Australasian Timber - April 2017 by Provincial Press Group

APRIL 2017

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NEWS

Countdown begins to Australian Timber Design Awards

OW IN their 18th year, the Australian Timber Design Awards are distinguished by a proud heritage of innovation and achievement. The awards promote and encourage outstanding timber design. The competition has now opened with submissions being taken until 9 June. On 1 August the People’s Choice Awards voting opens and all winners will be announced at a special presentation night on 30 September. These awards are open to builders, designers, architects, engineers and landscapers: to anyone involved in the

design or building of structures that feature timber. A Rising Star Award is available to students and entrants aged 35 or under. Winning an accolade in the Australian Timber Design Awards, which is an independent and expert appraisal for timber design, contributes to personal, business reputation and brand image. Taking part in the Australian Timber Design Awards and competition provides valuable feedback and experience. Award winners can proudly display their exclusive award trophies and design excellence certificates which

Builders appoint first woman CEO

THE BOARD of Master Builders Australia has announced its appointment of Mrs Denita Wawn as the new Chief Executive Officer of Master Builders Australia effective 20 March 2017. Mrs Wawn will be Master Builders’ first female CEO in its 127 year history to represent the $200 billion building and construction industry and only the third CEO in 30 years. In announcing Mrs Wawn’s appointment, the National President of Master Builders, Dan Perkins said: “Denita’s qualities, skills and experience as a highly accomplished industry leader and advocate saw her emerge as the successful candidate from the comprehensive recruitment process undertaken by the Board. “The Board is confident that Mrs Wawn’s leadership will see the implementation of its vision for Master Builders as a modern, credible and influential national voice for its more than 32,000 members,” he said. “Denita has impeccable credentials for success including her wealth of experience spearheading game-changing advocacy and industrial relations campaigns at the National Farmers Federation (NFF), and the Australian Hotels Association (AHA),” Mr Perkins said. “As CEO of the Brewers Association of Australia and New Zealand, Denita implemented a highly successful reputational change strategy at a national and international level,” he said. “Denita has spent over the past 12 months as General Manager Operations at Master Builders, giving her a strong foundation to understand the issues impacting on Master Builders and our members,” Mr Perkins said.

Entering the age of timber TIMBER TOWERS may be the secret to more sustainable buildings, safer construction sites and liveable, breathable cities, says UK architect Andrew Waugh. Mr Waugh joined a panel of speakers, including Michael Rose AM, Chairman of The Committee for Sydney, Joe Snell, Director of Snell Architects, and Mark Steinert, CEO and Managing Director of Stockland, at Green Cities 2017 as they unpacked the success factors in density done well. Mr Waugh said we were entering the age of timber. His opinion draws heavily from his first experience with timber construction, when his firm Waugh Thistleton built the nine-storey Stadthaus in Hackney – a building now considered the world’s pioneer timber residential tower. The 29-apartment complex was constructed from cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. Load-bearing walls, floor slabs, star and lift cores were all made entirely from timber. Since Stadthaus, Waugh said builders, like his own team, are “beginning to understand the architecture of this new material” and to understand the opportunities that timber presents. “The material is very strong and www.timberbiz.com.au

very light – and we can utilise the walls as beams and carry loads across the building, for example. “It’s a far safer construction method, as timber is a non-toxic material. There are no fumes or dust, no heavy power tools working. It offers a much better working environment,” Mr Waugh said. He said timber buildings also provide great thermal performance and acoustic separation, and are fast and quiet to construct. They may also be the secret to increasing the density of our urban fabric without detracting from liveability. “Mid-rise timber towers are the perfect buildings to construct in the middle of a city,” he said. Mr Waugh’s current focus is on using CLT in modular housing. He said his team is taking “more and more construction off the building site and into factory conditions, but not at the expense of design or quality, which it has been previously. That’s really exciting.” “Ultimately, the environmental benefits should always be the ‘headline’. “We are building with a carbon store, and with a material that doesn’t push more carbon into the atmosphere. That’s the imperative. Source: The Urban Developer.

grants them prestige and expert status. In order to provide for a good and solid foundation for the awards, in addition to fair evaluation and judging by sound methodology, the aim is to have a strong and expert design competition jury that provides their invaluable knowledge base and insight to evaluate the submitted entries, creating benefit and value for participants by transferring their insights and ideas in form of votes, feedbacks and suggestions. Judges are not chosen until after the submission completion date to avoid conflict of interest issues.

The Grand-Prix (overall), Category Winners are then selected by our panel of judges and the winners publicly announced at a special Presentation Night. Separate industry panels, which may include sponsors, will assist in the select of winners for the Product Recognition Awards. Planet Ark’s Make it Wood campaign will be responsible for the Sustainability Award questionnaire as well as for the judging of this category. The general public will choose the winner of the People’s Choice Award via an online poll.

Suzanne continues to make her mark AWARD-WINNING architect Suzanne Hunt has been elected the first female president of the Australian Institute of Architects Western Australian chapter. The founder and principal of boutique architectural and interior design practice Suzanne Hunt Architect, Hunt specialises in residential, interior, hospitality and tourism architecture, and has over 30 years of experience in architectural and interior design, documentation, contract administration and strategic management in all sectors in both

Australia and the UK. Her recent work on the Japaneseinspired Bedfordale House received recognition from the industry with the project winning multiple awards including two Architecture Awards at the 2014 Australian Institute of Architects WA Architecture Awards and an Australian Timber Design Award in 2015. Suzanne’s award-winning work was featured in Australasian Timber in September last year.

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APRIL 2017

NEWS

Let’s get better at handling customer complaints and stop the blame game By Eric Siegers PrincipaL, The Timber Hub

T IS a really amazing time to be in the timber industry. Review after review affirms that timber is the best material for construction not only because of its inherent performance criteria, but because environmentally it provides solutions on so many fronts. There is a big BUT… And it is this. This industry continues to see the customer as its enemy, and rather than build a truce the industry continues to let old behaviours win the day which consequently pushes our good story to the fringes while it lets dissatisfied customers control industry’s message. Lets talk specifics. Decking: We have had decking complaints increase from 2% of decking calls to 35%. While there are definitely some issues with installation, the rise in complaints regarding timber performance is now overtaking installation challenges. Products such as Treated Pine,

Cypress, Spotted Gum, Black Butt and Silver Top Ash are all part of the complaints. Lack of attention to moisture content, and surface checking seem to be the source of most complaints. Most consumers are spending around $18, 000, on a hardwood deck or $8,000 on a softwood deck but the consumers are treated with a consistent line of “it’s not my problem” all down the supply chain. I’ve heard the comment “it’s just not worth us following up on”. If any of us would be treated with this response by a lawn mower supplier, or an automobile provider we would be surprised, but in our industry….the first action is to consistently deny responsibility. We get over 600 calls just on decking, and if we are getting that level of complaint then what is the rest of industry really exposed to? This is important. Why? Because how we treat customers affects our overall social license. Flooring: in a similar manner to decking, flooring complaints have increased a massive 42% for us at the Timberhub. Yes, installation is a major culprit, especially with builders that don’t understand timber (and a lot don’t), however, the rise in poor timber quality is evident and the blame game won’t cut it with customers. When a consumer is being charged $40,000 for flooring they expect to be treated in the same way an automotive company responds to a fault. Identify the source of the problem then deliver a solution.

Rise of CLT sees demand for new training DUE TO the increase in popularity of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) constructions, expert training provider, Exova BM TRADA has developed a new training course in the UK for this year. CLT has seen a rapid growth as a method of construction in recent years, thanks in part to its visually appealing structure, built in fire resistance and fantastic green credentials. As a relatively new product to the market, this interest has led to a requirement for more training for engineers looking to design with this innovative material. Having identified this knowledge gap, Exova BM TRADA has teamed up with the experts from the ‘home of CLT’ at Graz University in Austria, to develop a course which explains the basics of CLT design, along with how to make the most of the product’s benefits and how to avoid any potential difficulties. The one-day course covers everything, from applications and benefits, to member designs, stability, fire, bracing and connections. Designed with engineers in mind, but also beneficial for architects, developers, contractors, building inspectors and timber frame manufacturers, the course

australasian

magazine Incorporating Australian and New Zealand Timberman – Established 1977.

February Vol.25, No. 2 Established 1977 4

provides practical information and expert advice. Dr Keerthi Ranasinghe, Principal Structural Engineer at Exova BM TRADA explains: “Uses of CLT in modern building systems are receiving positive comments from many building critics, and we’re seeing more and more new buildings being built using this method. With these types of buildings hitting the headlines in recent months, we were receiving a number of enquiries about CLT training courses, so we are extremely fortunate to be able to offer this course with our specialist colleagues in Austria to create this course. “The UK is currently one of the biggest users of CLT in Europe, yet there is incredible potential for the product in the mid-rise residential and commercial sectors where steel would usually be specified. It is one of the most exciting recent products to be used in buildings, and it will become an even more popular choice in the future as the industry realises the full potential of CLT.” The Cross-Laminated Timber for Engineers course will be delivered by Dr Alexandra Thiel and Prof Reinhard Brandner from Graz University, Austria.

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

Sneak peek of what to expect at LIGNA JOURNALISTS FROM around the world got a sneak peek of how grand LIGNA would be at the LIGNA preview held at Hannover Messe. At the special curtain raiser, hosted by the organiser, Deutsche Messe, around 80 journalists were given a overview of what 30 top companies in the industry would be demonstrating at LIGNA (22-26May). LIGNA 2017 will be showcasing exhibits from more than 1500 exhibitors, with 50% of them coming from outside Germany spanning over 122,000m2 sq m of display area covering all the defining wood industry innovations on 10 halls and on the open air site. The show’s organizers, Deutsche Messe and the German Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers’ Association, have successfully implemented a new thematic layout in time for the 2017 season. “The new approach and, more importantly, the new physical layout have been extremely well received. The business climate in the wood industry is positive, offering a wealth of market opportunities. LIGNA captures those opportunities perfectly,” remarked Dr. Andreas Gruchow, the Deutsche Messe Managing Board member responsible for LIGNA. LIGNA also scores highly in terms of international participation, with Italy, Austria, Spain, Turkey, Denmark, China, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands following Germany as the show’s top 10 exhibiting nations. According to the presentation by VDMA(Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, Mechanical Engineering Industry Association), German production of woodworking machinery is in a full swing with record growth in 2016 and continued growth in 2017 as well. Digitalization being the driver of growth with western Europe investing heavily, southern Europe bolstered by tax incentives and cheap loans and eastern Europe remaining a constant, VDMA has reported that the industry is on a growth trajectory.

Advertising: K ent Humphrys k.humphrys@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide: (08) 8369 9516 Timber classified: k.humphrys@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide: (08) 8369 9516 Production: Luke Westle

Yes, there are usually multiple links in the chain that led to the defect, but the customer doesn’t see it that way. They see a floor that has failed and want the resolution to be delivered quickly and efficiently. The problem is very few companies stand up and take ownership. At over 1500 calls a year on flooring the rate of complaints is again a significant concern. All too often we see the end customer being held up as the enemy and not the one that paid our bills. As an industry, we can learn a lot from how the automotive industry deals with difficulties and how to support the supply chain rather than the game of bullying and denial that goes on even today. While I am aware of the importance of making a profit, there is no excuse in a competitive market for the kind of bullying and chastising of customers that goes on. I have personally witnessed timber companies be incredibly combative with customers and even the consumers, and used their size and corporate status as a club. All I can say is “really? You needed to go there?”. To gain and hold your social license it is incredibly important for the timber industry, let’s get better at handling customer complaints and stop the blame game and learn to listen so we can always improve (but that’s the message for another article).

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

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FRONT PAGE: Construction of Multinail’s new main office at its Stapylton (south-east Queensland) site is the latest chapter in a somewhat unique story of dedication and innovation. Read more about this innovative business on pages 24 and 25. 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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APRIL 2017

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Automated building construction is here

HE GROWING nexus between construction and manufacturing will be highlighted at this year’s Frame Australia conference through the work of Sydney firm Strongbuild. Company chief Adam Strong will explain how his firm’s research and development over more than 10 years has ushered in construction’s ‘brave new world’: the manufacture of key building elements in a controlled, factory environment. Strongbuild, which has built a fully automated, advanced panelisation plant in Sydney, exemplifies the ‘new look’ Frame Australia conference, now known as “Timber Offsite Construction’. The 2017 conference will be held in Melbourne on June 19 and 20. It will be a two-day event with an expanded program comprised of Monday speaker sessions and Tuesday workshops followed by delegate tours. Mr Strong will set out how the concept of ‘panelisation’ works. It is the automatic manufacturing of key building elements – floors, walls, roofs and joinery components – which are prefinished to millimetre accuracy in the factory, then transported and assembled on the building site. It gives Strongbuild control over the construction process and dramatically reduces the risk from building’s usual negatives: skilled labour shortages and costs, skilled sub-contractor shortages, bad weather and excessive waste. The plant has an automated production line for timber framing and CLT prefabrication. Mr Strong will speak on the options available for

¢ Strongbuild’ large CLT project at Macarthur Gardens comprised of 6, 7, and 8-storey apartment buildings currently under construction.

Take advantage of the rapidly growing market for timber framing and mass timber in mid-rise residential construction. ‘Timber Offsite Construction’ is a 2-day event that brings together building design and construction with timber and prefabrication on June 19-20 at Park Hyatt Melbourne • Developers and builders agree the future is timber and wood construction systems – built faster, cheaper, and higher than ever before.

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• Global and local experts will explain how timber panel systems are saving weeks in construction of housing and multi-residential buildings.

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• Manufacturing plants are now producing prefabricated timber and mass wood buildings using automated and robotic equipment.

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• Visit displays of the latest timber and wood systems, engineered wood, digital technologies, manufacturing equipment, and more. Visit the website for full event program details of speaker sessions & workshops plus delegate tours.

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lightweight timber and construction systems for housing, mid-rise and highrise residential projects. Conference director Kevin Ezard said around Australia, designers and builders were increasingly using offsite panelised construction systems in timber framing and mass timber to building heights not previously contemplated. “In addition, low-rise housing construction is moving to fully panelised timber floors and walls for site erection in only a few days,” he said. Similarly, there was a move to midrise multi-residential buildings in timber framing of three to five storeys that could be built in just weeks, “providing huge savings to builders”. Mr Ezard said the rising demand had led to a big increase in the capacity of automated manufacturing plants to supply prefabricated building systems. “Production output in Australia is currently growing at its fastest rate ever to meet the projected supply levels in the next decade,” he said. Delegate registration for the conference is now available on-line at

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the Frame Australia website. Early bird registration fees receive a $150 discount. Registration gives delegates access to all activities: Monday speaker sessions including discussion forums; Monday delegate hospitality and networking event; Tuesday morning workshop sessions; and Tuesday afternoon delegate tour. The conference also includes the exhibition display, which makes available the most up-to-date information on international trends and emerging technologies. ‘Timber Offsite Construction’ will be held on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 June 2017 at Park Hyatt Melbourne, and for event details visit the website www. frameaustralia.com For information on participation in the exhibition display or sponsorship opportunities contact: Adam Contessa, Sponsorship Manager, Building Brands Mobile 0416 081 259 / Email adam@ buildingbrands.com.au www.timberbiz.com.au

FRAME AUSTRALIA

Digital technologies lead prefabrication

ITH A lot of discussion in the building industry about new technologies and the potential of building information modelling, a true believer in digital fabrication will be a key speaker at this year’s Frame Australia conference. Stefan Schneider is the founder and owner of CutMyTimber, a Canadian company based in Vancouver that is a global leader in data systems. Mr Schneider believes there is a better way to build, and he will talk at the conference on how his company achieves that through adopting leading-edge technologies and constant innovation. The company uses 3D fabrication information models and CNC machines. CNC (Computer Numeric Control) is the automation of machine tools that are operated by precise, computer-programmed commands. “This results in efficiencies that cannot be realised using conventional methods and allows us to complete projects of greater complexity,” Mr Schneider says. The 2017 Frame Australia conference, now known as “Timber Offsite Construction’, will be held in Melbourne on June 19 and 20. It will be a two-day event with an expanded program comprised of Monday speaker sessions and Tuesday workshops followed by delegate tours. Mr Schneider will outline his company’s use of 3D laser field measurements and projections. According to Mr Schneider, modern

3D building lasers are the most efficient way of precise measuring in multiple directions and have become a lot more affordable and powerful. “3D laser technology is the bridge between our virtual building models and the real world,” he says. His company uses 3D building lasers in two ways. First, they allow the company to measure points in the real world and transfer them directly into the 3D CAD system. “This is the fastest and most accurate way to get information from existing buildings or sites into our virtual building model,” he says, making them ideal for restoration, re-modelling or cloning existing buildings. Secondly, the 3D lasers also work as an output device. “This allows us to project points from our 3D CAD system into the real world. This comes in handy for layouts, hardware positioning on beams, panel location, or positioning of building components,” he says. Delegate registration for the conference is now available on-line at the Frame Australia website. Early bird registration fees receive a $150 discount. Registration gives delegated access to all activities: Monday speaker sessions including discussion forums; Monday delegate hospitality and networking event; Tuesday morning workshop sessions; and Tuesday afternoon delegate tour. The conference also includes the exhibition display, which makes

available the most up-to-date information on international trends and emerging technologies. Frame 2017 titled ‘Timber Offsite Construction’ will be held on Monday and Tuesday 19-20 June 2017 at Park Hyatt Melbourne, and for event details visit the website www. frameaustralia.com

For information on participation in the exhibition display or sponsorship opportunities contact: Adam Contessa, Sponsorship Manager, Building Brands Mobile 0416 081 259 / Email adam@ buildingbrands.com.au

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NEWS

Hyne Timber helps students experience Kokoda Trail

YNE TIMBER has once again presented a $10,000 cheque to the Rotary Club of Tumbarumba to assist in funding 14 Tumbarumba High School students participating in this year’s trek of the Kokoda Trail. Hyne Timber CEO Jon Kleinschmidt said this was an excellent individual development opportunity with significant community support which Hyne Timber has proudly sponsored since its inception in 2007. “This trek will be the sixth Kokoda Trail experience Hyne Timber has supported totalling almost 100 students. “A number of those students to have benefited from this experience over the years have been children of our employees and a number of them now work at the Hyne Timber Mill. “It’s a significant event for the town with two years of planning, fundraising and training leading up to the big two-week trek which puts resilience and stamina to the test,” Mr Kleinschmidt said. The Year 11 and 12 students will walk the Kokoda Trail while experiencing local villages, exploring the Isurava Battlefield Memorial, the Eora Creek battle site, the Brigade Hill Memorial and many other historic sites. Upon completion, the students visit Bomana War Cemetery and the sights of Port Moresby. Fundraising towards this biennial experience requires significant community involvement such as charity dinners and community functions, ‘trekathons’, catering for the Bridge Congress, Tumbafest food stalls, stage plays, clean up Australia Day and catering at the Lions Club New Years’ Day BBQ. Renee Moxey, a Year 11 Tumbarumba High School

¢ Hyne Timber with the Tumbarumba Rotary Club and Tumbarumba High School Kokoda Trekkers

student who will be participating in the 2017 Kokoda Trek experience, said this had already been a significant team building experience, “We have been working as a team to raise funds and physically train for the past two years in preparation for what lies ahead. “It has already been a great experience and I’m really looking forward to the ultimate challenge of the trek

and to learn more about its historical significance. “The support of the community is amazing. We are really fortunate to have this kind of positive energy, coordination and team effort to provide such a unique opportunity for us. “I know it’s going to be a real test both physically and mentally but what a great achievement to strive for,” Renee (17) said.

Visitors get a good appreciation of the complexities of timber manufacturing on a large scale HYNE TIMBER has welcomed Taiwanese export visitors to the Tuan Mill near Maryborough for a tour of its manufacturing plant. For more than 18 years, Hyne Timber has been exporting large volumes of processed, plantation softwood from both Maryborough (QLD) and Tumbarumba (NSW) to countries such as Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Korea, Thailand and the Philippines. In the last 12 months alone, over 2500 containers full of Hyne Timber product has left Australian shores to meet international customer needs with one export customer alone buying 40 to 50 containers each month. Each container is also a truck from the Mill so that’s

over 2500 Australian trucks freighting timber into Australian packing depot’s. The Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne ports are all utilised to ship this timber into South East Asia, a product grade which is currently excess to Australian market demand. Export customers use this grade of pine to manufacture pallets and crates which ship goods all over the world. It is also used to make furniture such as bed frames, some of which makes its way back to Australia. Mr Jeffer Kuo, General Manager, Enhanced Forestry Co., Ltd. (EFCO), Hyne Timber’s export agency, said the visit to the Tuan Mill near Maryborough was extremely interesting for the party and provided

¢ The visiting party on a tour of plantation forest.

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insight into the full product range, treatment capability and high speed processes of an Australian timber manufacturing plant. “Our export customers want consistently good quality products from a reliable source which is why Hyne Timber has secured export relationships over many years. “Learning about the whole sustainable process, the wide range of products and by-products was very interesting and you get a good appreciation of the complexities of timber manufacturing on this large scale. “Our Taiwanese customers had a great stay in Hervey Bay overlooking Fraser Island and enjoyed a tour of a local plantation forest before visiting the Hyne Timber mill,” Mr Kuo said. The visiting party of seven also toured other regional areas of Queensland and New Zealand operations as part of their Australasian stay. Warren Tye, Hyne Timber’s National Sales Manager, said it was a pleasure to take the Taiwanese visitors through the Tuan Mill and have the opportunity to showcase Australian manufacturing standards to this international audience, “Many mills around the world are not comparable to our large scale softwood processing operations. “The Tuan Mill near Maryborough processes enough timber to stretch from Hervey Bay to the Gold Coast every day. You can’t manufacture a quality product at that scale other than with a high tech facility. “Our highest quality structural framing products stay right here in Australia for the domestic construction industry. Therefore, our international customers don’t always appreciate the scale and standard of our operation until they visit. “It’s also an opportunity to showcase the region. None of our visitors to date have ever been disappointed with their stay.” Mr Tye said. Now in its sixth generation, Hyne Timber has been operating in Maryborough since 1882. Today, the company is one of the largest, privately owned plantation softwood processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere. www.timberbiz.com.au

NEWS

Sustainable materials must be in Queensland Building Plan

HE PEAK State body for the timber industry has called on the Queensland Government to ensure sustainable materials are included in the sustainable buildings policy in the Queensland Building Plan. “All over the world there is increasing recognition that the choice of actual building material can have just as an important impact as energy efficiency measures when it comes to lowering the carbon emissions from buildings,” said Timber Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mick Stephens. “The Queensland Building Plan discussion paper places a strong emphasis on the role of energy efficiency ratings, but says nothing about the carbon impacts of the building materials used. “Research has shown that the choice of building material can represent up to 50% of the total greenhouse gas emissions from a new house in Brisbane over a 50-year cycle.

¢ Timber Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mick Stephens.

“There is a significant opportunity to deliver sustainable building outcomes by promoting materials that have low embodied energy. Relative to other products such as steel, aluminium and concrete, for example, wood products have very low embodied energy, with very low fossil fuel energy inputs used in their production,” Mr Stephens said. “Concrete’s embodied energy impacts can be more than six times higher than timber. This

is because trees use the sun and photosynthesis to produce timber and remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere in the same process,” he added. “Switching to a greater use of timber in buildings can generate significant carbon benefits for the State. “For example, if half of all new residential dwellings built in Queensland in any one year were ‘timber maximised’, this would equate to a saving of 600,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year compared to other materials, or 6 million tonnes over a 10-year period.” Timber Queensland is recommending that the Queensland Building Plan put equal weighting on embodied energy impacts when it comes to promoting more sustainable buildings into the future. “We look forward to working with the Queensland Government on the final formulation of the Building Plan,” said Mr Stephens.

$40 million-plus maintenance contract MAINTENIR LIMITED has been awarded the trade services maintenance contract for the Kinleith and Tasman Pulp and Paper Mills , located near Tokoroa and Kawerau and operated by Oji Fibre Solutions. Maintenir will provide the majority of the mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and stores services across the two main manufacturing sites, under a $40m plus long-term maintenance agreement from April 2017. This contract is a big win for the newest New Zealand industrial trade services and project management firm. The company will expand from its base in Northland, and its major customer Refinery New Zealand to the central North Island, as Maintenir develops its strategy to offer its services nationally. “Maintenir is major player in the industrial trade services market. We have proven that we can beat

News Briefs Anti-dumping duties extended South Korea’s trade commission has extended anti-dumping duties on Chinese and Malaysian plywood for another three years to help protect local firms from price-cutting practices. The Korea Trade Commission (KTC) has imposed the punitive duties of 4.57-27.21 percent on Chinese plywood since October 2013, and 3.96-38.10 percent on Malaysian products since February 2011. It made the decision on a three-year extension after a months-long review of the business practices by importers and suppliers of the product.

billion dollar multi-national companies with a proven kiwi customer-focused solutions. We look forward to working with Oji Fibre Solutions in making them successful in the markets in which they compete”, says Lindsay Faithfull, Director for Maintenir. Maintenir is a joint venture company, bringing together the experience and skills of successful New Zealand companies in delivering total engineering maintenance and project solutions for heavy industry organisations. Maintenir was founded by four long-standing, successful businesses, who share the largest combined engineering workforce in the North Island – these companies are McKay, Culham Engineering, United Civil Construction and Industrial Site Services. The company nurture a One Team, One Vision culture.

Proposed changes will strengthen building code implementation CHANGES INTENDED to strengthen the implementation of the national Code for the Tendering and Performance of Building Work (the Building Code) are widely supported by industry, according to the Housing Industry Association. “The Building Code provides the benchmark for industry conduct across Commonwealthfunded building projects to ensure that building work is carried out fairly, efficiently and productively,” said David Humphrey, HIA’s Senior Executive Director, Business Compliance and Contracting. “The Housing Industry Association has long supported the re-establishment of the ABCC to restore the rule of law to the commercial construction industry and strengthen penalties against unlawful industrial action and coercion,” said Mr Humphrey. “The Building Code and the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) work hand in glove. “The proposed changes will ensure that the Building Code will apply across the entire industry from September this year, rather than allowing some industry participants to side-step the Code until the end of next year. “As well as fighting unlawful conduct and coercion in the industry, the Building Code provides a number of measures to address unproductive, anti-competitive clauses in enterprise agreements, such as clauses that restrict the engagement of independent contractors,” said Mr Humphrey. “The Code promotes a level playing field, ensuring that independent contracting businesses will be able to fairly compete for work on Commonwealth Government funded building projects. “HIA urges the Senate to expedite the proposed changes to enable the building industry to get on with the construction taxpayer funded building projects that will provide the infrastructure that Australian communities desperately need,” said Mr Humphrey.

Wood is modern, strong and versatile For centuries, wood was civilization’s primary construction material, but as the use of concrete, glass and steel grew, wood was largely relegated to flooring and interior panelling. An exhibition at the National Building Museum in Washington challenges that narrow use. It suggests that tomorrow’s buildings will or should be constructed of wood. The exhibition, “Timber City,” highlights the wide range of benefits offered by cutting-edge methods of timber construction, showing that wood is a modern, strong and versatile material.

Simpson Strong-Tie acquires Gunnebo Fastening Systems Construction connector manufacturer Simpson Strong-Tie has acquired Sweden-headquartered Gunnebo Fastening Systems AB. The move brings a complete line of CE-marked structural fasteners and unique fastener dimensioning software for timber applications into Simpson Strong-Tie’s comprehensive construction products line-up. The acquisition provides opportunity for both companies to build on mutual strengths.

CoC certification Packaging giant Smurfit Kappa said it had achieved 90% chain of custody certification by FSC, PEFC or SFI for the packaging it sells to customers. This certification is an important element in providing end-to-end transparency across the supply chain, plus assurance of the sustainability of all raw materials used. Certification of its products according to FSC, PEFC or SFI is the most robust and trustworthy way to ensure that the sourcing of the fibres for its paperbased packaging promote sustainable forest management.

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Researching high and low tech timber construction The South Australian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects has awarded Matiya Marovich the 2017 Jack Hobbs McConnell Travelling Fellowship. Marovich will use the $15000 fellowship to investigate the potential applications of timber construction in urban and regional Australia, with the intention to champion renewable and sustainably farmed timber as a key component in the transition to more sustainable construction methods across Australia. Marovich’s research will investigate two streams of timber construction: high-tech and low-tech. The first will be modern timber construction methodologies that use engineered timber to build tall timber buildings through an internship in Vancouver, Canada. The second will see Marovich spend time in Canada, China and Nepal, where he will research traditional building techniques developed more than 500 years ago and explore potential application in rural and remote areas of Australia

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NEWS

Australian Paper contributing almost $1 billion to the Australian economy NEW RESEARCH has revealed that Australian Paper’s operations generate almost $1 billion per annum in economic benefits for Australia. According to a Western Research Institute report1, the national benefits include $911 million in gross domestic profit (GDP), $495 million in household income and 5,786 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs. In addition, the business generates $1.88 in government revenue per ream of paper produced. Australian Paper’s Chief Operating Officer, Peter Williams, said that this research demonstrated the significant economic contribution made by local paper manufacturing, not only to Australia, but also to the regional areas where it is based. The report confirmed the importance of the company’s Maryvale Mill to the Latrobe Valley in Victoria. The mill contributes $451 million or 6.8% of the region’s economy, and supports 2,387 flow-on jobs or 5.5% of jobs in the Latrobe Valley. “Pleasingly, the report confirmed that the company’s recent $90 million investment in a recycling plant supported 218 jobs in Victoria, of which 82 were in the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Williams said.

¢ Australian Paper’s COO, Peter Williams

“The economic benefits flowing from our operations are particularly important for the Latrobe Valley. As most people know, this region has experienced tough times recently, including the announcement of the closure of the Hazelwood power station. Also, with the current difficulties being experienced by ASH in Heyfield, access to secure wood supplies remains a key issue for both our businesses. “Australian Paper is pleased

Structural beams for a contemporary church FOR CENTURIES, buildings for peaceful reflection and community gathering have valued the use of timber for its soft, natural and acoustic qualities. People enjoy and marvel at timber’s interior and exterior aesthetics, so why not make the structural elements part of the aesthetics too. That was the brief for the new Stella Maris Church in Maroochydore, Queensland, a project which came to fruition in time for Christmas. Rob Mansell, Hyne Timber’s Business Development Manager – Commercial, said the project welcomed and benefited from a partnership approach to supply the pine glue-laminated beams used for the exposed structural elements of the construction. “Our Beam 17 product was specifically selected for its light colour and aesthetics while achieving cost efficiencies, too. “Our ‘customer solutions’ approach meant we were also asked to supply the steel plates, specifically selected for best possible application with the beams, delivered to site in time for the pouring of the concrete,” Mr Mansell said. “The H3 treated tapered columns and rafter system was also coated by Hyne Timber as we can provide this specific expertise to ensure the most suitable treatment and coating is used to maximise durability. “This type of partnership approach, ideally from the early design stage, means we can provide advice on the best possible solutions while www.timberbiz.com.au

achieving ongoing cost efficiencies and time savings for the overall project delivery,” Mr Mansell said. Their valued customer, Kent Belcher, Construction Manager for Badge, said the feedback from both their project clients was that the high quality finish and timely delivery of the building was exceptional. “There were many challenges that were overcome during the project but partnerships with suppliers and trades including Hyne Timber mean we can work together to reach the best possible solutions quickly. “Tendering, winning and delivering projects like this cannot be done without our valued subcontractors and suppliers. This is an example of a very successful project and a job well done!” Mr Belcher said. The engineered timber beams were Hyne Timber’s Beam 17, manufactured within four weeks at their Glue-laminated Timber Plant in Maryborough. The plant recently commissioned its new, state-of-the-art CNC machine, which will make the supply of prefabricated timber solutions even quicker and more cost efficient. It is an automatic joinery machine that can cut, drill, slot and profile both small and large scale timber components. It can be programmed from CAD drawings to give a high level of accuracy, increasing the fabrication services capability, reducing the time it takes to complete prefabricated timber projects.

to support our positive local contribution to the region. Based on this report, we are encouraging Federal Government departments to re-assess their paper procurement arrangements and support vital and sustainable manufacturing jobs in the Latrobe Valley.” As an incentive to encourage the Government to get on board, and close the local recycling loop, Australian Paper will offer a special rebate for Federal Government departments and agencies that send their shredded wastepaper to Maryvale Mill for recycling and buy it back as premium Australian made 100% recycled office paper.

“Australian Paper needs to access more wastepaper to maximise our recycled paper production, and save landfill and carbon emissions. By choosing to dispose of their wastepaper through our state-of-theart paper recycling plant, Federal Government departments can lead the way to improved environmental outcomes, boosting the Latrobe Valley economy and supporting vital local manufacturing jobs,” Mr Williams said. 1 Economic & Government Revenue Impacts Australian Paper, Western Research Institute, January 2017

Frame Australia 2017 Conference and Exhibition

• Global and local experts will explain how timber panel systems are saving weeks in construction of housing and multi-residential buildings.

Registration Enquiries wendy@frameaustralia.com

• Manufacturing plants are now producing prefabricated timber and mass wood buildings using automated and robotic equipment.

Exhibitor Enquiries adam@buildingbrands.com.au Principal Supporter

Principal Partner

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NEWS

CNC Processing is a journey

UCKLAND-BASED TimberLab Solutions is Australasia’s largest, most experienced, internationally recognised provider of customised structural engineered timber products. With over 60 years of experience they offer innovative and efficient solutions for anyone working with engineered timber for both local and offshore customers. After investing in one of the largest and most sophisticated woodworking machines currently available on the market, the company has been seeing further growth. TimberLab’s Weinmann WMP 240 – part of the Homag Group – is over four metres high, nine metres across and running along rails stretching half the length of their factory (approx. 30 m). The company’s 5 axis CNC Gantry, weighing 10 tonnes, means they are able to offer specialist detailing and extremely efficient processing and finishing of complex timber structures. Three questions to Grant McIntosh, CEO of TimberLab Solutions, about the company’s historical development and the decision to move into CNC technology... Q: Timberlab Solutions has a long history. How did all start? McIntosh: We started in 1957 as McIntosh Timber Laminates. My grandfather was a cabinetmaker and decided it would be good to get into laminated timber. In 1958, together with my father they started manufacturing laminated timber beams. We looked at moving the company to another level and joined with another smaller glulam manufacturer in Auckland, called TimberBond Industries, and formed TimberLab Solutions. The company was formed in 2012 with a collaborative merger of these two companies and we are now working with Glulam, Laminated Veneer Lumber and other structural timber products. Q: TimberLab has been involved in numerous timber engineered projects all over the world. What makes the company unique? McIntosh: What makes us a unique is the fact that we offer a solution. We can provide a total package from helping clients out at the early stages of design. We work alongside with architects and engineers helping them to find the best solution for their building without changing the actual building. Q: Why did you decide to invest in CNC technology? McIntosh: Keeping in the forefront of engineered timber solutions meant that we needed to provide customers and designers with the latest capabilities in developing new and efficient options. Previously we’ve done a lot of our work with hand tools and small woodworking machinery. The demands for more efficient connection detailing and complex shapes set us exploring the best technology and equipment. The 5-axis Weinmann WMP was the machine that we needed to enable the level of repeated accuracy and detail we wanted to be able to offer. Being able to provide complete prefabricated major commercial structures with all shaping, detailing and connections included means site installation for

Solid Wood Portal WMP 240 – Maximum dynamics and flexibility for processing solid wood elements The Weinmann WMP 240 solid wood portal is designed for speed and precision. Faced with solid wood and commercial constructions or laminated wooden beams, this machine processes materials with a width of up to 5.6 m and a length of 60 m or more at a high speed and accuracy level. A workpiece thickness of 350 mm is processed as standard, while a thickness of up to 600 mm can also be tackled with the flangeless saw blade.

¢ Maximum accuracy thanks to precision linear guides and interpolating 5-axis processing technology.

¢ Weinmann’s WMP 240 at TimberLab is over four metres high, nine metres across and running along rails stretching half the length of their factory.

the contractors is much quicker and easier. The CNC technology is now taking us on a new journey and we are keen to work with designers to keep advancing the potential of engineered timber structures.

Benefits Considerable time savings thanks to the high processing speed with a peak power of up to 30 kW Wide processing range offered by the FLEX35 sawing unit and 18-slot tool changer, which allows unique tool configurations such as a chainsaw, drill, saw, trimmer and marker Variety of different shapes and materials can be

¢ Aquatic Centre in Bold Park, suburb City Beach in Perth.

processed, including cross-laminated timber, gluelaminated timber and laminated wooden beams Maximum accuracy thanks to precision linear guides and interpolating 5-axis processing technology Optional bracket and nailing units allow planks to be automatically mounted on the solid wood core. For more information visit www.homag.com

¢ The construction of Ruby’s overwater restaurant in Abu Dhabi shows the most common structural material is reinforced concrete and features significant curved structural elements.

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NEWS

Timber preservative testing and non-conforming products

NDEPENDENT VERIFICATION Services Australia Pty Ltd has just announced the availability of an additional Treated Timber Analysis Laboratory in Melbourne. Combined with its existing lab, RTH, in Brisbane, IVS is able to provide specialist timber analysis and compliance reporting in these two key forestry regions. The new laboratory is the result of a partnership between IVS and Australian Forest Research Company (AFRC). Independent Verification Services NZ Ltd has been operating a timber testing service in NZ for six years and in Brisbane for the last four years. Due to increasing demand, IVS is pleased to now have a presence in Melbourne as well. The laboratory is managed by Colin Malcolm who has over 30 years’ experience in analytical testing. “Our lab results are sent to our compliance section who independently assess the levels for compliance and issue the compliance report. The area of compliance is a very complex and challenging area,” said Tim Evans, IVS Business Development Manager. Paul Norris, who manages the compliance team, is a compliance expert with 25 years’ experience in timber standards and interpretation. “Our job is to make your job as easy as possible,” says Tim. The IVS testing lab also participates in the industry recognised Global Proficiency Inter-Lab Comparison Program (ILCP) to reassure its clients that its stringent quality systems and processes are maintained and comply with the internationally recognised ISO17025 requirements. As part of the service, IVS offers an on-line web portal. This is an industry leading tool that enables tracking, reporting and archiving of test results for ongoing evidence of Quality Assurance. IVS offers turnaround times of up to seven working days

¢ Peter Webb (IVS CEO) and Garrie James (TPAA President) last year signing an agreement for IVS to provide Quality Assurance and Product Testing Services to TPAA members.

from date of arrival of the samples at the lab’ with the vast majority of results being reported within five days. Rates have been set at a cost effective level, for users who are in need of a regular lab analysis service in order to monitor compliance, meet legal obligations and duty of care in providing a fit for purpose product that complies with AS 1604. Recent publications from regulators and industry bodies have highlighted the issue of nonconfirming products and potential reforms that may

timber testing

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The IVS Timber Preservation Testing Service has been developed to provide accurate and rapid test results for timber treatment providers.

We deliver: • • • • • • • •

Independent timber testing for preservatives to meet compliance Independent Quality Assurance and Timber Preservation Testing Labs in Brisbane and Melbourne On-Line portal for ease of use Cost effective delivery service Fast turnaround time High quality testing High levels of expertise

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be required. IVS/AFRC can now offer a testing and compliance service to support any new initiatives. IVS offers prepaid, pre-addressed satchels to dispatch samples for analysis. Send in your full contact details so we can get you registered as a Portal User. Future sampling supplies can be ordered on line using the portal. Sampling and Portal user Guide documents are available upon request. Please contact IVS for more information. ivslabs@ivsltd.com.au 1800 812 498 .

APRIL 2017

To discuss your requirements in more detail and for further technical information please get in touch: Australia Tim Evans Business Development P 0417 726 741 tim.evans@ivsltd.com.au New Zealand Paul Norris Forestry Manager P 1800 812 498 paul.norris@ivsltd.co.nz Colin Malcolm IVS Laboratory Manager P 1800 812 498 colin.malcolm@ivsltd.co.nz

HOUSING

Data delivers decidedly more

ATA IS the ‘new oil’ powering fresh revenue streams and maximising existing ones, according to CoreLogic commercial research analyst Eliza Owen when releasing the Cordell Construction Monthly for the first time. “With the persistent rise of both the amount of data and our tools to process it into actionable insights, this rich analysis of the construction sector is changing the way builders, developers and professionals involved in commercial real estate go about their jobs,” she said. “These results outline a number of valuable market movement insights including the number of new projects due to commence in the apartment sector and civil engineering, the total value of projects entering construction and more.” Off the back of negative GDP growth over the September quarter, unprecedented levels of highrise unit supply under construction and geopolitical uncertainty, experts are divided on how the economy will perform in 2017, Eliza noted. “These broad influences on consumer and business demand feed into the type and volume of construction that forms Australia’s built landscape.” The January 2017 Cordell Construction Monthly report outlines development that reflects demand for higher yields in the residential sector, governments spending to soften shortfalls in private demand and tourism developments on the rise. Given these factors, how did the construction sector fare in January? Following are some highlights from based on analysis of the Cordell database: Nationally, there were 1,645 new projects coming into the pipeline, as opposed to a two year high of 2,394 captured in December 2016. While this is a big decline month-on-month, the three months to January 2017 was 6.2% higher than the previous quarter. This suggests a slow but steady upward trend in the number of project applications over time. The combined value of constructing all these projects is estimated to be $10.13 billion, down from $12.02 billion in the previous month.

Apartments dominated the pipeline Civil engineering projects and apartment projects typically make up a large share of Australian projects pipeline. In January 2017, for the first time in 7 months, unit projects across Australia (555) overtook the number of civil engineering projects (498). This is likely a reflection of developers seeking the high yields associated with residential real estate, and does not necessarily mean a corresponding boom in construction. A significant 43% of the apartment project proposals where in Victoria.

The lowest share of the pipeline in terms of the number of projects was mining at just 4%. However the relatively large size and scale of mining projects mean that the segment accounted for 15% of the combined value ($1.53 billion) of projects.

Civil engineering dominated construction Over 41% of the projects captured moving into construction were in civil engineering in 2017. Civil engineering typically dominates large projects in the construction sector. Interestingly, the number of community projects commencing in January increased to 163, bucking a downward trend since May 2016. Here’s a snapshot of some of the major works in each state:-

NSW

David Elliot, Minister for Corrective Services has announced that the proposed expansion of the Emu Plains Correctional Centre will no longer proceed, due to community concerns and flooding risk. High-end residential developer, Aqualand, has diversified into suburban house and land development following the acquisition of a 12.5 hectare parcel of land with development approval in place in Baulkham Hills from the Sisters of St Joseph Convent. Tenders have been called for principal architect for a multi-purpose cruise terminal facility at the Port of Newcastle.

ACT

A significant development site in Forrest, on the corner of Canberra Avenue and State Circle, is to be auctioned in March. The Owen, Lyneham and De Burgh public housing site in Lyneham’s Northbourne Avenue is out to tender for future development.

VIC

As a part of the $600 million Mernda Rail extension project, the Victorian Government has announced a third station on the new rail line to Mernda, i The ancient indigenous site Budj Bim, located in south-west Victoria, has been nominated for the World Heritage Tentative List* Seymour Whyte Constructions were awarded the contract for the Swan Street Bridge project by the state government in January, with construction to begin after the Moomba Festival in March.

Fraser Coast Regional Council has been the first Queensland council to adopt a wood encouragement policy to boost the development of the local timber industry. Early works have commenced on the Queens Wharf Redevelopment project, worth over $3 billion.

TAS

A development application has been submitted this month to increase tourism in the Stanley area in Tasmania.

A number of metropolitan schools are currently in the process of planning future development or are already undergoing construction. Lend Lease has been awarded the $100 million contract to build the Adelaide New CBD School, a high school which will feature state of the art STEM labs and host up to 1,250 students. The Primary Pit Building and Hotel, located at The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend has commenced construction. The $20 million development, being built by Romaldi Constructions Pty Ltd, is expected to be completed by early 2018. Sarah Constructions has been awarded a contract for the Minda Redevelopment, Packages A and B, for 68 retirement units, 51 accommodation apartments and 18 houses facing Retpon Road.

Project development and concept design services are needed to identify future infrastructure requirements. The infrastructure is intended provide improved road access to Alice Springs through Heavitree Gap for commuters, travellers, and freight providers.

Georgiou Group has been awarded a $51 million contract this month to transform the Scarborough foreshore. A new Open Range Zoo worth $5 million has been proposed for Lower Chittering. To read the full report go to https://www.corelogic.com.au/news/cordellconstruction-monthly-february-2017

QLD

Expressions of interest have been invited for a managing contractor for Townsville’s North Queensland Stadium.

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PREFABRICATION

Timber revolutionises high-rise construction

IMBER CONSTRUCTION could revolutionise skyscraper typology, says Dr Philip Oldfield, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of the Built Environment, University of New South Wales. Dr Oldfield will be appearing at the inaugural Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit in Melbourne to discuss opportunities for rethinking Australian tall building design inspired by climate, culture and context. His presentation will explore opportunities for reinvention in tall towers, looking at how they can play a more generous role in future cities as well as accommodate innovative new functions and provide places of community and recreation in the sky. Dr Oldfield will also feature on a panel discussion regarding Regulations Impacting Height Limits for High Rise Buildings. While there are many new developments and innovations in the high-rise construction arena, Dr Oldfield is most intrigued by timber as a building material. “For me the most exciting development is the growth of timber as a potential structural material in tall buildings.” Australia is already home to some impressive timber structures, including the Forte Apartments in Melbourne which held the title of the world’s tallest timber building before the recent construction of an 18-storey timber tower in Vancouver by Acton Ostry Architects. The 18-story Brock Commons Student Residence at the University of British Columbia is, at 53 metres tall, the tallest mass wood hybrid building in the world. The $51.5 million project boasts costs that are comparable to concrete and steel structures.

The wood hybrid structure rose at a rate of two floors per week. The design also incorporates prefabricated materials with a prefabricated steel beam, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) slab panels, steel connectors and façade elements. From an environmental perspective, the project demonstrates the benefits of timber construction in the construction of smart, green buildings. The development is estimated to have a carbon benefit of 2,563 tonnes through the use of carbon-trapping wood construction. “The big advantage is that timber has a far lower embodied carbon than steel or concrete,” says Dr Oldfield. Increased use of timber results in a reduced reliance on steel and concrete, which require large amounts of energy to be transformed into useable materials. However, cautions Dr Oldfield, as timber construction soars in popularity, becoming more widespread in Australia, it is imperative to ensure that forestry can handle increased demand. “In terms of sustainability, using timber is only useful if for every tree you fell, you replace that with a similar tree. A future of timber towers requires us to be planting these trees now.” Dr Oldfield’s research suggests that 33% of a modern office tower’s carbon footprint is embodied in its materials. While skyscraper design has long focused on optimising operating energy performance, they have neglected the energy costs associated with construction materials. “We need to focus more attention on reducing embodied carbon through dematerialising the structure and using low-carbon materials,” says Dr Oldfield.

¢ Eight-storey CLT building with the proposed development at 105 Punt Road.

Beyond the obvious environmental advantages of timber, the material also presents additional benefits in terms of design and liveability. “Timber can bring a warmth and natural quality to interiors so often lacking in high-rise,” says Dr Oldfield. Other notable timber constructions in Australia include Melbourne’s Library at the Dock in the Docklands, constructed primarily from Cross Laminated Timber. The project won the Sustainability Award at the 2014 Australian Timber Design Awards. Melbourne will also see the construction of an 8-storey CLT building with the proposed development at 105 Punt Road promising to deliver a smart, sustainable structure with a carbon sequestration system. As well as using innovative CLT technology, the building places priority on shared communal spaces and environmental features such as solar panels and

recycled rain water. With plans for timber towers of up to 35-storeys in the pipeline around the world, timber construction is certainly on the rise, rivalling traditional building materials with its undeniable array of substantial benefits. Timber design and production specialist Associate Prof. Gregory Nolan is Director at the Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood School of Architecture and Design, University of Tasmania. Prof Nolan will appear at the Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit to discuss opportunities for timber construction systems in high-rise buildings, profiling the increased use of prefabricated timber structures in major building projects. The Australian Smart Skyscraper Summit will be held 28-29 March at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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But these are more than magazines. They are brands. Timber industry brands that readers and suppliers trust, quote and repond to. Brands that are growing across all platforms - in print and online. It’s become a two way relationship - online industry offerings, including articles, news, advertising and photos. And we are adding more in Events, Classifieds, including Jobs, Used Equipment, Services and Suppliers. Take a new look at Ryan Media’s forests and timber products services today and ask about our special subscription. For business solutions across all platforms, call +61 8 8369 9500 or go to www.timberbiz.com.au australasian

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PREFABRICATION

A model design for speed of build, CLT’s big bang versatility and cost saving theory put to the test

HE KURKIMOISIO daycare centre is a pilot building in a concept project for new daycare centres to be built in the City of Helsinki. The aim of the project is to create a daycare centre model that is fast and inexpensive to build and versatile in terms of space utilization. In the modular daycare centre concept developed by the City of Helsinki and GSP Group, standardized design solutions adapt to all modern implementation alternatives, including modular element solutions. The learning environment has been developed in line with the guidelines of the Department of Early Education and Care, especially in view of small group and variable activity group activities. The building is located towards the northern end of the plot, right next to the street area. The yard and the playground open to the south and west. The yard area consists of a built playground area in the south and a natural wooded area in the north-west. The general appearance of the building is characterized by a rational simplicity that allows for different implementation techniques. The building has a multi-gabled roof to distinguish it from the surrounding residential buildings. The facade is made of vertical finesawn 28mm straight-edged notched panels with 5mm slots, treated with linseed oil paint. The gables and boxtype eaves have factory-painted sheet steel structures. The interior spaces are straightforward, easily perceptible and easy to convert for different purposes. Spatial efficiency has been improved by eliminating corridors and creating a layout of open activity areas. The fire class of the building is P3. The building consists of three fire compartments, two on the ground floor and one in the attic, where the technical facilities are located.

Project in brief

Location: Vuosaari, Helsinki Constructor: Development Consultant: GSP Group Oy Client: City of Helsinki Size: Volume: 3450 m3, Gross floor area: 772 m2, Total area: 885 m2 Structural design: Insinööritoimisto Pontek Oy Special design: Electrical design: Insinööritoimisto Stacon Oy, HVAC design: nsinööritoimisto HevacKonsultit Oy Contractor: Rakennus K. Karhu Oy

The base floor is a cast-in-situ reinforced concrete plate. The load-bearing vertical frame of the building consists of exterior and partition walls and glulam pillars. The beams crossing the open spaces are made of laminated veneer lumber and glulam. The intermediate floor of the HVAC room has a wooden frame. The frame structure of the roofing consists of nail plate trusses. The heat insulation and the vapour barrier are installed on the tie beam level. For cost-saving reasons, the roof material choice was bitumen felt. Unfortunately, the implementation of this pilot project using prefabricated elements did not materialize. The construction took place on site. The whole construction process was carried out under a weather shelter.

Stora Enso launches new Modular Building System STORA ENSO has launched a new crosslaminated timber (CLT) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) Modular Building System to increase wood construction in the UK. The Modular Building System is the second in a program of specific building systems by Stora Enso being launched internationally across France, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Finland and the UK. The first system, Residential Multi-storey, was launched in April 2016 at the Austrian Embassy in London. Stora Enso said the launch of the Modular Building System in the UK was timely in light of recent statements by UK Housing Minister Gavin Barwell indicating that this method of construction had potential to tackle long-term skills shortages and alleviate the housing shortage in the UK. Stora Enso Building Solutions promotes Building Systems based on building components like CLT or LVL and is developing different building systems for different building types. It means the systems include country-specific details according to domestic regulations like fire safety or acoustic requirements. “The modular system was developed by Stora Enso in Finland. Our first multi-storey project was built in 2013, and I believe our company is still a market leader in CLT with our two mills located in Austria... that was a good reason to start to develop solid timber solutions,” said Sami Typpö, Stora Enso Wood Products Building Solutions, Business Development Manager, Finland. “In actual projects we operate via our partners. With the modular building system this means such companies that have facilities to build these modules,” Sami said. “All our building systems are driven by a costcompetitive analysis. This exercise is done with our customers and specifiers in domestic markets. We also develop all our Building Systems together with a recognized third party, well known by customers or specifiers.” The first Building Systems are for residential www.timberbiz.com.au

multistorey buildings, which cover construction with panels and modules. These systems allow construction to 8-storeys as a standard version and could be made to 12-storeys with some adjustments. “This is also the first time in the wood industry where we have an architectural guideline linked to a building system. It allows specifiers to understand the way of building with wood systems and to find options feasible for wood construction,” Sami said. “Our other Panel System is easier to get because it’s pretty much normal in-situ construction. We have CLT deliveries, for example, to Australia and the US.” The Building Systems are explained in various manuals that detail all phases from designing to maintenance of the buildings. They cover also the building physics issues for different countries. Thermal, acoustic, seismic and fire topics are also covered in the manuals. And, while still on the Stora Enso modular systems, wooden multistorey houses constructed with Stora Enso’s modular elements in Eskolantie, Helsinki, won a Nordic housing competition organized by Housing Nordic (NBO). According to the jury, the entity of 93 rental apartments fits well in its location, has an interesting appearance and offers good quality living with reasonable pricing. The apartments were also prized for colorful façade, versatile apartment offering and the homely feeling. The jury also said that the industrial prefabrication, weather protection and fast erection time utilized in this project offered new alternatives for the traditional construction methods. Eskolantie houses was accomplished in cooperation with Stora Enso and construction company SRV for The Helsinki Housing Production Department ATT. The four 5- to 7-storey energy efficient residential buildings are constructed from CLT (cross laminated timber) with Stora Enso’s modular housing technology.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

APRIL 2017

POST-TEST observations of a series of live blast tests on three cross-laminated timber (CLT) structures at Tyndall Air Force Base, conducted by WoodWorks in cooperation with the US Forest Service and Softwood Lumber Board, have been described as axciting. All structures remained intact and matched modeling predictions with acceptable levels of damage under significant explosive loading. Results of this testing will be used to further expand the use of wood solutions for Department of Defense applications and other blast-resistant construction. The CLT structures—each two-storey, single-bay structure with anchorage to an existing concrete slab—were constructed in full by Lendlease over a period of eight days. Each structure was constructed using a different grade of CLT (i.e., grade designations V1, E1 and V4 per ANSI/APA PRG-320 provided by DR Johnson, Nordic and SmartLam, respectively) and included window and door openings (with doors provided by American Direct) consistent with an actual building. Self-drilling screws provided by MyTiCon and adhesive anchors provided by Hilti were utilized in concert with angle steel to connect the constituent panels of each structure. Three shots were performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of CLT over a spectrum of blast loads. The first two shots were designed to stress the CLT structures to within their respective elastic limits. The third shot was designed to push the structures beyond their elastic limits such that post-peak response could be observed. Reflected pressure and peak deflections were recorded and will be used to thoroughly document the response of the structure in time, and support a design methodology for predicting elastic response of CLT under dynamic loads. Initial observations deriving from these tests are positive. For the first two tests, peak recorded deflections were consistent with pre-test predictions, indicating the efficacy of the design assumptions and supporting design methodologies. Results from the third test indicated a controlled response in which localized panel rupture was observed but connection integrity and load carrying ability were not compromised for any of the three structures. WoodWorks will be working with Karagozian & Case, Inc. and the University of Maine to thoroughly post-process and analyse the results of these tests.

PREFABRICATION

Prefabrication “pays off” at the construction site

SING WOOD elements allows faster building turnaround. This leads to more profitable construction projects and shorter investment payback times. The pace of construction is kept at the desired level, because prefabrication reduces some of the most common risks at construction sites, according to Metsa Wood. Utilizing prefabricated wood elements is a surprisingly fast option for on-site construction. For example, up to 1500 m2 of Kerto® LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) roof panels can be assembled within a single working day. “An example of rapid building is in the construction of the headquarters of the Diesel-Benelux Company in Amsterdam. An extremely tight building schedule of only nine months resulted in choosing Kerto LVL roof panels – under which the rest of the construction work could be finished in time,” project subcontractor in charge of the wood construction, Lambert van den Bosch from Heko Spanten, says. One of the most important construction phases is to get the on-site protection done quickly to eliminate weather-related risks. Today, the alternatives for on-site weather protection include applying fast construction methods, such as prefabrication or building under a tent. Prefabricated wood elements shield the building site beneath, providing protection that’s superior to temporary options – especially when it comes to snow loads and heavy winds. “For example, erecting Kerto LVL roof elements used at the logistic centre of DB Schenker, Finland, provided a roof over the entire building in just 15 days. This is the same amount of time that erecting a temporary tent would have required. Using prefabricated roof panels ensured that the rest of the work could be completed in a protected environment and without additional costs for temporary protection,” says Matti Kuittinen, architect and researcher from Aalto University. When the construction work takes place in controlled indoor conditions at the prefabrication plant, there is less risk of accidents and consequent delays at the building site. This is because some of the dangerous on-site phases are no longer needed. “Assembling ready-made wood elements can replace the potentially more dangerous process

Metsä Wood in brief In an ever more responsible world, the importance of wood keeps growing. Metsä Wood provides the premium-quality wood products for construction, industrial and distribution customers. Our aim is to be the best partner for these customers, opening up the almost endless possibilities of wood. We use 100% traceable wood from northern forests, a sustainable raw material of the finest quality. Our facilities are surrounded by these forest, which ensures a never-ending reliable supply. Our primary products are Nordic premium timber, birch and spruce plywood and Kerto® LVL (laminated veneer lumber). Metsä Wood is part of Metsä Group, which covers the whole wood value chain from sapling to product. Make the most of Wood.

of having to build a roof from beams, panels and bitumen at the heights of an unfinished building. On-site accidents are of course not frequent, but every single one of them should be avoided,” van den Bosch says. According to construction professionals interviewed by McGraw-Hill Construction, nearly 70% of projects that used prefabricated elements had shorter schedules and 65% had decreased budgets1. In addition to faster building projects leading to faster revenue, there is also other benefits that become apparent at the construction site. “Utilizing prefabricated wood elements can help in significantly reducing other inconveniences such as unloading building materials in the neighbourhood, as well as the amount of on-site waste and the need to transport it,” Kuittinen added.

¢ Assembling wood elements built in a controlled indoor environment can help in reducing relatively uncommon but severe on-site accidents.

Quick facts ... • Prefabrication pays off: 70% of projects had shorter schedules and 65% decreased budgets. • Up to 1500 m2 of Kerto® LVL roof panels can be assembled in one working day. • At the logistic centre of DB Schenker, Finland, Kerto LVL roof elements provided a roof over the building in just 15 days. • Kerto LVL roof panels helped the Diesel-Benelux Company to keep to their tight building schedule of 9 months.

¢ Prefabricated wood elements enable rapid building and can help in reducing inconveniences such as unloading building materials in the neighbourhood, as well as the amount of on-site waste.

¢ The Diesel-Benelux Company headquarters in Amsterdam had a tight building schedule of only nine months. Kerto® LVL roof panels helped in keeping the pace of construction at the desired level.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

APRIL 2017

www.timberbiz.com.au

Protection for Engineered Wood Products Azotek® Wood Preservative WOOD PRESERVATIVE

Azotek® Preservative is the latest addition to this product family and uses state of the art chemical technology to provide highly effective protection against decay fungi and insects.   

Suitable for Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and Plywood Glueline additive for H1.2 application in New Zealand. Combination of proven fungicides and Insecticides.

Permatek® Wood Preservative WOOD PRESERVATIVE

Permatek® 100 Encaps Insecticide is as a glue or resin additive for veneer laminated and reconstituted wood products such as LVL, plywood, strandboard, particle board and MDF.  

Encapsulation technology means that the active, bifenthrin, can better handle the harsh conditions common during manufacture. Over 10 years history as an H2 glue line additive for EWP market.

Glusect® Wood Preservative WOOD PRESERVATIVE

A cypermethrin based glue line additive that is particularly effective for protection of hardwood veneer based plywood from insect (borer) attack.   

Glusect® Insecticide is added directly to the adhesive mix Glusect® Insecticide , tested in Australia. Glusect® Insecticide does not affect the plywood bonding strength.

Engineered wood products are an essential component of the modern construction industry. LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) and other innovations such as CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) are opening up new possibilities for large scale wood based construction. Lonza Wood Protection offer a comprehensive range of glue line additive preservatives and veneer pre-treatments for protection of engineered wood products. To learn more about the products and services available in the Asia Pacific region contact us, or visit our website, www.lonzawoodprotection.com/apac/glue-line-engineered-wood-family/

AUSTRALIA +61 3 9339 8915 tanalised.au@lonza.com

NEW ZEALAND +64 9 276 3646 tanalised.nz@lonza.com

NEW PLYMOUTH +64 6 755 9234 scott.connor@lonza.com

PREFAB

Controlled environment modular process gets easier and faster And it’s ideal for workers, too!

HE WEATHER outside was frightful in Agassiz, B.C. in December. Howling winds, ice and snow battered the area with temperatures dipping to -8 C. But workers inside Britco’s massive modular construction facility were warm, dry and busy working along the production line. Tim Epp, director of manufacturing, roamed the production floor, pointing out the many stations where projects take shape. Britco does its own plumbing, mechanical work, millwork and cabinet making. They even have an in-house electrical sub who has been with them for nearly 40 years. “We don’t really have a rotating door of workers,” said Epp. At a station where lumber was being measured and cut, Epp pointed to a small kiosk with a scanning gun and bar codes printed on cards. It’s one of the ways Britco is able to track and assess its labour force. The stations are scattered throughout the facility. Workers scan in every morning giving Epp data on where they are working, what project they are working on and when they switch. “Right away we can tell if we will be over or under, if there is going to be a problem, if there is something we need to focus more attention on,” Epp said. “The labour cost is the thing we have the most control over here in the facility.” This means Britco can easily implement changes and track results. Workers go to a vending machine

to get new gloves, drill bits and other items allowing Epp to track consumables, which have gone down by 40%. The team also consults with doctors and occupational therapists to ensure workers are doing their tasks safely and efficiently. At the beginning of shifts crews even go through customised stretching routines for the movements they will be doing. In the rare event of an incident, Britco puts workers on modified duties until they are healed up. This reduces the chances of reinjury and ensures the labourer doesn’t miss work so they can still get paid, Epp explained. “This controlled environment allows Britco to give realistic prices up front that aren’t subject to wide fluctuation,” he added. “We are not one of those companies that will change order someone to death,” he said. There are few surprises for a client. A full-time staff member takes hundreds of photos at every stage of a project and clients are encouraged to visit the factory. Epp said some clients have even paid to send their own quality assurance (QA) professional to oversee work. “That’s great and it is basically extra QA we didn’t have to pay for. Our goal is to be as transparent and open as possible,” he said. “The last thing we want is for someone to get a surprise when they receive our modules on site.” Repeat business is the goal as once

the team builds a client building, if they are asked to repeat it, they only get more and more efficient, meaning more profit. Inside the facility, crews were hard at work building a two-storey, high-tech passive house for Yale First Nation along with portable site offices. There are about 50 workers on the floor but during busier times this can ramp up to 160. It’s Britco’s second time building a passive house. The first was for a site in rainy Bella Bella, B.C. They were able to complete a two-year project in around seven months. The controlled, dry environment of the facility allows crews to get the precision necessary to achieve passive house performance. Crews can also perform blower tests so they know the building works before it ships. With the same crew soaking up all that experience, the process gets easier and faster. But with a shifting construction environment, staying nimble is important and rare in the modular world, said Epp. “There are companies similar to Britco,” said Tom Faliszewski, manager of special projects and a trained architect. “We are a bit more broad based and do a whole variety of buildings. This has served the company really well over the years because different kinds of things come and go in the construction business.” He pointed out a shipping container being repurposed by crews to be an office for a remote site. Britco can rent these out which in the past has made

up a healthy chunk of the business. But with low oil prices and fewer projects up north and in Alberta, things could change and the type of production infrastructure Britco has developed can change with it. “Sometimes it is classrooms or office buildings or camp buildings,” said Faliszewski. “We have figured out a way to do all those kinds of buildings in our production line.” He sees a great deal of room in the industry for more modular construction, especially for hotels or apartment buildings. He estimated modular construction currently it makes up about three to five per cent of projects in Canada. But it is growing much faster than traditional methods. Some jurisdictions in Europe have modular construction taking up 75 per cent of the market. Source: Journal of Commerce (Russell Hixson)

Cleaning up in the construction speed stakes

More efficient construction methods are a no-brainer, but the industry is notoriously slow to change CONSTRUCTION IS wasteful. According to reports from the United States, a third of materials that come onto a construction site go out in dumpsters—and more than half of workers’ time is squandered waiting for materials, tools, and the completion of tasks by other trades. More efficient construction methods are a nobrainer, but the industry is notoriously slow to change. It’s about to get a boost with the recent relocation of PCL Construction’s offsite service division to a 7,500-square-metre facility in Toronto. Including three construction bays and two acres of storage, this operation adds to the company’s existing capacity for producing modular components for heavy industry in three Alberta facilities and one California facility. According to PCL’s Terry Olynyk, the company’s expansion of off-site services is a way to “hit refresh on current design-build procurement models,” optimizing design and construction processes to reduce time, cost and errors. The world of prefabricated construction goes beyond the washroom pods and classroom modules that often first come to mind— “pods and mods” as Amy Marks, president of consultancy XSite Modular, put it at a recent symposium organized by PCL to launch their expanded facility. Instead, says Marks, there’s a continuum of off-site construction methods. These range from intelligent materials like preformed coves and tile panels, to components like prefabricated balconies and closets, to subassemblies such as headwalls, pre-packaged mechanical skids, and exterior wall panel systems. Architects, observes Marks, are often worried that prefabrication limits their involvement in design. 20

In fact, “most of the items that we prefab are not that interesting,” she says. “Prefabrication frees up architects to work on the more fun and challenging parts of the design, and allows them to get paid for their real talents.” When it comes to higher-order prefabrication—say, larger pieces of buildings, like the façade panels at Brock Commons in Vancouver— architects retain their role as the lead designers. They bring design intelligence and systems thinking to conceiving modular components that fit the needs of the project, and that can be efficiently manufactured, transported and installed. One of the thorniest issues limiting the potential of prefabrication is resistance from some trade unions, who see these technologies as a threat to their livelihood. The trades still retain authority in areas such as electrical systems, where even if a system is premanufactured, a registered electrician must be brought on site to certify the work. One way to navigate this, suggests Marks, is to have the trades themselves purchase and install the system, at a preagreed mark-up. In the broader picture, there is much for trades to gain if they are actively and positively involved in prefab plants, argues Marks. Indoor manufacturing provides a safer, more predictable work environment. This creates an opportunity to increase the diversity picture in construction by providing employment for women, veterans, and others who might not be able to assume the risks inherent to traditional job sites. The push towards greater prefabrication in buildings may ultimately come from clients, as they demand greater productivity, lower costs, tighter timelines and better job site safety. In Singapore, AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

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¢ For Humber River Hospital in Toronto, PCL Construction manufactured 360 washroom modules in an indoor facility, leveraging the efficiencies of prefabrication.

bathroom pods are now required on all government projects. In China, a prefabricated 30-storey hotel was erected in 15 days back in 2012, and more recently, a fully prefabricated hospital was shipped from China to the UK. We’ve come a long way from the days of individually custom-built windows, but what other potentials might new construction systems bring? As we continue to respond to a rapidly evolving green economy, the role of premanufactured components in buildings will undoubtedly continue to increase. The question is whether the construction industry, including architects, will choose to see this as a threat—or as an opportunity. Source: Canadian Architect www.timberbiz.com.au

LATEST MACHINERY

Stirling Machinery launches into the market Focus on precision, quality and reliability

¢ Stirling Machinery is firmly focused on precision.

OR THE past 21 years, privately owned and operated Accurate Group has offered an extensive inventory of woodworking support tools to the timber manufacturing industry, and in that time they’ve become a leader in the woodworking field. Now, with more than two decades of experience under their belt, Accurate Group has set a new course for growth by launching a full line of woodworking machinery under the world renowned Stirling brand. “Stirling Machinery was born from the significant demand for highquality woodworking machines in Australia,” says owner and Managing Director Craig Honeyman of why the husband and wife team have decided to dip their toes into the machinery market. “Our goal is to be the supplier of choice and offer a comprehensive approach to serving an industry. Through partnering with the world class group of Stirling manufacturers we now have the pieces in place to provide end-to-end woodworking solutions to our customers.” The Stirling brand brings together hundreds of years of expertise and experience to deliver the latest technology and innovative processes, and the decision to supply their machines was an obvious choice for Craig. “We set high standards for our suppliers with a focus on precision, quality features and rugged construction. We have selectively www.timberbiz.com.au

chosen to partner with Stirling because they are quite simply the most productive and reliable machines available in the market,” says Craig. The line-up isn’t small, either. Stirling Machinery will provide a full offering of machines catering to the diverse needs of the timber manufacturing industry. Customers all over Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and South East Asia will now be able to select from stand-alone machines including panel planers, surfacers, wide belt sanders and spindles, to more complex automated systems that require linking and material handling. All of Stirling’s machinery is also backed by CE specifications in electrical, mechanical and safety regulations, offering the very highest in manufacturing accreditations. Craig also says that it’s not just their army of machines that the team are passionate about. “We apply a personal and committed approach to all of our customers and believe in partnering with them for the longterm.” The company provides technical support and continuous training to ensure customers get the most out of their investment and machines run long into the future. And if current industry demand is anything to go by, we’re sure Stirling Machinery will be running long into the future as well.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

APRIL 2017

ASSOCIATIONS

Personal/sick leave – proof of absence

Familiar coffee swirl pattern in the interior design

Brian Beecroft

By Peter Llewellyn

Chief Executive Officer TTIA

Technical Representative Timber Veneer Association of Australia (TVAA)

HE TTIA Enquiry Line recently received a request for advice from a Member on the issue of sickness certificates from chemists and other medical treating bodies other than a GP. The Fair Work Act 2009, which came into effect from 1 July 2009, allows for pharmacists to issue certificates as proof of legitimate absence from work. Pharmacists are able to issue certificates for personal leave (sick leave) as the Act provides a more flexible definition which simply states ‘evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person’ as all that is required as evidence from an employee when making claim for personal or carer’s leave. In addition, it is the view of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia that the Fair Work Act allows for pharmacists to issue certificates as proof of legitimate absence from work, although it recommends that pharmacists limit the provision of certificates for absence from work to their area of practice and expertise, which is primarily: • the supply, compounding or dispensing of medicines • the provision of professional pharmacy services, including advice on minor conditions and the effective and safe use of medicines • related to circumstances where they can clearly form a view as to an employee’s fitness for work, or as to the illness or injury of the member of the household or immediate family. The Guild has issued Guidelines for pharmacists issuing certificates for absence from work and a Reference Guide — Issuing certificates for absence from work involving minor conditions in

pharmacy” to assist pharmacists. Personal leave/carer’s leave is provided for in the National Employment Standards (NES). In addition to the provisions in the NES, the Timber Industry Award has a payment for excess accrued personal leave. It provides for where an employee has more than 15 days of accumulated untaken personal leave, the employee may elect in writing that a payment shall be made to the employee and the employer shall pay such an employee for any accumulated untaken personal leave exceeding 15 days, up to a maximum payment of 64 hours per year. There is no payout on termination. Personal/sick leave issues can be quite complex. If any Member has a query please ring the TTIA National Enquiry Line on (02) 9264 0011.

Machine guarding manual The TTIA WH&S Unit have developed a Machine Guarding Manual as part of an enforceable undertaking between Hume Doors & Timber (AUST) Pty Ltd ABN: 39 001 472 493 and SafeWork NSW, dated 30 January 2015. This manual is available for the use of TTIA Members and Members are encouraged to access the document which has a great deal of information and assistance for companies nationwide. The manual and powerpoint presentation are available for download on the TTIA website <http://www.ttia. asn.au/> on the ‘Members only’ page headed “WH&S Resources”.

53 metre wood structure completed in less than 70 days Free seminar to focus on modern building systems MID-RISE timber buildings represent a more economically and environmentally friendly way to construct apartments, hotels, schools, aged care and office buildings. A full day seminar on this subject, will hear from leading Australian and International building professionals. A Free WoodSolutions Seminar, Designing a Tall Timber Building, will be held on 4 April, 8.45am - 5.00pm, at the NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre, 37 Reservoir St, Surry Hills. The Key note presentation will be from Russell Acton, Acton Ostry Architects on Brock Commons; an innovative tall wood hybrid building under construction at the University of British Columbia, Canada. At 53 metres-high Brock Commons will be the tallest modern timber building. The wood structure was completed 22

Stunning use of veneers in Sydney restaurant

¢ Award-winning Lot 1 restaurant/bar and café in York Street, Sydney.

DESIGN FIRM ENTER Projects was commissioned to create a distinctive space for their client’s debut as restaurateurs at Lot.1 restaurant/bar and café in York Street, Sydney. With café latte as the catalyst for the design, the firm interpreted the everyday, familiar coffee swirl pattern into the interior design, transforming the venue with seamless curves of timber veneer. Lot 1 is located in a late Victorian warehouse and the designers have juxtaposed original brick, sandstone and old steel work with Australian hardwood veneers that span over the entire 945 square metre venue. The veneers are southern blue gum and wattle from Tasmania, installed in three dimensional curves which required

rigorous planning. Light coloured veneers were chosen to create a clean look with the ‘feel’ of solid timber. According to the designers, it was essential that the selected veneers were flexible enough to be manipulated into non-orthogonal geometry, while being durable enough to withstand the busy commercial environment. The firm worked mostly with 3D modelling and laser cutting to create the ‘sweep and motion’ effect so evident in the design. The excellence of the design was recognised when Lot.1 took out the top slot in the Timber Veneers category of the 2016 Australian Timber Design Awards. The Award is sponsored by the Timber Veneers Association of Australia (TVAA).

in less than 70 days, two floors per week, approximately four months faster than alternative construction methods. Russell is a Principal of Acton Ostry Architects with professional registration in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. He served as an evaluator for the Tall Wood Demonstration Projects Initiative sponsored by the Canadian Wood Council and National Resources Canada and sat on the Wood Innovation Design Centre Round Table sponsored by the BC Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. This seminar is a must for all building and design professionals including architects, engineers, building designers, certifiers, developers, builders, regulators and educators.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

APRIL 2017

www.timberbiz.com.au

ASSOCIATIONS

Fall Protection: getting the right information

Timber Industry Dinner and TABMA National Awards

By Kersten Gentle Executive Officer / FTMA Australia OVER THE past 12 months, FTMA Australia has had a lot of feedback from fabricators of what FTMA sees as bullying from builders. Whenever there is an issue, it seems it’s the fabricators fault and responsibility to fix it. Whenever a debt is owing, it seems there is always a reason for withholding the money due to bogus back charges and the latest is nothing but a way for builders to try and escape their obligations to provide a safe working environment for their own workers and building site. Recently, builders have begun requesting frame and truss fabricators to provide fall protection covering the windows and door openings for all 2nd storey or above projects. Furthermore some of the builders have even indicated that it is ‘the responsibility of the fabricator under the code’. This is not correct. FTMA Australia believes if a fabricator is asked to provide this as part of the quoting process, then

by all means include a piece of timber to block the windows and door openings as directed by the builder. FTMA Australia has spoken with Worksafe Australia to ensure our interpretation of the Preventing Falls in Housing Construction Code of Practice 2016 is correct and therefore points out two important parts for fabricators to keep in mind if including any fall protection for 2nd storey windows or openings: 1. You should ensure you charge for the timber as part of the quoting process, and; 2. You should have a disclaimer on your delivery paperwork stating that the fall protection provided as per the plans does not take away from the builder’s legal obligations to provide adequate and safe fall protection as per the instructions in the Preventing Falls in Housing Construction – Code of Practice 2016 for their building site and that no liability in anyway lies with the fabricator.

By Colin Fitzpatrick ¢ Fall Protection and excerpt from the Code ... ++ It is the builders responsibility to provide the fall protection for the building site whether you include fall protection for window and door openings or not.

FTMA Australia’s recommendation is that fabricators do not provide any form of fall protection, however if you do, you MUST ensure you include a disclaimer as stated above. If you have any questions please contact FTMA Australia on 0418 226 242.

Chief Executive Officer Timber & Building Materials Association (Aust.) Ltd

he 2017 Timber Industry Dinner incorporating the TABMA National Awards will be held on Friday, 6 October in the Crystal Ballroom at Sydney’s Luna Park. The venue has sparkling views overlooking the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Seating is strictly limited to a maximum of 300 so we urge intending guests to get in early by emailing our event coordinator Amanda Jones at av2107styling@gmail.com and registering your interest in attending.

TABMA Victoria We are pleased to advise that we have contracted Natalie Reynolds to oversee our new operation in Victoria. Natalie has a wealth of experience in the timber industry along with a background in group training and RTO’s.

Trade Credit Insurance The TABMA trade credit insurance scheme developed by NCI and exclusive to TABMA members continues to be taken up by members looking to safeguard themselves against bad debts. Recent figures show a noticeable increase in debtors insurance claims especially for the fourth quarter of 2016 with the building/hardware industry being one of the largest contributors. Further information on how to ensure you are covered can be obtained by emailing John Theoharris at john@tabma.com.au

2017 FTMA Australia National Conference The largest Australian fabricator attended event is coming again on 15-16 May with the FTMA Australia conference being held at the Sanctuary Cove Intercontinental Resort on the Gold Coast. As with past years, the day prior to the conference we host the Red Activities Day to enhance networking. Golf is always on offer but this year Golf is at the impressive Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club which is only open to members. The other activity this year will be bare foot bowls which is a fun relaxing yet competitive way to network. The official Ice-Breaker is at Dream World’s Peter Brock Centre which contains every one of Peter Brock’s cars. It is spectacular viewing and we are working on a few surprises for delegates who are motor heads to get their blood pumping. FTMA loves and promotes healthy competition and I have no doubt many delegates will have their skills tested on the V8 Simulators with the top six racing it out for the FTMA Fastest Driver Award. Throw in dodgem cars for two hours plus great food and beverages and the Ice-Breaker is sure to be an outstanding night. The Conference is held on Tuesday 16 May and the FTMA Australia board has focused on key issues for our industry such as: • Do you know your business costs • Fabricators responsibility in OHS & Industrial Relations www.timberbiz.com.au

WH&S Inspection Service

• Housing forecasts and changes in the housing market • Prefabricated floors and where our industry has been working • Mid-Rise opportunities for our sector: It doesn’t all need to be panelised • Understanding Fit for Purpose timber • Timber Treatment; and • Is Steel a threat to our industry? These are a few of the topics and as always FTMA will rely on the input of fabricators, whether it be through panels or discussions from the floor as this is your industry and we want to hear from you. The conference finishes with the National Conference Dinner which this year has the theme of Hawaiian Luau with dress code of Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts or perhaps even a few coconuts!! The dinner will be held at Sanctuary Coves Lagoon and will be a relaxing networking evening and will include the presentation of the Inaugural Clive Martella Service to Industry Award. The selection panel of Phil McCormack, Michael Read, Doug Maxwell and Steve Collier have chosen the right candidate/s that we feel have made huge contributions to our industry. We look forward to seeing you all on the Gold Coast in May and if you have any questions please call Kersten Gentle on 0418 226 242.

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The revitalised TABMA WH&S inspection service launched in late 2015 is proving to be a winner with members and non members alike. Workplace health and safety is now a must and a priority for all businesses as business owners must meet the WH&S requirements set out in the acts and regulations in each state or territory. When courts are deciding whether workplace health and safety laws have been met, they may consider whether the business owner has followed the approved codes of practice for your state or territory. To obtain further advice on this vital legislation and ascertain if you are adequately covered just email Steve Cunningham at steve@tabma.com.au

TABMA workplace advice line The TABMA workplace advice line is included in TABMA membership and is available nationally to those members seeking advice on employment issues, wage rates, annual leave entitlements, long service leave, public holidays, allowances, redundancies, notice of termination, contract of employment, unfair dismissal, superannuation, discrimination and harassment etc. To access this service members can call 1300 564 309 quoting their membership number.

MULTINAIL

Dedication and innovation

ONSTRUCTION OF Multinail’s new main office at its Stapylton (south-east Queensland) site is the latest chapter in a somewhat unique story of dedication and innovation. Multinail was incorporated by Peter and Sonja Taylor in Canberra in 1979 before moving to the midnorth NSW town of Wauchope (a once thriving timber centre) where its first manufacturing centre was established. For years this growing operation supplied fabricators ranging from Far North Queensland to Victoria with quality metal connectors and machinery. During the same period, Multinail’s technology centre was running as part of the Brisbane offices and was the hub of the software development, engineering and training services for fabricators across Australia. In 2006 Multinail moved into a custom designed and built facility in South East Queensland creating Multinail’s technology centre, becoming the hub of software development, engineering, training services, metal connector production and machinery manufacturing for its world-wide operations. It really is an Australian success story that has lead to the current construction of its new office HQ, a formidable 45 metres long by 28 metres wide with an upper storey floor area of just on 1000m2. Travis Taylor, Multinail’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator, takes up the story ... “ With recent changes to the National Construction Code allowing more timber to be used in residential and commercial developments, this project

demonstrates the benefits of using light weight prefabricated timber technology in commercial buildings. “These changes are also ideal for existing Truss and Frame producers to use existing technology to enter this new market segment. Architects/ Builders/Engineers/Developers should also be interested in this due to the massive time saving that light weight timber can offer. Featuring in the new building are SteelWood Joists, which were developed by Multinail engineers. The SteelWood Joist is a newly configured structural truss that can be used in a variety of construction scenarios, including for flooring and

roofing applications. It’s manufactured from quality timber and galvanised steel to minimise corrosion, is ideal for strengthening flooring and roofing structures and can be applied to both residential and commercial building developments. It’s somewhat ironic that the first product Multinail sold all those years ago was the SteelWood Joist. Now, heavily refined and designed for the commercial market for floor loads of 3, 4 and 5kPa, the SWJs are the latest in an array of technologically advanced systems for modern building systems. Multinail is the only “nail plate” company in Australia that develops,

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programs, builds or produces all software, machinery and structural building products it supplies; the preference is to keep in-house and in Australia all IP, research and development,” said Travis. The cassettes and roof trusses designed for the new office were done on Multinail’s latest software Cornerstone. Loads and connection details were then verified by Multinail Engineering. A Multinail fabricator manufactured the joists using Multinail’s latest roller press specifically for over 600mm deep joists. The cassettes were manufactured on the Multinail site at Stapylton by carpenters of the building contractor.”

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MULTINAIL

New Multinail office features super-quick flooring system The fast-emerging trends of mass timber construction, more and technically superior prefabrication, a propensity for even more sustainability and public demand and acceptance of greener building and building products is a genuine breath of fresh air for the forestry and wood products industry. Now, the term gamechanging has become synonymous with this formerly maligned industry as it deservedly wins the hearts and minds of a learned and discerning populace. Just one of these game-changing moments was highlighted when Multinail recently opened its Stapylton (Queensland) doors to industry to see its innovative approach to the latest building systems.

ULTINAIL, AUSTRALIA’S leading innovator in lightweight prefabricated timber technology, has started construction of its massive new head office in Stapylton which naturally features its SteelWood Joists (SWJ) and floor cassettes. And talk about quick construction! It took less than 20 minutes for 160m2 of floor to be installed in the lead-up to the open visits, then, on the inspection day, 328m2 was installed in two sections in 20 minutes. The SWJ system, designed and developed by Multinail, is not only quick to install but has a brilliant accuracy factor, maximises quality and reduces on-site waste, plus offers greater on-site safety than prior systems. Manufactured from solid timber and galvanised steel to minimize corrosion it’s ideal for strengthening flooring and roofing structures and can achieve floor spans of up to 10 metres (due to the stronger, stiffer structure) and roof spans of up to 20 metres with most sheet roofing materials. The robust SWJ can carry weights from 3kPa to 5kPa and is suitable for office spaces, schools and stage floors, to name a few. Manufactured off site and delivered when required, the SWJ is simple and efficient to install, and in many cases can reduce traditional concrete slab construction costs by up to 50%. SWJs are available in a range of depths, including standard depths and special depths, made to order for large volumes only. SWJs are also available with single or double top and/or bottom chords, which enables the structure to achieve longer spans and to carry heavier loads. This is particularly beneficial for flooring applications. The Multinail patented ‘dry welded connection’ is a steel web connected to the timber top and bottom chords. This innovative web enables a variety of standard and specialised connections to be made and is suitable for large spans and heavy loads in residential, commercial and industrial floor and roof structures. SWJs use commercially available solid timber members, including 90x35 or 90x45 - P10, P12, P15. The overall finished depth of the SWJ is less than a traditional concrete slab construction with services.

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Traditional concrete slab construction requires associated services to be suspended beneath the concrete slab using tension cabling fixed to the underside of the slab. When using the SWJ, all services are threaded between the top and bottom chords, minimizing the finished depth. With the ability to pre-fabricate up to 9 metre lengths at 3.0kPa of flooring off site, and deliver when required, floor cassettes enable builders and contractors to efficiently manage construction schedules and save considerable time on site. Consider these points: • Made-to-measure products can be installed in a matter of hours, reducing months of construction time • Manufactured off site and delivered only when required to reduce waste on site and maximize quality assurance • Floor cassettes can include pre-installed services, enabling fast connection on site • The complete working platform allows work to commence immediately after installation • Suitable for ground floor and upper storey application • No form work or concrete slabs required Again, looking at a health and safety factor, it’s interesting to note that the floor cassettes are manufactured at waist height, as opposed to the traditional way of installing timber joists at height, which drastically improves worker safety. “Multinail’s steel web floor joist options offer more connection details than any other joist system on the market,” says Travis Taylor, Multinail Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Bottom chord support – this support is easy to fit to the top of wall frames, but additional items are required such as perimeter beams to ensure adequate bracing of the cassette and load transfer Face fixing - is the ideal fixing solution for concrete walls or to other beams. A hanger is required. Top mounted – this is the most time efficient option, with instant bracing achieved upon installation. No hanger or perimeter beams are required to achieve appropriate bracing and load transfer from upper to lower floors. SWJs are available from most truss producers using Multinail technology.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

APRIL 2017

Floor cassettes offer architects, engineers, builders and contractors a cost-effective way to construct a complete working floor for single or multi-storey residential, commercial or industrial buildings in a matter of hours. This innovative construction method is being utilised throughout the Multinail head office development. • Multinail’s 660mm SteelWood Joist • Designed for a live load of 3.0kPa • 25mm plywood flooring • Floor cassette span 8.8m • Floor cassette width 6m • Floor cassette weight 2.1 tonnes • 900mm x 550mm void in floor joists for A/C ducts • 160m2 of floor cassettes installed in about 20 minutes.

CLT

Aussie-made XLam chosen for major Melbourne development

MULTI-million dollar Melbourne building extension will be one of the first projects to use Australian produced CLT from the XLam factory at the Logic industrial hub at North Barnawartha, northern Victoria. XLam is nearing completion of its $25 million cross-laminated timber factory at Logic. The Victorian Government has approved a 10-storey extension of the Southbank Boulevard which will become a hotel. Planning Minister Richard Wynne approved the application with the Andrews Labor Government also confirming it provided financial assistance in establishing the XLam factory at Logic. CLT will also be used in Australia’s tallest engineered timber building (45 metres) to be built in Brisbane and has already been used in the construction of a 10-storey Docklands apartment tower. Once operational, the XLam factory will produce 60,000 cubic metres of crosslaminated timber annually. As Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) increasingly excites town planners, designers, architects, builders and environmentalists alike, XLam’s growth strategy into Australia brings regional jobs, innovative technology and comprehensive customer solutions. XLam’s new state-of-the-art CLT manufacturing plant received support from all levels of Government and

continues in the form of establishment grants as part of a concerted, regional development focus. XLam Chief Executive Officer Gary Caulfield said the support from Government further enhanced the establishment of the plant, getting people into this new area of work and supporting the region and assisting with the purchase of high-tech manufacturing equipment. “We have been fortunate to secure a grant from the Commonwealth Government Next Generation Australian Industry grants of $2.5 million, an initiative driven by Innovation Minister, Greg Hunt.” Mr Caulfield said. Mr Caulfield also confirmed that a further grant of $450,000 has been offered, and accepted, by the Victorian Regional Development authority to support the required job development processes. The establishment of the plant is expected to create 54 local jobs across several years of operation. “The new plant will not only provide direct employment opportunities, however will have a knock-on effect to suppliers and service providers throughout the region, such as transport.” A commercial builder in the region, Joss Group, was awarded the construction contract of the high-tech sustainable timber facility. The manufacturing plant represents a $25 million investment at a private

¢ Inside the XLam Plant - Wodonga. Steve Kerr (Project Manager XLam), Gary Caulfield (CEO XLam), Matthew Sheridan (Plant Manager XLam), Chris Robertson (Director XLam).

development by AP Delaney within the Logic industrial estate, a location choice supported by the City of Wodonga local council. The plant is located 290 kilometres from Melbourne, 580 kilometres from Sydney and 1020 kilometres from Adelaide. Providing access to 80% of the country in approximately 24 hours. “The location of the site means XLam will be ideally positioned to deliver to its customers throughout most of Australia via road or rail very quickly. This is important as XLam seeks to supply the greater Asia Pacific region,” said Mr Caulfield. Once construction is complete, the installation of manufacturing equipment is scheduled for April. This will officially make XLam the

largest CLT manufacturer in Australia with one of the most technologically advanced CLT plants in the world. XLam are leading the way for innovation in sustainable construction throughout the southern hemisphere. XLam’s business model includes design, manufacture and installation capacity to deliver comprehensive construction solutions for customers. Timber used in the manufacture of CLT stores carbon, representing one of the technologies many environmental credentials. CLT is also light and can be quick to install, is prefabricated reducing on-site construction waste and improving site safety, is durable, strong, cost effective, and far and away, a superior solution.

USNR helps business become a pacesetter IN 2015 USNR developed a new type of press for the manufacture of cross laminated timber (CLT) for a customer in the US. This press was a departure from USNR’s extensive experience with presses for the manufacture of OSB, MDF, and plywood. The D.R. Johnson operation of Riddle Laminators in Riddle, Oregon, bought the prototype press and recently expanded it from 24’ to 30’ by installing an additional module. This key design feature allowed the plant to grow their press in a cost-effective way to produce larger cross laminated timber panels up to 30’ long. And now a second North American mill has placed an order for USNR’s window-frame style CLT press. CLT is a new building technology that is revolutionizing the use of timber in construction and dramatically cutting the overall time for construction projects. Learn more about the innovations that make USNR’s new window-frame style CLT press extremely robust, environmentallyfriendly, and cost-effective at www.usnr.com. D.R. Johnson Lumber Co., based in the small L aura Meeker, USNR Mechanical Engineer, and Valerie Johnson, President of D.R. Johnson, stand Oregon town of Riddle, is at the forefront of what is ¢ by a 5-ply CLT panel produced on the mills’ USNR press. set to be a revolutionary use of wood as a building material in the Northwest US. Don R. Johnson founded the mill in 1951. of their father’s eye for innovation, Valerie and produce cross-laminated timber panels – a new Following his death in 2010, his daughters Valerie Jodi decided to expand the mill’s manufacturing take on existing technology and products in the Johnson and Jodi Westbrooks decided they needed through a division called Riddle Laminators to wood construction industry. What makes their to move the millworks company in a new direction. include a new product they had heard about. product so progressive is the use of new-growth Their father had been quick to jump on laminated They have since invested millions of dollars in softwoods like Douglas fir to produce lighter, beam products early on and the millworks had machinery that is allowing DR Johnson to become stronger, more flexible panels in sizes able to make manufactured them for decades. Following the lead the first manufacturer in the country certified to the construction process much more efficient. 26

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Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strongest commercial floor truss system! Specifically designed for commercial loads of 3, 4, 5, or 7.5kPa Multinailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SteelWood Joist is the only option in commercial or industrial flooring Pictured: SteelWood Joist Cassettes Live load 3.0kPa 9m span 6m width

162m2 of floor installed in 23min

For more information contact Multinail Australia enquiry@multinail.com