Timber Design & Technology Middle East - April 2017 by Andy MacGregor

‘Seed to Seat’ furniture collaborative brings together good design, environmental awareness and ‘new’ American hardwoods Daniel Libeskind completes larch-clad cosmology center for Durham University 400 wooden triangles envelope Japanese restaurant by DA Architects in St. Petersburg Maximilian Eisenköck Architecture completes private holiday house in Salzburg Tall towers are not the answer to environmental challenges

*Bostanli Sunset Lounge in thermally-modified ash by Studio Evren BaĹ&#x;bug in Izmir, Turkey

Architects and designers all over the Middle East have embraced American hardwoods for the range of colours, grains and textures they offer, as well as for their consistency in grade, quality and supply and their sustainable credentials.

For more information visit www.americanhardwood.org

EDITOR’S NOTE April 2017 Issue 32

We begin this issue by looking at the Ogden Center for Fundamental Physics designed by Studio Libeskind, which opened in March of this year. A spiraling structure that marries Libeskind’s penchant for sharp geometry with sustainably sourced materials and energy efficient system, the timber-clad building is set to achieve BREEAM excellence as well as net-zero energy consumption. Given its sustainable credentials, futuristic design and use of a natural material like timber, the iconic research center has reaffirmed Durham’s international position in space science.

MARKETING DIRECTOR Eric Hammond marketing@citrusmediagroup.net +971 4 455 8400

Also in March, the sixth edition of Dubai Design Days was held at Dubai Design District. The American Hardwood Export Council unveiled its ‘Seed to Seat’ furniture collaborative, which brought together good design, environmental awareness and ‘new’ American hardwoods. The idea was to introduce seven designers to four American hardwood species, which are less widely specified in this region, while also challenging them to design a seat using only solid lumber and as little non-wood materials as possible. We visited the show and tested all the pieces. What’s remarkable though is that it would take a mere 3.32 seconds for all the American hardwood used to make the seven pieces to be replaced naturally in the U.S. forest.

House in the Alps | Image © Maximilian Eisenköck

PUBLISHER Andy MacGregor publisher@citrusmediagroup.net +971 55 849 1574

INTERNATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR James Hamilton james@timberdesignandtechnology.com EDITOR Tony Smith editor@timberdesignandtechnology.com INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Rabia Alga AntExpo Org. | Turkey rabia@antexpo.net +90 216 541 0390 ELIAS AGGELOPOULOS Med Expo Greece info@epipleon.gr +30 210 2931011 Timber Design & Technology is published 6 times a year

by Citrus Media Group (powered by WillyMac Associates FZ LLC) Level 14, Boulevard Plaza - Tower One, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, PO Box 334155, Dubai, UAE Is designed by dozign and is printed by SUQOON Printing Press & Publishing Great care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of Timber Design & Technology but the publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All contents are © 2017 Citrus Media Group and may not be reproduced in any form without prior consent. Letters and readers’ contributions may be edited at our discretion.

In his article for this issue, Andrew Waugh argues that tall towers are not the answer to environmental challenges. Currently, about a third to half of the carbon emissions associated with a building over its lifecycle comes from creating the materials used to build it, but developers, builders and architects have been reluctant to change. The solution doesn’t have to be invented. It already exists, in the form of modern engineered timbers. Unlike conventional materials, sustainably sourced engineered timber actually stores carbon. Engineered timbers are also cheaper, faster to build and can be pre-cut in factories, so there is less time lost to weather and safety risks are easier to control. The resulting buildings are sturdy, safe and well-insulated. As always, I would like to encourage you to log on to the website - www.timberdesignandtechnology.com - for the latest updates and please get in touch if you have any suggestions for subjects we should consider covering. In closing, I would like to thank our advertisers, our partners and our readers.

3%-+'4546#'7'48(0'*490#0)'*$+,

CONTENTS

06 News

49 COMMENT

The latest industry news from within the region and around the world

Tall towers are not the answer to environmental challenges

10 SUSTAINABILITY

54 TALL TIMBER

Daniel Libeskind completes larch-clad cosmology center for Durham University

Architects Bates Smart design Australia’s tallest engineered timber building

14 ANALYSIS

57 TECHNOLOGY

‘Seed to Seat’ furniture collaborative brings together good design, environmental awareness and ‘new’ American hardwoods

AuthoR-Evolution: Revolutionizing an entire product line

33 SUPPLEMENT

60 WOOD WORKS Bar Gantz creates furniture by steam bending timber

AHEC: Rediscovering hardwoods

DESIGN & DÉCOR

SHOWTIME

20 LÖYLY

26 KIDO SUSHI BAR

30 HOUSE IN THE ALPS

62 PREVIEW

Avanto Architects build coastal sauna in Helsinki with a faceted timber ‘cloak’

400 wooden triangles envelope Japanese restaurant by DA Architects in St. Petersburg

Maximilian Eisenköck Architecture completes private holiday house in Salzburg

A preview of the top industry exhibitions coming up this season

Image © GTM

German Tech Machinery showcases latest machinery at Dubai WoodShow

At the Dubai WoodShow 2017, German Tech Machinery (GTM), an independent woodworking expert machinery dealer and service/ maintenance provider, successfully showcased the latest technology from market leaders in the woodworking industry. On display were 8 high-tech as well as basic machines. In addition, experts from each of the brands represented shared their knowledge on various topics including sanding, profiling, CNC technology, edge banding, basic woodworking operations, cabinet production and many more. GTM is all around turnkey solution provider in the woodworking industry, providing customers with optimization solutions, full project planning or small scale machinery supply. GTM makes sure to find the right solution for every customer. GTM operates within the Middle East and bordering regions including UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The company has a dedicated team of machine experts, service engineers as well as CAD drawers and support staff, thereby ensuring it can support customers and provide them with a one - stop solution. In the Middle East, GTM represent the WEINIG Group, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of machines and systems for solid wood processing. A number of individual specialized companies offer a range of products under the WEINIG brand, covering the complete

process chain from the raw material to the end product. Following the integration of the HOLZ-HER brand in 2010, the WEINIG Group now offers innovative and full-proof solutions for processing wooden composites in its portfolio - as well as the expertise that comes with more than 100 years experience. In addition to the WEINIG Group, GTM also represent Webers, the German sanding specialist on all surfaces. Aiming to support their customers with full scale solutions, GTM have also partnered with a variety of other machinery suppliers including Martin Basic Machines, Nestro Ducting Solutions, Gannomat Cabinet Production Machines as well as many others that can be found on the company website. “Every company that we represent had an expert present at our stand at the Dubai WoodShow so that we could assist visitors in the best possible way whilst also presenting the latest machines and technology. Visitors were able to witness the latest machines for solid wood processing as well as panel production. Further, live demonstrations of all of the machines helped our customers better understand the practical use of the machines and get a feeling of the quality they should expect,” concluded Janis Kienberger, Junior Director, German Tech Machinery.

Draw on the Malaysian Timber Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 25 years of experience in the international timber and timber products trade to strengthen your competitive position and promote export growth. Our growth drivers are pursued and guided by the leadership imperatives of engaging, connecting and growing through: creating value through innovation extending our global outreach executing with excellence To learn more about Malaysian timbers and timber products, and the Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2017 events and programmes, please visit www.mtc.com.my

Exports of U.S. softwood lumber to the MENA region reach USD 14.473 million in 2016

Global softwood lumber trade increased 12 percent year-over-year in 2016 to reach a new high of 121 million cubic meters, according to WRI estimates. However, in the Middle East, there was a slight decline in softwood exports, primarily on account of the strength of the dollar. AMSO is nonetheless optimistic that the situation will improve, given growth seen in markets such as Egypt (33 percent), Algeria (123 percent) and Morocco (22 percent). Two key markets - the UAE and Saudi Arabia - were down but remain important to the overall growth potential for American softwoods across the region. The UAE in particular is a key timber processing and re-export hub for the entire region and growth in this market is expected to drive overall demand across the region. “We look forward to our participation at ‘Dubai WoodShow 2017’, which is a must attend event for the region’s timber trade and woodworking sector. Our participation at the show is but only one part of our extensive outreach campaign that seeks to impart the benefits and advantages of the U.S. softwood resource whilst also highlighting its environmental credentials,” said Charles Trever, Consultant to American Softwoods. “Participating in this year’s Dubai WoodShow demonstrates our steadfast commitment to promoting American softwoods in key market segments across the Middle East region, allowing us direct interaction

Image © AMSO

Total exports of U.S. softwood lumber to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached a value of USD 14.473 million in 2016, according to American Softwoods (AMSO), the promotional partnership formed by three major U.S. softwood trade associations. The statistics, which have been compiled from the latest data released from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), reveal a slight decrease (10 percent) in value over 2015 figures. Confident of growth in the region this year, AMSO completed its participation at the Dubai WoodShow, which was held from March 7 - 9, 2017.

with the many wood traders, manufacturers and specifiers across the Middle East and North Africa, and enabling us to create lasting and strategic partnerships.” The American Softwoods pavilion showcased the strength and variety of the different U.S. softwood species in addition to allowing participating softwood exporters to interact directly with decision-makers in the wood industry. Participating companies this year included LLB Timber, Almond Lumber, Jazz Forest Products, West Fraser, Gulf South, Interfor, Rainforest Lumber Group, Vanport, Robinson Lumber, Weyerhaeuser, Ontario Project Management, Seven Seas, Walsh Industries, Louisiana Pacific, and Boise Cascade. In addition, representatives from the Softwood Export Council and the APA -The Engineered Wood Association were also on the stand.

interzum guangzhou 2017 opens with more exhibitors, larger area than previous edition Asia’s largest and most comprehensive woodworking machinery, furniture production and interior decoration trade fair opened earlier this month at the China Import and Export Fair (Pazhou) Complex located in the country’s southern manufacturing hub of Guangzhou. The event - the largest in its history - spanned 150,000 square meters and also witnessed a 12 percent jump in the number of exhibitors to 1,396 companies from 38 countries and regions.

Image © interzum guangzhou

Some of the industry heavyweights at the event included IMA, SCM, Leuco, Vollmer, Homag, Biesse, Duerkopp, Leggett & Platt, Lianrou, Okin Refined, Dongtai, Repon, Titus, FGV, American Softwoods, Kleiberit, Bostik, Jowat, Bekaert Deslee, Boyteks Tekstil, Rehau, Schattdecor, Kastamonu, Huali. In addition, a number of international exhibitors made their debut appearance including Coral, Schugoma, Woodtron, General Paint, IVM, T-Prin, Krauss, NDB Timber, Mammut, Veysel, Metal Matris, BKB Mobilya, Ozdemir, Komposan, Sugatsune, Joker Uno, Fine Induestries, and Lignadecor. Nine national pavilions from Germany, Turkey, Korea, Chile, the United States / Canada as well as industry-driven contingents led by the Malaysian Timber Council, American Hardwood Export Council, Canada Wood and Swedish Wood also made waves at this year’s edition with stronger contingents. Complementing the trade fair was a series of concurrent seminars spotlighting the latest trends in the industry such as the Global Color Trends Conference 2018/2017, as well as presentations centering new technologies and product applications, with the likes of the multiple purposes of Swedish Wood as a modern material and special edge banding products.

Hemlock Hard and strong

Among the harder, stronger Western softwoods, Hemlock is marketed and sold separately as well as in the Hem-fir species combination. Springwood is whitish to light yellow-brown; summerwood frequently has a purplish or reddish-brown tinge; heartwood is not distinct. Request your copy of our Guide to American Softwood Species by e-mailing your address to: info@americansoftwoods.com

People you can do business with www.AmericanSoftwoods.com

Main uses It is used for framing and architectural members and is a prime species for mouldings, joinery and paneling. Physical & mechanical properties With a weight 465 kg per cubic metre, it has a straight grain and fine texture.

Daniel Libeskind completes larch-clad cosmology center for Durham University

Image ÂŠ Hufton & Crow

Building is conceived as a series of stacked and intersecting blocks, with a skylit atrium at its center

Image © Hufton & Crow

Durham University has opened its new GBP 11.5 million Ogden Center for Fundamental Physics designed by Studio Libeskind (New York). Durham University is one of the world’s leading institutions in cosmology and space science and it is hoped that the new Ogden Center building will further cement this position. The new center will accommodate the rapid growth and academic success of Durham’s research into fundamental physics, enabling it to maintain its leading global position in the decades ahead. Located next to the Department of Physics on Lower Mountjoy, South Road, Durham City, UK, the 2,478 square-meter building houses the Institute for Computational Cosmology (ICC), one of the world’s premier cosmology research groups, the Center for Extragalactic Astronomy (CEA) and the Center

Clad in a ventilated timber rain screen built from responsibly sourced Scottish larch, the dynamic facade is punctuated with linear bands of operable strip windows and a series of outdoor terraces for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI). The new Ogden Center includes eighty new offices for researchers, postgraduate research students, support staff and visiting academics.

How and when did our Universe begin? What is it made of? How did galaxies and other structures form? The new building is an amazing place in which to work.”

Professor Carlos Frenk, Director of the Institute for Computational Cosmology, at Durham University, said: “The new Ogden Center for Fundamental Physics represents a wonderful contribution to the unique architectural heritage of Durham City. Its design reflects the requirements of a top-class research center, dedicated to seeking answers to some of the most fundamental questions about our Universe such as:

A spiral in plan, the center is designed as continuous, stacked and interlocking forms. Clad in a ventilated timber rain screen built from responsibly sourced Scottish larch, the dynamic facade is punctuated with linear bands of operable strip windows and a series of outdoor terraces. In addition, canted curtain walls on the north and south faces bookend the form of the spiral and provide spectacular views

Design

of picturesque Durham City and Durham Cathedral. The active form of the building unifies a rigorous, repetitive programme of private work spaces along its perimeter with a communal multi-story interior space activated by gathering spaces and a massive central skylight. A new identity has been created for the Ogden Center resulting in unique individualized workspace that engenders a sense of connection and community. Daniel Libeskind said: “This project is an example of how to design a highly-sustainable, dynamic building within tight programme requirements. Light and openness is at the core of the design; at every move in the design process we incorporated simple, yet robust materials and considered the users’ experience to create this important building for Durham

University.â&#x20AC;?

Image ÂŠ Hufton & Crow

Visitors to the center enter through a glazed lobby infused with light. The interiors employ a natural palette of soft grey concrete columns and ceilings, paired with warm wood finishes and frosted glass. Pushing the offices to the perimeter of the center allows each space to benefit from natural light and ventilation. In addition, glazed doors and screens further transmit light from the exterior to the central atrium. Generous roof terraces create spaces for impromptu meetings or places to simply relax and enjoy fresh air whilst skylights marshal light into the central atrium and meeting areas. Wedge-shaped balconies set behind the timber cladding and a terrace on the roof ensure researchers, support staff and visiting specialists can take in views towards Durham city and

its cathedral during meetings and breaks. The entire programme of the building is wrapped around a series of flexible, communal spaces. The ground floor areas are open and available to the public, with a seminar/meeting room (100 seats) that can be used for events. The second floor features a central social space where staff and research students can work together on an informal basis. This central area can also serve as a setting for formal dinners, fundraisers, presentations, or special announcements. Adjacent breakout rooms with video conferencing facilities will allow group discussions and wider collaboration. The third floor houses additional office space and is open to the floors below.

Engineering The complex program and the unique spiral form of the building

Arup provided structural, mechanical, electrical and public health, engineering on the project as well as specialist consulting services in acoustics, facades, geotechnics and fire engineering. Commenting on the project, Andrew Wilkinson, Project Director at Arup said: “The UK has a world-renowned science and research community, and Durham University is no exception. This new facility creates new office and learning space that provides

a visually inspiring environment for the next generations’ world-leading researchers and physicists.”

Sustainability The Ogden Center is highly energy efficient: careful attention was paid to quality of the user environment; the selection of sustainable materials; facilities are outfitted with showers and bike racks; its exposed concrete ceilings take advantage of the night-purge effect; LED fixtures are used throughout; renewable energy sources like a ground source heat pump and photovoltaic array on the roof are employed; and rainwater harvesting have been incorporated into the landscape. With sustainability at the heart of its design, care has been taken to minimize environmental impacts and ongoing running costs, and to ensure excellent

value for money. The design team worked to deliver a stateof-the-art and fully accessible facility, with robust materials and future-proofed capacity in IT infrastructure. At the same time the construction provided for flexibility in its internal planning, which contributed to the center receiving an Energy Performance certificate of A upon completion. Overall, the Ogden Center is a spiraling structure that marries Libeskind’s penchant for sharp geometry with sustainably sourced materials and energyefficient systems. The timberclad building is set to achieve BREEAM excellence as well as net-zero energy consumption. Given its sustainable credentials, futuristic design and use of a natural material like timber, the iconic research center has reaffirmed Durham’s international position in space science.

Project Name

Ogden Center for Fundamental Physics

Client

Durham University

Completed March 2017

Location

Durham, United Kingdom

Architect

Studio Libeskind

Type

University

Photography Hufton & Crow

Image © Hufton & Crow

required creative engineering solutions by Arup. Column locations had to be carefully considered, some of them sloping to respond to the architectural geometry of the building, through the unique floor plans. The thoughtfully positioned columns enable flexible room layouts to allow for the University to expand areas and move around in the space - catering to the future needs of the center.

‘Seed to Seat’ furniture collaborative brings together good design, environmental awareness and ‘new’ American hardwoods It would take a mere 3.32 seconds for all the American hardwood used to make the seven pieces to be replaced in the U.S. forest

Image Â© AHEC

Image © AHEC

materials as possible. Five designers were chosen in Australia and these included Greg Natale, one of the country’s most successful interior and furniture designers and Adam Goodrum, the acknowledged rising star of Australian design. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, highly acclaimed designer, David Trubridge, was

chosen to work on the project. In Trubridge’s case, however, the U.S hardwood he was challenged to work with was thermallymodified American ash, as he wanted to explore designing and making furniture for exterior use for the first time. The second phase of the project was launched in the UAE last year with seven designers being

Image © Ahec

‘Seed to Seat’ was conceived in late 2015 as a collaborative project with a select group of designers based in Australia and New Zealand. The idea was to introduce these designers to three American hardwood species, which are less widelyspecified in those markets, while challenging them to design a seat using only solid lumber and as little non-wood

asked to design ‘something to sit on’. Working closely with AMBB Furniture Manufacturing to create seven unique pieces using American tulipwood, red oak and cherry, their finished creations were unveiled at ‘Design Days Dubai’, the Middle East and South Asia’s only annual fair dedicated to collectible modern and contemporary design works,

Image © Ahec

which ran from March 14 - 17, 2017. The seven seats, which were designed and made by some of the most prominent and exciting designers based in the UAE, were on show in a creative display that highlighted the sustainable credentials of the American hardwood resource. The designers involved with ‘Seed to Seat’ UAE included Fadi Sarieddine (Fadi Sarieddine Design Studio), Anna Szonyi (Studio Anna Szonyi), Tarik Al Zaharna (T.ZED Architects), Bruce Paget (Heriot-Watt University - Dubai Campus), George Kahler (Kahler Design), Pallavi Dean (Pallavi Dean Interiors) and Hana Akram (Studio EM). “Our collaboration with the seven designers and AMBB Furniture Manufacturing has resulted in a fascinating approach to working with timber, which has made a comeback over the past few years. This unique exercise has

Seed to Seat was conceived as a way for AHEC to collaborate with high profile designers and to introduce them to U.S. hardwood species that are less well-known in their markets not only thrown the spotlight on the beauty of American hardwoods but it has also helped the designers explore the creative potential of underutilized and yet readilyavailable hardwoods from America,” said Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, South Asia and Oceania. According to Wiles, Seed to Seat was conceived as a way for AHEC to collaborate with high profile designers and to introduce them to U.S. hardwood species that are less well-known in their markets. With the unveiling of these remarkable pieces at Design Days Dubai, the project has reconfirmed Dubai’s position as a center for design. Aiming to

demonstrate that sustainability can have substance, AHEC is now developing full environmental profiles for each of the finished pieces using its ground-breaking Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) research. With Seed to Seat, AHEC aims to identify the true environmental impact of design and build on its extensive work with LCA. Incorporating AHEC’s LCA research for 19 American hardwood species and all data concerning transport emissions, materials, energy usage and wastage, some of which was recorded during the manufacturing process, AHEC was able to assess the full environmental impact for each finished piece. For each design,

AHEC has also calculated how many seconds it would take for the wood used to make the piece to be replaced through natural regeneration in the U.S. hardwood forest. Factoring in the size of the forest, annual harvest rates, natural mortality and regeneration rates, AHEC has calculated that it would take a mere 3.32 seconds for all the wood used to be replaced in the forest. While preliminary growth rates (for the volumes of lumber used) and carbon storage data for each of the pieces has already been calculated, the full environmental profiles are currently being put together by AHEC’s Environmental Consultant, Rupert Oliver. “The American hardwood forest covers 120 million hectares. Hardwood trees are selectively harvested and replaced with new growth through natural regeneration. Regeneration

Image © AHEC

“Due to the carbon storage properties of wood, for the duration of their lifetimes, all of the seats will keep a total of 673.26kg of CO2 equivalent out of the atmosphere. This project then has enabled us to highlight the full environmental impact of the designs produced and the importance of material selection. Ultimately,

we hope this paves the way for a more scientific approach towards specification of timber,” concluded Wiles. This ambitious project involving American hardwoods and environmental profiling was the first-of-its-kind in the Middle East and the response to it from the design community was overwhelmingly positive. Each of the designers expressed their gratitude for being invited to be a part of the project and found it to be a great learning experience. It also provided a valuable opportunity for them to test new designs in new species. All being well, a few of the designs, subject to a few minor modifications, could be ready for commercial production.

Image © AHEC

outstrips harvest and, as a result, this vast resource increases by 130 million cubic meters every year. For illustrative purposes, this is equivalent to around 4.5 million 40 foot containers in volume. Our initial analysis of the entire project revealed that a total of 1.83 cubic meters of solid lumber was used to make the pieces,” added Wiles.

THE REVOLUTION SET TO CHANGE THE WORLD OF MACHINING CENTRES

NEW MORBIDELLI RANGE

THE AFFORDABLE ALLIN ONE TECHNOLOGY FREEDOM TOP QUALITY FAST FLEXIBLE CLEAN READY

See us at Ligna Hannover (Germany) 22-26 March - Hall 13, Stand C56

phone: +971 4 8321674 | www.scmgroupmiddleeast.com

Avanto Architects build coastal sauna in Helsinki with a faceted timber ‘cloak’ Löyly sauna gives traditional sauna design a contemporary twist

Image Â© Archmospheres.com

Sauna culture

Sauna bathing is an essential part of Finnish culture and national identity. There are only 5.4 million Finns but 3.3 million saunas. Public saunas used to be common in bigger cities but

now that most new apartments have sauna of their own, public saunas have decreased dramatically in number. There are only a couple remaining.

Image © Archmospheres.com

Testament to Finland’s position as the world leader in modern sauna architecture, the country’s southern capital recently opened its first fireheated public sauna. In true Scandinavian form, Avanto Architects put a contemporary twist on a traditional structure with the Löyly sauna, named after the Finnish word for sauna steam and a historic term for ‘spirit’. The shape of the wooden structure was inspired by the form of a mountain, even though Finland is notoriously flat, and visitors are encouraged to climb its exterior like a hillside. The building was designed to integrate with the surrounding park running along the coast of the Gulf of Finland.

As the sense of community is becoming a more and more important part of new urban culture, many new public saunas are being planned. With Löyly (meaning the steam that comes when you throw water on hot stones in a sauna), Helsinki now offers foreign visitors a public sauna experience all year round a must when visiting Finland.

Process

The project was a part of an overall city wide initiative. Hernesaari is a former industrial area on the Helsinki seashore that was being developed into a residential area. New uses were being developed for the area, whilst future changes were also being planned. Given that there was a cruise ship harbor in Hernesaari, the city wanted

Image © Mikko Ryhänen

The building was designed to integrate with the surrounding park running along the coast of the Gulf of Finland

to activate the area with new functions and to serve visitors with new attractions.

Parliament Antero Vartia finally got funding, the construction could begin.

Avanto Architects started the project in 2011 by designing a temporary sauna village at the furthermost end of the peninsula. However, the concept didn’t prove financially sustainable so the first client quit the project. They then developed a floating sauna with the second client but the concept proved impossible as the site faces the open sea and a floating structure couldn’t withstand high waves and pressure from ice packs.

Context

Given that the coastline might change with future development, the city chose an area where the shoreline will remain as it is currently. Avanto then developed a new free form concept with triangular faces. The client changed once again; however as actor Jasper Pääkkönen and Member of

The site is unique. Being less than two kilometers away from the city center, it is very central but at the same time the landscape is like in the outer archipelago. The plot is situated in a future coastal park that will be part of a broader ‘Helsinki park’ connecting the capital city to the sea. As such, the building was designed to be slim and elongated so as not to cut the narrow park strip. The volume is kept as low as possible so that it doesn't block views from the future residential blocks. Instead of building a conventional building, the sauna is developed into an easy-going, faceted construction that is more part of the park than a conventional building. When the wooden building turns gray, it will become more like a

Image © Mikko Ryhänen

rock on the shoreline.

Architecture

The architectural idea is simple: there is a rectangular black box containing the warm spaces that is covered with a free form wooden ‘cloak’. Instead of being mere decoration, the sculptural structure made of heat treated pine has several functions. It provides people with visual privacy. However, the lamellas don’t limit the sea view from inside it, rather they function like venetian blinds, blocking the views from outside. There are also sheltered outside spaces between the warm mass and cloak to cool down in between sauna bathing. The cloak forms intimate terraces between its slopes that serve as a place to sit. The structure protects the building from the harsh coastal climate. It shades the interior spaces with big glass surfaces and helps to reduce the use of energy to

The saunas and public spaces open up to the sea, with interesting views to the city center and to the open sea cool the building. Moreover, the stepped cloak forms stairs to climb on to the roof and look out terraces on top of the building. The construction forms a big outdoor auditorium for the future marine sports center’s activities on the sea. There are around 4,000 planks that were precisely cut to individual forms by a computer-controlled machine. The big wooden terrace is partly on top of the sea and you can hear the sound of the waves under your feet.

Spatiality

The building consists of two parts: public saunas and a restaurant. The saunas and public spaces open up to the sea, with interesting views to

the city center and to the open sea. The atmosphere is calm and the spaces dimly lit. Different areas are conceived as spaces within a space. Interesting views open between closed spaces as visitors move from one area to the next. Visitors enter through the restaurant, which is a light and open space. From there a dimly lit sauna path leads to bathing area. Shoes are left in a wardrobe before visitors are led to a reception desk where they get a locker key and a towel. Dressing rooms and showers are separate for men and women. A leather curtain covering the door indicates entry into the unisex area, at which point visitors need to wear a bathing

suit. Traditionally men and women bath separately and naked. However, the designers wanted to develop a sauna culture that enables visitors to enjoy a bath together with their friends irrespective of their gender. This also makes the sauna experience available to foreign visitors who might not be used to bathing naked.

Interior

The interior architecture of the restaurant and the sauna lounge has been designed by Joanna Laajisto Creative Studio. The objective of the design was to create an atmospheric restaurant, which compliments the strong architecture of the building. The approach could be called soft minimalism. The challenge was to create intimate seating areas in the large hall like space with two walls of windows. People often feel most comfortable sitting their backs against the wall. The solution proposed

Saunas

Sustainability

There are three different saunas that are all heated with wood: a continuously heated sauna, a once heated sauna (that is heated in the morning before the sauna is open and stays warm all evening) and a traditional smoke sauna - a true rarity in an urban sauna. This ensures that visitors can experience all sorts of Finnish Löyly during a single visit.

The building is heated with district heating and electricity is produced with water and wind power. The building is the first FSC-certified building in Finland and second in Scandinavia. Forest Stewardship Council’s certificate proves that wood material comes from responsibly managed forests. In addition, the restaurant serves organic food and sustainably caught fish.

Project Name Löyly

Client

Antero Vartia and Jasper Pääkkönen, Kidvekkeli Oy

Completed 2016

Location

Helsinki, Finland

Architect

Avanto Architects Ltd

Type

Sauna

Photography

kuvio.com Archmospheres.com Mikko Ryhänen

Image © Archmospheres.com

In addition to the long sofas, Laajisto´s office has used

Between the saunas there is spa area with cold water basin and a fire place room to relax in, between or after sauna bathing. Visitors also have the option to swim in the sea. Moreover, in the winter, a hole is cut into the ice of the adjacent bay so that visitors can hop between enveloping heat and blood-chilling cold. Winter swimming via the hole in the ice, also referred to as ‘avanto’, is a popular hobby in Finland and also the name of the architectural firm behind Löyly.

Image © Archmospheres.com

The main materials used in the interiors are black concrete, light Scandinavian birch wood, blackened steel and wool. All materials are durable and long lasting. The wood used is pressed, glued and slightly heat treated birch, a new sustainable Finnish innovation made of left over materials of the plywood industry that normally is burned to produce energy. This is how waste is turned into a beautiful recycled material. It´s manufacturing process produces a beautiful cool light color tone and heavy durability.

glued laminated birch on walls, tabletops, the long bar and even in the unisex toilet sink. The upholstered chairs, which add softness to the space, are by Italian manufacturer Torre. All fabrics are soft natural wool by Kvadrat. The bar stools are by Gubi and the wooden chairs in the sauna lounge are by Finnish Nikari. The String lights designed by Micheal Anastassiades for Floss create a subtle rhythm to the space without blocking the views of the Baltic Sea.

Image © Archmospheres.com

included building a raised platform for the bar area, which divides the space into two different areas. Further, a wooden half wall anchors the long custom designed sofas, which have a great view of the sea.

presents:

2nd trade show for timber design and furniture technology

DAMIETTA - EGYPT

11-13 November

2017

Organized by: TRADE SHOW ORGANISER

T: 0030 210 2931011, F:0030 210 2930022 info@woodtech-forum.com, www.woodtech-forum.com PUBLICATIONS | EXHIBITIONS | EVENTS

Image ÂŠ Boris Lvovsky / Fedor Goreglyad

400 wooden triangles envelope Japanese restaurant by DA Architects in St. Petersburg KIDO Sushi Bar entwines craft artistry, simple Asian design and eminent elegance in one eclectic, breathtaking interior

Image © Boris Lvovsky / Fedor Goreglyad

Inside this small sushi bar in St. Petersburg, Russia, the most distinctive feature is the wooden element, which envelopes one side of the wall and the entire ceiling. Designed by DA Architects, their objective was to keep the 80 sqm restaurant interior neutral and simple. In total, 400 wooden triangles have been installed, representing DA Architects‘ concept of creating an

and ensure the emphasis was on a really unusual, and yet memorable structure. As a result, an impressive wooden construction was created, located opposite the panoramic windows, consisting of more than 400 volumetric triangles. Moving from the wall to the ceiling and resembling a wave, it envelops the entire main hall of the

In total, 400 wooden triangles have been installed, representing DA Architects‘ concept of creating an interior ‘shell’ interior ‘shell’. The sushi bar, which is part of the KIDO network, is located in one of the dormitory districts of St. Petersburg. According to the architects, it was important to design an interior that would instantly attract the attention of the passing public to a new place. Given that it was a small and simple space, DA Architects wanted to save this simplicity

restaurant and creates a ‘shell’ of the space. It is also reminiscent of classical Asian wooden building construction, Japanese geometric ornaments, and partly origami details. “Our task was to create a very bright and memorable interior in a very simple space. Of course, it needed to adhere to the Asian theme but without some traditional Asian elements.

Having decided to keep it minimalistic but still a warm space, we selected wood as our main material. The ‘wooden-shell’ idea was born at the start of the project. We were playing around with basic geometry shapes including squares and triangles but finally decided to make that shape pyramidal,” said Fedor Goreglyad, Co-founder, DA Architects. References to Asia are seen subtly through the clay pots decorating the walls and the bamboo place mats. The material and décor choice for the rest of KIDO Sushi Bar follows the designers’ decision to leave the space simple. The muted grey and blue color scheme projects focus onto the geometric, three-dimensional feature which ultimately, introduces visual expression and directing people’s gaze to the longitudinal stretch of the floor plan. The rest of the interior is muted in fact to a minimalistic background - the gray tones of the walls

and floors allow the designs to play a major role, and the black accents of furniture add to a touch of elegance to the table appointments. The second hall is slightly different: the wooden structures resemble a bamboo grove and the backlight makes the space a shade of violet, adding to the overall intimacy of the bar. “Visually, we wanted to create something that provokes an instant association with the Asian theme, but without the use of direct references, which are so often seen in oriental restaurants. The structure of triangles just became such an element. Upon approval of our concept, we started to build wooden models (both small and full sizes) to understand the best way forward. During the development phases, we used 3D software, but we also made 3 or 4 different real-life models before we finally reached our goal,” added Goreglyad. According to Goreglyad, the wooden patterns of the artistic

Image © Boris Lvovsky / Fedor Goreglyad

installation that lines both the walls and ceiling has become the main capturing feature of the restaurant layout. Arranged in different geometrical shapes, the light wood 3D installation stands out against the pure black canvas of the decor arrangement. With its well-balanced combination of soft black furniture, polished gray surfaces, and discrete light installations, the place exudes a welcoming and tranquil atmosphere. By combining the simple elegance of the space with the Asian origin of the cuisine on offer, DA Architects have served up a magnificent example of contemporary interior design. Unostentatious plants with exotic appearance placed in tasteful pots complete the elegant design of the space. Everything in this restaurant interior, including the standout wooden installation, is well balanced and shows the quiet elegance and the welcoming harmony of the Asian simplicity in interior décor.

Project Name KIDO Sushi Bar

Client

KIDO network

Completed 2016

Location

Saint Petersburg, Russia

Architect

DA Architects

Type

Restaurant

Photography

Boris Lvovsky / Fedor Goreglyad

Maximilian Eisenköck Architecture completes private holiday house in Salzburg

Image © Maximilian Eisenköck

Timber façade and roof ensures the building blends harmoniously into the surrounding alpine scenery

While driving up the long way to Postalm, an idyllic plateau in the Tennen Mountains near Salzburg, one can spot numerous unique viewpoints of the surrounding mountains, particularly the impressive Dachstein-Tauern. Located on one of these viewpoints is an old homestead, which had been abandoned for a long time and was decaying. Purchased by a private client, the specific challenge then was to find an appropriate solution, which was necessary to revitalize buildings that used to be farms. Viennese studio Maximilian Eisenköck Architecture was tasked with the job at hand. According to the designers, the Alps offer the perfect requirement for great architecture, but what makes it remarkable is that the balance and the thin line between new architecture and

the surrounding scenery rarely succeeds in alpine areas. The shape and the materiality of the buildings were nurtured by century old traditional alpine architecture. However, due to the disrepair of the existing structure, a decision was made to build a new building not far from the old one. The newly built house is used as a private holiday house and its design is characterized by a solid stone plinth with a pending timber work structure, which used to float over the plinth, and a sharply sliced roof. A tight three-storey structure offers its owners a generous ground plot, spread over two storeys, with four bed- and bathrooms and a wide living-, dining room with a kitchen area on the first floor. The house also includes a wellness area and a wine cellar. Huge window

Image © Maximilian Eisenköck

openings ensure spectacular views of the local alpine scenery of Salzburg. The continuous and bright interior trim paneling of solid cross-laminated timber boards ensures a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Sticking to the centuries-old and traditional alpine architecture with its charming residential and farmhouses, the architect emphasized the design of the façade and its appropriate appearance. Using wood as a naturally occurring material in the alpine areas was obvious. With a special treatment of the timber panels, which were charred on the top layer and fixed on the façade and the roof afterwards, the new building blends harmoniously into the surrounding scenery and also pays tribute to the common facades of the old farmhouses.

Client Private

Completed

November 2016

Location

Salzburg, Austria

Architect

Maximilan Eisenköck Architecture

Type

Residential

Photography

Maximilian Eisenköck

Image ÂŠ ZM Yasa Architecture Photography

www.americanhardwood.org

Special Supplement

AMERICAN HARDWOODS

Whether it is for a one-off furniture piece or a large-scale interior fitout, hardwoods from the United States are increasingly being specified, as they become better known and more widely appreciated

Tactile, warm, unique, natural and sustainable are just some of the adjectives ascribed to American hardwoods by architects and designers in the Middle East with whom we have collaborated in the past year or so. It is for these reasons, and many more, that a growing number of designers in the region are choosing to work with them. Whether it is for a oneoff furniture piece or a large-scale interior fitout, hardwoods from the United States are increasingly being specified, as they become better known and more widely appreciated. Our most recent collaboration with Tarik Al Zaharna; The Cocoon in thermally-modified American ash for Downtown Design Dubai 2016, showcased not just the beauty of U.S. hardwoods, but also their versatility. The process of thermal-modification takes the nondurable kiln-dried American ash and turns it in to a product with significantly increased durability and stability, suitable for exterior applications, such as cladding and decking. As architects and designers are seeking natural material alternatives for these types of applications, we can see this product becoming increasingly widely-specified in the region. Earlier last month, we unveiled the seven American hardwood seats, designed by seven UAEbased designers for our Seed to Seat project. This cross-regional project aims to examine the true impact of design through environmental life cycle assessment (LCA), while introducing designers to U.S. hardwood species with which they may not be so familiar. Completed in Australia and New Zealand last year and now underway in South Africa, the finished pieces from the UAE edition of Seed to Seat were exhibited for the first time at Design Days Dubai (March 14-17, 2017). Around USD 90 million worth of American hardwood lumber and veneers were shipped to the Middle East during 2016 and this underlines their regional importance as a material for furniture, joinery and flooring. As the region is starting, once again, to enjoy ‘pre-Global Financial Crisis’ levels of construction activity, with the Gulf’s hospitality sector, in particular, showing massive growth, solid demand for American hardwoods is predicted.

Roderick Wiles AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, South Asia and Oceania

36 AMERICAN HARDWOODS

Studio Evren Başbuğ Architects use thermally-modified American ash to create a new integrated coastal attraction in Izmir The ‘Bostanlı Footbridge’ and ‘Bostanlı Sunset Lounge’ have been designed by Studio Evren Başbuğ Architects as part of the ‘Karşıkıyı’ concept created for the ‘IzmirSea’ coastal regeneration project. These two architectural installations, which are positioned in close proximity and in reference to each other, have generated a new, integrated coastal attraction, where the Bostanlı Creek flows into the bay, on a very special and unique spot due to the geometric form of the coastline. Opened in July 2016, the site has become one of the top public attractions in Karşıyaka, Izmir and has

been embraced and visited by residents from all over the city. “Our client was the Metropolitan Municipality of İzmir and they didn’t really have a very detailed brief for this site but they rather had a general motivation to strengthen the links between the urban coastline and the inhabitants of the city. As such, these two urban installations, facing each other in the same spot, sustain the general framework defined in the ‘Karşıkıyı’ proposal. Natural, independent, ingenuous and inclusive; both designs serve as genuine ‘counter-spaces’ in

the urban setting,” said Evren Başbuğ, Founding Partner, Studio Evren Başbuğ Architects. In alignment with the masterplan of the ‘Karşıkıyı’ concept, the ‘Bostanlı Footbridge’, was proposed to connect two sides of Bostanlı Creek and would serve as one of the missing pieces of the continuous coastal promenade. With its slightly bow-shaped longitudinal section and specially designed support geometry, the bridge allows for the passage of small boats and provides access to the floating pontoon located on the creek.

The ‘Bostanlı Footbridge’, oriented in its unique position and providing a view of the bay on one side and the city on the other, has been designed with an asymmetrical cross-section. This special section is formed by several cascading thermallymodified American ash boards, produced and provided by Novawood, installed on a steel frame, allowing users to enjoy the view of the bay either sitting or sprawling. In this way, the bridge goes beyond being just an infrastructural urban element, solely used as a thoroughfare, and instead, serves as a public leisure and attraction piece in

Image © ZM Yasa Architecture Photography

relation to its environment. “Given that the site was so unique in terms of its location and geography, as designers we did not need any more inspiration from the outside. The ‘Bostanlı Footbridge’ and ‘Bostanlı Sunset Lounge’, both promise a new urban space to experience different forms of ‘idleness’, by employing the social, geographical and historical backgrounds of this unique location. These new coastal installations fit perfectly with the ‘Easy Way of Living’ vision established for the city of İzmir, by the ‘IzmirSea’ coastal

regeneration project,” added Başbug. The ‘Bostanlı Sunset Lounge’, which lies on one of the few coastal fragments facing directly west in Karşıyaka, is also made from a series of thermally-modified American ash boards from Novawood, which form an inviting urban surface, stretching between the artificial slope covered with trees and the embankment itself. The simplicity and fluency in the surface geometry encourage the user to experience a more direct relationship with the setting

sun and the sea. Just as in the case of the footbridge, the lounge gives a welcoming feeling, which is mostly down to the natural texture of the thermallymodified ash. Built from a series of wooden platforms reclining on a wooded hillside, all the way down towards the sea, the design encourages users to achieve a closer connection with the sea. In this way, the lounge helps users to re-discover a long-forgotten Izmir ritual, which is still present in the urban memory, and invites city residents to watch the sunset

and spend quality time together in the evening. “Given that the site is on the sea coast, all the materials are open to the corrosive effects of salty sea water. Also as a Mediterranean city, İzmir has a relatively high percentage of sunny days, leaving the thermally-modified ash vulnerable to the ultraviolet sunlight. These conditions made us think twice at the design phase but we decided to give it a try. It has been almost a year since the opening, and we frequently visit the site to see if there is any significant

material degrade, but the wood is performing well. Wood ages nicely,” added Başbug.

square meters (or approximately 65.5 million square foot),” said Kayatas.

According to Yakup Kayatas, General Manager, Novawood, Turkey has a long and rich history of working with wood. However, the use of wood in Turkey dropped significantly from the 1940’s onwards with cement, stone and steel being preferred. Whilst this was accepted for a while, architects and the design community have not been satisfied with the cold and pale appearance of nontimber materials used in urban landscaping projects. With this in mind, Novawood was established to pioneer the use of thermally-modified timber, which offers specifiers the option to work with a durable and dimensionally stable product.

“In the case of the ‘Bostanlı Footbridge’ and ‘Bostanlı Sunset Lounge’, we worked closely with both the Izmir Municipality and Studio Evren Başbuğ Architects to provide a solution that reflects the beauty of the coast of Karşıyaka. Thermallymodified ash was the right fit from the outset and we are very proud to have been involved with this ground-breaking project,”added Kayatas.

“With its proven track record, Novawood TMT ash products have been widely specified in many different projects. To date, our products have been a part of urban projects across the globe, totalling around 6 million

Image © ZM Yasa Architecture Photography

38 AMERICAN HARDWOODS

“After witnessing the reaction of the public to these new urban installations and observing how they use the spaces (exactly as we anticipated, actually), we as the designers are certain that timber was the only option for this project. In combination with the basic design ideas, the wood plays a major role and gives the project all the urban character it needs. We can definitely say that these installations would not be as successful as they are now, if we had used any other material,” concluded Basbug.

Project Name

Bostanlı Footbridge & Bostanlı Sunset Lounge

Completed July 2016

Location

Izmir, Turkey

Architect

Studio Evren Başbuğ Architects

Client

Image © ZM Yasa Architecture Photography

Metropolitan Municipality of İzmir

Type

Bridge and Lounge

Photography

ZM Yasa Architecture Photography (courtesy of Studio Evren Başbuğ Architects)

Image ÂŠ Itay Sikolski - Numsix

Oded Halaf and Tomer Gelfand collaborate on Organic Staircase from American Tulipwood for Amot Atrium Tower Sculptural staircase bends and swoops to create fluidity within the spacious office tower

The uniquely geometrical Amot Atrium Tower, designed by prominent architect Moshe Zur, located at the entrance of the Ramat Gan central business district, presents a richly detailed and dynamic façade to visitors entering the city. At 158 meters and with 38 floors of retail, the glass skyscraper has been awarded LEED platinum certification. Each floor of the 43-storey tower is comprised of two wings embracing a common elevator core that is visible from outside. The north-facing atrium volume extends throughout the entire height of the tower, allowing a controlled amount of natural light to filter into the floor lobbies. This offers building

Image © Itay Sikolski - Numsix

40 AMERICAN HARDWOODS

Located in the entrance hall of the tower is an extraordinary sculptural staircase made from American tulipwood users a viewing experience both while waiting for the elevator and while riding it. Additionally, the visibility of elevator movement from outside creates a dynamic tower façade from the outdoor perspective. The geometrical sequence exposing the atrium on the lower part of the tower continues until the upper floors. The upper floors enclose the atrium, which becomes an internal volume within, creating a unique geometrical formation. Located in the entrance hall of

the tower is an extraordinary sculptural staircase made from American tulipwood. In fact, the building’s name is drawn from its impressive atrium entrance hall, designed by architect Oded Halaf, who came up with a radical idea: to construct a tornado-shaped staircase, a sculptural piece that would provide both movement and interest into the orthogonal, glass-encased, four-storey high lobby. Halaf also wanted the staircase to be free of all visible support - a complex and seemingly impossible

assignment, which had to be contracted out to an expert, who held the right mix of knowledge, experience and immense creativity. Given the complexity of the project, Halaf commissioned Tomer Gelfand, a master craftsman who specializes in providing architectural solutions to engineering problems. Since inheriting his father’s studio, which was founded in 1976, Gelfand has had extensive experience with intricate design implementations in wood, stainless steel, and glass. Over the course of an 18-month period, from the time that Halaf presented his rough sketch of the staircase to Gelfand, he managed to execute, supervise

and finalize all stages of construction, turning Halaf’s dream into a reality. According to Gelfand, the stair structure is composed of two interlocking parts: a skeletal metal staircase and a sculptural wooden envelope. Together, they rise as an expressive tornado from the reception desk - conceived at the ground and rising up to the first-floor mezzanine, fourteen meters above. The reception desk was envisioned as the starting point for the spiraling wooden sculpture, and is made from the same tulipwood as the stair railings. To make this happen, Gelfand devised a system of continuous wooden profiles, which look fluid and flexible, but

Image © Itay Sikolski - Numsix

Functionally and aesthetically beautiful, the staircase is in fact a viewing balcony to the office lobby below it which are extremely stiff and stable. “The entire structure includes the spiraling stairs and a tornado-like element, which seems to emerge from the reflecting walls of the entrance lobby. The stairs and the tornado elements merge at the top of the first floor, and the round top acts as a viewing balcony to the impressive hall below. Above, it is topped with a similar round element, crowning the project and perfecting the intricate composition,” said

Gelfand. Gelfand began by implementing an MRI-type scan to the skeleton, cutting vertically through the structure and generating sections in the width of the given wooden profile. The resulting number of crosssections, each exported with a different radius requirement, produced a seemingly-endless amount of arches. In order to deal with this, Gelfand narrowed it down to ‘masterarches’ - devised by calculating the wooden profile’s average

bending tolerance, which dictated the radius and angle of the ‘master-arches’. Next was creating the radial profiles from the material itself: a total of 9,000 linear meters of tulipwood was cut by CNC machine to create the stock for the master-arches, each coded and marked to fit precisely in the grand scheme. As no single piece was interchangeable, every measurement had to be taken in advance to ensure the success of the final installation. For example, each of the connecting points between the modules was completed with a reverse radius; together, they form a sinuous wave, thus creating a seamless transition. American tulipwood was

selected for the project by both Halaf and Gelfand, as it fulfilled the requirements in terms of color. Additional factors were the cost, performance and workability of the material. Sourced from local suppliers, a total of 120 cubic meters of tulipwood was used in this project. According to Gelfand, freshly cut tulipwood showed a variety of natural colors, which would have hindered the seamless quality of the structure. In order to unify the design, a palette of 12 average shades was selected from the tulipwood pieces and then applied to the modules. Lastly, the coded profiles were delivered to the site in order for the final puzzle to be put together: a very precise, fourmonth long, delicate process of assembly, managed and

supervised by Gelfand himself. The final result encapsulates the paradox of contemporary creation: what appears as an artistic, hand-drawn gesture, is, in fact, a result of algorithmic data processing and the product of countless interchangeable pieces. Seemingly arbitrary yet utterly computerized; nature’s matter harnessed by today’s true artists of technology. “Functionally and aesthetically beautiful, the staircase is in fact a viewing balcony to the office lobby below it. Though the structure may seem flexible, it is in fact completely unmovable; a combination of algorithmic data processing and masterful craftsmanship, creating an organically-inspired, artistic result,” concludes Gelfand. “Navigating it isn’t meant to be as simple as taking a functional

Image © Itay Sikolski - Numsix

42 AMERICAN HARDWOODS

set of stairs to get from one level of a building to the next; it’s an experience in itself, taking in the whole structure from a new angle with every step.” The Amot Atrium Tower that houses the staircase has achieved LEED Platinum certification, which means it reaches the highest possible levels of sustainability and resource efficiency. It’s fitting then that its lobby features an organic installation. Working with tulipwood, which is relatively light in weight and has a very high strength to weight ratio, Halaf and Gelfand have created a striking structure, which is not just a work of art in its unusual shape but also an example of how hightech design and traditional woodworking can come together for modern usage.

Project Name

Staircase at Amot Atrium Tower

Completed 2016

Architect Oded Halaf

Timber Works Tomer Gelfand

Construction Engineer Aeronautic Engineer Prof. Doron Shalev

Photography

Itay Sikolski - Numsix

AMERICAN WHITE OAK

AMERICAN RED OAK

Quercus species, mainly Quercus alba

Quercus species, mainly Quercus rubra

American red oak is the dominant species in the U.S. hardwood forests - with distinctive grain, and wood that is not always red in colour. The name is supposedly due to the leaf colour in the fall. Red oak may be sold on the basis of ‘northern’, ‘southern’ and ‘Appalachian’ but this may be an over-simplification of the differences according to growing location. For example, red oak grown at higher altitude will tend to be slower grown with a denser grain appearance and texture, regardless of geographical location.

American white oak is one of the most popular species from the U.S. hardwood forests in export markets – and is unique to North America. White oak may be sold on the basis of ‘northern’, ‘southern’ and ‘Appalachian’ but this may be an over-simplification of the differences according to growing location. For example, white oak grown at higher altitude will tend to be slower grown with a denser grain appearance and texture, regardless of geographical location.

FOREST DISTRIBUTION

White oak trees grow exclusively in North America and are widely distributed throughout most of the eastern United States in mixed hardwood forests. As with red oak there are many sub-species, all within the white oak classification, and together form the most common species group accounting for about 33% of the American hardwood resource. The trees are tall and easily identified by their rounded leaf form, turning brown in the fall. White oaks also grow from north to south; some high in the mountains and others on low land giving rise to different characteristics.

Red oak trees grow only naturally and almost exclusively in North America, although planted elsewhere. They are widely distributed throughout most of the eastern United States in mixed hardwood forests. The trees are very tall. There are many sub-species, all within the red oak classification, which grow from north to south; some high in the mountains and others on low land giving rise to different characteristics.

MATERIAL AVAILABILITY

FOREST DISTRIBUTION

Red oak from the USA is readily available as sawn lumber and veneer, in a wide range of grades and sizes. Thicker lumber (10/4” & 12/4”) can be sourced in relatively small volumes from specialist suppliers, but is widely produced throughout the hardwood industry from 4/4” (25.4mm) through to 8/4” (52mm). In the north the sapwood tends to be less due to the shorter growing season, than in the south where the wood is grown faster with more open grain and texture. Red oak may be sold on the basis of ‘northern’ and ‘southern’, but this may be an oversimplification of the differences according to growing location.

MATERIAL AVAILABILITY

WOOD DESCRIPTION

In general the sapwood of red oaks is light brown and the heartwood is often, but not always, pinkish to reddish brown. The colour difference between the sapwood and heart wood is quite distinct. The wood of red oaks is generally straight-grained and coarse textured. The wood is figured with medullary rays – a feature of all true (Quercus) oaks – smaller in red oak than white oak. The wood is porous, and easily identified from the end grain, so not suitable for wine barrels.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

American red oaks have very good overall strength properties relative to weight. The wood is hard and heavy with medium bending strength, stiffness and high crushing strength. It has excellent steam bending capability. Being hard, stable when dry and easy to finish and stain, it is ideal for furniture and flooring.

PERFORMANCE

Red oak lumber machines well, with good performance in nailing and screwing, although pre-boring is recommended. It glues well and can be stained and polished to a very good finish. Being porous, red oak absorbs all treatments. The wood dries best slowly to minimise degrade, but with high shrinkage and can be susceptible to movement in performance in humid conditions. The wood is rated as slightly resistant to heartwood decay, but moderately easy to treat with preservatives. This makes red oak suitable for being thermally modified.

White oak from the USA is readily available as sawn lumber and veneer, in a wide range of grades and sizes. Due to lengthy drying times not all suppliers offer thicker lumber stock (10/4” & 12/4”) but it is available in limited volumes. In the north the sapwood tends to be less than in the south where, due to the shorter growing season, the wood is grown faster with more open grain and texture. White oak may be sold on the basis of ‘northern’ and ‘southern’, but this may be an over-simplification of the differences according to growing location. White oaks have an attractive grain, similar to many other oaks grown globally. In general the sapwood of white oak is whitish to light brown and the heartwood is normally light to mid or even dark brown. The difference between the sapwood and heartwood of white oak is less distinct than in red oak. The wood of white oaks is mainly straightgrained with medium to coarse texture. The wood is figured with medullary rays – a feature of all true (Quercus) oaks – and these in white oak are longer than those of red oak; thus producing a more pronounced figure. The heartwood wood is not porous, so is suitable for wine barrels and exterior use.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

American white oaks have excellent overall strength properties relative to weight, making them a preferred hardwood species for structural applications. The wood is hard and relatively heavy with good bending strength and compression strength but lower in stiffness. Structural testing carried out in Europe confirms that the white oak has a greater inherent fibre strength than European oak. It has excellent steam bending capability. Being hard, stable when dry and easy to finish and stain, it is highly popular for furniture and flooring, especially in export markets.

PERFORMANCE

White oak lumber machines well, with good performance in nailing and screwing, although pre-boring is recommended. It glues well (although the inclusion of primers are recommended for structural gluing) and can be stained and polished to a very good finish. The wood has to be dried slowly and carefully to avoid degrade and it has high differential radial and tangential shrinkage so can be susceptible to movement in performance in humid conditions. It has excellent drilling and finishing properties. The heartwood is resistant to decay and resistant to preservative treatment.

44 AMERICAN HARDWOODS

AMERICAN ASH

AMERICAN WALNUT

Fraxinus species, including Fraxinus americana

Juglans nigra

American walnut is one of the most sought-after species in markets across the world and is unique to North America.

American ash is ideal for bending and turning- and strong and tough with distinctive grain, character and colour.

FOREST DISTRIBUTION

American walnut trees grow very widely across the eastern USA in mixed hardwood forests and on farms, concentrated in central states but spread from Texas to the eastern seaboard. The trees are one of the few hardwood species planted as well as occurring and regenerated naturally. They grow relatively tall and straight with few lower branches.

MATERIAL AVAILABILITY

Walnut from the USA is available as sawn lumber and as veneer. The lumber is generally sold un-steamed and unselected for colour. Specialist producers may offer steamed walnut intended to darken the sapwood and thus reduce the colour difference between heartwood and sapwood. Recent years have seen huge global demand for this species. NHLA Grading Rules are modified for walnut allowing smaller specifications and smaller clear cuttings and sapwood is admitted without limit. Consultation with suppliers is recommended.

WOOD DESCRIPTION

The sapwood of walnut is creamy white, whereas the heartwood is light brown to dark chocolate brown, making the difference in colour quite distinct. Occasionally the heartwood has dark, even purple, streaks. The wood of walnut is generally straight grained, although sometimes with wavy or curly grain that produces its characteristic and attractive figure, sought after by designers. American walnut is quite different to European walnut, which tends to be lighter in colour.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Walnut is tough, hard and of medium density. It has moderate bending and crushing strengths and is low in stiffness. It has good steam bending classification.

PERFORMANCE

American walnut works easily with hand and machine tools. It has excellent planing, turning and moulding properties. It has good nailing and gluing properties and can be stained and polished to an excellent finish. The wood dries slowly and has good dimensional stability when dry. The wood is rated as very resistant to heartwood decay and is one of the most durable (decay resistant) American hardwoods.

American ash trees grow commonly throughout the eastern United States in mixed hardwood forests, from the north in New York State to the southern States along the Gulf of Mexico, and everywhere in between. They grow high in the mountains and low on the plains and coastal areas giving rise to great variety of character. With such widespread distribution in latitude, climate and soil conditions, there are significant variations in ash depending on location, in particular between the slower grown northern and faster grown southern trees. There are also sub-species that add to this variety. Despite some longer-term threats by forest pests and disease to the ash standing stock of timber, ash is a prolific species.

MATERIAL AVAILABILITY

Ash from the USA is readily available as sawn lumber and veneer, in a wide range of grades and sizes. In the north the sapwood tends to be less due to the shorter growing season, than in the south where the wood is grown faster with more open grain and texture. Ash may be sold on the basis of colour and is widely available for export. Ash was the 4th major American hardwood species to be exported worldwide by volume in 2015. Ash lumber is available in a range of grades from 4/4” (1” or 25.4mm) through to 8/4” (2” or 52mm) although limited volumes of 10/4” (2.5” or 63mm) and 12/4” (3’ or 75mm) can be sourced.

WOOD DESCRIPTION

In general ash is a light coloured wood, with sapwood varying from white to yellow and heartwood light to dark brown, sometimes with lighter streaks. The colour difference between the outer lightcoloured white sapwood and inner, darker, even brown heartwood is quite distinct. Ash wood is generally straight-grained with a coarse uniform texture. Its appearance has a very strong grain contrast between the softer summer growth and hard winter growth rings. No two pieces are ever the same in appearance. Light brown flecks, or mineral streaks, sometimes referred to as ‘glassworm’, are common in ash and are treated as a natural characteristic, and are not considered as a defect under the NHLA Grading Rules. They do not undermine the integrity of the wood.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Ash wood has very good overall strength properties relative to its weight. It has excellent shock resistance, which takes some of the pain from those using hand tools and sports equipment, such as baseball bats. It steam bends very well, so is a favourite of furniture makers and hobbyists. Being very hard, stable when dry and easy to finish and stain, it is ideal for furniture and flooring.

PERFORMANCE

Ash lumber machines well, with good performance in nailing, screwing, gluing and can be stained and polished to a very good finish. Black stained ash has experienced several successful fashion cycles in furniture. The wood dries fairly easily with minimal degrade. With good stability there is not much movement in performance. Ash veneer laminates well to board materials. Ash is not resistant to heartwood decay and the heartwood is moderately resistant to preservative treatment, but the sapwood is permeable. This makes ash very suitable for being thermally modified, as has now been proven through its widespread use for decking, cladding, worktops and garden furniture.

AMERICAN CHERRY

AMERICAN TULIPWOOD

Prunus serotina

Liriodendron tulipifera

American cherry is a supreme hardwood species from the U.S. hardwood forests and is unique to North America, with warm colour tones and superb finishing qualities.

Commercially American tulipwood is one of the most prolific hardwood species from the U.S. hardwood forests and is unique to North America, having been eliminated in Europe by the last ice age.

FOREST DISTRIBUTION

American forest cherry trees grow principally in the northeast of the USA in mixed hardwood forests. The species is different from the many floral cherries planted throughout the world. It is a single species; the trees growing tall and often in dense stands in several U.S. states, notably Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia and West Virginia. Cherry has a relatively short rotation, taking less time to mature than other hardwoods. Much of the current resource is the result of cherry’s ability to regenerate naturally after forest fires.

MATERIAL AVAILABILITY

Tulipwood trees grow exclusively in North America and are widely distributed throughout most of the eastern United States in mixed hardwood forests. It is a single species and is not a poplar (Populus) being a Magnoliacae producing wood that is superior to the many poplar species. The trees are huge and identified by their tulip-like flowers giving rise to the name. Tulipwood grows from north to south and is one of the most sustainable hardwoods in the USA.

MATERIAL AVAILABILITY

Cherry from the USA is readily available as veneer and sawn lumber in a range of grades and sizes, although limited as thicker material; 10/4” (63mm) & 12/4” (75mm). The species can be subject to cycles of popularity or fashion, so that apparent shortages of dry lumber available to deliver may not reflect the substantial resource available for harvest. Cherry may be sold selected for colour, defining the amount of sap-free material or sold sap-free one face. For example, cherry boards may be sold 90/50 meaning 90% heartwood and not less than 50% heartwood on the reverse side – or sold in other specifications. Consultation with suppliers is recommended.

Tulipwood from the USA is readily available as sawn lumber in a wide range of grades and thicknesses (4/4” through to 16/4”) due to its ease of drying. A relative knot free timber average lumber widths and lengths can be higher than other commercial species. Tulipwood is used in plywood production but with more limited availability as decorative veneer. The sapwood produces the often preferred whiter wood, as the heartwood usually exhibits strong colour variation, however the use of unsorted tulipwood displaying all its natural colour variation is on the increase, especially in Europe. Tulipwood is sold domestically, and sometimes referred to in export, as ‘poplar’ but should not be confused with European or Chinese poplar.

WOOD DESCRIPTION

The heartwood of cherry can vary from rich red to reddish brown and darkens on exposure to light with time. The sapwood is creamy white. Although the difference between heart and sap colour is marked, this can be reduced by steaming. The wood of cherry has a fine uniform, straight and unpronounced grain with a fine smooth texture. The small brown pith flecks, pin knots and gum pockets or streaks are natural characteristics of cherry, but their occurrence varies according to region.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Cherry has medium density, with good wood bending properties, medium strength and shock resistance, but low stiffness, and can be steam bent with care. Being hard and stable when dry the wood is very easy to stain and finish to an excellent surface. It is highly prized for furniture and interior joinery. As a relatively soft species, American cherry is only suitable for flooring in areas with low traffic, such as bedrooms, or in cultures where shoes are not worn in homes – as in Asia.

PERFORMANCE

Cherry lumber is easy to machine, plane and turn. It glues well with good performance in screwing and nailing. It has excellent carving and moulding properties. Cherry can easily be sanded, stained and polished to a very fine and smooth finish. The heartwood is resistant to decay and is moderately resistant to preservative treatment. Users should take into account that both the heartwood of cherry can darken in tone quite quickly on exposure to light.

Tulipwood has less strong grain characteristic than species such as ash and oak and is more like maple in character but darker in colour. However there is a marked difference between the sapwood and heartwood of tulipwood. The sapwood is creamy white whereas the heartwood can vary from pale yellow or brown and even green to purple in extreme cases. The wood darkens with time on exposure to UV light and the green colour will turn brown. The wood of tulipwood is straightgrained with a medium to fine texture.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Tulipwood has extraordinary overall strength properties relative to weight, making it highly suitable for structural applications, such as glue-laminated beams and cross laminated timber (CLT). The wood has relative low density, but with high bending, shock resistance, and stiffness values, but is lower in compression and hardness. The wood has medium steam-bending capability and is extremely stable when fully dry and not installed in humid conditions. It is easy to finish and stain, so is highly suitable for furniture and joinery.

PERFORMANCE

Tulipwood lumber is easy to machine, plane, turn and glue with good performance screwing, although pre-boring is recommended. It tends to split when nailed. Tulipwood can easily be stained and polished to a very good finish. The wood can be susceptible to movement in performance in humid conditions. The wood is non-resistant to decay. The heartwood can be resistant to preservative treatment, whereas the sap is permeable. Overall, tulipwood can be considered for preservation with modern preservation treatment methods including thermal modification, to which it is particular suited.

46 AMERICAN HARDWOODS

AMERICAN HARD MAPLE

AMERICAN SOFT MAPLE

Acer saccharum, Acer nigrum

Acer rubrum, Acer saccharinum

Hard maple, growing naturally in the hardwood forests of North America, is world-renowned for its delicate colour, hardness, fine grain and finishing quality.

Soft maple, growing naturally in the hardwood forests of North America, is one of the most prolific and sustainable species, similar to hard maple but slightly softer in impact hardness.

FOREST DISTRIBUTION

MATERIAL AVAILABILITY

American hard maple is a cold climate species although trees can grow throughout the USA in mixed hardwood forests but favouring the more northern states. The species is quite different from other maples throughout the world. The trees often grow in dense stands on many types of soil and are also farmed for their famous maple syrup. Harvesting the trees is seasonal (autumn and winter).

Hard maple from the USA is readily available as sawn lumber in a range of grades and sizes and as veneer. Lumber is regularly produced in 4/4” through to 8/4’” but limited as thicker stock. The lumber may be sold according to (white) colour selection, for which a premium is normally charged. This is usually done using the NHLA grading standard for colour sorting producing colour grades such as “1&2 white”. Consultation with suppliers is recommended.

WOOD DESCRIPTION

The sapwood of hard maple is normally creamy white but can show a slight reddish/brown tinge. White sapwood lumber can be selected and veneer is always selected. The heartwood of hard maple varies in colour from light to dark reddish brown and may also vary according to region. The difference between heart and sap colour may only be slight. Both may contain pith fleck as a natural characteristic. The wood of hard maple has a close fine texture and is generally straight grained. Hard maple can occur as ‘curly’, ‘fiddleback’ and ‘birds eye’ figure. The wood darkens on exposure to light with time.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Hard maple is hard, as the name suggests, and is heavy with good strength properties. It has high resistance to abrasion and wear as well as good steam bending properties. Accordingly it is a preferred species for flooring, including sports floors, bowling alleys and worktops.

PERFORMANCE

Hard maple lumber is excellent to machine, bore, turn and finish. It glues, planes, drills and carves well but screwing and nailing is only fair. It produces good mouldings. Hard maple can easily be sanded, stained and polished to a very fine and smooth finish. The heartwood is only slightly or non-resistant to decay and the heartwood is resistant to preservative treatment. The sapwood is permeable.

American soft maples grow widely across the eastern USA in mixed hardwood forests with more red maple in the northeast and silver maple concentrated in the mid and southern states. The name can be misleading as soft maple is not technically very soft. There are a significant number of sub-species – all sold as soft maple. Several, including Pacific coast/big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), grow in the northwest USA, for which there are specific grading rules that apply. Soft maple from the USA is widely available as sawn lumber in a range of sizes and grades, but rarely as veneer. The lumber is normally sold unselected for colour. West coast production is usually sold surfaced and graded from the better side, in a departure from standard NHLA Grading Rules.

WOOD DESCRIPTION

Soft maples are somewhat like hard maple, but much more variable in colour, especially from one region to another. The sapwood of soft maple is normally greyish white but can be darker, with pith flecks as a natural characteristic. The heartwood of soft maple varies in colour from light to dark reddish brown. The difference between sap and heartwood is greater than in hard maple. The wood of soft maple is generally straight grained with fine texture, with a grain pattern similar to American cherry, soft maple can be stained as a cherry substitute.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Soft maple has good bending and crushing strength, but is low in stiffness and shock resistance. It is about 25% less hard than hard maple. Accordingly it is not recommended for flooring or work tops.

PERFORMANCE

Soft maple lumber is excellent to machine, bore, plane and finish. It turns, glues, planes, drills and carves well but screwing and nailing is only fair. It produces good mouldings. Soft maple can easily be sanded, stained and polished to a fine and smooth finish, and has good steam bending properties. It is regarded as a substitute for cherry when stained. Its mechanical properties and performance also make it a substitute for beech. The wood is non-resistant to decay and the heartwood is moderately resistant to preservative treatment. The sapwood is permeable.

AMERICAN HICKORY

AMERICAN ALDER

Alnus rubra

Carya spp.

American hickory and pecan are different species of a very diverse group, but in the round (log) they are virtually indistinguishable from each other and therefore often processed by saw mills and sold mixed together.

American alder is the major commercial species grown on the western seaboard of the USA and is unique to the hardwood forest resources of North America; one of the few red hardwood species.

FOREST DISTRIBUTION

American alder trees grow prolifically in the Pacific Northwest under sustainable management. Alder has a relatively short rotation, taking less time to harvest than most other hardwoods.

The hickories are an important group and the trees grow naturally throughout the Eastern U.S., from north to south. They are split into two groups; the more important true hickories and hickories producing pecan nuts, the latter being an important fruit-bearing tree. Trees vary in size enormously.

MATERIAL AVAILABILITY

Hickory sawn lumber is readily available in export grades, but sold unselected for colour and mixed. The NHLA FAS grade permits a minimum width of 4 inches (101.6mm). The lower NHLA grades (1 & 2 common) can produce an attractive and fashionable rustic look. Lumber is mainly produced in thinner stock (4/4â&#x20AC;? & 5/4) although a limited amount of thicker material may be available.

WOOD DESCRIPTION

The wood of hickory varies greatly in colour, grain pattern and appearance from this very diverse group. It is fine textured and the grain is usually straight but can be wavy or irregular. The sapwood is white and maybe tinged with brown, while the heartwood is pale to yellow brown to dark in colour. Deep purple mineral streaks are a natural characteristic. Bird pecks are also a common characteristic and neither is considered a defect.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

The wood of hickories is rather coarse and varies from strong to less strong but is heavy and very hard. It has good bending strength, shock resistance and excellent steam bending properties.

PERFORMANCE

Hickory is considered difficult to machine and glue, and very hard to work with hand tools. It will hold nails and screws well but tends to split so pre-boring is advised. The wood can be sanded and polished to a good finish. It can be difficult to dry and has large shrinkage, which may affect stability under variable moisture conditions and in wider width material. The wood is non-resistant to heartwood decay and classed as moderately resistant to preservative treatment. *For information on Pecan, please refer to www.americanhardwood.org

FOREST DISTRIBUTION

MATERIAL AVAILABILITY

Alder is graded using NHLA Pacific Coast Red Alder Rules published in the NHLA Rules for the Measurement & Inspection of Hardwood and Cypress. The key grading points include grading from the better face rather than poor side as in the Standard NHLA Grading Rules; pin knots are regarded as character and not defects. The primary grades include Superior (Select & Better), Cabinet (No 1 Common) and Frame (No 2 Common) which are similar to uses as for the standard NHLA grades. Alder from the USA is readily available as kiln dried sawn lumber and often sold under a range of unique grading rules, for grades not listed in the NHLA Rules, consultation with suppliers is recommended. Lumber may be sold rough sawn or planed as dimension stock. It has limited availability as veneer.

WOOD DESCRIPTION

Alder is almost white when freshly cut, but quickly changes on exposure to air, becoming light brown with a yellow or reddish tinge. There is no visible difference between the sap and the heartwood, although heartwood is formed only in older or mature trees. The wood of alder is fairly straight grain, somewhat similar in character to cherry, with uniform texture.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Alder has medium density, but is relatively soft. It has low bending strength, shock resistance, and stiffness. It is easily turned and can be polished and stained to an excellent finish.

PERFORMANCE

Alder machines easily and is good for planing, drilling, boring, carving, moulding, nailing, screwing and gluing, making it highly suitable for furniture and joinery. The wood is non-resistant to heartwood decay but is permeable to preservative treatment.

COMMENT 49

Image ÂŠ PLP Architecture

Tall towers are not the answer to environmental challenges

Image Â© Jack Hobhouse

50 COMMENT

Image © MGA/Ema Peter

COMMENT 51

If you gave ancient Romans iPhones, it would blow their mind. But if you took them to a modern construction site, they would get it - for, thousands of years ago, they too built in concrete and brick as well as stone. Today, about a third to half of the carbon emissions associated with a building over its lifecycle comes from creating the materials used to build it, but developers, builders and architects have been reluctant to change. The solution doesn’t have to be invented. It already exists, in the form of modern engineered timbers. Unlike conventional materials, sustainably sourced engineered timber actually stores

Unlike conventional materials, sustainably sourced engineered timber actually stores carbon carbon. Engineered timbers are also cheaper, faster to build and can be pre-cut in factories, so there is less time lost to weather and safety risks are easier to control. The resulting buildings are sturdy, safe and well-insulated. In a world where housing affordability is an issue, where homelessness is a problem and where climate change is a real threat, I see engineered timbers in mid-rise apartments as being the future of building

in urban areas. Compared to tall towers, mid-rise building in cross laminated timber (CLT) - sometimes referred to as plywood on steroids - has a number of environmental advantages. Tall buildings are highly inefficient. When you’ve got a tall tower, you’ve got to pump water up great heights; you need cooling as there’s no natural shade; and they’re also often badly insulated and acoustically poor because developers cut

costs by building in lightweight materials. And a whole lot of tall towers together leads to poor urban spaces, which would be far better built at between seven and twelve storeys. The problems are not just practical. We’re living in an age where many architects strive to achieve a design that is amazing, incredible and completely different - (translation: they draw a funny shape and give it to an engineer to work out how to build). Sometimes it’s better to keep it simple, and make sure that the bedroom has a window and that you can get to the staircase and so on. Simplicity can have

Image © Bergen and Omegn Building Society

52 COMMENT

its own beauty, particularly when you’re building in timber. Architects also need to think about the construction material and incorporate this in the initial design stage. In the UK, there are now about 500 buildings made of CLT, including civic spaces, schools and housing complexes. That number is set to explode. There are currently three factories on the drawing board that will create modular CLT housing in the UK alone, and the largest of these is being designed to produce 5,000 homes a year - at a cost of about 20 percent cheaper than conventional materials. I’ve also designed the world’s largest (by volume) CLT housing complex, Dalston Lane, in the UK, which is currently under construction. The 10-storey,

Architects also need to think about the construction material and incorporate this in the initial design stage. 121-unit development is made entirely of CLT, from the external, party and core walls, through to the floors and stairs, weighing a fifth of a concrete building of this size, and reducing the number of deliveries during construction by 80 percent. Meanwhile, the record for tallest mass timber building containing engineered timbers other than CLT - is constantly growing and currently sits at around 18 storeys in height. In Australia, CLT has been successfully used, but is not as common as in the UK. That may change with a recent

update in the construction code making it easier to build mid-rise CLT buildings - and with the imminent opening of Australia’s first CLT factory, meaning the material will no longer have to be imported. There are a number of ways governments can help promote the use of timber, including: policies promoting a reduction in carbon emissions from buildings - regardless of building material; timber first policies, which are used in many countries to ensure that timber should be considered as a building material in any public building project before

design begins; commissioning public buildings, including social housing, in engineered timbers to help increase industry knowledge and support local manufacture of CLT; and the introduction of a carbon tax. However, in the UK, CLT has taken off without much in the way of government promotion because the business case for it is so compelling, and the environmental benefits a bonus. * This article has been written by Andrew Waugh, Founding Director of Waugh Thistleton Architects, which is a Shoreditch-based architectural practice producing thoughtful and sustainable projects in its own neighborhood and beyond. The practice is a world leader in engineered timber and pioneer in the field of tall timber buildings.

kappa automatic 80 Horizontal Panel Saw

In a class of its own.

As one of the heaviest saws in its class, the kappa automatic 80 with pressure bar and steel material slider is durable and of high quality machine construction. High-end cuts, highest precision and maximum repeatability are the results of this philosophy.

Perfect cutting results - new cutting direction The cutting height can be adjusted manually up to 80 mm saw blade projection height, pneumatically or using electro-motors.

Saw carriage with main and scoring unit Maximum carriage speed up to 100 m/min

INFO

Further models from the FORMAT-4 premium machine range profit H350

5 axes CNC Machining Centres

finish 1350 classic Wide Belt Sander

tempora 60.12 e-motion Edgebander

Official sponsor of the WorldSkills 14. - 19. October 2017

www.format-4.ae SIMCO UAE (Head Office) Tel 00971 6 532 34 24 wood@simco.ae P.O. Box 7281 Sharjah, UAE

F4_Inserat_Dubai_2017.indd 1

GUMACO

Tel 00966 11 242 6911 info@gumacoksa.com New Al Kharj Road, P.O. Box 42493 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

SIMCO Qatar

Tel 00974 55 06 2261 sales@simco.com.qa Al-Kassarat Street, P.O. Box 40553 Doha, Qatar

09.01.2017 14:23:17

54 TALL TIMBER

Architects Bates Smart design Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tallest engineered timber building

Image ÂŠ Bates Smart

52-meter-high tower utilizes cross-laminated timber and glue laminated timber

TALL TIMBER 55

5 King is a high performance commercial building and the tallest engineered timber building in Australia. The 52-meter-high tower in the Brisbane Showgrounds development will also hold the title for the largest gross floor area (GFA) for an engineered timber office building worldwide. Designed by Bates Smart for Lendlease, 5 King is at the leading edge of contemporary workplace thinking. The innovative building will also be the future home of global engineering firm Aurecon, with the company committing to lease four of the nine office floors. In blending tradition with innovation, Bates Smart have designed a building that addresses our fundamental need to connect to nature and preserve the environment. 5 King utilizes cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated timber (Glulam); together they

Designed by Bates Smart for Lendlease, 5 King is at the leading edge of contemporary workplace thinking combine the structural strength of concrete and steel with a low carbon footprint. Levels 1-9 are CLT/Glulam construction, reaching 45 meters, with a lightweight steel construction on level 10, giving the tower a total height of 52 meters. Philip Vivian, Director, Bates Smart said: “We see timber buildings as the next generation of workplace for a creative class looking for rich environments that enhance well-being and productivity. The timber construction recalls the vernacular ‘Queenslanders’ as well as relating to the historic RNA pavilions, to create a site specific and innovative tall building that connects with nature. The buildings ‘verandah’ will be an edge condition that

maximizes connection with the environment.” Designed by architect Bates Smart and with engineering services provided by Aurecon, the ground plus nine-storey tower includes three bespoke ground level retail tenancies. At the ground level, a substantial 54-meter-long timber colonnade lined with cafes and restaurants will cater to the need for creative workspaces outside of the office while establishing a welcoming entry to the building. The side-core design offers generous 1,588 square meter net leasable area (NLA) floorplates, with a total of 14,921 square meters (NLA) over 10 floors. The glass façade on the main

south elevation maximizes natural daylight into the workplace, while sunshades on the other facades reduce energy consumption; further reducing the building’s carbon footprint. Inside, exposed timber structure and services create a contemporary studio environment that balances well-being with creative collaboration space. The floorplates integrate a 6 x 8 meter module grid of Glulam columns and exposed ceilings with visual grade CLT cladding to the core underpinning the honest expression of the structure. Exposed ‘K’ bracing on the floorplate perimeter provides additional structural support. “5 King is the latest example of high-performance workplaces setting new benchmarks in environmentally sustainable building practices. The office building will offer tenants the opportunity to generate 1.5

56 TALL TIMBER

significant business benefits through large, efficient floorplates that provide flexibility for a variety of modern workplace formats. Its location on King Street provides excellent access to lifestyle amenity and transport options for employees,” said Kylie Rampa, Lendlease’s Chief Executive Officer, Property, Australia.

Buildings made from engineered timber traditionally have a lower carbon footprint than other building materials: the production process produces zero waste, and timbers are sourced from certified sustainably-managed forests. 5 King will be targeting a 6 Star Green Star Design and As Built v1.1 and a NABERS Energy 5 Star rating. In addition to utilizing sustainably sourced timber, the tower will integrate rainwater harvesting, energy efficient lighting and optimized air-

conditioning. Premium end of trip facilities for 152 bicycles and parking for 56 cars is planned. “The use of timber to lower the carbon footprint is a medium that Aurecon has used to good effect. Aurecon has been closely involved in providing structural and building services engineering design for 5 King, and has taken an active role in reducing building costs through digital design and modularization," said Neil Barr, Aurecon’s Queensland Regional Director. "Our firm has long seen timber as a viable alternative to steel and concrete and 5 King will showcase the strength of CLT in a ten-storey building." 5 King has been recently acquired by leading Australian Impact Investment Fund Manager, Impact Investment Group (IIG). Planning approval for 5 King was achieved in November 2016. Construction

is due to begin mid 2017 and the building is due to be completed at the end of 2018. The building forms part of the $2.9 billion Brisbane Showgrounds redevelopment in Fortitude Valley, 1.5 kilometers from Brisbane CBD. Lendlease is extremely proud of its partnership and collaboration with IIG and Aurecon to deliver the next generation of sustainable workplaces in Queensland. Due for completion in November 2018, Lendlease will be developing and building the asset. Lendlease will also continue to work with its partners to lease the approximately 7,900 square meters of remaining office space. 5 King is Lendlease’s fifth engineered timber building in Australia and joins International House Sydney, Forte Apartments and Library at the Dock in Melbourne, and Jordan Springs Community Hub in Western Sydney.

Project Name 5 King

Client

Impact Investment Group (IIG)

Location

Brisbane, Australia

Architect

Bates Smart

Engineering Services Aurecon

Photography Bates Smart

AuthoR-Evolution: Revolutionizing an entire product line Morbidelli Author M100 and M200 machining centers offer an unrivalled price-performance ratio

Image ÂŠ Itay Sikolski - Numsix

TECHNOLOGY 57

The AuthoR-Evolution Open House was held from January 26 - 28, 2017 in Rimini at the Scm Group showroom. Over the course of three days, specialists demonstrated the latest technological innovations from the Scm Group. Given its long history and established position as a market leader, the group continues to introduce solutions that are based on in-depth market knowledge. Aiming to provide an answer to industrial needs in the field of machining centers, the Scm Group launched AuthoR-Evolution at its Open House. AuthoR-Evolution aims to make available all the functions and performance levels required for accomplishing work, in terms of efficiency, quality and business progress. With the two new machining centers - Morbidelli Author M100 and M200 -

58 TECHNOLOGY

The Author M100 and M200 machining centers hope to revolutionize the entire industry

introduced for the first time during the Open House, Scm has confirmed its technological world leadership, offering its customers a product with an unrivalled price-performance ratio. The Author M100 and M200 machining centers hope to revolutionize the entire industry. These Morbidelli machining centers provide answers to all the problems associated with woodworking and with processing advanced materials. Through these machines, the Scm Group is offering a solution that has been developed to provide a comprehensive answer

and optimizes industrial logistics.

to requests coming from the market. The new range features ‘all-in-one technology’ - a single machining center can now provide a solution to the needs of companies and workshops that produce furniture, soundabsorbing panels and speakers, marine products and many more complex products.

Freedom, flexibility, accessibility and safety: The design of the new machining centers allows operators to load and unload large panels safely and freely. Operators can load panels of up to 2,210 mm wide and 250 mm thick. Operator access, and consequent ergonomic benefits, is ensured by the absence of pipes and obstacles on all sides of ‘Pro Space’ machines, where even the vacuum pump is mounted directly on the machine baseplate.

Benefits More free floor space in the plant: The absence of perimetral protections offer a better use of production floor and operators can move 360 degrees around the machining center. The ‘Pro Space’ solution provides big savings in terms of floor space

Absolute flexibility thanks to a configurable operator unit: The Author M100 and M200 have no match among other machining centers on the market because their operator units are the only ones that can accommodate up to four machining units, including a device for inserting

TECHNOLOGY 59

dowels using pearl glue. Unmatched finishing thanks to a 5-axis spindle head: Ultracompact and direct-driven, the JQX (Just Quality eXtreme) spindle head stands out for excellence in its market segment. Drastic reduction in tool-change times: Thanks to the patented Fast 14 system, tools can be changed between jobs in less than 15 seconds. A solution made possible thanks to a 14-position tool holder mounted directly on the rotating unit which, together with the other machine tool holders, can provide up to 60 additional tools for product manufacturing. 60% savings in drilling cycles: An outstanding result that has been achieved thanks to a drilling head configuration designed to perform any kind of job on any

Scm has accepted and won the challenge of offering a product that has no match in the market

type of furniture of any style. Reduced maintenance: The Ro.Ax spindles operate maintenancefree for over 1,000 hours - another feature that demonstrates how unique the new machining centers are in their category. No downtime for setup operations: Adding the TV Flexmatic worktable allows automatic positioning of support bars and suction cups even while the machine is running. The possibility of simply and easily adding all the required suction cups and removing those that are unnecessary makes the

worktable a solution that does not compromise performance, thanks to its versatility and free configurability. Easy and intuitive use of the machining centers: Operating the machine is extremely easy. Using an app from the Maestro Suite, setting up the job and production cycles has never been easier. The center allows one to use a PC-Office console with a 17’ LCD display or a remote TechPad control with which they can remotely operate the machine using its 7' touch-screen to speed up setup operations. Extremely fast installation:

Only one technician and one working day are required to get the Author M100 and M200 machining centers ready and operational. It is another advantage when it comes to maximizing productivity and to making the winning machining center choice. Thanks to its ‘affordable all-in-one technology’, Scm has accepted and won the challenge of offering a product that has no match in the market and that can be configured according to the customer's needs and investment plan. Considering their technical characteristics, the Author M100 and M200 machining centers offer an excellent priceperformance ratio and are the perfect solutions for processing wood, plastics, solid-wood beams, panels, kitchen cabinets, home and office furniture.

60 WOOD WORKS

Bar Gantz creates furniture by steam bending timber

Furniture designer Bar Gantz has created a collection of furniture by steam-bending wood into twisted shapes. The collection which was included in Dezeen's list of 12 of the best products by up-and-coming designers at IMM Cologne 2017 - includes a table, trestle, shelf and mirror. The bending process for each piece involves heating thin pieces of wood in a steam box, which makes them pliable enough to be molded into curves and into specific shapes. After spending months researching the technique, Gantz became particularly fascinated

with using it to create twists. She began experimenting with ways of incorporating these shapes into furniture, using them in place of traditional supports. The collection was

saw the potential, as well as the magic. I fell in love with the idea of bringing back to life an old, traditional and ecological expertise,” said Gantz. “Over the last few months, I have

After spending months researching the technique, Gantz became particularly fascinated with using it to create twists completed as part of her final project at the Holon Institute of Technology. “When I was first introduced to this technology, I immediately

been researching the subject thoroughly and trying to find my own ways of creativity to form different products. The two main parameters I am focusing on are the thickness of the wood and the

angle of the bend.” “Wood bending composes of mainly bending the wood, however, I found the twisting of the wood fascinating and implemented this into every product. The big challenge in my work is to adjust the aesthetical part of the product to be functional and useful,” added Gantz. “Being exposed to different materials throughout my childhood, I developed a passion to creation and creativity along with little knowledge of tools and handcraft, of which I was eager to expand. Therefore, I decided to study Industrial Design.” After four intensive years of

studying, Gantz was introduced to a variety of materials and technologies as well as wood bending technology - a process that she could relate to. With wood bending technology, she enjoys working with her own hands, stretching the raw material to the edge and creating products that are one of a kind.

form a strong and steady leg. This twisting of the table legs, bending the wood to almost 90 degrees from its original state, is really pushing the raw material to its extent.

WOOD WORKS 61

a triangle form was used to separate the strips from each other and this is how the legs were made and stabilized. Lastly, another bent piece of wood was inserted to

The two main parameters I am focusing on are the thickness of the wood and the angle of the bend

The shelf

The stool

The uniqueness of the shelf is that the edges are slightly twisted and can be self- attached to a wall with no hanging accessories, thereby ensuring a very clean and elegant look.

The coffee table

The coffee table has a circular tabletop supported by three strips of wood, which are bent into upside-down U-shapes. Built from 3 similar bent strips, the table legs are slightly twisted and touch the other strip next to it to

for the round mirror. The two ends of the wooden strip are twisted slightly in order to be pressed against the wall when hung. To hold the mirror firmly in place, a thin slit is cut from the strip in the center of wood.

There are a few stages in the creation of the stool. The first involves bending two strips into an upside down U shape, using only one form. After this,

hold the legs in position.

The mirror

For the mirror, Gantz has used one single piece of wood that twists around to form a support

The shelf comprises one long strip of wood, bent on both edges. The middle part can be used for modern shelving solutions.

62 SHOWTIME

AFRIWOOD

engage with a captive audience comprising of industry members and the general public and showcase the latest technical innovations for the wood and woodworking industry whilst also throwing the spotlight on the latest furniture designs. The last edition was held in 14,500 sqm of exhibition space and attracted over 174 exhibitors and the organizers are confident of exceeding these numbers in 2017.

Forest and Wood 2016 AFRIWOOD, organized by Expogroup, returns to Nairobi, Kenya with a view towards becoming the platform for creative ideas and new technologies, as the attention of wood manufacturers and traders turns to innovative resources that would initiate business. According to the organizers, Kenya, the hub of the East African Continent, will become the place where the wood industry will meet. As such, the organizers hope to encourage trade visitors, professionals and serious buyers from all over the continent to use AFRIWOOD as an opportunity to strengthen ties with new customers, network and catch up on the latest technologies.

Forest and Wood 2017, the 17th International Forest Management and Woodworking Exhibition, is being organized to offer professionals the opportunity to follow the developments in the forest industry, as well as to acquaint visitors with the practical use of timber and related products. Held annually, the exhibition features leading players involved with wood working machinery, equipment, methods and auxiliary equipment; machinery, equipment, methods and auxiliary equipment for primary processing of the timber; drying rooms for timber and equipment; machinery and equipment for chemical treatment of the wood, timber and surfaces; and auxiliary machinery and equipment.

AFRIWOOD aims to be the event for the latest innovations and technologies and will become the platform of progress across the wood and woodworking sector for Africa. As a highly specialized show, AFRIWOOD provides an excellent opportunity for local and international companies to showcase and learn about wood and to build new strategic relationships with buyers, traders and investors globally. In addition, the show is a meeting ground for manufacturers, importers, traders, distributors, converters and end-users in the wood industry, who converge at the event to attend the launch of the latest products and technologies for the industry.

The show will also highlight technologies associated with timber as an energy resource; paper production; mobile equipment for forestry and forest industry; energy saving, environment protection and work safety; and recycling of raw materials and waste materials. As such, the exhibition will allow specialists representing the forestry and other related sectors to establish their business relations, offer professional consultations, evaluate the industry and the recent trends, get acquainted with offers, choose the cooperation partners and certain products. The fair is held as part of Nature Expo 2017, which annually gathers more than 16,000 visitors and about 211 participating companies.

TECHNOMEBEL and World of Furniture The 16th edition of TECHNOMEBEL and the 13th edition of World of Furniture will take place at the Inter Expo Center in Sofia, Bulgaria from April 24 - 28, 2017. The two shows have been held together since 2012 and allow industry professionals as well as consumers the opportunity to view everything for the furniture industry in one place. The profile of exhibitors includes woodworking machines and tools, materials and accessories for furniture production as well as finished products. Over the course of five days, companies at the show will be able to

April 28 - 30 ÄśÄŤpsala International Exhibition Center Riga, Latvia http://www.bt1.lv/nature/?link=10000000

64 SHOWTIME

PROJECT QATAR Project Qatar 2017, the 14th International Construction Technology & Building Materials Exhibition, will take place at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre (DECC) from May 8 - 11, 2017. Firmly established as Qatar’s most important exhibition for highlighting the latest products and services needed for Qatari’s fast growing construction sector, the show has become a destination of choice for regional and international industry professionals. As such, the show attracts key buyers and industry leaders looking for the most up-to-date technology and stateof-the art equipment available on the market. The show provides a unique and dynamic platform for buyers and suppliers to make contacts and drive future developments in Qatar’s multi-billion construction sector. In addition, exhibitors benefit from massive exposure to premier regional agents, dealers, buyers and distributors

wood and furniture sector is characterized by high dispersion and variety. Almost 90 percent of the players are small or medium-sized enterprises and micro-scale operations. As such, companies have to resort to innovative methods of optimization of production in order to increase their competitiveness. The fair takes place in the heart of Upper Silesia, close to Czestochowa, Kępna and Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a region that is characterized by a long tradition of furniture production, and hence a large number of companies operating in the industry and related industries. The show this year will be held at the Silesian Exhibition Center and will feature machinery and tools for woodworking and auxiliary processes (internal transport systems, packaging and storage), components for the manufacture of furniture, adhesives and chemicals for wood and furniture and woodwork, floors, patios, doors, windows and equipment used in the process of preparing the material and energy recovery timber.

WOOD SOUTH CHINA Wood South China, formerly known as Wood Guangzhou, is a key exhibition for wood and wood products in China and will take place at the Poly World Trade Center Expo from May 12 - 14, 2017. Over 180 industry-related enterprises from USA, Canada, Malaysia, Russia, Germany, Portugal and Serbia participated in the previous edition, and the organizers are confident of exceeding those numbers this year. According to the organizers, the reason to host the show in Guangzhou is because over 21 percent of China’s wood manufacturers are located in South China’s Guangdong Province, which is China’s largest furnituremanufacturing base. As such, the show is an influential platform for the wood and woodworking industry.

DREMASILESIA

The Exhibition for Woodworking Machines and Tools (DREMASILESIA) has been taking place annually in Katowice since 2007 and offers small and medium-sized companies in the wood and furniture industry an opportunity to view the latest machinery and tools from global woodworking companies. The show is instrumental in helping raise standards and the competitiveness of the industry given that the Polish

The show is being organized in light of the fact that the consumption of wood in China has increased at rates higher than the GDP growth. This can be attributed to the fact that as one of the world’s largest producing states of wood furniture and wood floor, China has a huge demand for wood. In addition, houses built with wood are increasing in popularity and so the applications for wood not only internally but for structural uses is also increasing.

66 SHOWTIME

INTERZUM

be on hand to impress solution-seekers with a tremendous array of products and services. Together, they will present key technologies for every single links of the wood value chain - i.e. plant, tools and As the world’s largest trade fair in the sector, interzum is a machinery for industrial furniture manufacturers, carpenters, joiners and must-see event for everyone aiming for success in the market cabinetmakers; solutions for processing and working with solid wood; of furniture production and interiors. This is because interzum sawmill technology; systems for wood panel and veneer production; offers a comprehensive overview of new technologies and designs, encompassing an extremely broad scope of products. Taking place every forestry equipment and machinery; and a range of technologies for extracting energy from wood. And as diverse as the technologies on two years, the show features over 1,500 exhibitors from more than 60 display may be, they are united in promoting greater efficiency for every countries and attracts over 55,000 visitors. stage of production and processing. As the leading global event for the suppliers to the furniture and The central focus of the upcoming show will be on intelligent concepts interior construction industries, the show is where the trends and for integrated manufacturing across all links in the wood processing visions that will create future living spaces using modern materials, outstanding design, and exclusive innovations come to life. One of the chain. Other big highlights at next year›s show include a comprehensive display of solutions for processing plastics and composites, a series of key features of the trade fair is the highly international character of the exhibitors. The trade fair not only connects the local markets, but it training courses for joiners, cabinetmakers, carpenters, assemblers and also drives internationalization in the areas of furniture production and installers, the Wood Industry Summit and the ‘Fibers in Process@LIGNA’ showcase. ‘Fibers in Process@LIGNA’ is a technology transfer event in interior fittings. two parts - one featuring processes and technologies from the pulp and interzum is also source of inspiration for product developers, designers, paper industry that are relevant for the wood industry, and the other featuring materials made from paper, pulp and wood. and architects. Its comprehensive supporting program, complete with the bestowing of the renowned interzum awards, ensure that the show, over the course of its four-day run, is the central communication platform for the industry: exhibitors from around the world meet visitors from around the world - and do good business.

INDEX Now in its 27th year, the INDEX Design Series is predicted to smash last year’s record visitor and exhibitor numbers and bring close to 40,000 interior designers, suppliers, architects and project managers to Dubai in May. Responsible for generating more than USD 5.5 billion of new business in 2016 alone, the show - run by dmg events - is the Middle East & North Africa’s prime interiors trading opportunity. It last year welcomed design experts from 110 countries over its four days, 70 percent of whom will return this year. The show positions itself as the bridge between manufacturer and procurer, bringing trade and consumer customers together with leading suppliers of interior products from across the globe. Seven in every ten exhibitors choose INDEX as their only annual show at which to exhibit.

LIGNA LIGNA features technology for the entire wood value chain - from harvesting machinery to industrial processing and production plant and equipment - and stands out from competing shows in that it attracts an international audience of top-level decision makers and professionals from all key sectors of the wood industry. According to the organizers, visitors and exhibitors can expect more international business, more innovations and more integration at this year’s edition. The upcoming show will feature more than 1,500 exhibitors from over 40 countries, whose displays will fill some 120,000 sqm of space and impress solution-seekers in need of the latest furniture industry plant and equipment and innovative technologies for the wood and forestry industries. The event runs from May 26 - 22, and all the market leaders will

BRAND NEW EVENT FOR THE INDUSTRY

Meet your buyers at Saudi Arabiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand new dedicated event for the wood industry

TO ENQUIRE ABOUT EXHIBITING CONTACT: Mariana Montiel - Project Manager

+971 (0) 4 438 0622

MarianaMontiel@dmgeventsme.com

Brought to you by the organisers of:

Organised by:

68 SHOWTIME

MIDDLE EAST COVERING As the world’s largest trade fair in the sector, interzum is a mustsee event for everyone aiming for success in the market of furniture production and interiors. This is because interzum offers a comprehensive overview of new technologies and designs, encompassing an extremely broad scope of products. Taking place every two years, the show features over 1,500 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and attracts over 55,000 visitors.

programme focusing on new opportunities in the Turkish construction sector is organized for the benefit of participating companies, the sector, and the Turkish economy. The organizers also have strategic partnerships with renowned exhibitions such as BAU and MosBuild, which helps to attract international exhibitors and trade professionals to TURKEYBUILD.

As the leading global event for the suppliers to the furniture and interior construction industries, the show is where the trends and visions that will create future living spaces using modern materials, outstanding design, and exclusive innovations come to life. One of the key features of the trade fair is the highly international character of the exhibitors. The trade fair not only connects the local markets, but it also drives internationalization in the areas of furniture production and interior fittings. interzum is also source of inspiration for product developers, designers, and architects. Its comprehensive supporting program, complete with the bestowing of the renowned interzum awards, ensure that the show, over the course of its four-day run, is the central communication platform for the industry: exhibitors from around the world meet visitors

INTERNATIONAL WOOD FAIR

The International Wood Fair is a global exhibition to showcase all kinds of the latest forest-related equipment, technology and information coming from both inside and outside of Japan. The event aims to create opportunities for local governments, foresters, manufacturers, trading firms and other players to establish and strengthen contacts with each other and obtain technologies and know-how that will help realize ‘competitive forestry’ to succeed in the global market. The show will not only involve presentations and demonstrations of forestry machinery, but also seminars and symposiums where information on the latest technologies and trends in the forestry and related industries will be shared.

TURKEYBUILD ISTANBUL Organized by YEM, the Building Information Center, TURKEYBUILD Istanbul will take place from May 2017 ,27 - 23 at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center. Held annually, the show is the biggest building material exhibition covering Turkey, Balkans, former CIS countries, North Africa and the Middle East. According to organizers, the show attracts over 100,000 trade professionals who come to view the wide range of products, new technologies and services on display. In 2017, the show will occupy 100,000 sqm of exhibition space and host over 1,100 exhibitors over the course of its five-day run. Testament to the emergence of Turkey as an important global player within the construction sector, TURKEYBUILD is also held in Ankara and Izmir. In addition to the exhibition, a comprehensive business

CMY

22 - 25 May 2017 Dubai World Trade Centre Visit Halls 3 & 4

OVER

150 EXHIBITORS

LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS FREE SEMINARS

TEXTILE FLOOR COVERING

PARQUET & WOOD FLOORING

OUTDOOR FLOORING

FLOOR LAYING TECH

CERAMICS & SOLID SURFACE

DECORATIVE PAINTS

CEILING DESIGN

info@middleeastcovering.com | Endorsed by

Association Partner

Knowledge Partner

Intelligence Partner

Official Airline Partner

INTERIOR SURFACE DESIGN

EXTERIOR CLADDING

middleeastcovering.com Part of

Organised by

70 SHOWTIME CALENDAR

AFRIWOOD

April 20 - 22 Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) Nairobi, Kenya www.expogr.com/afriwood .............................................................................................

TECHNOMEBEL and World of Furniture

April 24 - 28 Inter Expo Center Sofia, Bulgaria http://technomebel.bg/en or http://furnitureexpo.bg/en .............................................................................................

Lesdrevtekh

Wood South China

May 12 - 14 Poly World Trade Center Expo Guangzhou, China www.muyezhan.com .............................................................................................

Interzum

May 16 - 19 Koelnmesse Exhibition Center Cologne, Germany www.interzum.com .............................................................................................

April 26 - 28 BelExpo Minsk, Belarus www.belexpo.by/en/vystavki/predstoyashchie-vystavki/ lesdrevtekh-2017 .............................................................................................

LIGNA

Forest and Wood 2016

INDEX

April 28 - 30 Ķīpsala International Exhibition Center Riga, Latvia http://www.bt1.lv/nature/?link=10000000 .............................................................................................

May 22 - 25 Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center Dubai, United Arab Emirates www.indexdesignseries.com http://2017.miff.com.my .............................................................................................

Project Qatar

Middle East Covering

May 8 - 11 Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre (DECC) Doha, Qatar www.projectqatar.com .............................................................................................

May 22 - 25 Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center Dubai, United Arab Emirates www.middleeastcovering.com .............................................................................................

DREMASILESIA

Woodprocessing

May 12 - 14 Silesian Exhibition Center Sosnowiec, Poland www.dremasilesia.pl/en .............................................................................................

May 22 - 26 Hannover Exhibition Grounds Hannover, Germany www.ligna.de/en .............................................................................................

May 30 - June 2 Pivdennyy Expo Lwów, Ukraine www.woodfair.jp/2017/contents_en .............................................................................................

MODERN FURNITURE PRODUCTION PANEL CUTTING | CNC MACHINING | EDGEBANDING Invisible joints in double pack

CNC machining made easy

Effective cut optimization

Ras Al Khor Industrial Area 2, Street 16B Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: + 971 (0) 433 330 82 www.germantechmachinery.com

HOLZ-HER GmbH | Plochinger Straße 65 | 72622 Nürtingen | www.holzher.com

CANADA, A LEADER IN SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT.