie Strong. By 2009 it had expanded substantially and developed its streamlined home building systems to the point that it was possible to maintain exceptional quality and compete aggressively in the Multi-Residential market - Retirement Villages and Townhome Developments. In 2011 Strongbuild took on two new partners, Jamie’s brothers Adam and Tim Strong, and added a new division to its services – Strongbuild Commercial Pty Ltd under the banner of ‘Community Building’ based in Sydney. Strongbuild now featured 2 distinct building divisions, Home Building and Community Building. In 2015 after four years of extensive planning and research the business set about creating an automated manufacturing/panelisation facility. In early 2017 the facility was operational.
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ontrary to a recent media release XLam is not ‘up-forsale’ nor ‘selling-off’ any business units/ divisions and is not experiencing financial stress. Staff and customers have been assured that the organisation is performing toward its agreed plan and gaining momentum as an alternative building solutions provider in the construction sector. The XLam Board and Senior Management team felt it necessary to silence any rumours and that it remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that increase value in construction. “XLam are currently thriving from an operational standpoint as we continue to see robust project sales and build strong relationships with some of the most recognisable construction companies throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia,” said Shane Robertson, XLam CEO. “Following a thorough evaluation of the XLam operations we feel we have the right staff, strategy and capabilities to accelerate performance into the next exciting phase of our journey.
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
“Our business is in a start-up phase and remains exceptionally strong. “It is important that we recognise that businesses are about people and that making unfounded claims/accusations in the public forum can have a destabilising effect on a flourishing business,” said Mr Robertson.
“Silencing rumours and providing confidence to staff, current and future customers and the wider market”
Gary Caulfield, XLam General Manager, was unequivocal when he said “XLam is not for sale, and we do not have financial issues or concerns”. Mr Caulfield said success as an alternative construction solutions company over the past five years was due to a number of factors,
including a highlyskilled workforce, support from customers within local and international markets, and the foresight from the Board. “We have a five-year strategic plan focusing on making improvements to optimise our integrated business and support the continued supply of high-quality, locally produced prefabricated structural timber solutions,” said Mr Caulfield. “XLam is encouraged by the ongoing adoption of modern methods of construction throughout Australasia. Despite the varying levels of adoption, the signs are encouraging for our industry.” Mr Caulfield said. XLam remained committed to supporting those who recognise there is a better way to build, and it acknowledged the pioneering efforts of companies such as Strongbuild. “As an innovative industry leader, Strongbuild brought talent, experience and drive to the forefront of the construction process and we continue to hold Strongbuild in high esteem, taking much inspiration from their work,” said Mr Caulfield. 3
NEWS
Alpine Truss is set to raise the bar $4 million investment to up the ante on competition across Victoria By Steve Kelly
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ne of Wangaratta’s major manufacturing businesses is investing $4 million to maintain its status as a leading fabricator of building trusses in the state. Alpine Truss has lodged a planning application with council for a 2500m2 extension to its existing Tone Road factory costing $1.5 million, which will house new state-of-the-art equipment worth $2.5 million.
The new computerised technology will put Alpine Truss ahead of many similar businesses in Australia as it will be the only one to have the USA-made machinery. Competing against 86 other fabricators in Victoria and with housing demand expected to slow mid-2019, Alpine Truss managing director George Prothero said the building extension needed to happen quickly. “If we don’t get this
australasian
Incorporating Australian and New Zealand Timberman – Established 1977.
November 2018 Vol.26, No. 8 Established 1977
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through, the other option will be to scale down, which we’re very reluctant to do,” he said. Alpine Truss’ client base covers all of Victoria and southern NSW with eight truck loads transporting deliveries to Melbourne every day. “Wangaratta is a great town for us and we get really good support from the builders but it’s not big enough, so, Melbourne would be our biggest market by a long shot,” Mr Prothero said.
Publisher and Chief Executive: Hartley Higgins General Manager: John Turner Editorial: John Hudswell j.hudswell@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide: (08) 8369 9512 Out of office: (08) 7127 6370
“We need to compete with those in Melbourne and because the market is starting to slow we need to get more efficient. “We’re willing to invest the money so we can secure the 120 jobs we’ve got.” From humble beginnings in 2002 and a staff of just 10, Alpine Truss has grown into one of Victoria’s premier manufacturers. Growth corridors in Geelong demand a constant supply from the local manufacturer with
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a truck visiting a house site every day, and the western and northern suburbs are also busy. Total dwelling approvals in Victoria in the 12 months to September 2018 were 39,499, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). However, Mr Prothero said banks had tightened up on lending money and coupled with “astronomical” priced land in Melbourne the industry is expected to slow by mid-2019.
“We deal in all the markets from first home owner builds right up to second or third homeowners giving us a large profile in different parts of the industry, which helps us,” he said. “Normally one will be booming and the other one won’t be and I see our markets starting to slow. “There are definitely signs of it slowing down so we just need to get more efficient and be competitive in the market.”
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FRONT PAGE: 25 King ... it’s something special. There’s more about it on Page 8
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.
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
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It’s a real storey of high expectations! Midrise model making most of modern methods
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he recentlylaunched showcase midrise timber building, a brilliant innovative educational tool, will benefit Australia’s construction and forestry industries by demonstrating the extraordinary capacity of timber as a sustainable, renewable and versatile building resource. Housed within the Carpentry School at the Holmesglen Institute (Chadstone), the WoodSolutions midrise demo superbly shows the structural, fire, and acoustic systems typically seen in midrise multiresidential timber buildings around the world. The structure, comprising three full height 6
levels, is representative of a section taken out of a seven-storey timber tower, with the ground floor representing the first two floors of a real building, the middle representing the middle three floors, and the top showing the systems typically seen in the top two-storeys. Within this section there are many systems and products displayed, with a range of wall types (discontinuous, staggered stud, single stud, double stud, and triple stud), floor structures (both lightweight cassette and mass timber panel), acoustic buildups, waterproofing solutions, façade systems, connectors, and even a
number of central core systems (including both mass and lightweight timber). A dynamic structure, this model can be updated as products, technology, and construction codes evolve, ensuring that it is always reflective of best practice within the industry. While a valuable tool for displaying timber systems, the structure is also includes a dismantlable section, allowing groups to experience the efficiency and ease with which timber structures can be assembled on site. Senator Richard Colbeck (Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources) said at the
launch the midrise demonstration represented an exciting step forward for Australia’s forestry sector. “The change to the national construction code in 2016 has created new opportunities for the forestry sector to market timber products as a renewable rival for steel and concrete,” Senator Colbeck said. “We’re certainly seeing a trend towards increased use of structural timber in large-scale construction developments as a more versatile and environmentally friendly option for 21st century tradies. “The Coalition Government’s new National Forest Industry Plan
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
will also support this by helping plant one billion new trees to meet the expected quadrupling of global demand for timber by 2050. “The midrise building has been developed to give builders and designers a better understanding of how timber can be used, including cutting-edge engineered wood products like cross laminated timber.” Ric Sinclair, Managing Director of FWPA, said the demonstration building was an important learning tool to help builders and designers better understand the practicalities of using timber in taller buildings. “Our partnership with
Holmesglen TAFE is an excellent example of how industry and education providers can work together to ensure that new building design and construction techniques can go from the conceptual to the practical,” Mr Sinclair said. “It will be invaluable for builders and consultants to use in explaining the principles of engineered timber construction to students, staff and clients. “We are very pleased to have been able to work closely with the Australian Government to deliver this exciting project, which has been co-funded under FWPA’s voluntary matched funding system.”
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NEWS
■■ Senator Richard Colbeck and FWPA Chair John Simon at the demonstration launch.
It’s there for all to see … and learn!
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yne Timber has welcomed the successful completion of a full scale, multi-storey timber construction model at Holmesglen Institute, Chadstone, Victoria, which was officially launched by Senator Richard Colbeck (Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources). Rob Mansell, Hyne Timber’s Business Development Manager for commercial projects, said the model demonstrates
the structural, fire rating, and acoustic systems commonly seen in midrise timber construction. “Contemporary use of timber in mid-rise construction remains fairly new to the design and construction industry. “This demonstration model is a real, hands on opportunity to walk through, study connection detailing and services for example with deliberately placed exposed areas such as connections.
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“I invite any interested parties who would like to visit the model to contact us to arrange a tour.” Mr Mansell said. Earlier in the year, Hyne Timber, along with other industry suppliers, partnered with Forest and Wood Products Australia through their WoodSolutions brand, to supply both lightweight and massive timber elements for the construction which is now showcasing its content. Laurence Ritchie,
WoodSolutions Mid-Rise Advisory Program’s Cost and Program Estimator, said there are plans for detailed sessions to be made available. “Having actively worked among this sector for a number of years, the questions we field and the apparent unknowns led to the idea of this model being developed so people can see, touch, feel, learn and understand timber solutions in mid-rise construction for themselves.
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
“In partnership with our timber suppliers, we will be hosting a series of one-on-one discussions, group seminars and displays, hands on training and student education sessions to a broad range of stakeholders and services trades throughout the design and construction sector,” Mr Ritchie said. Hyne Timber, a gold sponsor of the WoodSolutions Mid Rise Advisory Program, con-
gratulates the Mid-Rise Advisory Program team on successfully completing the model. “This is a fantastic initiative and deliverable for the whole timber industry to use and benefit from. Well done to the Mid-Rise Advisory Program team who have brought this demonstration building to fruition with the support of all the stakeholder partners including suppliers and the Holmesglen Institute,” Mr Mansell said. 7
NEWS
When it comes to timber office buildings then the King reigns supreme!
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endlease has officially opened Australia’s tallest engineered timber office building, 25 King, Brisbane. The first of its kind in the Australian property market, 25 King includes extensive use of innovative and sustainable building materials – glue laminated timber structural beams and columns and cross laminated timber floors – as well as state-of-theart technology to deliver
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a true workplace of the future. Designed and manufactured by Lendlease and sold to IIG, the ground floor plus ninestorey timber commercial tower features open and flexible office space complemented by exposed timber structures to create a contemporary and creative studio environment. Global engineering firm, Aurecon, now occupies 43.5% of the net lettable area, with IIG
working with Lendlease to secure new tenants for the remaining office space. 25 King is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating, a 5 Star NABERS Energy rating and a WELL Core & Shell rating to complement the precinct’s 6 Star Green Star – Communities rating. “Delivering the next generation of sustainable workplaces is a wonderful achievement for the Brisbane Showgrounds precinct,” said John Bur-
ton, Lendlease’s Managing Director, Urban Regeneration. “25 King is the latest example of high-performance workplaces setting new benchmarks in environmentally sustainable building practices with strong connections between timber and human health within the built environment. “The building demonstrates greener and healthier ways of working. This creates a workplace that lives and
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
breathes a culture of collaboration providing workers with a sense of belonging. “The commitment to our precincts, strengthens our belief in creating the best places for our employees, customers, the environment and the community,” John said. “Lendlease is creating the kind of precinct that helps make cities great. 25 King is the definition of a connected, collaborative workspace
for high-performance teams,” said Impact Investment Group’s Head of Funds Management - Real Estate, Darren Brusnahan. “We think 25 King’s superb environmental credentials and tenant amenity will make a great contribution to its investment performance. “With our community of investors, we’re immensely proud to take ownership of this brilliant building,” he said.
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Australian made with the quality and service you know.
AKD Softwoods. Reliable and sustainable...naturally
www.akd.com.au
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“We are proud of our story, the products we produce and relationships we hold with our customers, employees, suppliers and communities” - Shane Vicary
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■■ AKD CEO Shane Vicary with Tumut Sawmill Facility Manager Rab Green.
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
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NEWS
“Acquisition was a significant endorsement of Australia’s forest industries’ potential to produce world-class renewable timber products and create new jobs and investment in regional Australia” - AFPA
AKD completes NSW acquisitions to now service whole East Coast
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ssociated Kiln Driers Softwoods (AKD) has finalised the purchase of Carter Holt Harvey’s (CHH) New South Wales sawmilling business. The major assets of this business comprise the Tumut sawmill, Gilmore treatment facility, a 50% interest in the Highland Pine Products (HPP) joint venture in Oberon and a distribution centre in Berkeley Vale. The Tumut sawmill processes approximately 565,000 m3 of sawlogs producing a range of outdoor and structural products and the Gilmore treatment facility is a value-adding site also located in Tumut. The HPP joint venture processes approximately 600,000 m3 of sawlog. All of the nearly 500 NSW employees will continue to be employed by the business. explains “We are excited to be acquiring the assets and merging the NSW people into our AKD team,” said AKD’s Chief Executive Officer Shane Vicary. “The operations are well run and operated by dedicated, talented and passionate people.” AKD Softwoods is a privately-owned Australian company with 60 years in the forest industry, 55 of those years as softwood sawmillers. From humble beginnings in the regional Victorian www.timberbiz.com.au
town of Colac (where the head office remains) AKD now has 12 operational sites across three states and employs more than 1000 people. “We are proud of our story, the products we produce and relationships we hold with our customers, employees, suppliers and communities,” Mr Vicary said. “We see the NSW business as a strategic fit for the AKD Group as we have a long-term dedication to our industry producing timber products for the Australian market. This opportunity will provide AKD with a larger range and volume of products, and greater flexibility with multiple sites located across the eastern seaboard to offer new and existing customers superior service and supply security.” This expansion continues AKD’s approach of growth and sustainability through strategic acquisitions and continual capital investment, cementing its commitment to the industry. The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has congratulated AKD Softwoods on finalising the deal. “This news follows AKD Softwoods’ announcement of the NSW acquisition earlier in the year, as well as the company’s acquisition of the CCHT Caboolture sawmill (along with an announcement of its $50 million expansion), the acquisition of the AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
CCHT Yarram sawmill and the $30 million upgrade of AKD Softwoods’ Colac sawmill. It takes the company’s full operations to six sawmills in three states,” said Ross Hampton, AFPA Chief Executive Officer. Mr Hampton said AKD Softwoods’ acquisition was a significant endorsement of Australia’s forest industries’ potential to produce world-class renewable timber products and create new jobs and investment in regional Australia. “Australia’s renewable forest industries contribute about $24 billion to the economy each year and employ around 120,000 people across the full value chain. With record global demand for quality timber products like those made across AKD Softwoods’ growing suite of sawmilling operations, we must ensure that our forest industries are supported, and the policy settings are right to capitalise on this opportunity,” Mr Hampton said. “In September the Federal Government committed to planting one billion new production trees over the next decade through its National Forest Industries Plan. It’s the follow-through on this commitment to provide a sustained and quality supply of timber that will be essential for the long-term viability of businesses like AKD Softwoods and all of its employees,” said Mr Hampton. 11
NEWS
Hyne Timber partners with Stirling Machinery to establish new GLT plant Automated, state-of-the-art machinery solution
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yne Timber, manufacturer and distributor of high volume industrial, structural and engineered timber products, have announced a major expansion of their Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) plant in Maryborough, Queensland. The move has involved the purchase and installation of 14 new machines supplied by Australian firm, Stirling Machinery, part of the Accurate Group. With the rise of the use of GLT in Australia for an increasing array of construction types including high-rise, Hyne Timber identi-
fied an opportunity to increase competition in this market. The simultaneous emergence of Stirling, the machinery arm of the Accurate Timber Products business, along with support from the Queensland Government Jobs and Regional Growth Fund meant Hyne could build on their long-standing relationship. “Increased GLT manufacturing capability has been on our horizon for a number of years, to increase our volume and delivery speeds,” says Jon Kleinschmidt, Hyne Timber’s CEO. “Given the size of the investment, we needed to be sure of from the
best service delivery and support from machine selection and customisation to installation and beyond. “We look forward to working with Stirling and Managing Director, Craig Honeyman to bring this project to fruition over the next few months.” Mr Kleinschmidt concluded. Hyne Timber’s investment involves a complete automated, state-of-the-art machinery solution from Stirling. Accurate Timber Products tooling will support all machines well into the future, providing a fully integrated experience over the lifetime of the hardware.
Stirling Machinery’s Managing Director, Craig Honeyman says the Hyne Timber project scope was the biggest yet for Stirling. “We’re really excited to have been chosen for this project because it validates our capacity as a serious contender in the machinery market,” he says. “But at the heart of Stirling’s value set is helping the industry thrive. In small centres like Maryborough, when a company expands to the degree that Hyne
Timber have, it has tremendous flow-on effects for employment and the economy of the region. We’re really proud to have helped facilitate this growth for them.” The machines will undergo ‘performance testing’ in December this year prior to factory dispatch in the New Year. The Stirling engineering team will engage Hyne staff in a comprehensive training program from the time of performance testing, right through to installation
and implementation. The installation will occur over a 12-week period next year when a team of 24 Stirling engineers will bunker down in Maryborough for about three months. The Hyne GLT project is expected to completed by mid-2019. Stirling Machinery and the Accurate Group have gone from strengthto-strength in recent months, including a head office expansion and plans to launch a New Zealand branch in 2019.
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stirlingmachinery.com.au
■■ Hyne Timber CEO, Jon Kleinschmidt (left), National Sales Manager, Warren Tye (right) with Stirling Machinery MD, Craig Honeyman (middle).
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
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Watch out for water and manage ventilation Ventilation is essential in the fight against fungal attack
Ensure water can run off and cannot pool on the timber surface
Reseal any cut, notched, planed or drilled surface with a fungal-resistant treatment preservative
Where used outdoors; protect it from the elements with a suitable timber coating product
Cover deck joists with a water resistant malthoid strip
Treat your outdoor timber right, and it’ll go the distance. The warmer weather has now arrived, which means decking season is upon us. These guidelines are essential for ensuring the appropriate service life of a weather exposed structure, as per the Australian Standards. T3 Green Plus is guaranteed for up to 25 years against both termite and fungal attack. And, with the added plus of being completely free of hydrocarbon VOC’s, it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor framing projects.
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TAKING CARE UNDER FOOT
Value adding with less time and money involved
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imber manufacturers in Australia are increasingly looking at service solutions to add value and make life a little easier on their customers. Many processors and some retailers now offer a pre-oiling service, that can not only improve timber durability but also removes some of the onsite labour requirement saving builders valuable time and money. As many decks only ever get oiled on the top surface, moisture absorbed from the bottom and sides can ultimately lead to deterioration over time in the form of cracking, splitting and warping. Pre-oiling is the process of applying oil to timber on all sides before installation and can involve single or multiple coats, creating a protective barrier against moisture ingress helping maintain long term di-
mensional stability. Depending on the type of oil applied and number of coats, pre-oiled timber can also significantly reduce the time and cost associated with preparing and finishing timber decks on site. Providing a complete pre-oiling solution for timber processors, Intergrain Timber Finishes combine coatings expertise with specialised timber coating machinery from Ceetec. Engineered in Denmark, Ceetec machinery is specially designed to coat timber lengths at speeds of 1500-9000 lineal metres per hour making it perfect for timber and decking manufacturers. With a complete range of oil and water based Intergrain coatings suitable for Ceetec application, manufacturers can preoil according to specific customer or project requirements easily and efficiently.
Are your specs up to date? Timber floors have always been a sought-after household feature but understanding how to install, sand and coat solid timber floors and install engineered, laminate and bamboo flooring correctly is essential. The Australasian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA) proudly presents two new up to date specifications guiding on both the use of incorporating solid timber flooring as well as engineered, laminate and bamboo flooring on projects. Installation methods change over time and ATFA gives the most up to date information and requirements for timber flooring in order to keep members, architects, specifiers, building professionals and consumers ahead and at the forefront of this everchanging industry. Included in both documents on timber flooring
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specifications is information on product requirements, site evaluation, tolerance and building requirements as well as details relating to the execution of the works. ATFA has invested a lot of time in compiling these documents to help alleviate issues so that projects run smoothly. If architects include these specifications with reference in their drawings and builders adhere to this information a smoother path can be expected and help negate the need for any additional time and money being spent fixing problems. Use of these specifications will assist in the project running efficiently and with maximum ease. As a consumer, if you are planning to build or renovate please make sure your professionals are up to date with the latest specs regarding installation in order to avoid any warranty issues down the track. ATFA has two comprehensive specifications – which
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
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go into detailed facets of installing these floors. Please head to the ATFA official page https://www. floorchoices.com.au/timber-flooring-specifications/ to read and download at your convenience. For more information, to become a member or if you require any advice please call ATFA on 1300 361 693, or visit www.floorchoices.com.au.
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Fast, efficient timber coating machinery. PERFECT FOR PRE-OILING TIMBER DECKING
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Ceetec timber coating machinery is proudly distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Intergrain Timber Finishes. For more information on Ceetec equipment solutions, contact 1800 630 285.
NEWS
Vekta Razer: bringing benefits of Australian made and supported machinery to your truss and frame plant
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he speed and volume of components cut by the Razer in one shift is impressive, accuracy of components cut as well as the checking system to ensure the operator loads the correct timber size is a great quality control measure. That’s the opinion of Nathan Salama at Sydney Frames and Trusses For Sydney Frames and Trusses, the need to increase their production capabilities was paramount. The choice of automated machinery to use was easy- the Vekta Razer Saw. Production Manager Nathan is impressed with the quality of the equipment, the customer support received and the capabilities the Razer has to increase production efficiency and minimise downtime. “Based on previous purchases and a comparison we have made with machinery in the industry, we found the Razer to be a superior product compared to our previous linear saws used in the past. “Alternative machines we have used had issues such as constant breakdowns, too sensitive and slow performance which impacted the effective-
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ness of our team,” Nathan reasoned. The Razer has not only brought benefits to the production side of Sydney Frames and Trusses, but has also had a positive response from their end users thanks to the P3 printer. “The printing system the Razer offers is effective for our staff producing a finished product as it shows component locations, therefore increasing the speed of production and assisting new staff members to adapt quickly. “We’ve found that carpenters onsite prefer this way of printing on the timber as it helps them locate different panels faster and in a more effective way,” he said. Vekta’s P3 printer prints in real-time high resolution, without the need to slow down the saw and can print an ever increasing variety of information such as; company names, nail plate locations, camber detail and stud type and length details. Customer support was another consideration Nathan analysed before purchasing the Vekta Razer. Vekta’s online help system, Vekta Rescue and an online ticketing sys-
tem allows issues to be expediently attended to and can be tracked by the plant. “When issues tend to arise, the new system allows us to quickly alert the team to have things resolved rapidly. This form of interaction is especially useful as it creates less down time.” Nathan has also been impressed by the technical knowledge and efficiency of the Vekta support team – “After a brief phone call, a technician remotely logs into the machine to rectify the issue. This process has been great, the technicians have been extremely helpful in answering questions on product knowledge and resolving our issues in a timely manner.” After installing their first Vekta Razer in early 2016 and their second in May this year, Sydney Frames and Trusses have enjoyed the benefits of installing Australian made and supported machinery. “The quality of the product is essential to our daily operations. We consider the Razer to be faster, more efficient, easy to use and train new employees and are very happy with our purchases and the support of the team at Vekta.”
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
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Following the awarding of a Global GreenRate Level A certification, MicroPro Wood Treatment Technology has just been awarded a GoldHEALTH rating with its recently published Global GreenTag Level A Product Health Declaration™ (PhD™). The GreenTag PhD is the first health transparency tool in the world to assess human health concerns directly, rating the health impacts of a final product – and not just the hazards of a product’s ingredients. “Ultimately, the GoldHEALTH rating awarded in this case reflects the impressive measure to which Koppers Performance Chemicals has invested in developing and manufacturing a wood treatment technology product that is safe for use around people, pets and plants,’” David Baggs CEO Global Greentag International.
For more information call us now on 1800 088 809. MicroPro® is a registered trademark of Koppers Inc. or its subsidiaries. MicroPro® timber products are produced by independently owned and operated wood preserving facilities. © 2018 Koppers Performance Chemicals Australia Pty Ltd. Global GreenRate, GoldHEALTH, Global GreenTag and GreenTag PhD are regsitered trademarks operated under licence by Global GreenTag Pty Ltd.
NEWS
Timber is the building material for the 21st century veloped through a partnership between the forestry industries and FWPA, with the support of the Australian Government’s R & D Voluntary Matching funding program. This full-scale, wooden three-storey structure is an innovative educational tool for builders, engineers and architects that showcases timber ® as a sustainable, renewMicroPro By Senator Richard able and versatile building resource in mid-rise Colbeck Assistant Minister for Agri- buildings. We’re certainly seeculture and Water Resources ing a trend towards inhe change to creased use of structural the national timber in large-scale c o n s t r u c t i o n construction developcode in 2016 has cre- ments as a more versaated new opportunities tile and environmentally for the forestry sector to friendly option for 21st market timber products century buildings. This showcase buildas a renewable rival to ing lays the groundwork steel and concrete. In October I had the for designers and cuspleasure of opening the tomers for the utilisation Midrise Demonstration of timber, which is vital building at the Holm- for increasing the uptake esglen TAFE in Mel- of these new techniques bourne for Forest and and technologies. I’ve seen it myself Wood Products Australia (FWPA) as they lay having spent 25 years to the assess human health in construction before groundwork for the revolution in timber and not just the hazardscoming of a into politics. People are just familtimber products utilisaiar with the ways that tion. The building was de- they do things and it’s
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A certification, MicroPro a GoldHEALTH rating with uct Health Declaration™
rld nd
ssive measure to which Koppers ood treatment technology product al
easy for them to roll out that familiar design framework on the job site, at the expense of promising new products. When they come up against something that’s a bit different – such as cross laminated timber (CLT) – it will take them more time, it will be inconvenient in the short term, which is frustrating and can cause them to just go back to what they know.
Overcoming resistance The purpose of the Holmesglen TAFE showcase midrise building is to assist in overcoming this natural resistance. We know that foresters, designers, builders, governments, and – most importantly – the consumer, believe that the trade-offs for overcoming this initial resistance to engineered timber are more than worth it. Timber is the only structural building material that captures carbon rather than emits it. It is the only structural building material that is a renewable resource.
It is strong, light and workable. And in my view it fundamentally feels different; warmer, more comfortable, more organic, the only structural material that appeals to the basic human preference for a natural built environment. As we’ve seen with Forte, a 10-storey CLT apartment building in Melbourne, even standing in a typically sterile environment such a stairwell made with timber has the capacity to relax the senses. The Holmesglen TAFE will be using the demonstration building to support its range of courses for the building and construction sectors. This will assist in familiarising trade students with timber systems that are available in the midrise timber market and potentially support their future employment in this emerging sector.
plantations and our native forests becomes more important. We already know that there is a projected quadrupling of global demand for timber and timber products by 2050 and breakthroughs in engineered timber are a big part of this. To ensure that we have sustainably sourced wood and wood fibre into the future, the Australian Government is working to support both Australia’s native forest and plantation forest sectors. We have already extended the Tasmanian RFA and are currently working towards extensions of the remaining RFAs across the country. I also launched the National Forest Plan in September this year, which includes a goal of planting a billion new plantation trees over the next decade to meet our future needs for wood and fibre.
Major demand for timber
Growing for the future
As we start to see more timber buildings, a sustainable supply of wood sourced from
Planting these new trees in commercial plantations and through farm forestry will deliv-
er greater certainty for future wood and fibre supply while providing jobs and income in regional communities. The plantings undertaken throughout forestry hubs will be complemented by the work that is being undertaken by the Launceston and Mount Gambier centres of the National Institute of Forest Products Innovation and additional centres that are yet to be announced. The Institute aims to support the forest industry to transition to a smarter, higher value industry that will boost jobs and regional growth. Innovation and technology is enabling forest industries—and the range and value of wood products—continue to evolve and grow. Wood and wooden products are generally loved by Australians. The increasingly wonderful and diverse uses of wood products help us to build a sustainable future for our industries. This timber midrise showcase building is further proof that timber is the building material for the 21st century.
First class certification and rating excellence for Koppers
When it comes to specific (and deserved) recognition and certification then Koppers certainly comes to mind. Koppers Performance Chemicals’ MicroPro® Wood Treatment Technology has been awarded a GoldHEALTH rating with its recently published Global GreenTag Level A Product Health Declaration™ (PhD™). And that is recognition to be proud of. The GreenTag PhD is the first health transparency tool in the world to assess human health concerns directly, rating the health impacts of a final
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product – and not just the hazards of a product’s ingredients. “Full disclosure by a manufacturer of the toxicity information of a product is a bold move, says David Baggs, Global GreenTag’s CEO and Program Director. “And it is the right thing to do, as it is important to enable the market to make informed and responsible buying decisions. Ultimately, the GoldHEALTH rating awarded in this case reflects the impressive measure to October 29, 2018, which Koppers Performance Chemicals has invested in developing and manufacturing a wood treatment technology product that is safe for use around people, pets and plants,’” says David. “Koppers is the first and only company to have a wood treatment technology certified by GreenTag,” said Elias Akle, General Manager Australian Operations. “Our MicroPro wood treatment technology has achieved both a GreenTag Level A product certification and now the GoldHEALTH excellent rating. This achievement further confirms that Koppers is
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
committed to produce wood treatment technologies that meet market demands for better products,” he said. This is important for building, design and procurement professionals as well as company directors who need to mitigate risks on projects for workplace and residential use. They need to discern carefully between products that support user and occupant health and wellbeing, compared with products that don’t. “A GoldHEALTH rating under the PhD system positions Koppers’ MicroPro® Wood Treatment Technology in the ‘Excellent’ range of health scores, which is a significant outcome,” David added. “Koppers provided 100% transparency and disclosure of the ingredients of the MicroPro® Wood Treatment Technology, after which the product underwent an investigation by a GreenTag Global Lead Auditor and also a Peer Review by an external Consultant Toxicologist and Member of the Australian College of Toxicology & Risk Assessment.” oal of reducing biowaste in our communities.”
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Timber Design Awards
■■ Overall Winner - Bunjil Place by FJMT – sponsored by WoodSolutions
Australian Timber Design Awards An unrestrained celebration of timber By Mandy Parry-Jones
L
ook beyond the bright lights and gleaming awards because if you stare too long at those you will be blinded by the sparkle and forget what the awards are there to do. Yes, awards are there to honour those who have pushed the limits of their trade whether that is designing, specifying or building - as they should. But more than that, the awards are there to promote the industry and in the case of the Timber Design Awards 2018 it’s not just timber, it’s forestry as well, as without one there is no other. Promoting timber design promotes the whole industry, and promoting timber design to the greater public is an
easier job than promoting forestry. Fortunately, over the past few years there has been such an upswing in timber use in buildings of any shape and size that it has become harder to pick the winners but it has also meant the winners have been pretty spectacular. Last year it was the spectacular International House that took the main award, plus a few other awards, for its use of CLT and Glulam. DesignMake and Tzannes used the CLT and Glulam building materials and technology to deliver a remarkable building that was at a fraction of the weight of a steel and concrete structure. And delivered quicker. As Eileen Newbury, National Program Manager WoodSolutions
rightly points out: “… for every project that goes ahead in timber, I continue to hear about the ones that got away… on the positive side, this seems to be becoming a less common experience as the use of timber building systems increases on a global scale”. When these awards were first presented in 2000 housing entries dominated the list with few commercial buildings, for the first time this year commercial buildings dominated and for the first time in 2018 there was a multi-residential category added. This year the judging panel consisted of four judges with judging presided over by a timber industry member. This broad representation across professors
ensures that winners are chosen that excel in all aspects of the design. This also ensures that winners use timber appropriately, expertly and to enhance the timber industry, and timber design in general. From 69 entries, the judges were instructed to choose a handful of winners, no easy task with the amazing array of entries, one that made us stop and look was the Yu Xiang Mini Hot Pot Restaurant which didn’t take home any prizes but nevertheless is an eye catching albeit traditional Asian inspired design. It would fill this magazine and many to come if we wrote in detail on every winner as there were 23 in total, so we have chosen a few not quite randomly as the chosen ones have a lean-
ing towards commercial projects with a few others in the mix. And the winner is … As they say there can be only one winner and the winner in 2018 was Bunjil Place in Victoria design by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp with structural engineers Taylor Thomson Whitting, fabricator Hess Timber and builder Multiplex Global. Bunjil Place is a new form of community and civic building used as a library, a performance theatre, a public gathering space, a place of exhibition, gallery and display. The entrance foyer houses an impressive Glulam timber grid shell that dominates and defines the central atrium. The use of wood defines a warm and innova-
tive design emphasises the lightness of the roof through a fluid, organic geometry while reinforcing the open and welcoming nature of the complex to reach out to the public open space. The architectural intent was for the timber grid shell to appear weightless as it touched the ground at two points, as a form of wings, protecting and sheltering the community. The central theme was the interpretation of the land in the culture of Wurundjeri, Bunurong and Boon Wurrung people, the traditional owners and inhabitants of this land. The two stories inspired the architects ‘The Meeting of Many Paths’ and ‘Bunjil’ the eagle. The non-load bearing shell design was made Continued on Page 20
The Judging Panel Perry Forsythe PhD, Professor of Construction Management (UTS) Mr Forsythe has over 38 years of construction industry experience covering a well-balanced mix of site, senior management, consultancy and academic involvement. He is currently the Professor of Construction Management at the University of Technology Sydney and past Head of School (School of the Built Environment). Jonathan Evans, architect Tzannes Mr Evans has been a director of Tzannes since 1999 and leads the company’s ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions for the built environment. His completed portfolio includes a broad spectrum of public domain improvements and infrastructure, commercial developments, educational facilities, hospitality and residential developments.
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International House Sydney is one of his proudest and most rewarding achievements to date, setting the scene for a new age of mass timber commercial and educational buildings across Australia, which showcase the beauty of this efficient, natural and renewable structural material. Mr Evans was a recipient of the overall award in 2017. Kim Baber, architech Baber Studio Mr Barber is the principal of Baber Studio Architects. In 2015, his practice was awarded the Queensland ‘Emerging Architect’ Prize by the Australian Institute of Architects, and in 2016 received the Gottstein Trust Fellowship to research timber Architecture and fabrication technologies being developed in Europe. Mr Baber is also a research fellow in Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Queensland,
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
and a member of the UQ ‘Centre for Future Timber Structures’. Dr Fred Moshiri, senior structural engineer Acor Consultants Dr Moshiri is a senior Structural Engineer with more than 10 years’ experience in R&D, structural design and construction management of residential and nonresidential projects. He has worked at the forefront of developing structural timber systems in Australia and New Zealand. With a background in structural engineering and innovative timber design, Mr Moshiri strives for structural solutions that won’t compromise the desired architectural form. His passion for prefab technologies, façade engineering and smart design of structures fits well with the future of Australian construction industry.
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TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS
■■ Mac 01 Hotel by Circa Morris-Nunn Architects
Australian Timber Design Awards Continued from Page 19
from geometrically complex 3D forms which required a detailed form-finding investigation to optimise the spatial model. As architecture, the building embraces new construction technology and innovation. Comments from judge Jonathon Evans on Bunjil Place: “On approaching Bunjil Place, the sweeping timber glulam roof structure offers a warm welcome and deep shelter around a central gathering space, unifying the many and varied
functions of this community and civic building. The precise double curvature geometry and seamless connections of the non-load bearing timber grid members provide rich detail and fluid movement to the entry as it reaches down to just lightly touch the ground within the foyer, physically connecting the structure with users of the space. The inherent warmth and connection with nature that timber offers continues throughout all public spaces of the centre, like a protago-
nist in the drama of the place, appearing as timber veneer panelling and acoustic wall treatment in the theatre, reception joinery and shelving in the library, and solid flooring throughout the gallery space against a neutral black and white background. Whilst many other great timber projects were awarded for excellence in timber design this year, none other demonstrated such commitment to a holistic use of varying forms of timber best suited for the individual purposes, in combination with
modern fabrication techniques to showcase the potential of this beautiful building material in achieving a complex built timber landscape.” Winner Excellence in Timber Design Multi Residential Mac 01 Hotel in Hobart, Tasmania architects Circa MorrisNunn, structural engineers Gandy & Roberts Consulting Engineers, builder VOS constructions. A new 114 suite hotel constructed occupies precisely the same footprint of a former warehouse and quarantine shed. The hotel’s archi-
tectural form is a contemporary expression of the old timber warehouses that used to be the vernacular buildings which defined Hobart’s waterfront. The heavy timber framing forming the external balconies is a contemporary visual metaphor referencing these old piers’ robust, no-frills construction, but now adapted to suit a very different function. Comments from judge Dr Perry Forsythe on Mac01: “The scale of timber usage is significant – it is an unrestrained celebra-
tion of timber. It’s a great example of high density housing in the form of a modern, luxury hotel, set against the beautiful harbour and the old wharves of Hobart. “The hotel’s scale and form is a contemporary expression of the old timber warehouses that represent the vernacular style of Hobart’s waterfront. “The use of vertical timber cladding is an obvious and ideal choice for the façade - the designers have taken care to arrange the white cypress cladding to provide a subtle yet modern
■■ Northshore Pavilion by Anna O’Gorman Architect
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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
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TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS
■■ All Hands Brewing House by Maddison Architects
take on the vernacular that will gradually fade to grey and in doing so, still provide a timeless beauty that will complement the marine setting. “Partial over-battening of the windows (in the gable ended walls) provides a playful variant to the main cladding pattern that adds extra character to the facade. “Strong articulation of the balconies creates an expression of the heavy use of timber (as used elsewhere in the precinct) that adds character to the overall appearance of the building.” Winner Excellence in Timber Design Standalone Structure Northshore Pavilion Bris-
bane, Queensland Anna O’Gorman architect, AD Structure structural engineers, Charles Warren Construction builder and Kennedy’s Timbers fabricator. The Northshore Pavilion is a small public information and amenities building overlooking the Brisbane River and used to engage with the community to share future plans for Hamilton Reach, Queensland’s largest waterfront urban renewal precinct. The client’s brief requested that the structure is designed and built to be demountable with the potential to be re-erected for use elsewhere at some future date.
The primary structure is made from timber so that it can be unbolted and disassembled in panels and the ‘pods’ were designed to be crane out by a truck. The wood used is recycled grey Ironbark located from the demolished Hamilton wharves. Comments from judge Dr Moshiri on Northshore Pavillion: “Northshore Pavilion has been constructed as a small public information and amenities building beside the Brisbane River. In my opinion, this project is a good blend of folded canopy architectural form exposing timber structure and façade and promoting recycled
timber and sustainability in construction. The architectural form that is a folded timber canopy as a bolted portal frame over the elevated deck as an expansive platform accommodating two prefabricated amenities and meeting room. The re-use of old ironwood wharves as both structure and façade made it a pleasant building as part of Queensland’s largest waterfront urban development.” Winner Excellence in the use of Timber Products Australian Certified Timber All Hands Brewing House Sydney New South Wales, Maddison Architects, Perrett
Simpson structural engineers, Erilyan builders and fabricators. The rich maritime heritage of the location and the utility of the venue as a place to brew beer have influenced the design form and function. The design results in a mixture of production factory with references to maritime and shipbuilding techniques. Most areas were stripped back to their raw shell and honestly expressed resulting in a palette of materials which are cold and harsh. The inclusion of wood was crucial in making this venue warm and inviting. Comments from judge
Kim Barber on the selection of All Hands Brewing: “The Architectural language of combining large format timber ‘planks’ with exposed copper and stainless steel services, clearly evoked the industrial maritime context, referencing the locale and history of the site. The idea of referencing the boat building history carries through to the detailing of the connections, with the carefully made timber plugs reminiscent of timber rivets in clinker lapstrakes. The care in detailing, combined with the rigour of ensuring the project utilised 100% Australian Certified Timber.”
Timber Design Award Winners 2018 Award winner: • Overall Winner - Bunjil Place by FJMT – sponsored by WoodSolutions Excellence in Timber Applications: • Residential Class 1 - New Buildings - Foredune House by Peter Stutchbury Architecture – sponsored by Carter Holt Harvey Wood Products and TimberNSW • Residential Class 1 - Alteration or Addition Hatherlie by Andrew Simpson Architects – sponsored by Boral Timber • Multi-Residential - Mac 01 Hotel by Circa MorrisNunn Architects – sponsored by Allied Forest Products • Public or Commercial - Bunjil Place by FJMT – sponsored by XLAM • Interior Fitout - Residential Class 1- Roscommon House by Neil Cownie Architect - sponsored by Hurford Wholesale • Interior Fitout – Commercial - Strongbuild Head Office by Fitzpatrick & Partners and Strongbuild – sponsored by Australian Sustainable Hardwood • Landscape - The Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY
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Garden by Aspect Studios – sponsored by Design Pine • Standalone Structure - Northshore Pavilion by Anna O’Gorman Architect – sponsored by Design Pine • Furniture or Joinery - Melbourne Office Interior Arena by Himmelzimmer – sponsored by Branch 95 • Small Budget - IMBY Kit by Adriano Pupilli Architects – sponsored by Timber-Architecture Enews • Rising Star - Krakani Lumi by Mat Hinds from Taylor and Hinds Architects – sponsored by Timber Revival • Innovative Structural Design - Meyer Timber Warehouse by Nicholas & Alexander Architects and TGA Engineers – sponsored by Engineered Wood Panel Association of Australasia • Sustainability - Aveo Norwest by Jackson Teece, TTW and Strongbuild – sponsored by Make it Wood – Planet Ark • People’s Choice - Krakani Lumi by Taylor and Hinds Architects - sponsored by Intergrain Excellence in Timber Products: • Australian Certified Timber - All Hands Brew-
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
ing House by Maddison Architects – sponsored by Responsible Wood • Recycled Timber - Northshore Pavilion by Anna O’Gorman Architect – sponsored by Kennedy’s Timber • Slice Decorative Timber Veneer - Strongbuild Head Office by Fitzpatrick + Partners and Strongbuild – sponsored by Briggs Veneer • Timber Cladding - Barangaroo House by Collins and Turner Architects by Weathertex • Timber Flooring - 102 The Mill by Carter Williamson Architects – sponsored by Hurford Hardwood • Timber Panels - Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavilions by Liminal Architecture – sponsored by Engineered Wood Panel Association of Australasia • Timber Veneer - Bunjil Place by FJMT – sponsored by Timber Veneer Association of Australia • Timber Windows & Doors - Cabarita Park Conservatory by Sam Crawford Architects – sponsored by Window and Door Industry Council
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TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS
Make It Wood Campaign lauds TDA winners
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ngineered timber construction provides significant environmental benefits Planet Ark Environmental Foundation’s Make It Wood campaign is delighted to support the 2018 Australian Timber Design Awards and congratulates all of the winners. In particular, as the sponsor of the Sustainability Category, Make It Wood commends the teams at Jackson Teece, TTW and Strongbuild for their winning entry, Aveo Norwest, a 10-storey residential apartment building made from Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam. The project neatly encapsulates the significant environmental benefits
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that engineered timber construction provides. The PEFC-certified CLT has stored approximately 630 tonnes of carbon (equivalent to 2310 tonnes of sequestered CO2) and reduced the project’s CO2 emissions by approximately 2,700 tonnes compared to conventional construction methods. In addition, the use of offsite prefabrication has helped to significantly reduce energy and water consumption and onsite waste was reduced by over 70%. The lower mass of CLT enabled a much leaner design of concrete footings and transfer structure in the ground level and throughout the structure, further reducing the use of reinforced concrete.
This lower mass also helped to reduce transport requirements, truck movements and crane sizes. More broadly, the use of energy efficient design has been fundamental to the project’s success. Zonal control of mechanical ventilation helps to reduce energy use and all residential corridors have access to natural light and ventilation. The high level of accuracy and airtightness that mass timber provides has significantly reduced ongoing operational costs for heating and cooling. For more information, including lots more Exemplar Projects and the Health Benefits that wood provides, visit MakeItWood.org today.
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
■■ Project: Aveo Norwest ■■ Design: Jackson Teece ■■ Head Contractor: Strongbuild ■■ Structural Engineer: TTW ■■ Photography: Brett Boardman
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ASSOCIATIONS
Specify veneers carefully!
Timber Veneers” and deals Veneer with permitted to be a lower
Timber Veneer
Association of Australia
T
he Timber Veneer Association has put a lot of effort into explaining how to correctly specify timber veneers, but the occasional problem still arises. The Australian Stand-
By Peter Llewellyn Technical Representative, Timber Veneer Association of Australia ard (AS/NZS 1859, Reconstituted wood-based panels – Specifications, Part 3: Decorative overlaid wood panels) is a good place for specifiers to start. Section 6 of the Standard is titled “Wood
Association of Australia such matters as veneer thickness, moisture content, and the need for balanced construction. Balanced construction means that a veneered panel will generally have veneers of the same species and thickness applied to both sides of the panel. Failure to do this is likely to result in distortion of the panel. While the backing veneer is expected to be the same species, unless otherwise agreed, it is
quality. On the other hand, if both sides of the panel will be visible in the finished job it may not be desirable to have a lower quality backing veneer, in which case this needs to be made clear by the specifier. The relevant specification terminology is G2S (Good Two Sides) or F2S (Face Two Sides). More detailed information about the correct specification of timber
■■ Leeton Pointon Architects
veneers can be found on the TVAA website and in the various publications available there for download. Attention is drawn to the need to protect veneered surfaces on building sites. In particular, products should not be placed or installed in wet, damp or very hot rooms/buildings. These extreme conditions can cause serious damage to veneered products. Early installation of veneered products in
newly constructed buildings can be devastating. There have been instances of severe staining of items such as desks, tables and panelling, delivered to a site before contractors have finished internal work. There is no need to imagine that veneered products are particularly delicate, just that correct specification and common-sense scheduling of deliveries are needed to ensure satisfactory outcomes.
Mark of excellence is well earned By Josh Wallace Managing Director (Vicbeam) Deputy Chairman GLTAA Chairman, Marketing Committee (GLTAA)
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nd so, sooner than we feel should be the case we are on the year end run into Christmas – adjusting inventory as necessary, planning Christmas parties, plant shutdowns, annual leave and numerous other logistics not to mention company planning meetings in relation to “next year”! On site builders rush to get residential dwellings to lock up prior to holidays or hint that “in before Christmas” might be asking a bit much it given ‘this or that’. For some of us the ‘busy-ness’ of the time of year can be compounded by an illtimed external audit (is there ever a good time for audits!?) as is www.timberbiz.com.au
the case for some GLT (Glue-Laminated Timber) manufacturers at present! The GLTAA is comprised of producer members with a commitment to ensuring that GLT in the Australian market has been produced in line with Australian Standards. In order to achieve this, manufacturers implement a quality assurance system which entails a program of inhouse testing which is regularly audited externally at intervals by the GLTAA inspectorate.
GLTAA Inspectorate The GLTAA’s inspectorate was initially established at Monash University and is currently at the University of Melbourne. Professor Bob Milner chaired
the original standard committee which published the Glued Laminated Structural Timber code, AS1328 and played an important role in developing the GLTAA quality system. Dr Con Adam from the University of Melbourne is the current Director of the GLTAA Inspectorate. The Inspectorate is directly involved in all qualification inspections, which form part of the qualification process. The frequency of the audits is determined by audit results.
GLTAA Certificate of Conformance Upon receiving plant accreditation, the member is issued a “Certificate of Conformance” which makes the following statement: “The Glued Laminated Timber Association of Australia (GLTAA), hereby certifies that XXXX GLT plant is licensed by the Glued Laminated Timber Association of Australia to use the GLTAA Mark in respect of products
listed hereunder which comply with applicable provisions of AS/ NZS 1328.1, Glued laminated structural timber Part 1: Performance requirements and minimum production requirements, that the quality control system in effect at said plant is periodically inspected and verified by the Glued Laminated Timber Association of Australia Inspectorate at University of Melbourne and that, in the judgement of GLTAA, said company is capable of complying with applicable manufacturing and testing provisions of said Standard in respect of products manufactured at said plant and listed below. Conformance with the Standard in respect of any specific or particular product is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer; GLTAA’s offers no guarantee of the product here-under but assurance that the said company is qualified to produce product meeting the said Standard and that its plant is
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
periodically inspected and verified by the GLTAA Inspectorate.”
GLTAA Quality Mark All Glulam products which are quality assured under the GLTAA by the Inspectorate are branded, stamped or marked with the GLTAA Quality Mark. At the recent GLTAA technical meeting a new Quality Mark design was adopted and will soon begin appearing on all accredited GLT products which have been produced by GLTAA accredited manufacturing plants. The process of quality assurance and improvement is a continual one and like the back of the garage is subject to entropy if not maintained! The inconvenience of an external audit is offset by the value of having an objective 3rd set of eyes and ears asking the tough questions and challenging a manufacturer to ‘keep the rope tight’. It is the intention that the new look GLTAA Quality Mark becomes associated in the indus-
■■ Dr Con Adam.
try with a high standard of product which consumers at all levels of the market can regard with confidence. So, look out for the new GLTAA Quality Mark and know that behind it stands a manufacturer that has withstood the rigours of stiff audits by men wearing white coats, stern frowns and wielding clipboards with checklists! On behalf of the GLTAA, we wish the industry all the best for the end of year and the Christmas holidays. May we all find rest and rejuvenation in time for a cracker of year in 2019 which sees even more creativity and enhanced quality in the timber space! 23
ASSOCIATIONS
Change at the top for TABMA
T
here has been a change at the top for TABMA as the organisation sets its sights on the future. David Little has been appointed Acting CEO, replacing Colin Fitzpatrick who had been in the role for more than a decade. TABMA Chairman Peter Hutchison told members the prime responsibility of the TABMA Board is stewardship and fiduciary, which is to say, to preserve and protect the assets of TABMA Members. “At the last Board
meeting, there was a comprehensive and detailed review of the Association’s financial performance over a number of years. After lengthy deliberations, the Board agreed that new Leadership together with a new Strategic Plan was required to ensure TABMA’s long-term financial security and lay a platform for the Association to better serve its members into the future,” he said in a statement. “As a result, TABMA’s CEO, Colin Fitzpatrick resigned effective November 9. Colin has
served TABMA for over ten years, for which we thank him and we wish him well in his future endeavours. “David Little, a TABMA Board member since 2013, has already resigned as a TABMA director and will take up the position of Acting CEO effective November 12. David has extensive experience as a Group General Manager responsible for Frame & Truss together with Timber & Building materials merchant operations, which makes him a very good fit to fill
this interim role,” the statement said. “David’s short-term objective is to review the significant commercial operations of TABMA which include the two GTOs (group training organisations) and our RTO (registered training organisation). He will also be reviewing the Association’s overall structure and operations, which are member services and member representation with a view to make TABMA more relevant as a peak national body for the Prefabrication and Building
■■ David Little, Acting CEO
Materials sector.” David will be reporting back directly through the Chairman of the Board with his findings before a Board meeting in May. “The Board will then
be in a better position to formulate a short and long-term strategy and establish a policy to both secure TABMA financially and to better serve you as a member,” the statement said.
Queensland Timber Industry Awards TABMA hosted the 2018 Queensland Timber Industry Awards in Brisbane with more than 260 attending the gala event at the Rydges Hotel. Guests were welcomed by TABMA QLD’s Chairman Michael Gaske and General Manager Alicia Oelkers, followed by the awards presentations that recognised and showcased excellence in the industry. To be recognised for an award is a great achievement and all award recipients must be commended on their hard work and dedication. The 2018 award winners are: • Best Timber Merchant - Tradeware Building Supplies • Best Building Materials Centre – BMS Mitre 10 • Best Timber Wholesale Operation - Dindas Australia • Best Frame and Truss Operation - Langs Building Supplies • Best Timber Manufacturing Operation - Parkside Group – Wondai Dry Mill • Best Sawmilling Operation - Hyne Timber • Most Innovative Operation - Langs Building Supplies • Best Host Employer - Williams Group Australia • Apprentice of the Year - Riley Cassels - Project Shopfit • Trainee of the Year - La-lani Clemett - Versace Timbers • Best Wholesale Representative - Michael Branton - I.T.I Australia Recognising an individual’s contribution to the Forest and Timber Industry Rod McInnes. TABMA CEO Colin Fitzpatrick had the honour of presenting the award to longstanding patron and industry leader Rod McInnes, for his individual contributions to the industry. Retiring from his role as CEO of Timber Queensland in 2016, his involvement and insights into the industry are not unrecognised. “When you see how much everyone enjoys the evening, you know the hard work in preparing the night has all been worth it!” said Alicia.
■■ TABMA QLD Directors Michael Gaske – Ozline Timbers, Danny Meredith – Timport, Paul Rutledge – Gunnerson, Alicia Oelkers – TABMA, Noel Wootton – Bretts, Graham Leddy – Versace, Roger Healy – RKW Innovations
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■■ TABMA Staff
■■ Colin Fitzpatrick (TABMA CEO) and Rod McInnes
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
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ASSOCIATIONS
Casual employment - the double dipping dilemma Paying twice
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mployers in the timber industry would likely be aware of the legal drama currently being played out with respect to casual employment. It has received fairly widespread coverage in the print and electronic media in recent months, however, in my view based on its ramifications, maybe not enough. In a recent federal court case Workpac v Skene, labour hire firm, Workpac, found itself at the centre of a nationally significant court ruling that certain casual employees should not be deemed casual and, as such, deserve to be paid accrued leave entitlements in line with permanent employees. This is despite the fact that the employee, in this case, was paid a casual loading to compensate for annual leave and other entitle-
Brian Beecroft Chief Executive Officer TTIA ments. In recent developments, the federal government has become a party to federal court proceedings testing whether casual workers have the right to double-dip by being granted leave accrual as well as casual loading. In the WorkPac v Skene case, the Federal Court held that the term ‘casual employee’ in the Fair Work Act has no precise meaning and whether any employee is a casual for the purposes of the Act depends upon the circumstances. This is contrary to the very widespread and longstanding practice across virtually all industries that an employee engaged as a casual and paid as a casual is a casual employee. It is very common for casuals to work on a regular and systematic basis for extended periods.
There is simply no justification for an employer having to pay twice for the same workplace entitlement. The decision brings into question whether indeed it will be at all possible to utilise casual employment in the future without having this potential litigation hanging over the heads of every individual Australian business. There is no doubt the employment of casuals plays a vital role in Australia’s labour market, including the timber industry. A loss in flexibility in this area would destroy competitiveness and jobs. One in every five Australian workers is a casual employee, with more than 80 per cent of casual employees working for small and medium businesses with fewer than 100 staff members. Recent estimates indicate at least 1.6 million of the economy’s 2.6 million casuals, or 61 per cent, are working on a regular and ongoing basis and may be eligible to claim for leave and other entitlements if this matter is not rectified.
Estimates to the total cost to employers across the country could be up to $8 billion if the court decision stands.
Businesses will be hard hit This has the potential to cripple and close many businesses as well as potentially leave the government and taxpayer with an almighty headache if alleged unpaid entitlements have to be drawn from a government guaranteed entitlements fund. The TTIA, government and employers are rightly concerned that the legal right to offset an obligation against payments already made for the same entitlements was not dealt with in the WorkPac v Skene case and seek further clarity and certainty for both employers and for their employees on the operation of casual employment. The decision in this case by the Federal Court also seems to clash with the adoption of casual conversion clauses that have been recently inserted into many awards, which gives casual employees the option to continue to
be employed casual rather than full time (after 6 or 12 months depending on the award) if they prefer the flexibility and the higher hourly rate of being a casual. Indeed, many employees prefer the flexible hours to manage family life or carer responsibilities or simply prefer working lesser hours as a worklife balance.
Inconsistencies Ultimately, if the matter is not clarified in the Federal Court by government intervention, it clearly rests with the parliament to amend the Fair Work Act to define a casual employee consistent with the widespread workplace understanding to date, i.e. an employee who is engaged as a casual and paid as such. The harsh truth is this definition
should have been in the federal Act some time ago to avoid judicial interpretations that appear inconsistent with workplace precedent and practices. The government could also consider excluding casual employees from the leave provisions of the National Employment Standard based on the fact that they have already been compensated in their hourly rate. TTIA will keep readers informed on any ruling by the federal court or further legislative attempt by the government to address this issue. In the meantime, if you have any queries about the operation of casual employment at your workplace, you are urged to contact Brian Beecroft on (02) 9264 0011.
Christmas message Finally, on a lighter and more festive note, from all at TTIA, best wishes to the staff at Australasian Timber and all the readers for a safe and Merry Christmas. It’s the time of the year we look forward to de-stressing with family and friends and hopefully recalibrating the blood pressure so that it returns to within the normal medically recommended range. Look forward to contributing in 2019.
Paper industry gets bio-overhaul thanks to new research hub Australia’s pulp and paper industries are set to be the beneficiaries of a new research hub that will look at transforming wood and other organic waste into everything from medicinal gels to food packaging. BioPRIA, Monash University launched the Australian Research Council (ARC) Hub for Processing Advance Lignocelluosics into Advance Materials – a game-changer for pulp and paper companies that will effectively become bio-refineries. A total of $6.8 million over five years will be invested to convert materials, such as wood, plant-based matter and other biomass, into marketable chemicals and materials such as cellulose-based hydrogels for personal medicine (blood typing), nanocellulose films to replace plastic food packaging, and nanogels to help farmers maintain crops in the ever-changing climate. An industry consortium of Amcor, Circa, Leaf, Orora, Norske Skog and Visy will join Monash, the University of Tasmania, the University of South Australia, the Government of Tasmania and AgroParis Tech as part of this ARC Hub.
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Professor Gil Garnier, Director of the Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia (BioPRIA), said this groundbreaking research will greatly help the Australian pulp, paper and forest industry transform their production waste into high-grade goods for the global marketplace. “This Hub will leverage world-leading Australian and international research capabilities in chemistry, materials science and engineering with the express aim of creating new materials, companies and jobs for our growing bioeconomy,” Professor Garnier said. “With ongoing support and vision from our government, industry and university partners, we will identify new applications and products derived from biowaste to transform the pharmaceutical, chemicals, plastics and food packaging industries in Australia and across the world.” This industry transformation will be achieved through three specific objectives: Derive ‘green’ chemicals from Australian wood and lignocellulosic streams: Following examples in Europe
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
and North America where high-grade chemicals, including gels and thermoplastics, are developed from wood extractives; Engineer new nanocellulose applications: Using Australian agricultural and wood residue to create nanocellulose and better nanofibers; and Develop ultralight paper and novel packaging: Creating cellulosic-based packing products with significantly improved physical properties and new attributes, including radio-frequency identification technology to integrate with transport / retail information systems. “In fact, one of the goals is for our industry partners to generate, within four to 10 years, 25-50% of their profits from products that don’t exist today,” Professor Garnier said. “This is an exciting time for Australia’s paper and pulp industry as we develop new products for existing markets and further grow our knowledge in bioresources. We’re pleased to be able to contribute to the nation-wide goal of reducing biowaste in our communities.”
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ASSOCIATIONS
FTMA welcomes new members FRAME & TRUSS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA “We support you!”
FRAME & TRUSS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
N
ikita and I recently undertook a Western Victoria and South Australia road trip where we managed to visit most plants in the region. These road trips provide me with the opportunity to meet our existing members and non-members and discuss the issues they see as important to our industry while also reminding them of the great benefits FTMA provides for fabricators. It also allows me the opportunity to tour plants and discover improved or new ways of doing things as everyone does things differently and by sharing this information it helps our industry continually improve without recreating the wheel each time. One of these new technologies was during the visit to FTMA Member Keith Timber where Michael showed me the Road Pods which were very impressive.
By Kersten Gentle Executive Officer FTMA Australia So, what are Road Pods? They were designed in conjunction with Langs Building Supplies to specifically look at improving transportation safety and efficiencies within the frame and truss industry. The pods are custom made loadable trays designed to fit any size truck, so loads can be packed on the ground either by hand or forklift, eliminating the need for your crew to load deliveries at heights, which comes with the potential risk of falling. We hope to provide you more information on Road Pods in the near future with some case studies on costings and efficiencies but I for one was excited by this great innovative product as I truly believe it has huge safety and efficiency benefits for the sector and let’s face it transportation is an area where safety is, at times, an issue.
The trip resulted in two new members joining the FTMA Family. The Pickard Group runs truss plants in Adelaide (Pickard Trusses) and Melbourne (Direct Timber & Trusses) signed up as did Walls Plus in Ballarat. We welcome Phil, Ashley, Ian and Sue along with their teams and look forward to seeing them at the National Conference next year.
FTMA Supplier Members willing to help your business FTMA Australia is the only national association representing the Frame and Truss Sector and we have never shied away from the fact that we exist to provide a voice for the fabricators. However, we have a growing number of suppliers who continue to support the industry
■■ The crew at Walls Plus.
■■ Packard Group: Hayley Jacobs, Phil Badcock and Veronica Jayet.
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through their sponsorship and membership of the Association. FTMA’s motto for fabricators is to Support those who support you and which applies to our Annual Sponsors, but there is also many supplier members providing other services for our members. Take our three new supplier members, Tuff Plans, Borg Construction and Laser Electrical Carrum Downs. All three of these suppliers are members of FTMA to not only show their support for our sector but also to promote the services they provide which are very much targeted at the fabricators. I met Tuff Plans Managing Director, Peter Haszard at the FTMA NZ Conference and was automatically drawn to
his product. TuffPlans® produce waterproof building & construction plans from client’s PDF’s, using Tyvek®, an extremely durable environmentally sound synthetic paper and the latest technology wide format printer. This product is waterproof, tearproof and colourfast, and is ideal for building plans and means no more laminating! Laser Electrical Carrum Downs contacted me in June as they have had a long relationship working on all the electrical needs for many fabricators including the office and factory set up. In fact, this was the company that worked on getting the electricals back in order for JH Williams following their flooding which completely swamped their factory. Even though Laser Electrical Carrum Downs is the member, Laser Electrical has operations Australia wide and the team at Carrum Downs can ensure you get the best people with the right knowledge to help you. Borg Manufacturing purchased the CHHWP Tumut particle board manufacturing plant and are now offering a wide range of products in to the industry with STRUCTAflor being one that fabricators may be
interested in, especially with cassettes. FTMA Australia also has a strong policy when it comes to Suppliers attending events such as the National Conference where only suppliers who are members of the Association can attend. This ensures maximum networking opportunities for those that support our members by supporting the Association. FTMA Australia welcomes supplier members and we encourage fabricators to visit the FTMA News Preferred Suppliers section which provides a full list of our suppliers in the various categories ready and willing to assist our fabricator members at www.ftmanews. com/preferred-suppliers Finally, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Prosperous New Year. For FTMA Australia 2019 is a big year with our National Conference at RACV Royal Pines on 26 March. We encourage you to visit www.conference.ftmanews.com to find out more information and register your attendance. If you require further information on the conference or any issues relevant to the Australian Frame and Truss industry, please email me at kersten@ftma.com.au.
■■ Very neat - The Road Pods.
AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER December 2018
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