Australasian Timber Magazine - December 2017

DECEMBER 2017

Choose the Original www.hewsaw.com

Choose the Original MANUFACTURE • TECHNOLOGY • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION

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Incorporating Australian and New Zealand Timberman – Established 1977.

YOUNG HAVE DESIGNS ON SUSTAINABILITY l AKD IN BID FOR CHH MILLS l MORE OPTIONS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS l INTERNATIONAL HOUSE TOPS COVETED AWARDS

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NEWS

Sustainability key focus for aspiring young Australian designers

L

ong after the afternoon bell goes for HSC students at Freshwater Senior Campus in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, you can hear the high-pitched sounds of jigsaws and orbital sanders humming away in the workshop.

At first glance, it looks the same as any other student workshop would - abuzz with machinery and busy hands, curled wood shavings on the floor, and the distinct smell of freshly carved wood lingering in the air. But as the various pieces take shape – a surf board that showcases hand cut marquetry, a pod chair that was inspired by biomimicry, and a chair that is constructed of entirely curved components -- it becomes quickly apparent that these aspiring young designers are pushing the bounds of design.

The students work under the tuition of Ben Percy, a Sydney based furniture designer/maker known for his soft, curved lines inspired by nature. His expert craftsmanship has gained national recognition for his signature Mantis Table in Tasmanian Blackwood and Pod Chair in Celery Top Pine among others.

Core to Percy’s design ethos is sustainability.

Percy religiously sources sustainable timbers, but also considers the additional hardware, finishes and manufacturing processes, which have the greatest impact on the environment.

So, for this year’s HSC projects, Percy teamed up with Britton Timbers who donated 5 cubic metres of Tasmanian Blackwood in support of Freshwater Senior Campus student designers.

In a recent exhibition that celebrated the

Tasmanian Blackwood: Our purpose is to promote and support the use of Tasmanian Blackwood in contemporary design and architecture. We provide a platform through which architects, designers, and craftspeople can showcase their work using Blackwood. Tasmanian Blackwood has the same richness in quality and warm tones as other premium timbers, but is more readily available and cost effective, making it an affordable homegrown luxury. It is a sustainably sourced species from Tasmania’s native forests and is PEFC-certified.

students’ achievements over the year, it is clear that this next wave of talent are putting environmental impact at the forefront of their design philosophy.

“Supporting the Australian Industry and its sustainability is a fundamental focus of what I teach my students here. I am finding that each year my students are becoming much more passionate about sustainable design and sustainable living.

“As a furniture designer myself, I am able to give my students a real understanding of just how much responsibility designers have in creating sustainable designs and the control they can have over what consumers are offered,” Percy said.

For the 10 students completing their HSC in Design and Technology, their brief was to create a product that addresses a genuine need in society and one that also minimises the impact on the environment.

¢ Work by Ethan Neville.

australasian

magazine Incorporating Australian and New Zealand Timberman – Established 1977.

Decemberr Vol.25, No. 8 Established 1977

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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

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MEDIA

INDEPENDENT & AUSTRALIAN OWNED

FRONT PAGE: A number of exciting designs have emerged from aspiring young designer- makers under the tuition of Ben Percy at Freshwater Senior Campus. The surfboard in Tasmanian Blackwood with hand cut marquetry by Ethan Neville was one of the exceptional piece of work. Read more on these pages.

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.

Production: Luke Westle

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DECEMBER 2017

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NEWS

¢ Work by Jordan Pepper.

¢ Work by Tiani Schaefer.

In Industrial Technology Timber, 13 students had to pursue the development of a piece of furniture which showcases a wide range of technical skill and attention to detail.

“It was very important for me to use sustainable timber as it ensures that the future of furniture making continues… if people don’t consider this now, then there wouldn’t be as many avenues and choice of products in the future so it was pretty important and pretty great to have this opportunity supported by Britton Timbers,” said student Tiani Schaefer.

When the packs of rough sawn timber arrived on the loading docks, students were able to choose the piece of timber that best suited their project.

This experience of sorting through rough sawn timber is something that every designer who

works with timber should experience, according to Percy.

For Percy, who has been teaching since 2011, the experience is extremely rewarding.

“I think most of all, they were absolutely thrilled being able to create their pieces from such a beautiful timber. The finished pieces really showcase the beauty that Blackwood has to offer,” he said.

The projects have all been externally marked by the NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) and are free to go home with their makers. For now, the workshop at Freshwater Senior Campus is quiet but there is no doubt that this next generation of makers will continue to lead the way in sustainable design.

Images by @misteraoy

Ben Percy: Furniture designer/maker based in Sydney.

After graduating with honours at the University of Newcastle in Design & Technology and Teaching, he received a scholarship from the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society to study at the prestigious Sturt School for Wood. Ben then went on to start his own company ‘Ben Percy Designs’ at a young age of 25, and his works have been on exhibition in various galleries and design competitions. He was also a finalist in the 2013 Australian Timber Design Awards for The Pod and Flex Chair and did a short stint as artist in residence at Sturt. His passion for design is evident. He is driven by the gratification he gets from communicating his own ideas through furniture.

Ben believes great design is functional, beautiful and individual, and strives to create pieces that are not just art, but are comfortable, usable forms to be enjoyed.

Beautiful. Natural.

Sustainable. Australian. responsiblewood.org.au

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

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North Bondi Residence

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

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FRAME 2018

Timber Offsite Construction -set to educate, inform and inspire

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imber Offsite Construction is organised by Frame Australia, now in its 20th year, and is the only national conference and exhibition for timber and mass wood building systems in residential and commercial construction.

“Our objective is to inspire exchange between delegates and suppliers to create opportunities for offsite prefabricated timber systems in building to benefit construction, and to achieve more sustainable outcomes,” said Kevin Ezard, Conference Director.

Current building markets are buoyant due to increasing population, which are primarily being accommodated in higher density developments within the urban areas of cities, generating high levels of demand for mid-rise and high-rise multiresidential buildings.

Together with the recent change in the National Construction Code to increase timber building heights to 8 storeys, pre-fabricated offsite timber and mass wood systems in both residential and commercial buildings are reaching heights never previously contemplated.

Developers and builders are now embarking on mid-rise timber frame projects of 3 to 5 storeys, and high-rise mass timber up to 10 storeys using offsite panelised timber construction systems to achieve faster construction times and lower costs.

This rising demand is verified by the current increase in output by the prefabricated timber supply chain, with manufacturing plant capacity in Australia currently growing at its fastest rate ever.

The 2018 conference will focus on market expansion in timber buildings both locally and globally, and the digital future now emerging in design, manufacture and construction of timber frame multi-residential and mass timber commercial buildings.

Frame Australia Conference & Exhibition 18-19 June 2018 at Park Hyatt Melbourne Speaker sessions will incorporate the key themes of Building Design, Technology, Manufacturing and Construction, to provide delegates with insight into the latest developments in timber prefabrication and building systems, and the collaboration required for digital data management throughout the complete supply chain.

With this focus on technology the program will include demonstrations of digital concepts in practice, including Virtual Reality data communication on construction sites, and ‘reallife’ management of manufacturing equipment in operation.

Sessions will also include case studies and presentations on current building developments ranging from low-rise housing to mid-rise multiresidential dwellings and high-rise apartments, utilising offsite timber frame panelised wall and cassette floors, plus CLT and other mass timber systems.

Delegate tours will visit a range of timber building construction sites, prefabrication and panelised manufacturing plants, and recently completed buildings that are outstanding examples of timber structures.

Delegates attending This unique event is at the leading edge of knowledge and performs a pivotal role in information sharing, with delegates attending comprised of architects, engineers, property developers and builders; along with suppliers of timber and engineered wood, software, manufacturing equipment, pre-fabricated building systems, building materials and products.

Opportunity for suppliers Suppliers have an exceptional opportunity to access a wide range of market sectors that are currently showing significant interest in timber buildings, and offering major growth potential in the next decade.

Feedback from delegates confirms the exhibition displays are a highly influential component of the conference, and valued in establishing direct contact with suppliers for information on timber building systems, manufacturing equipment, products and services for timber construction.

Contact Us For more information visit the website at: www.frameaustralia.com or contact: Kevin Ezard Conference Director Frame Australia Pty Ltd Mobile (+61) 419 538 638 email kevin@frameaustralia.com

WOOD SCIENCE COURSE 2018 Monday 05 to Friday 09 February 2018 Fenner School - ANU (Acton - ACT) Designed for people new to the industry, the Gottstein Trust Wood Science Course aims to provide an understanding of wood as a biological material and the origins of the properties that affect its processing and end-use.

Come along for insights into the development of new products, appreciation of environmental issues and networking opportunities in industry.

Numbers of delegates are limited, apply early to avoid disappointment.

Enrol Now! www.forestry.org.au/gottstein-wood-science-course/individual-registration For more information about the course and discounts, contact Kenia Schmitt at

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER DECEMBER 2017

Ph: 02 6153 3044 www.timberbiz.com.au

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NEWS

News Briefs First major CLT installation in Queensland

A mezzanine floor was built at the Guardian Early Learning Centre in Brisbane utilising cross laminated timber (CLT) panels.

Measuring 325 square metres, the $3.5 million mezzanine floor project, designed by BVN Architecture for Lendlease Development, was the first major CLT installation in Queensland.

By installing CLT panels instead of the conventional cast-in-situ concrete, the contractor was able to reduce the construction program as well as the cost per square metre. George Bellas, Project Manager from Apollo Property Group, the principal contractor for the fit-out of this early learning centre, said that both their construction program and the final cost of the installed floor were reduced by approximately 20-30% each. The project, which began in August 2017, was completed in November 2017.

Strongbuild supplied Binderholz CLT panels for the mezzanine floor.

AFS re-branded: Responsible Wood focuses on consumers

Expanding limits of traditional building

Flank, a New York City-based architectural and development firm, has broken ground on two mass timber, mixed-use developments in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. These are the first new timber buildings constructed in New York in more than a century. The projects are scheduled for completion by the end of 2018. Located at 320 and 360 Wythe Ave., one block apart. In a statement, Mick Walsdorf, co-founder of Flank, said, “320 and 360 Wythe will expand the limits of traditional construction and usher in a new era of sustainability-minded building practices.”

Key appointment

¢ L aunching the Responsible Wood brand in Hobart are CEO Simon Dorries and chair Dr Hans Drielsma, flanked by new Responsible Wood directors Katie Fowden and Mark Thomson.

The chemistry is right

USTRALIAN Forestry Standard Ltd has changed its name to Responsible Wood.

The change, announced in Hobart at Wrest Point Hotel’s Green Room on November 21, reflects the company’s commitment to implementing a clear consumer- focused strategy about the sustainability of certified Australian wood products.

“Our new name, Responsible Wood, and shield logo, reflect the transformational change we are embarking on as we begin to proactively raise awareness and understanding of our certification scheme and drive demand for Australian certified wood and wood products,” Dr Hans Drielsma, chair of Responsible Wood, said.

“While we remain committed to our core function as a standards development organisation and scheme owner, our new name and logo better demonstrate what we stand for,” Dr Drielsma said.

“They clearly communicate our vision which is to ensure Australia’s forests, and the products sourced from them, are recognised as being among the most sustainable in the world.”

Over the past 18 months, AFS Ltd has undertaken an extensive consultation program with its members, certificate holders and the

Andreas Denker joined the HOMAG Group’s top management team as Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing.

With the maxim “the chemistry is right”, the European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL) has launched the independently quality-assured EPAL CP. This expands EPAL’s existing and highly successful load carrier portfolio with nine more qualityassured wooden load carriers in order to play a supporting role in the chemicals industry and elsewhere. EPAL is applying its recognised and proven system of standardisation and independent quality assurance to the popular chemical pallets and in so doing, closes a gap in the chemical industry’s logistics chain.

Cost-cutting, quicker and sustainable, too

Developers are finding that wood-use in the construction of high-performance buildings saves money and time while also delivering more in terms of beauty, versatility and performance.

Wood building systems and prefabrication of wood-frame components results in more timely, organized building periods.

Recent Vancouver building projects with wood construction are setting the tone for sustainable innovation within the building industry, while cutting on energy costs and providing natural beauty for residents.

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broader timber and paper sectors as well as retailers, specifiers, sustainability practitioners and consumers.

The purpose was to better understand the status of the sector, consumer attitudes and the strategic direction it should take to build on the success of its 15 years of operation.

The name and brand change are the result of this consultation and underpin a focused strategy to raise awareness and understanding of Responsible Wood certification.

As part of the change, Responsible Wood has introduced a new website and communications tools, which can be accessed by visiting www. responsiblewood.org.au Since 2002, AFS Ltd has pioneered the development of certification standards for wood and wood products sourced from sustainablymanaged forests in Australia. This dedication to sustainable forests and forest products continues with Responsible Wood.

Responsible Wood manages the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme, which is underpinned by two Australian standards – Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708) and Chain of Custody for Forest Products (AS 4707).

Expressions of interest called for WA integrated timber processing yard The Forest Products Commission is exploring the feasibility of developing an Integrated Timber Processing Yard in the South West of Western Australia. The facility will improve forest management outcomes by increasing the utilisation of harvested material.

The proposed yard will process native forest and plantation logs that cannot currently be used by local mills into higher-value billets for use in products such as veneer and sawn timber. It is intended that the residue will be processed on the same site into products such as charcoal, wood pellets, heat and power.

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New Business and Innovation Director John Tredinnick said a centralised yard had the potential to improve the efficiency of forest operations and increase the value earned from the State’s wood resource.

“This will allow us to create new, higher value markets using logs that don’t currently meet sawlog specifications,” he said.

“The key to making this work will be the development of a merchandising line with the capability to debark and scan long length logs prior to docking and sorting into log grades.”

Mr Tredinnick said native forest logs from State forests will provide the primary supply to the yard, with private forest growers also getting an opportunity to supply logs.

“The yard has the potential to create additional primary jobs in the timber industry as well as secondary jobs in the South West,” he said.

“The FPC is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from industry to build and operate the facility and the EOI will be used to consider potential locations that provide the maximum benefit to industry and community.”

Information is being sought from a range of interested parties, including

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landowners, equipment suppliers, engineering firms, timber processors and log buyers.

Outcomes of the EOI will help assess the feasibility of the project and also inform an upcoming tender process.

For more information visit TendersWA at www.tenders.wa.gov. au and type eoi22 into the Current Tender Search.

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NEWS

AKD in bid for CHH mills

C

arter Holt Harvey (CHH) and Caboolture sawmills by AKD goes Associated Kiln Driers (AKD) are ahead, there will be no impact on our in advanced negotiations regarding existing operations and employment. We the potential purchase of the Yarram believe that they will enhance our future sawmill located at Yarram, Victoria and provide growth and stability. and the Caboolture sawmill located at “AKD currently processes 700,000m3 Caboolture, Queensland by AKD. of sawlog at its Colac mills and has 450 At this stage, no agreement has been employees. If this transaction goes ahead reached by the parties to proceed with we will process over 1 million m3 of the proposal, and any sawlog and employ subsequent agreement is over 600 staff. This expected to be subject to would make us certain conditions.

“The access to the second largest The Yarram mill sawmilling company well managed processes approximately in Australia,” he said.

150,000m3 of sawlogs and plantations with “Over the years produces a range of outdoor we have grown our products primarily for long term supply business through the Victorian market. The combination of agreements is at astrategic Caboolture mill processes acquisitions approximately 215,000m3 and capital the core of this of sawlog and produces a investment in our range of structural timber core business. transaction." for the Queensland and “The proposed Northern NSW market. acquisition continues All existing this approach. employees of these mills “We believe that (approximately 50 at Yarram and 100 the future demand for quality virgin at Caboolture) will be offered on-going wood fibre for use in the construction of employment. detached and multistorey residential and “We see these businesses as wellcommercial construction is strong. run operations that will be a perfect fit “The access to well managed for the AKD Group. They provide us plantations with long term supply with a greater range of products to offer agreements is at the core of this our existing customers and provide transaction.

AKD with access to new markets and “We are committed to providing customers. Overall they help us become quality locally grown and produced internationally competitive,” said CEO products, from renewable resources, Shane Vicary. having a carbon neutral or better impact “If this purchase of the Yarram and on the environment.”

¢ AKD Colac site.

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

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NEWS

STS Timber Wholesale future focussed

S

TS Timber Wholesale has grown rapidly in recent years to become one of the largest independent producers and distributors of treated and non-treated timber products in Australia.

This growth has followed a number of significant expansions including rationalising and upgrading of two sites in Dandenong in the outer Melbourne industrial area as well as the continuous expansion and development of the manufacturing and treatment plant complex at the Woori Yallock site. The company currently employs 35 staff across two sites.

Peter Giosserano, Director of STS

Timber Wholesale, has a real hands-on approach to running the business and prides himself on understanding all aspects from sawmilling, treatment plant operation as well as distribution and marketing.

“My aim is to satisfy customer needs by supplying the products customers want and always at a high quality”, Peter said. In his endeavour Peter has been well supported by his staff, with some staff members having been with him for nearly 20 years.

“While our major volume is in preservative treated products, we supply all outdoor timber products including responsibly sourced Merbau

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decking and Cypress,” Peter said.

Typical of the STS Timber Wholesale approach to product and quality, the acquisition of the Woori Yallock site enabled investment in upgraded facilities and the supply of CCA, ACQ and MicroPro Sienna treated products, giving customers maximum choice and the best product for end use.

Installation of sophisticated Process Control Systems at the Woori Yallock and Dandenong sites in conjunction with long-term treatment chemical supplier, Koppers Performance

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Chemicals, gives STS the ability to use sophisticated multi-part treatment chemical systems and produce the reporting required for inventory and quality control.

The growth of STS Timber Wholesale Pty Ltd has been impressive and is driven by a continual examination of customer needs and bringing the best products to market in the most efficient way. Expect to see a lot more from this highly motivated company in the future.

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NEWS

Aged services centre gets highly successful makeover The brief to k20 Architecture was to create one new centre, with the existing and new building able to function together or independently.

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cKenzie Street Aged Services Centre by k20 Architecture was designed to cater for the growing needs of the expanding Melton Community and ageing clientele, while supporting the increase in staff required to run the department.

The City of Melton previously had a number of aged service centres in its domain, many of which required modification and upgrading to comply with current standards and meet with the increased service demand to the growing municipality.

The existing aged services centre, at 5 McKenzie Street, consisted of a 1970s building, approximately 300

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square metres in area and was not of a standard or size to allow for all necessary program requirements to occur under the one roof. The spaces did not allow for multiple services and were noisy, with those providing phone counselling heard across the room.

The brief to k20 Architecture was to create one new centre, with the existing and new building able to function together or independently. k20 Architecture believe the re-use of existing community facilities provides a cost-effective, value-added solution for clients, while reducing the carbon footprint. For this reason the design for McKenzie Street Aged Services

only allowed for minimal removal of internal walls, which in turn improved the circulation arrangement of the building.

‘Breathing space’ Two additional program spaces were provided within the existing building (creating a total of four rooms), together with meeting rooms. The existing centre was completely re-clad in both spotted gum and blackbutt together with new steel-framed windows, also incorporated within the new centre. k20 Architecture allowed for a number of subtle differences between the old and

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new, with the new centre clad entirely in the one timber, blackbutt, and featuring increased ceiling heights of up to 4.5 metres. A covered walkway provides the ‘breathing space’ between past and present and generous floor-to-ceiling windows also allow northern light into the new centre.

While the McKenzie Street elevation sets up a ‘rhythm’ with its elongated windows, the western elevation to Smith Street is beautifully expressed in the form of an oversized window box, framed in steel with aluminium louvres to filter the harsh afternoon light.

Continued page 12

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NEWS

Aged services centre gets highly successful makeover

Continued from page 11

Sustainably driven

Crucial meeting point

The material timber was selected within the new McKenzie Street Aged Service Centre as a way of helping Council continue their civic identity as a community that is sustainably driven. k20 Architecture’s design concept was based on caring for the community, represented through the idea of clasping hands as a symbol of human unity and connection which includes caring for the ageing people of the community.

Timber is a natural product and k20 Architecture believe there is a memory and sensory experience timber captures.

Being a public building the use of timber in this project provides for an external aesthetic that is approachable which is particularly relevant as the facility caters to the ageing population of Melton City Council, focusing on promoting inclusion within a range of available services and activities. k20 Architecture designed the new spaces promoting some rooms as open plan, while others are enclosed to cater for a level of independence. Where staff once had to speak in hushed tones, the new spaces have been acoustically designed and treated to allow a sense of openness and transparency, while still operating in a highly efficient and functional manner.

With up to 150 staff using the centre, the amenities had to be generous.

The new breakout area serves as a crucial meeting point promoting interaction and a shared area with ability to open to an external courtyard and cater for large numbers of people at any one time. The design includes dual sinks and sufficient bench space to allow different groups to use these amenities at the one time.

In line with Council’s brief, k20 Architecture delivered a new centre that was able to function independently, so that services, such as Meals on Wheels, can operate independently from those using the centre for activities or by administration staff. k20’s aim was to create an important place which caringly connects ageing persons within the community with the site, the services provided by Council and with each other; to create a place that matters. A further aim was to create an ecocentric design, one which continued to set a high level of sustainability and exceeded Council’s expectations and set a new benchmark for Council.

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Design innovation The new McKenzie Street Aged Services Centre incorporates sustainable design innovation, along with building repurposing at the very forefront of its design. With the

support of Council k20 Architecture produced a design that would allow for the existing McKenzie Street Aged Services building to be retained rather than demolished. While the existing building required some updating, its general structure was able to be reworked as part of a larger scheme.

The existing building includes new acoustic treatment to walls and insulation of existing ceilings in the areas of refurbishment to improve the acoustic and thermal performance of the building.

Additional ESD initiatives include integrated passive design throughout the building placement and north orientation to maximise good access to natural light, use of materials with recycled content and/or from sustainably sourced local materials, reduced cement for concrete used with replacement flash, solar array grid connected to offset electricity usage, sun shading to maximise use of natural light and control direct sunlight to administration spaces, energy and water efficient fittings throughout, central electrical shutdown circuit to inhibit standby appliance energy bleed, high performing thermal Insulation, high performing acoustic treatment throughout the building and the use of indigenous and drought tolerant flora.

The existing and new building

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currently share a covered link which is designed for ease of dismantling to enable the separation of the buildings if required in the future.

The new facility is internally wrapped in ‘proctorwrap’, an air-sealed fabric that controls the movement of air and seals the walls; this not only improves the building’s thermal performance through minimised air infiltration and leakage but also allows for the thermal heating and cooling of the building to perform as efficiently as possible.

Timber cladding The feature cladding timbers selected by k20 Architecture, both spotted gum and blackbutt, are plantation grown and FSC certified. Being a light weight structure, the use of timber meant a more economically sustainable outcome for Council as the speed of delivery and construction time frame were both reduced. All external timber was coated with low maintenance oil that provides a layer of protection for 10+ years.

The new McKenzie Street Aged Services Centre provides a safe an inclusive community centre that combines the new and old to meet the present needs of the community and those of future generations.

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NEWS

New machine offers more options for business success

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aring back costs in any business is paramount for survival and for Nannup Timber Processing one way to do that was outlay money now for future gain. That, basically, was the justification behind the purchase of a new finger jointing machine from MPB Engineering.

But first, let’s look at the lead-up to this purchase ...

The West Australian based business was established in 1926 as the Kauri Timber Company and held by a number of timber companies including Bunnings before being sold to M&B Sales Pty Ltd in 2001. It is operated by Nannup Timber Processing Pty Ltd, an associated company of M&B Sales.

One of the mill’s features was the vertical log bandsaw mill of American design which was in place in 1926 when the mill was first built.

The mill has undergone various upgrades throughout its history and new bandsaws for cutting the huge Jarrah trees was always the feature of the green mill.

As the mill has been through new ownerships and eras, it has moved from a self-sufficient operation cutting, kiln drying and machining timber products to the world market to supplying just green timber to another processing site in the Bunnings era and when sold to M&B Sales, back to a fully selfsufficient operation cutting, kiln drying and machining timber products of different species to the world market.

It has changed again just recently and stopped cutting green timber and concentrating on kiln drying and processing many different timber products.

And now to the modern times and, according to Paul Garratt (NTP), the decision to get the finger jointer was easy.

“NTP have been manufacturing engineered timber products for probably the last 10 years overseas,” he explained.

“Finger jointed products have been gaining popularity over that time and

14

the cost to send this wood fibre overseas was ever increasing.

“By installing the finger jointer here allows us to manufacture and deliver locally on time. There is no need to prepare and send timber overseas, eliminating the guesswork from manufacturing times through to delivery to the customer,” he said.

“I had been working with Aaron at MPB for some time in regards to the finger jointer. We had been tossing designs around to get the best format and structure to suit our business.

“Our main specie, Jarrah, is such a hard and heavy timber it was vital that the machine could handle the constant pounding from this product and it was also vital that the shook length could be huge in variance from 500mm up to 2m in one packet. “ Aaron had also been working with

PUR glue and applicators which I had previous experience in, which was also a requirement we had.

“Aaron and the guys at CKM had that machine, the appropriate glue applicator and the flexibility to change the design, albeit small changes to cater for our requirements. When it arrived, everything was in order and the guys at MPB and CKM installed and commissioned very quickly.”

In fact, the timeline from decision to commissioning was about 6 months, which included the Christmas period rush.

Paul went to Taiwan to check the machine when it was in the testing stage to gain some useful training knowledge and information before delivery.

“I was impressed at the level of user friendliness this machine had.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

DECEMBER 2017

Everything was easy to understand and the touch screen in an appropriate order. The manual program is easy and the machine set up time is very quick.

“As the machine is very user friendly, it wasn’t as daunting to my employees as they had first thought and they found it very easy to pick up and use.

“There are many products that this machine will ultimately supply the raw material for. Right now, we can supply a better quality product, at the right length, at the right price and the right amount to the customer.

“As we progress from simple, straight line products to more complex arrangements, the basis for these is finger jointing. This machine gives us many more options for the business moving forward.”

www.timberbiz.com.au

NEWS

Three new training package projects started Reviewing and updating units of competency

Timelines November 2017 Initial scoping

The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) has approved three new projects to review and update units of competency: • Prefabricated Building Systems Project • Cross laminated Timber Building Systems Project • Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Safety Compliance Project Technical Advisory Committees are being established for each project, to provide technical input to the review and development of units, skill sets and qualifications. If you are interested in applying to be a technical expert for any of these projects and are able to volunteer your time, please email details of your expertise to the relevant Project Manager. (See details on the ForestWorks’ project webpage).

Broad industry consultation is scheduled to commence in February and March next year for each of these new projects, when draft units will be made available for comment on the Skills Impact website.

December 2017 – January 2018 Development of draft materials

February 2018 Industry consultation of draft materials

March 2018 Industry validation of final drafts

April 2018 Finalisation of training package components

April – May 2018 Independent quality assurance, and edit and equity review of training package components

June 2018 IRC consideration for sign-off and submission for endorsement

Prefabricated Building Systems Project This project will review and update units of competency for timber truss and frame design and manufacture, to reflect emerging industry skill requirements, including prefabrication of panelised building systems, so that all job functions are accurately described.

The increased development of panelised building systems and changing manufacturing processes, driven by the strong demand in building construction, has resulted in the demand for specific skills to operate Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment, use of tools for onsite product installation, management of prefabrication processes and providing advice for regarding product conformance.

www.timberbiz.com.au

Cross Laminated Timber Building Systems Project This project will review and update units of competency relating to cross-laminated timber (CLT) and Glulam production, to incorporate the skills and knowledge that is required to operate machinery, so all job functions are accurately described.

Growing building construction activity and use of timber as the dominant structural material has been a notable driver for timber products demand, particularly the new generation of engineered wood products – cross-laminated timber (CLT) and Glulam.

Capital investments in new processing and manufacturing

plants for CLT and Glulam have also increased, requiring specific skills to operate machines and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment and to manage different stages of the production processes.

Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Safety Compliance Project This project will review units of competency from the PPM Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Training Package with regard to occupational health and safety, so they reflect current industry skills standards and practices and all job functions are accurately described.

There are many and varied

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

DECEMBER 2017

health and safety risks and hazards pertaining to pulp and paper manufacturing sites, including hazardous chemical use, extreme heat and steam, and use of large machinery. The project will update specific skills and aspects with the current workplace health and safety requirements for a range of specialist paper making and pulping processes.

Many pulp and paper manufacturing sites are recognised

by Worksafe Australia as major hazard facilities and it is crucial that the training package reflects the requirements set out to maintain that licence, and in other legislation, regulations and codes of practice.

15

NEWS

Leaders recognised for innovation, sustainability and community engagement VAFI awards highlight outstanding work

¢ VAFI Annual Industry Dinner 2017.

T

he Victorian forest, fibre and wood products industry recently celebrated the hard work of its members and the contribution they make to the Victorian community, its economy, and the sustainability of the state.

The Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) Awards were presented at the industry’s annual dinner at RACV City Club, and saw several businesses recognised for their innovation and sustainability credentials, and community engagement.

VAFI CEO, Tim Johnston, said the 2017 VAFI Awards were recognition of the outstanding work by businesses in the Victorian forest, fibre and wood products industry and examples of how the industry is working to ensure it has a bright future.

“The work that goes on each year by those in the industry is second to none and I am always amazed by the high calibre of entries we get for the awards. It is fitting to see the hard work of VAFI members recognised appropriately,” he said.

The 2017 VAFI Award recipients were: • Australian Paper, winner of the Sustainability Award • Powelltown Sawmills, winner of the Community Award • Radial Timbers, winner of the Economy Award (sponsored by First Super) • Leonard Fenning, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award The 2017 VAFI Annual Industry Dinner is the key event for the forest, fibre and wood products industry in Victoria, bringing together more than 200 key industry stakeholders, members of Government, friends, 16

associates and colleagues in a night showcasing the best the industry has to offer.

The 2017 VAFI Industry Review ― an overview of the forest and wood products industry in Victoria ― was

also launched at the dinner.

The VAFI Annual Industry Dinner is made possible by its sponsors, which included Gold Sponsor; Australian Paper, and event sponsors; Ryan & McNulty Sawmillers, the

Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, VicForests, First Super, ForestWorks, Australian Forest Products Association, and AE Gibson & Sons Pty Ltd.

¢ Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Leonard Fenning with VAFI CEO Tim Johnston.

¢ Tim Johnston, VAFI CEO, and Mr Kushima from Australian Paper, winner of the 2017 VAFI Award for Sustainability.

¢ Tim Johnston, VAFI CEO, Tony Britton of Radial Timbers and Liz Hunt from First Super.

¢ Tim Johnston, VAFI CEO, presents the Community Award to Harold Fox of Powelltown Sawmills.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

DECEMBER 2017

www.timberbiz.com.au

2017 AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS

International House a Grand Prix of Sustainable Design

By Mandy Parry-Jones

T

he prestigious 2017 Australian Timber Design Awards Grand Prix went to arguably the most prestigious building Australia has seen for a long, long time – International House, located in the Barangroo precinct in Sydney.

This is Australia’s first and largest commercial engineered timber building and stitched together with Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glue Laminated Timber (Glulam). It’s not just the materials though that make it special, it has a striking look inside and out, and it displays the outstanding and sophisticated foresight of architect Jonathon Evans of Tzannes Architects.

DesignMake and Tzannes used the CLT and Glulam building materials and technology to deliver a remarkable building that comes at a fraction of the weight of a steel and concrete structure.. and delivered quicker! Using these materials have given not only Tzannes Architects a new outlook and skills, but also Lendlease and DesignMake. They have had to learn new ways to design and make.

The structural elements of the building were prefabricated which involved a steep learning curve for everyone. It’s beauty as a finished product was testament that a commercial building in Australia could be made sustainably, quickly and still showcase aesthetics.

“The architecture of International House Sydney reflects a new form of beauty,” said Alec Tzannes, the principle architect, “beyond shape and surface, its deep design renewing architecture’s role to serve the greater social purpose of lowering carbon emissions.”

More than 2,000m3 of CLT was used for the floors and cores, and 930m3 of glulam was used in the columns and beams. The

¢ Public or Commercial award & Overall award winner - International House Sydney by Tzannes and Lendlease.

towering two-storey wooden pilasters, which support the CLT, are reclaimed ironbark timbers.

Now in its 18th year, the Awards promote and encourage outstanding timber design.

They 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.

International House has also won international acclaim; the International Architecture Awards, awarded by two

leading design institutions The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies.

This makes it six major international design awards for Tzannes in the past two years.

1. 2017 Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award International House Sydney2016 2. UNESCO Heritage Award for New Design in Heritage Contexts - Irving Street Brewery2016

3. Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award - Irving Street Brewery 4. 2016 Red Dot Award: Product Design - City of Sydney Street Furniture 5. 2016 Good Design Award: Furniture and Lighting - City of Sydney Street Furniture 6. 2016 Good Design Award: Urban Design and Public Spaces - City of Sydney Street Furniture.

Continued page 18

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER DECEMBER 2017

17

2017 AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS

¢ E xcellence in Timber Design Residential Class 1 – New Buildings Munro Ocean Beach House

The Judges Table It fell to a panel of four judges to pare down the entries and eventually choose the winners for each category in the 2017 Australian Timber Design Awards. The four provided a balanced view which took into account construction, architecture, aesthetics, building design and engineering. One thing they all had in common was a love of timber.

Professor Emad Gad is a civil engineer and the Dean of Engineering at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne. He is also the Chair of the Board of the Australian Engineered Fasteners and Anchors Council, co-editor of the Australian Journal of Structural Engineering, a member of the Victorian Government Building Advisory Council and Fellow of Engineers Australia.

Professor Ron Wakefield is Professor of Construction and Head of the School of Property, Construction and Project Management at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and has a number of degrees in civil engineering including a PhD, and an MSE from Princeton University.

Professor Wakefield has more than 22 years of experience as an international researcher, consultant and engineer in build construction.

There were two architects on the panel, one was Scott Verdouw a director at JAWSArchitects the winners of the 2016 Australian Timber Design Award Grand Prix for their Three Capes Track Cabins, and Professor Greg Nolan.

Mr Nolan is an Associate Professor at the University of Tasmania’s School of Architecture and Design, and the Director of the University’s Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood.

Between 1978 and 1995 he completed his Bachelor of Science (Architecture), Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture. Since 1994 Mr Nolan has researched and published numerous books, journal articles, and conference publications, all with a key focus in sustainable design, the environmental aspects of construction and building performance, as well as the broader use of renewable materials in the built environment.

We spoke with Greg Nolan regarding the judging of the 2017 Australian Timber Design Awards, not only to gain an insight into the judging but a broader view of how timber design is moving ahead in Australia.

18

¢ E xcellence in the use of Timber Products Recycled Timber – Court House

Juris Prudence

¢ ETZ Townhouses won the Excellence in Timber Design Multi Residential and Excellence in Timber Design Timber Cladding.

is for and who the clients are, as well as the thought processes of architect. And Judging was done in three block with this can be a real decider as Mr Nolan the judges receiving access to images says sometimes you receive very rich and for each project that had been nominated enlightening information and sometimes for a particular category. Alongside it’s too frugal, as he says ‘you can’t give the photos was information about the someone an award when you’re not sure project. Sometimes you would get slightly exactly how they’ve done it’. different information for the same project To be in it to win it, as they say, future depending on the category. entrants really need to seriously use their “You get photos and a text description words as well as their photos; you’ve got and we individually did a preliminary to provide enough information to allow sort, that short listed entries for each the judges to judge the work on its merits class to a more manageable group,” without having to fill in the gaps.

Mr Nolan said. Having a judging panel While Mr Nolan has never before with different judged these backgrounds awards, made judging the nonetheless he is entrants far more an avid supporter comprehensive. and as a long“If you just let “It confirms to other time industry the architects at it figure has seen practitioners that you would get one the advances set of solutions the timber working with timber but as soon as industry has you include made in timber is actually a sensible engineering and architectural thing to do, that other aspects then and construction that looks at facets engineering. there’s a community of that design “I think over and construction the past couple of of people who do it which are years there has and that you get some been a significant necessary, and are then brought into in the way really great outcomes shift it,” he said. wood is viewed “Everyone got in the design out of it.” to judge each professions and and also got to that’s coming understand each through in the of the projects and awards,” he said. then we sat down “If we for a day and went from beginning to end look back, most of the designs that for each of the award classes. would have won awards would have “It’s natural when you have any predominately been housing; individual judging arrangements … people express houses or interiors or the occasional key a view about which are worth considering community building, where wood had a as the best. Sometimes you might start special influence.” out with two very diametrically opposed In the past, the scale of buildings using positions - like two that don’t look like wood was relatively small, and while the they should be considered at the same design might be outstanding or it may time. display an interesting use of timber it was “Then people will discuss what’s relatively low key. actually going on in the building because “The big changes we’ve had over the all you have are some photographs and in last years has been there been a greater the initial sorting you’re sorting maybe influence of multi residential timber 20 you don’t have time to interrogate the framing construction,” Mr Nolan said. photos a lot to find out what’s going on.

“Apartments, where you are getting “You look at the photographs and try three or four storeys of wood; before the to assemble it in your head. You tend recent changes in regulations you could to read those things in because that’s only go up to three storeys in timber your professional area. So, when you’ve with a car park underneath usually on a got two or three you’re trying to sort concrete slab. between, you actually go into much more “What’s happened since CLT has detail so that you understand how the started to be introduced into the building works and what has been the country has swapped the interest in major drivers for the designers.” wood away from the smaller scale There’s written statements about the domestic application or the small-scale purpose, the exercise what the building commercial to the more interesting and AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER DECEMBER 2017

complex commercial.

“So that has meant that’s given us the buildings like the Lendlease building that won the major prize in the awards International House.

“The concept of an International House even five years ago ... it was not imaginable that you would get an eight to 12 storey timber frame predominately wood structure being built in a commercial district.

“And then being leased immediately by a major corporation who is paying a premium, that was a pretty unimaginable context five years ago.”

Awards, such as the 2017 Australian Timber Design Awards play a large part in ensuring that the use of timber evolves.

“I think one of the key things is that it has provided is the mechanism to see the level of work others are doing,” Mr Nolan said of the Australian Timber Design Awards, “and what we’ve tended to find in the past is that unless something got into a major architectural magazine, a really nice timber project wasn’t known about very much.”

According to Mr Nolan what the Australian Timber Design Awards have done is gathered together the timber projects that have been done around Australian and put them in the spotlight.

It has afforded them recognition while at the same time confirming the validity of new uses, new technology, new products and new applications.

Mr Nolan says it has made the profession more comfortable seeing these projects not only come to fruition but work well and look beautiful at the same time.

“It confirms to other practitioners that working with timber is actually a sensible thing to do, that there’s a community of people who do it and that you get some really great outcomes out of it,” Mr Nolan said.

This time the charge for change has not been led by the big and powerful, instead by the small and spritely. According to Mr Nolan, historically timber construction has been the province of the smaller sophisticated architectural firms and designers who have been innovating for their clients and community based projects.

They have been at the forefront of the technology because they have taken opportunities to utilize new materials for residential builds, community projects and resorts.

“Now you have major firms like the Lendleases of the world, and Macquarie University and the architects that they’ve used in their innovation centre,” Mr Nolan said. These major firms are venturing into the new landscape with the benefit of observation. www.timberbiz.com.au

2017 AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS

¢ Innovative Structural Design - Architectus. Macquarie University Innovation Hub

He believes that they have not only had the benefit of seeing the smaller scale projects but seeing first hand European practices, and those having been involved with European practice themselves are able to bring that practice back to Australia.

“So, if we take the Lendlease example, they have introduced CLT into Australia after having used it overseas,” he said. “That goes to the level of confidence to use it, but also they were looking for options that were not steel and concrete for their customer base.

CLT gave them a really nice, high level sophisticated product that they can use in buildings.”

Which leads us straight into the outright winner of the 2017 Australian Timber Design Awards: International House in Sydney designed by Tzannes Architects and DesignMake

¢ Stand-alone Structures - NLarkin Design.

Dynamics in Impermanence

Lendlease as the structural engineer, constructed from CLT and Glulam, and supplemented by recycled Australian hardwood.

This timber structure is supported by a single ground level of conventional concrete, the building delivers the same structural outcome for a fraction of the weight of steel and concrete.

Why did it win?

“Basically, it’s the scale of the thing,” Mr Nolan explained. “In part its Lendlease’s acceptance of the risk of being an innovator. All innovation, especially in the building game is risky.”

As Mr Nolan said the risk is high, regardless of how many other projects you’ve witnessed being done overseas, there remains the fact that your contractors, your engineers, your

architects have not built one themselves, and it’s a learning curve. And for some that’s a very uncomfortable one. But not for Lendlease. They have stepped well out of their comfort zone initially with Forte in Melbourne, and they continue doing so with International House.

“It’s much, much bigger (than Forte), there’s lots of surfaces exposed and there’s a lot higher regulatory overview of building of that scale especially in that location,” Mr Nolan said. “They’ve built up a lot of confidence over time and that’s quite a significant achievement.”

A significant achievement that deserved a significant win (or should we say wins) as the project also won Excellence in Timber Design People’s Choice, Excellence in Timber Design Public or Commercial design, Excellence in Timber Design Sustainability.

¢ E xcellence in the use of Timber Products Australian Certified Timber – Charlotte Chapel

Another multi-award winner Macquarie University Innovation Hub designed Architectus and engineered by Taylor Thomson Whiting was another building the gained the attention of the judges more than once. It won a Merit award in Innovative Structural Design, it was the outright winner of the Excellence in the use of Timber Products Engineered Timber, winner of the Excellence in the use of Timber Products Timber Panels award, and winner of the Excellence in the use of Timber Products Timber Windows and Doors.

Primarily made of CLT, glulam and plywood, the building sits lightly on the ground with minimal impacts and incorporates two pavilions linked together to form an accessible space for students, researchers, staff and Continued page 20

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View current listings at woodsolutions.com.au and contact info@woodsolutions.com.au today for your free listing form.

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER DECEMBER 2017

19

2017 AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS

¢ TDA winner International House. Pic Jon Evans

entrepreneurs, to work on their research or ideas.

“Lots of really nice detailed work there that demonstrates in part confidence coming from European assemblers because a lot of that was manufactured in Europe,” Mr Nolan said of Macquarie University’s building.

“I understand that certain components were made in Australia. The amount of detail in that building demonstrates the change that’s occurring in the building and building procurement process that computers and computer aided design and routers are making and continue to give us into the future.”

The roof elements were off-site

manufactured in 22 separate glulam/CLT roof cassettes and incorporates cutting edge of timber technology available in Australia, using innovative construction techniques to allow for rapid construction required to meet the tight budget and timeline.

Other significant winners…

Dynamics in Impermanence, a structure produced for an exhibition which is a freestanding pavilion made from birch plywood, each half a flexible continuous sheet of plywood measuring 2400mm x 7800mm cut to pattern,

won the Excellence in Timber Design Standalone Structure.

This is precisely the type of cuttingedge design that has been enabled through the use of new technologies and machinery.

“At the moment, you can 3D model things and take the information from that 3D model and drive that straight to a router. That router will cut out things you couldn’t afford to make on an individual basis. That impediment to customization and unique products ends, or drops down substantially,” Mr Nolan said.

“If you look at the folded plywood routed sheet that won the award it was effectively a young designer using the same techniques in an ethereal piece.

That all comes from the capacity to model things in three dimensions and then drive them straight out through a router.”

ETZ Townhouses won the Excellence in Timber Design Multi Residential and Excellence in Timber Design Timber Cladding.

“If you look at that one, as far as we could tell from the entry information it was a timber framed set of townhouse with a lot of vertical linings on it,” Mr Nolan said.

“It was a very nice, clean design exercise; skilled people using the material well, coming up with a very interesting design. Then you also saw some really good colour pallet solutions.”

Bendigo Hospital won its Excellence in Timber Design Interior Fitout – Commercial and Mr Nolan would like to see a lot more timber used in a health setting

“Wood to make people feel comfortable in a health setting: there’s lots of opportunities in Australia to use wood as a calming agent,” he said. “I think there’s a lot of medical facilities that could benefit; they’re a little medical, sterile, the bland the vinyl up the wall.

“Lead by the people who have to maintain the building, there’s a lot of attention to be put into to making the areas far more comfortable and relaxing. The start of that change can be seen in the regional centre in the awards.”

The regional centre he is describing was the winner of Excellence in Timber Design Landscape – the Northern Goldfields Regional Office and Administration Building in WA designed by Donovan Payne Architect.

A multi-use building that encompassed child protection, health care, an art gallery and function rooms all set in the very hot sun of the outback. It was the outside courtyard space that captured the attention of the judges with a screened timber perforated lattice, timber deck and framing with natural light and shade.

And the other winners were…

“With a number of the other projects, you can’t zero in on one, with them you see a series of good design principles being employed with wood as components and many of them are houses,” Mr Nolan said.

“That’s one thing about wood going into competitions. They use it in innovative ways in an Australian

¢ The winners take centre stage.

20

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER DECEMBER 2017

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2017 AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS Jonathan Evans - Director Tzannes Architects

context. They were individual design pieces by sole or small scale practitioners using materials in a really sensitive manner in quite limited scale buildings.”

M.Des.Sc (Sustainable Des) B.Arch (Hons 1) B.Sc (Arch) Mr Evans has been a director at Tzannes since 1999. Throughout that time, he has made a significant contribution to the strategic planning of the practice – seeing through a transformation towards a greater diversity of project types and architectural approaches. Jonathan is particularly adept in the delivery of technically and operationally challenging projects with complex approval demands.

Excellence in Timber Design Residential Class 1 – New Buildings Munro Ocean Beach House Excellence in Timber Design Residential Class 1 – Alternation or Addition Victoria Gardens House Excellence in Timber Design Interior Fitout – Residential Fish Creek House Excellence in Timber Design Furniture and Joinery – Conus Lighting Range Excellence in Timber Design Rising Star – Munro Ocean Beach House by jay Earles

Environmentally Sustainable Development is an integral part of Jonathan’s skill set and approach

Excellence in Timber Design Small Budget - Henry Street House Excellence in the use of Timber Products Australian Certified Timber – Charlotte Chapel Excellence in the use of Timber Products Recycled Timber – Court House Excellence in the use of Timber Products Timber Flooring – Aquas Perma Solar Firma Excellence in the use of Timber Products Timber Veneers – 12-Micron

www.timberbiz.com.au

Structure Is the Architecture Barangroo’s master plan The whole of the Barangroo area had a master plan with towers in the middle and lower height buildings against the harbour, on the outskirts which is where International House has been built. The master plan stipulated seven storeys for International House.

“It would have been nice if it had been a bit taller,” said Jonathon Evans, director Tzannes Architects. “It was to create a threshold into the place ... when you approach from the city.

So, this is the first building you come to ... we called it the front door to Barangaroo, the welcome mat.

“What you want at the front door is a bit more warmth.

“We also looked at the marine heritage of the site - it was a container ship facility – going back to the early 1900s. It was more wharfs, piers and that sort of stuff and all of those were

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER DECEMBER 2017

to design and life. He drives both the practice’s sustainability agenda and provides the technical knowledge to meet these ambitions.

International House has now won numerous awards for its architects Tzannes, including the 2017 Australian Timber Design Award Grand Prix but what led to the design and construction of this building was perhaps the foresight of the city planners who had developed a master plan stipulating the size of the buildings in that area.

actually made of timber like structural timber.”

That harbour space used timber as a structural material though as Mr Evans said, in the past 100 years we’ve taken to using it as just a decorative material like a veneer, a type of wallpaper that we cover concrete with, it’s just used as decoration. Not anymore.

Mr Evans said they decided to go back to a time when it was structural.

Underneath International house is a Continued page 20

21

2017 AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS three storey car park but when they were removing the concrete slab and excavating the site they found some of the old timber piers. They had been there for a hundred years.

“They took that concrete slab off and started excavating - all of those timber piers were still in the ground underneath the concrete so when they were excavating they were pulling out these 100-year-old piers, posts and columns that were in the ground,” he said. “So they had got pretty weathered so we said we could we use them our timber building.

“We milled them all up and they came up as beautiful - it’s Australian hardwood so it’s hard as a rock and being in the ground made them nicely seasoned. We used that in the building as well ... we thought that was nice continuity of the marine heritage of the site. Not many people know that.”

But the fact that there was a master plan is only part of the reason that International House is the awardwinning building that it is. There’s so much more to it including architect Evans.

Evan’s tree change At the beginning, it was assumed that this building was going to be a concrete structure however, Mr Evans was searching for inspiration in his career when he decided after 20 years as an architect he would go back to university.

“I went back to university and did a Masters degree in sustainable design not really knowing what I wanted to research but knowing we could do

better,” he said. “It was just the norm all that, how we could stand out from using concrete and steel and using the crowd,” said Mr Evans. “It’s only timber as veneer. a modest little building it’s only seven “When I was back at uni the idea of storeys high compared with 50 storeys or mass timber construction was discussed whatever the towers are. It’s a small little and presented so I looked into that a bit building so how could we stand out from more, investigated it to find out if it was the crowd.” sustainable. If it Timber was was applicable the standout to the built “We knew it would get but it wasn’t environment, the only one. a lot of international because Without it hadn’t any doubt the mentions because it been done building has before there sustainability really is the first of its was a lot of credentials kind where timber is apprehension. stamped into The concern it and that the structure.” was whether was a very it would make important a nice office feature for building because as he said these sorts Mr Evans. He was searching through his of buildings are seen as a bit arty, a bit studies to address that as buildings have a creative, a bit weird and while architects huge carbon footprint and a big impact on like them ... it was seen as an unusual climate change. fringe kind of approach to build in “We wanted to explore better ways of timber for a commercial environment. building our cities more sustainable and This was especially so in Barangroo using a material that was more renewable as this was for A grade commercial it’s probably only the structural material tenants and Lendlease would be trying we have that is renewable,” he said. to attract the best in town. It was It was the start of a journey for him, difficult to know whether this aesthetic a real journey as he went on a tour would be attractive to them. Note that organised by WoodSolutions exploring the building was tenanted within a very CLT and Glulam. short space of time by Global advisory “It is used more in Europe and Austria firm Accentur. that’s where CLT was invented in the 1990s they came out with this idea of The point of difference worked using mass timber. They are high value building products,” Mr Evans said.

“There’s a lot of office space down at “I went on trip with WoodSolutions to Barangaroo, thousands of square metres Europe to the factories, to the forests, to in the towers so we were wondering how the CNC mills. I followed it all the way we could create a point of difference from through from the logs to the finished

product. It demonstrated to me that it was applicable, it had a lot of benefits not only sustainability but prefabrication benefits.”

All the CLT and Glulam for International House was sourced from Austria because of the volume. Australia doesn’t have a supplier yet, though Xlam is close. New Zealand has a supplier (again Xlam) but according to Mr Evans it’s a typical Kiwi set up which makes very beautiful product but it is handmade and low volume. Austria is high volume and builds CLT and Glulam for use all around the world.

“All of it came in shipping containers which changed the program completely, with a concrete building you’re still drawing while they’re pouring the concrete. In this case, you have to get all of the drawings done a month in advance of the construction onsite,” said Mr Evans.

“Not only that but every piece had to be exactly designed and detailed so that when it arrived onsite it could be slotted right into place. And then the services could feed into the structure. We took the option to not have any lining inside the building so again it’s a sustainability principle not having layers.”

International House is the first of its kind in Australia and Lendlease wanted to build it themselves, they have a development arm and a construction arm.

“About four years before, when we converted the building from concrete to timber they saw the benefits for the future, not just this building but many more buildings so they started employing timber specialists from Europe and brought them over,” Mr Evans said.

These were timber engineers who had worked in the UK, and Lendlease set up

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22

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER DECEMBER 2017

www.timberbiz.com.au

2017 AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS its own company here called DesignMake.

Lendlease saw the future of timber construction they invested heavily into that future. They’re trying to do more to build up their knowledge.

Whether on purpose or as a result of the fame of International House, Lendlease found that they were on a roll and they are planning on building another similar building to International House right next door. It will be a similar height structure because of the constraints of the master plan but about 50% bigger.

They expect to build it in less time because now they have the processes in place. As Mr Evans says they have all learnt to do it better, faster and smarter. Even so International House took one month less to build than a similar concrete structure.

He said if they were to build it again now with the knowledge and expertise they have gathered, it would be three months quicker.

That’s a significant cost saving.

The trade-offs There are usually trade-offs, so building it faster meant it was more intensive.

“It’s a much more intensive process because everything had to be perfect when in a concrete building during construction there are lots of RFIs requests for information – change made on the run,” said Mr Evans. This is a more precise process.

“Precise is a very good word for it, which also means there’s less waste - less time wasted and less material wasted,” he said.

“Every part, every cable, every beam, every stair - everything was put into position. The whole building was fully detailed in CAD format. It does take more time and effort but it results in a faster, cleaner, less problematic construction.

“Another benefit of timber is the whole prefabrication process ... the Ikea analogy when you open the flat pack obviously someone has thought about how it goes together, how the connections work.”

International House had all its connections in place, it all had to get craned up into the building.

“Your crane time has to be minimized, it’s one thing craning it up but how quickly can the crane release the load and go back to get the next thing,” Mr Evans explained. “Put the beam in and do up bolts that are already pre-fitted to the beam then you do up the nuts and then the crane can go back and get the next one.”

Interest in International House has been enormous and it has reached far and wide.

“We knew it would get a lot of international mentions because it really is the first of its kind where timber is the structure,” Mr Evans said. “There’s quite a lot of timber apartment buildings all around the world ... but to get the fire rating they still cover them in material ... you don’t retain the aesthetic.

“In commercial buildings you need big open spaces, floor to ceiling glass, high heights in the ceilings, which is a different psychology to housing.

“We used the timber itself to do the fire rating of the structure which meant we could reveal all of the timber inside rather than covering it up with fire rated material.

Nowhere in the world have we seen where that has happened.

“We knew that would attract a lot of attention ... it’s a new way to use timber but not just using its sustainability or prefabrication but also using it for its authenticity because the structure is the architecture.”

Clients are lining up now to tenant such a building. We’re going to be seeing a lot more of these in Australia. www.timberbiz.com.au

IMAGES FROM THE NIGHT

¢ A ustralian Certified Timber (Sponsored by Australian Forestry Standard Limited, presented by representative Jim Bowden).

Chris Graves Building (Charlotte Chapel) Chris Graves.

¢ Engineered Timber (Sponsored by Carter Holt Harvey Wood Products Australia, presented by LVL Market Development Manager Michael Murphy).

Lipman (Macquarie University Innovation Hub) Tim Calpito, Phil Tondl, Pat Wood and Matt White.

¢ Timber Flooring (Sponsored by Hurford Hardwoods, presented

by Malcolm Johnston - National Sales & Marketing manager).

CplusC Architectural Workshop (Aquas Perma Solar Firma) accepted

by Eileen Newbury on behalf of Clinton Cole.

¢ Timber Cladding (Sponsored

by Weathertex, presented by Chairman Paul Michael).

Field Projects (ETZ Townhouses) Briony Massie.

¢ Recycled Timber (Sponsored by Kennedy’s Timber, presented

by Managing Director Michael Kennedy).

Peter Winkler Architects (Court House) Peter Winkler.

¢ Timber Panels (Sponsored by the Engineered Wood Panel Association of Australasia, presented by CEO Dave Gover).

Lipman (Macquarie University Innovation Hub) Tim Calpito, Phil Tondl, Pat Wood and Matt White.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER DECEMBER 2017

23

2017 AUSTRALIAN TIMBER DESIGN AWARDS

¢ Timber Veneers (Sponsored by Timber Veneer Association of Australia, presented by the Gray Parsonson, TVAA president).

SJB (12 - MICRON) Kirsten Stanisich and Jonathan Richards.

¢ Multi Residential (Sponsored by Timber Imagineering, presented

by Juel Briggs on behalf of TI).

Field Projects (ETZ Townhouses) Briony Massie and Hannah Jonasson.

¢ L andscape (Sponsored by Design Pine, presented by Hayden Slater from ITI, the provider of Design Pine).

Donovan Payne Architects (Northern Goldfields Regional Offices) Kim Donavan.

¢ Timber Windows and Doors (Sponsored by the Window and Door Industry Council, presented by Bronwyn Foord, General Manager).

Lipman (Macquarie University Innovation Hub) Tim Calpito, Phil Tondl, Pat Wood and Matt White.

¢ Public or Commercial Buildings (Sponsored by Xlam Australia, presented

by CEO Gary Caulfield).

TZANNES and Lend Lease (International House, Sydney) Dijana Tasevska, Tzannes Project Architect.

¢ Stand - alone - Structure (Sponsored by Design Pine, presented by Hayden Slater from ITI).

N Larkin Design (Dynamics in Impermanence) accepted by Tony Lam on behalf of Nicole Larkin.

¢ Interior Fitout - Residential (sponsored by Hurford Wholesale, presented by Business Development and Account Manager Brad Pascoe).

Edition Office (Fish Creek House) Kim Bridgland and Aaron Roberts.

¢ Furniture and Joinery (Sponsored by Matilda Veneer, presented by General Manger Craig Graham).

Geoffrey Cameron Marshall (Conus Lighting Range) Geoffrey Marshall.

¢ S ustainability (Supported by Make it Wood - Do Your World Some Good - Planet Ark, presented by CEO Paul Klymenko.

TZANNES and Lend Lease (International House, Sydney) Jonathan Evans, Tzannes Project Director.

24

¢ Residential - Class 1 New Buildings (Sponsored jointly by TimberNSW and Victorian Association of Forest Industries, presented by VAFI CEO Tim Johnston).

Planned Living Architects (Munro Ocean Beach House) Brian Earles, on behalf of Jay.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER DECEMBER 2017

¢ Interior Fitout – Commercial (sponsored by Australian Sustainable Hardwoods, presented by Marketing Coordinator Megan Parameshwaran.

Bates Smart (Bendigo Hospital) Tim Leslie and Mark Healey.

¢ S mall Budget Projects (Sponsored by Allied Forest Products, presented by Mr Stephen and Kieran Chehab) Eugene Cheah.

¢ Rising Star (Sponsored by Timber Revival, presented

by Bree Anastasi and Aaron McKirdy).

Jay Earles of Planned Living Architects (Munro Ocean Beach House) accepted by Brian Earles, Jay’s father.

www.timberbiz.com.au

DECKING

Make sure your deck lasts the distance!

W

ith summer here there is no for your deck to be structurally strong better time than now to ensure enough to carry the live loads such as your outdoor deck is ready to people walking across it. go for the entertainment season ahead.

If you are wanting a deck close to the The Australasian Timber Flooring ground it’s important to ensure that the Association has some great tips and deck still has adequate ventilations and guidelines for maintaining or building drainage. To protect the timbers against with timber outside. decay and termites it is necessary to The harshness of winter is looking choose the appropriate timber species like its coming to an and appropriate end and your outdoor preservative treatment. furniture and deck is Now is the time If your timber deck most likely to have is near your pool or taken a beating. Now is to bring your ocean be cautious of the time to bring your corrosion timber back to life potential timber back to life and that may occur with ensure your garden is the fixings due to the and ensure your ready for the change in increase of salt in the temperature and all the garden is ready air. It is recommended fun entertaining that that stainless steel or for the change goes on in the warmer silicon bronze fixings months. are used to prevent in temperature The first step is to corrosion. and all the fun make sure your timber Unfortunately, if is properly maintained you in some areas entertaining that of thelivecountryside, so that it can withstand the exposure to the with summer comes goes on in the sun during the warmer the risk of bush fires, warmer months. weather. check if your area is In addition, check prone to fires before to ensure you deck installing your deck is free from termite activity, decay and as this will affect the type of timber you that fixing are not corroded. Any loose may be able to use. decking boards should also be refixed.

Lastly, it is important to maintain If you’re thinking of installing a deck your outdoor decking all year round, and in your backyard there’s a few things simple steps like the ones listed above for you to know. Firstly, it’s important will ensure your decking lasts for many that you choose the right timber, based summers to come. on your design and location to ensure a For any further advice you can lasting performance. purchase a comprehensive decking If you’re planning on an elevated recommendations from ATFA or find an deck ensure that the area is cleared ATFA member at , or of vegetation, proper foundations are please call 1300 36 16 93. provided and that appropriate drainage is Photos courtesy Peter Campbellalso provided. In addition, it is important Lloyd, Deck-Max – Queensland. www.timberbiz.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR THE WOOD PROCESSOR Certificate II, III and IV traineeship and worker training Sawmilling & Grading Courses Timber Drying Wood Machinists and Sawdoctors Workplace Assessments Portable Sawmilling Forest Growing & Management Truss Fabrication, Estimating and Detailing Forest Products Diploma

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For 2018 Course Programs 03 5345 2018 fax 03 5345 1198 www.timbertrainingcreswick.com.au DECEMBER 2017

25

ASSOCIATIONS

Strategic plan to ensure growth and strength

By Kersten Gentle Executive Officer FTMA Australia

F

TMA Australia was formed in 2006 as a national entity and I believe we are finally proving the worth of a national association representing fabricators Australia-wide with members in all states and territories.

Over the past few years FTMA Australia, behind the scenes we have continued to grow in terms of governance with the review of the constitution and governance training for the board. The FTMA board has also focused on the future with the development of a strategic plan that will take us in to the future.

Our current board is: John Oulton (Pine Design), Jamie Dahlsen (Dahlsens Building Centres), Christine Flanagan (Calco Trusses), Andrew Cousins (Able Truss), Dean Kidd (Kidd Truss), Mark Smiles (MiTek), Travis Taylor (Multinail), Ian Ashby (Pryda), Shelena Serrano (Vekta Automation) and Phil McCormack (McCormack Hardwood Sales) There has always been debate around suppliers sitting on the board and even though I believe there is a strong role to play with the suppliers, especially nail plate companies, it was felt now was the time to restructure the board for a 12-month trial.

The 12-month trial will see the FTMA Board change to a full fabricator-based board with four working groups. The working groups are based on the Strategic Pillars within our Strategic Plan and are: 1 – Industry Development, 2 – Communication, 3 – Governance and 4 – Relationships.

Working groups We encourage supplier and fabricator members to join one of these working groups who will feed directly in to the new board.

The big issues for FTMA Australia in 2016-17 has been the continuation of support for members facing industrial relations or workplace safety issues and it is reassuring that through our network of strategic partners we have been able to handle all the enquiries that have come our way ensuring members can continue to focus on their job of manufacturing engineered products.

FTMA Australia will continue to build on these resources by strengthening our relationship with Timber Trade Industrial Association. Brian Beecroft and his team are experts in this field and there is no use for FTMA Australia to reproduce the great work

they do, instead choosing to work hand in hand with an organisation that has helped the wider timber industry for many decades.

It is ironic that today we have been focusing on the timber shortage, yet we continue to pursue markets previously not available to our sector through the MidRise Market Implementation Group. Alastair Woodard has been engaged by FTMA Australia to run this program in conjunction with FWPA, EWPAA, ATIF and the three nail plate companies and the work to date has been exciting. There will be great opportunities in this field, and even though we recognise that this is not something everyone will want to do, it still opens a new market for our sector where we can continue to add value to the products we provide.

FTMA Australia is an independent, national organisation representing fabricators of and suppliers to the timber prefabricated truss and wall frame industry in all Australian states & territories providing a unified voice, to protect and advance our mult-billion dollar industry.

FTMA Australia thanks our dedicated supporters and encourages you to support those who support your industry GOLD SPONSORS

Conference success This year of course saw another successful FTMA Australia Conference with our biggest turnout both in attendance and exhibitors so far. We only run this event every two years to ensure we do not burn out the sponsors but also to ensure other events run from strategic partners don’t overwhelm the market.

Our next conference is due in 2019 and even though that seems an eternity away, organising the event will begin in early 2018 ensuring we have the best venue to cater for the needs of our members and sponsors.

Our sponsors enjoy the opportunity to set up displays at the conference and continue to support the association which in turn helps us help fabricators. Our current sponsors are: Gold: Multinail Australia & Pryda Australia Silver: AB Phillips and Vekta Automation Bronze: CHHWP, Choice Energy, Daw Trading, Dindas Australia, FINSTRO, First Super, Hundegger Australasia, Lonza Wood Protection, LP Building Products, McCormack Hardwood Sales, Stora Enso Australia and Tilling Timber.

We thank the sponsors for their outstanding support and as always, we encourage you to support those who support your industry. We also encourage members to follow up on the service provider sponsors such as AB Phillips, Choice Energy, First Super and FINSTRO for the added benefits they can provide your business. AB Phillips has worked hard to develop the best Creditor Insurance and a wide range of other insurance benefits whereas Choice Energy has helped many members save money on the dreaded electricity prices.

Continued on page 28

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

Australasia

For a full list of the conditions of membership and a downloadable application form visit:

wwwftmaaustralia.com.au 26

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

DECEMBER 2017

www.timberbiz.com.au

ASSOCIATIONS

Industry training for school leavers – a fast track to success?

SUPPORTERS & SPONSORS

John Coo

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

John Cook & Sons

F

or school leavers facing anxiety about their specific education, a recognised qualification, and future, a traineeship may be just what they need. knowledge that would otherwise take an employee Just ask Ben Cousins, whose transition from about 10 years to acquire through normal day-to-day school into further studies – with a full-time income – business,” Leon says. could not have been smoother.

“Ben now has a number of pathways open for his Two weeks after finishing Year 12 in 2014, Ben was career – each almost guaranteed to be a success and employed by ITI Australia, doing a traineeship and a with a better than average income; and we offer Cert IV in Leadership & everything from a broad Management with them, overview of the timber “In just two years, and earning decent money. industry, from forestry Fast forward 2.5 years through to the end user.” trainee cadets gain and he’s also just won 2017 Skilled workers are in industry-specific TABMA Trainee of the short supply in Australia, Year. and have a high earning education, a recognised And it didn’t cost him a capacity and there are cent. Nada. No study debt thousands of skilled qualification, and hanging over his head. and rewarding jobs out To Ben, choosing there that don’t require a knowledge that industry training over degree, with well-paying, would otherwise take university was a no-brainer upwardly mobile careers. from the start.

And there are great an employee about “When I was completing opportunities for travel Year 12, there was a training for a trade equips 10 years to acquire heavy push for us to get you for jobs all over the through normal day-toa university education, world. but I decided it wasn’t For Ben, the traineeship day business.” something that I wanted to has obviously been the pursue,” he says. right choice for him: “I “I just wanted to get out in the workforce…but at have learnt so much from it; hopefully it’s just the the same time I knew I needed some kind of tertiary beginning of a great career with ITI.” qualification. When I was offered this traineeship I To school leavers still suffocating under the painful knew that it was a perfect fit for me,” he says. decision of what to do in 2018, he has the following Ben’s host trainer, Leon Rayner of ITI Australia, says advice: the company has seen 18 TABMA/ITI cadets across “If you’re not sure that university is the path you the country complete training with TABMA over the want to take, then keep your mind open to other past three years. He says hands-on apprenticeships/ opportunities, because there are definitely plenty out traineeships are a great way to learn. there.

“In just two years, trainee cadets gain industry“And once you find one, don’t hesitate: jump on it.”

For information visit:

www.tabma.com.au

Strategic plan to ensure growth and strength Continued from page 26

Beneficial It is becoming harder to get attendance at events as everyone is so busy with their current workload, however, it is important to never take your eye off the future and the events we do organise are purposely organised to bring benefits to your business. We are always open to new ideas and ways of doing things such as today’s webinar and depending on the feedback from those who joined today’s webinar it is something we will consider more in the coming 12 months.

FTMA Australia is trying to tackle the issue of lack of Estimators and Detailers within our industry.

Firstly, we want to see the industry change the titles of these positions, so we can attract the right people.

Timber Structure Design Officer is what we are recommended for Estimators / Detailers with the head detailer being called Timber Structure Design Executive and your team is the Timber Structure Design Team. A fabricator recently used these titles to advertise for a position in NSW and the person who got the job was undergoing a Diploma in Building.

This is the target area and we believe these title changes will go a long way to addressing this issue.

Secondly, we are developing a new training package to enhance the ‘classroom’ training ensuring 28

your new Timber Structure Design Officers can start work and not take up all the time of the Executives in the Design Team. This is taking much longer than we anticipated as we are trying to ensure the cost to fabricators is minimal and we can tap in to Government funding for the training but to do this we must jump through the hoops first. This course will happen, and will, in our opinion, help ease the demand for quality designers.

Growing membership Our membership continues to grow, and we hope the new board restructure and the Strategic Plan will help with increasing the membership in the coming 12 months.

It is important to recognise the suppliers that have served us on the board. Phil McCormack has been there since day dot and has not only served the board well but has also assisted with board meeting facilities and of course is a valued sponsor. Phil never did anything that wasn’t in the best interest of fabricators and we thank him for his 10 years+ on the board.

Mark Smiles from MiTek has also served on the board for many of the past 10 years and we thank him for his work as we do that of Ian Ashby of Pryda and

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

DECEMBER 2017

Travis Taylor of Multinail who have given their time to helping the frame and truss industry develop.

Finally, Shelena from Vekta Automation. Shelena has brought a fresh approach to the board through her Governance training and we thank her for guiding us through our Constitutional change last year and the work she has done.

These five suppliers helped FTMA Australia grow as an association and always put the fabricators first and we thank them for their time and look forward to them continuing their work with the Association on the working groups.

For me, unfortunately it has been another tough year on the health front but it’s something I must live with and I am slowly getting on top of the Fibromyalgia. I am taking December and January off work, during our quiet time to rest up so I am fit and ready for another productive year.

Thank you to the members for making our Association what it is. We may be a small association, but we are loud and proud and in my opinion we deliver as much if not more than many associations.

I look forward to working with you all in the coming year as we continue to build a stronger industry.

www.timberbiz.com.au

NEWS

Another solid year of achievement for TVAA – but more to do in 2018!

By Peter Llewellyn Technical Representative, Timber Veneer Association of Australia

T

he Timber Veneer Association of Australia (TVAA) held its annual general meeting on 26 October 2017 at the premises of George Fethers & Co., Port Melbourne. Chairman Gray Parsonson acknowledged the higher profile the association had achieved during the year through social media, particularly the Facebook site.

However, it was agreed more needed to be done.

To build on past achievements the meeting invited Kathy Packenas of KP & Co. to present a marketing program. Kathy brought members up to speed by outlining the basics of marketing and explaining how it could work for the TVAA. Details of the marketing program remain confidential but will be worked through in the New Year with the incoming Committee and new Chairman Terry Franklin of Ventech Australia who will be taking over the reins in 2018.

A second presentation by guest speakers from the Department of Agriculture focused on Australia’s illegal logging laws. Reference was made to a toolkit that helps timber companies to understand their obligations, and provides ways to satisfy due diligence requirements with respect to imported timber products.

The toolkit was developed as a collaborative effort between the Australian Timber Importers Federation, the Timber Development Association, and the Department of Agriculture and is recommended to TVAA members to assist in their ongoing monitoring of this issue.

The toolkit can be found in the “Industry Generated Guidance Materials” section of the Department’s website here: http://www.agriculture. gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/forestry/australiasforest-policies/illegal-logging/legality-compliancetoolkit.pdf.

There will be a continuing focus on quality control in the New Year with Henkel Australia agreeing to test samples from TVAA panel layer members in accordance with Industry Standard AFRDI 145.

The Timber Veneer Association is looking forward to a bright future in 2018, maintaining existing programs and implementing a marketing program to give the Association renewed impetus.

Industry News Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow.

Magazine

¢ T VAA President Gray Parsonson presented the 2017 Timber Design Award in October to SJB Interiors for their project 12-MICRON, a restaurant Located on Sydney Harbor at Barangaroo (above).

www.timberbiz.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

DECEMBER 2017

|

Online

|

Mobile

www.timberbiz.com.au 29

NEWS

2017 - TTIA and industry highlights is universally positive and the efforts and expertise of Ken Hocking, our Senior WHS Manager, is well known throughout the industry.

Brian Beecroft

Reciprocal arrangements

Chief Executive Officer TTIA

Contrary to a comment I was recently surprised to read, the vast majority of timber related industry associations by and large co-operate extremely well in our industry and largely focus on their area of expertise with purpose and skill. This approach I believe is preferable to duplicating existing industry services traditionally offered by specific Associations on the pretence of being the “biggest and the best”. I know that from a TTIA perspective we are proud to have numerous reciprocal service arrangements with many industry Associations and regularly consult with them on any potential areas of co-operation from political lobby support, staging conferences and holding joint industry dinners.

This approach won’t change in the future.

Enough of the good, I don’t have

Y

es, another year’s sands filter down the hourglass, which mean it’s time to reflect on the good, the bad and the ugly in 2017!

Let’s go with the good first. In anyone’s assessment, it has been an exceptionally busy year in terms of demand for the services and timber products for our Members. It’s definitely been a while coming, but the surge in work and building activity has been most welcome and worth the wait! My long-term trusty barometer of industry health might not be scientific, but it’s measured by the number of Members who have enquired about the redundancy provisions in our Timber Industry Award as to how things are going.

This year, I can’t recollect one call or discussion on our TTIA hotline where a Member was looking to either make an employee redundant or reduce their hours due to economic reasons or slackness of trade. If anything, the lack of suitable employees to fill positions due to the increased customer demand has been the real topic of discussion and source of frustration.

In terms of litigation, we have handled a higher number of matters this year for our Members, ranging from defending anti-discrimination matters, unfair dismissals, bullying claims, general protection claims and Fair Work Ombudsman complaints.

We have also had a high number of enterprise agreement matters and

recently assisted one of our Members with a Safe-Work investigation following an incident in their workplace.

The good news is that most of these claims have settled for low amounts at the conciliation conference stage with a significant number of applicants bowing out before the conciliation commences. We also had an unfair dismissal matter that progressed to a hearing before a Member of the Fair Work Commission which was heard in September this year. Our TTIA solicitor, Janet Gilbert, managed the advocacy with skill and preparation and appeared before Commissioner Saunders. The Commissioner released his decision two weeks later, dismissing the matter; so, yet again, another good result for one of TTIA’s Members.

time to talk about the bad and the ugly (nor I should as it’s Christmas and a time to be merry!) so, I will leave that until another year.

What I will say is it’s been a pleasure to serve our loyal Members again this year and contribute in some small way to assisting them in the smooth running of their organisation.

I’ve said many times at numerous meetings and public forums that I think we have the best Membership in the business and I will continue to say it. The cross-section of the industry in terms of both sectors and States is what makes TTIA unique.

Christmas wishes On a final note, the frantic pace of this year for the industry makes this Christmas and holiday season one that will be especially welcome.

Therefore, my humble advice is to enjoy the time off with family and friends, try to forget about work for a few weeks and best wishes from all at TTIA to Members and readers of this industry publication. Look forward to chatting next year!

Unique industry resource The Workplace Health and Safety Unit continues to be a unique industry resource widely utilised by Members.

TTIA now does either 6 or 12 monthly risk assessments for a significant proportion of our Members throughout the country. The majority of our Members cannot afford to employ a full-time Safety Officer, so regular support and expertise from their industry association is essential in keeping on top of the changing work place health and safety landscape.

The feedback on TTIA’s WH&S unit

SUPPORTERS & SPONSORS

For information visit: www.ttia.asn.au

Great new termite book for Australia Colonies in Collision follows the battles with wood-eating termites since our human colonists to Australia brought their crates of stores as unintended offerings to the termite colonies of Sydney Cove in 1788.

Doug Howick’s extensive research experiences mesh with Ion Staunton’s commercial strand and the termite viewpoint is then woven through it to follow a 230 year history of the Australian Termite Wars.

The wonder of it all is locked in the cryptic, secret world of the termites themselves.

This is the comprehensive story of humans in their battle to save wood in structures from termites and you’ll become involved when you connect the dots and see how the past has shaped the present.

Many readers of Australasian Timber will want to get a hold of this book, not only for all the good, solid, technical information it contains, but also because you will enjoy the whole fascinating story.

As you might expect, considerable coverage is given to treated timber development as well as all the rules and regulations pertaining to the use of wood products in termite-prone areas.

As a bonus, there are over 600 scientific termite papers listed in the appendices, many of them with strong wood protection and entomological approaches, plus suggestions on downloading most of them from the Internet.

See more at: www.termiteer.com.au

DON’T MISS A THING

Daily Timber News offers a snapshot of forest and timber news, research and marketing content gleaned from our combined Forests & Timber and Australian Timber newsroom, plus Australian and international media sources. Subscription is FREE and easy!

Visit www.timberbiz.com.au to sign up today.

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www.timberbiz.com.au

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DECEMBER 2017

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