Timber Design & Technology Middle East - February 2015 by Andy MacGregor

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

Issue 18 | February 2015

Talking Timber: Throwing the spotlight on wood as a versatile and sustainable material Thermally modified American hardwoods offer great potential for outdoor applications Malaysian timbers bring luxury and warmth to Paradise Island Resort and Spa Global wood production grows for the fourth year ‘SOFT Rocker’ lights up MIT ‘FAST’ Festival PLUS Timber industry news, new products, exhibition previews and listings and more

Farlin group of companies are vertically integrated with an established presence worldwide in timber logs, sawn timber, plywood, panel products and coal for energy sectors.

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www.farlindubai.com info@farlindubai.com February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

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FROM THE EDITOR

Cover Photo: Paradise Island Resort and Spa Image © MTC

Editor’s comment Frank Gehry, one of the world’s leading architects, recently opened his first building in Australia - the USD 140 million Dr. Chau Chak Wing Building at the University of Technology, Sydney. Dubbed the ‘brown paper bag’ by local media, the building has been designed to be as inspiring and spectacular inside as on the outside. Interestingly, two oval classrooms, which have been

ISSUE 18 | FEBRUARY 2015

constructed using 150 large laminated timber beams, have attracted significant attention at

Timber Design & Technology Magazine

- representing a new style of learning and teaching - have a capacity for almost 60 people and

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

presentation, encouraging dialogue between students and teachers. The fact that they have been

Marketing Director Eric Hammond marketing@citrusmediagroup.net +971 4 455 8400

the opening of the building. The two oval-shaped classrooms at the center of the new building aim to provide a very different teaching and learning experience from the traditional front-facing built from timber is further testament to the global renaissance of timber as a material of choice for architects and interior designers. As the only magazine dedicated to the timber and woodworking industry in the Middle East, I am happy to announce the launch of our first seminar and networking evening for the industry ‘Talking Timber’. Supported by the American Hardwood Export Council, Swedish Wood, Malaysian Timber Council and American Softwoods, the event will take place on April 13 and will throw the

International Sales Director James Hamilton james@timberdesignandtechnology.com

spotlight on timber and why we should be embracing it as a material. Ahead of the event, we have

Editor Tony Smith editor@timberdesignandtechnology.com

and Charles Trevor, Consultant to American Softwoods to share their views on the market for

International Correspondent Eamonn Ennis eamonn@timberdesignandtechnology.com +91 98676 54952

asked Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, South Asia and Oceania; Charlotte Dedye Apelgren, Communications Manager at Swedish Wood; Khairul Anwar, Director, MTC Dubai; timber in the MENA region. At the time of going to press, we are close to finalizing the venue and format for the evening with further announcements due via our website. Celebrating Middle East design, we take a look at two recent design initiatives by the American Hardwood Export Council and Swedish Wood. The former partnered with Seekers Furnishing whereby eight chairs and seats were designed using American hardwoods and veneers for the ‘Design Dine Donate’ charity gala in Dubai whilst the latter worked with the American University

International Representatives Rabia Alga AntExpo Org. | Turkey +90 216 541 0390 rabia@antexpo.net

in Dubai to organize ‘Swedish Wood meets Arabia’, a sustainable student design competition. The

Elias Aggelopoulos Med Expo | Greece +30 210 2931011 info@epipleon.gr

the idea of fusing arabesque patterns into vintage furniture.

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

impressive pieces that resulted from both initiatives serves to highlight the creativity and growing understanding of timber in the region. Further, we also throw the spotlight on Lebanese furniture designer Nada Debs and her ‘Strand’ collection. Designed in 2012, the collection was inspired by This issue marks the first issue for 2015 and also coincides with the launch of our new and improved website (www.timberdesignandtechnology.com). Within the magazine, we have launched a new section - Industry Focus - where we aim to provide you with a summary of some of the leading players from the timber industry. As always, I would like to encourage you to log on to the website 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 as we kickstart 2015 and the realization of our expansion plans for the magazine.

is designed by UC Design and is printed by MASAR Printing Press 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 © 2015 Citrus Media Group and may not be reproduced in any form without prior consent. Letters and readers’ contributions may be edited at our discretion.

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

CONTENTS 14 SUSTAINABILITY

Swedish Wood meets Arabia: A sustainable student design competition

AUD and Swedish Wood partner in cultural crossover initiative

18 MARKET REPORT Global wood production grows for the fourth year

2013 saw record levels of global wood pellet and wood-based panel production

P12 P14

22 ANALYSIS Talking Timber: Throwing the spotlight on wood as a versatile and sustainable material Timber Design & Technology organizes the first industry-focused seminar and networking event

27 PROFILE

JAF Group: A leading supplier of timber products

What began in Stockerau in 1948 is now an international group with currently 53 sites in 16 countries

P35

32 DESIGN & DÉCOR American red oak features in the Spanish House Of Representatives The House of Representatives in Madrid boasts a new hall, Prim Hall, for forthcoming meetings and events

35 DESIGN & DÉCOR

Malaysian timbers bring luxury and warmth to Paradise Island Resort and Spa

Built with Malaysian timbers two decades ago, many of the timber features still stand solid and strong

38 COMMENT Thermally modified American hardwoods offer great potential for outdoor applications

Sir Paul Smith and Nathalie de Leval create ‘Shed’ as part of AHEC’s collaboration with the London Design Festival

P42

PLUS p8 Latest News

42 TECHNOLOGY ‘SOFT Rocker’ lights up MIT ‘FAST’ Festival

KVA MATx looking to pioneer solar powered lounger in the Middle East

p54 Showtime February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

NEWS

LIGNA 2015: Global innovations showcase for the forestry and wood industries strong level of international participation sets it apart from rival shows. This year, its top ten exhibiting nations, apart from Germany, are Italy, Austria, China, Sweden, Taiwan, Switzerland, Turkey, France, Spain and the USA. Much of the growth in terms of leased exhibition space has come from Italy, China, Turkey and the USA. “Quite a lot of first-time exhibitors will be using this year’s LIGNA to present their innovations to the world. They include providers of solutions for the joinery and cabinetmaking trades, manufacturers of machinery for the furniture industry, production automation specialists, and suppliers of technology for processing solid wood and for sawmilling. These newcomers –and the fact that some of our regular exhibitors have markedly increased their booked space – bode well for LIGNA 2015,” said Köckler. “LIGNA features a wealth of information on the latest products, trends and innovations. It provides the ideas, inspiration and solutions that wood industry professionals need in order to future-proof their business models.” Image © LIGNA

One of the exciting new developments at LIGNA 2015 is that some of the fair’s exhibitors of woodworking and processing equipment

More international business. More innovations. More integration.

will be showcasing the non-wood capabilities of their machines.

That’s what visitors and exhibitors can expect when the international

In other words, visitors will see machines that can handle not just

wood industry demonstrates its immense capabilities and innovative

wood, but plastics, composite panels, composites, insulation and

spirit at the upcoming LIGNA in Hannover, Germany. The event will

construction materials as well. Some of the machine tools on display

run from May 11 - 15, 2015, and all the market leaders will be there

are even capable of processing light alloys. These additional, non-

to impress solution-seekers with a tremendous array of products

wood applications are advantageous in a range of fields, particularly

and services. Together, they will present key technologies for every

caravan and boat building, vehicle customization, ship and aircraft

single link of the wood value chain - i.e. plant, tools and machinery

interior finishing, and plastics processing and fabrication. The ability

for industrial furniture manufacturers, carpenters, joiners and

to process plastics and composites is also becoming increasingly

cabinetmakers; solutions for processing and working with solid wood;

important in the joinery and cabinetmaking trades.

sawmill technology; systems for wood panel and veneer production;

CNC technology is also growing in importance in these trades.

forestry equipment and machinery; and a range of technologies for

More and more joiners and cabinetmakers are investing in CNC

extracting energy from wood. And as diverse as the technologies on

processing centers in order to be able to deliver on the most exacting

display may be, they are united in promoting greater efficiency for

customer specifications and produce custom furniture and joinery

every stage of production and processing.

quickly and at highly competitive rates. This growth is due in part to

“LIGNA is championing the cause of greater efficiency and

the increasing range of compact, high-performance options available

integration in production by means of advanced technology. Like no

at the trades end of the market and will be reflected at LIGNA, with

other trade fair in the world, it features entire production lines in

its solid lineup of state-of-the art CNC technology. The exhibitors

action - as tangible proof that integrated production and Industry 4.0

in halls 11, 12, 14 and 15 will present innovative solutions and

are indeed within reach. LIGNA is an absolute must if you want to

entry-level CNC options for joinery and cabinetmaking firms of all

find out about the latest developments and advances in automation

sizes, from tech-savvy niche craftsmen to SMEs engaged in series

and digitization in the wood industry,” said Dr. Jochen Köckler, the

production.

member of the Management Board at Deutsche Messe responsible for LIGNA. “Survival in today’s competitive markets belongs to those who master the latest strategies, systems and solutions. The ‘fourth industrial revolution’ has reached the wood and furniture industries, sparking a move towards total integration that shows no signs of abating. To take advantage of this trend and remain competitive, manufacturers need to optimize their data flows. And that’s true whether they are engaged in mass or one-off production. In the near future, workpieces, machines and logistic systems will be able to ‘talk’ to one another, and IT, telecommunications technology and manufacturing will merge to form a seamlessly integrated system. It’s a new production paradigm and it offers enormous opportunities for everyone concerned.” The upcoming show will feature more than 1,500 exhibitors from over 40 countries, whose displays will fill some 120,000 square meters (over 1,290,000 sq. ft.) 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. LIGNA’s

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

Image © LIGNA

NEWS

A sustainable flame retardant for timber buildings

Image © Simon Kennedy

Scientists in Australia have developed an eco-friendly process

Stony Brook’s Department of Materials Science and Co-director

for increasing the fire resistance of timber that also dramatically

of the Program in Chemical and Molecular Engineering, a unique

increases its strength. The fire-proofing of buildings made from

advantage of the material is its ability to stifle the spread of a fire

timber materials is an issue of paramount importance given the

without producing hazardous chemicals. “The breakthrough was in

country’s parched climate and the heightened risk of fire during

the formulation of a compound that extinguishes a flame without

the torrid summer months. While methods for fire-proofing timber

decomposing into toxic byproducts,” said Rafailovich.

materials already exist, most of them involve treatments that employ substances that are noxious or hazardous to human health. Researchers from Stony Brook University have developed a new type of timber flame retardant that is not only sustainable and environmentally-friendly, but also radically raises the strength of

Testing by Stony Brook medical experts has also concluded that timber materials treated using RDP pose no hazard to human health, despite the material itself being cytotoxic when in a liquid, unreacted state. “Preliminary data in our laboratory confirms that when RDP is

treated materials. The flame retardant consists of a phosphorus-

reacted with cellulose, or clays, such as was done by our students, it

based compound called resorcinol bis (RDP) that has already been

is safe and non-cytoxic,” said Dr. Marcia Simon, professor and director

declared by the EPA to be a preferred substitute for halogenated

of Graduate Studies in the Department of Oral Biology and Pathology

flame retardants. The compound penetrates the natural structure of

at the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine.

timber materials and interacts with its cellulose, producing a wood-

Another advantage of the treatment process is that can

plastic composite that surpasses UL94 V-0 flammability standards.

dramatically improve the durability of timber materials by reinforcing

This means that a vertical specimen of the material will stop burning

their cellulose structure, increasing their strength by as much as

in as little as 10 seconds when set alight, without giving off any lit

five-fold. The absence of toxic byproducts in combination with this

particles.

strengthening effect could make the process ideal for flame-proofing

According to Miriam Rafailovich, Distinguished Professor from

timber materials employed in the construction of habitable buildings.

heri&salli builds giant timber bed frame for Viennese guest room Austrian architecture studio heri&salli has created five small guest rooms using a bare minimum of necessary intervention in a Viennese apartment building. Designed for the Gegenbauer Vinegar Brewery, each unit features a large bed constructed using an interlocking lattice of stacked timber beams. According to the studio, the wooden structure can be used a variety of ways with the bed remaining as the only piece of furniture in the room. In addition to a central sleeping area, surrounding platforms help combine the functions of a guest room - rendering any extra furniture redundant. In order to make the history of the house visible, ceiling and floor surfaces have been exposed, while service pipes and cabling have been left proudly on display. The prevalent use of wood continues in the adjoining bathroom, where all essential hygiene requirements are found, presented in a similarly raw and rational manner.

Image © Hans Schubert

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

NEWS

World demand for decorative laminates to reach 10.7 billion square meters Global demand for decorative laminates is expected to rise 5.6

development of the large Chinese market, which alone accounted for

percent per year to 10.7 billion square meters and a value of USD

31 percent of global demand in 2013. China is the world’s largest

40.8 billion by 2018 according to World Decorative Laminates, a new

producer of RTA furniture and laminate flooring. Manufacturing

study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry

capacity for laminated boards continues to expand in China. India

market research firm. Demand will benefit from expected increases

is expected to post the most rapid gains in laminate demand

in the manufacture of products such as cabinets, ready-to-assemble

worldwide through 2018. The country continues to rapidly develop

(RTA) furniture, and flooring, which are often made from engineered

its manufacturing sector, including cabinets and RTA furniture, and to

wood and laminates. Gains will also be driven by increased market

increase its capacity to produce particleboard and MDF as a way to

penetration at the expense of other surfacing materials (wood veneer

more efficiently use local wood resources.

and paint) due to cost and performance benefits. Furniture and

Well-established decorative laminate industries are found in

cabinets were the largest markets for decorative laminates in 2013,

Western Europe and the U.S., where engineered wood and paper

accounting for nearly 70 percent of total demand.

industries are highly developed. Despite an ongoing shift in the

The Asia/Pacific region was the largest market for decorative

production of many laminated engineered wood products towards

laminates in 2013, with nearly 50 percent of the global total. Analyst

China, India, and other developing areas, demand for laminates in

Pam Safarek notes that, “the region benefits from its leading position

Western Europe is still significant, as the region maintains large RTA

in engineered wood production, particularly particleboard and

furniture and laminate flooring industries. Germany, France, and

medium density fiberboard (MDF), which are often given a laminate

Sweden are regional leaders in the production of RTA furniture. The

layer at the point of production.”

U.S. also maintains significant production capacity for RTA furniture,

Advances for laminates will be propelled by the continuing

cabinets, and laminate flooring.

Indian scientists develop technology for thermal modification of timber Indian scientists have developed a cost-effective technology that adds value, color and strength to timber, some of which grow in Karnataka but are traditionally considered poor cousins of their other elite counterparts like mahogany (Swietenia spp.), rosewood (Dalbergia spp.), sal (Shorea robusta), shisham or sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo), teak (Tactona grandis), etc. The new findings - and experimentation to follow via launch of a pilot project ahead of commercialization of what scientists call ‘thermally processed’ woods - is likely to revolutionize the Indian furniture and wood-products industry. At present processed woods are mainly imported from Europe at huge cost. The breakthrough is expected to bring down the use of environmentally harmful toxic preservative and dying chemicals being used to add that extra color, shine and teak-like effect on wooden furniture, panels and flooring tiles currently available in the market. Some of these trees are: rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis), bengali jali (Acacia auriculiformis), eucalypts (Eucalypts tereticornis), and kadbevu (Melia dubia). These woods could not be used to their fullest potential for making finished high-end wood products and furniture. All that will change with the development of new thermal wood processing technology by scientists at the Bangalore based Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST). A team of Bengaluru-based wood scientists led by Dr. S R Shukla in the Wood Properties and Uses Division of IWST, under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi, have come up

high-temperature (150-250 degree C) in inert environment inside the

with a prototype of a ‘Vacuum Oven’ or a Treatment Chamber to

‘Vacuum Oven’. The prototype of the thermal modification system has

thermally process the inferior quality wood varieties into high-quality

been assembled at the city’s Peenya based manufacturing company.

woods. Dr. Shukla claims the processed woods can substitute certain

The ICFRE has now initiated steps to set up the first pilot project of

high value species used for parquet flooring, siding, cladding and

Thermal Wood Processing Plant with the financial aid from Punjab

decking purposes. They are also suitable for external applications like

Forest Department in Punjab. IWST Director Dr. V Ramakantha is

cladding, window frames, garden furniture etc.

confident of the pilot project’s success and believes commercialization

The modification of woods into high-value species is done through

10 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

of modified wood would begin thereafter.

NEWS

American hardwood seating installations steal the spotlight at ‘Design Dine Donate’, Dubai Khansaheb Joinery. All of the American hardwood lumber for the project was supplied by Chabros International Group and all of the veneers were supplied by Fritz Kohl Middle East LLC. In addition, sustainable fabrics made from re-cycled plastic water bottles were supplied for the project by Warwick Australia. With the chairs having been auctioned off to the highest bidder on the night, 100 percent of the proceeds are now being used directly to fund sustainable water projects across the globe. “Our collaboration with Seekers Furnishing has resulted in a fascinating approach to working with an age-old material. This unique exercise has not only thrown the spotlight on the beauty of American hardwoods but it has also helped in increasing the understanding of wood as a material for the designers involved with this project, which formed a central part of our ‘Middle East Image © AHEC

Design - American Hardwood’ initiative,” said Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, South Asia and Oceania. “Celebrating

Eight chairs and seats that were designed using American hardwoods

the versatility of timber in design and the enormous variety that

and veneers formed the centerpiece for the recently held ‘Design

can be achieved with one material, the quality and diversity of the

Dine Donate’ charity gala in Dubai. The project was a collaboration

chairs produced are reflective of the depth in understanding of wood

between the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading

and skilled craftsmanship at Seekers. AHEC’s continued support for

international trade association for the American hardwood industry

creative design projects such as ‘Design Dine Donate’ demonstrates

and Seekers Furnishing, a bespoke joinery practice in Dubai. The

the performance potential of this sustainable material and provides

eight seating installations, which were produced in American

valuable inspiration.”

tulipwood, red oak, ash and black walnut and also incorporated sustainable fabrics from Warwick Australia, were auctioned off during the night with the proceeds benefiting SURGE, a global nonprofit organization that brings life-sustaining water to those most in need, while increasing awareness of the global crisis. Given that the brief was very open, the challenge for the designers and Seekers was to produce a functional seating installation using sustainable American hardwoods and fabrics. The final designs included the ‘Pauline’ rocking chair in walnut by Aedas Interiors; ‘Distrack’ armchair in tulipwood by Dozign Lab; ‘Tread’ in walnut by Al Tayer Stocks; ‘Quirkis’ in red oak by Tony Archibold; ‘S’ in walnut by ISG Middle East; ‘Joy’ in ash by dwp Middle East; ‘Linx’ bench in ash and walnut by Artillery; and ‘Niyyah’ in ash by Perkins & Will. The chairs were also judged by Bruce Paget, Senior Interior Design Lecturer, Heriot-Watt University in Dubai, Isabel Pintado, Managing Director, LW Design Group and Robert Bankes, Production Manager, Khansaheb Joinery, who all unanimously adjudged ‘Quirkis’ to be the

Image © AHEC

winner on the night. “It is one thing to design something that will physically survive the wear and tear of a long life, it is quite another to design a chair or seat that has the aesthetic qualities that will remain relevant long into the future,” said Marita Peters, Business Development Manager, Seekers Furnishing. “SURGE is a cause that is very close to us so when the idea of a sustainable design initiative was proposed by Laila Al Yousuf of Perkins Will who has been a staunch supporter of the cause since its UAE launch, we were keen to participate. It entailed inviting leading designers in Dubai to design a seat for the cause: a chair, a stool, a bench or anything else that could be sat upon. Over the course of the past few months, we worked closely with each of the designers and the final results are a testament to the creativity in the industry and the versatility of American hardwoods.” Prior to ‘Design Dine Donate’, the chairs were on display at A4 Space, a co-working space in Alserkal Avenue, as part of the Quoz Arts Festival from November 8-14, 2014. Seekers Furnishing manufactured seven of the chairs whilst ‘Quirkis’ was built by

Image © AHEC

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 11

NEWS

Norway takes the lead in prefabricated buildings market with the construction of 14 storey timber house Norway took the biggest leap in prefabricated construction in

United Kingdom, weak demand means that industry is reluctant to

October of last year when the first timber elements were installed

adopt and invest in new untested technologies. In the United States,

in a 14 storey (net area of 5830 sq. m.) residential building made

the building industry has embraced prefabricated construction for a

of timber modules. The building, which is partially engineered by

number of decades.

the German company Merk, includes a prefabricated timber frame

Although prefabricated construction has been a common

based on building modules that are inserted in the ‘cabinet rack’.

construction method for over a century, particularly in the United

The construction company expects that residents can move in

States and Europe, the global construction industry is increasingly

autumn of 2015.

using prefabricated components in order to reduce costs and achieve

Although the building - named ‘The Tree’ - is made mostly of

more efficient installation and dismantling of components. New

timber, other ingredients are also used. Concrete decks are used on

technologies have emerged that enable contractors to build not only

three levels in the building mainly to improve dynamic behavior,

faster and more economically, but also to reduce waste and increase

but also to serve as platforms for stacking building modules. Timber

the efficiency of buildings.

is not a pre-accepted material for high-rises in Norway. However,

Prefabricated construction also offers developers to control labor

Norwegian regulations open up for alternate materials as long as

costs. Overall, off-site technologies have the potential to address

required documentation is produced. According to the contractor,

some of the industry’s most pressing challenges, including the need

SWECO, the decision to prefabricate as much as possible was made

for new homes and the impetus of the low-carbon agenda. There is

in order to reduce the work on site and reduce building time.

no universal definition of prefabricated buildings, however the broad

The market for prefabricated building is relatively well established in Scandinavia, Germany and Austria. Elsewhere in Europe and in the

themes consist of the larger scale type of assembly, including largescale modules and panelized systems.

Frank Gehry’s ‘brown paper bag’ opens in Sydney

Image © Frank Gehry

Two oval classrooms, which have been constructed around 150 large laminated timber beams, have attracted significant attention

a whole. The two oval-shaped classrooms at the center of the new

at the opening of the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building at the University

building - representing a new style of learning and teaching - have

of Technology, Sydney, earlier this month. Designed by Frank Gehry,

a capacity for almost 60 people and aim to provide a very different

the building, also dubbed the ‘brown paper bag’ by local media, is a

teaching and learning experience from the traditional front-facing

key component of UTS’s City Campus Master Plan and will provide

presentation, encouraging dialogue between students and teachers.

teaching, learning, research and office space for the UTS Business

The building has been designed to be as inspiring and spectacular

School. The first building in Australia designed by Gehry, one of

inside as on the outside. The new classrooms will elevate the

the world’s most influential architects, the building is a physical

concept of interaction between students and lecturers. Unlike the

manifestation of the innovative thinking that underpins the teaching,

traditional Harvard-style tiered lecture theater, the oval shape will

learning and research undertaken by the Business School and UTS as

encourage the lecturer to become part of the student body.

12 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

www.interzum.com

Inaugural Middle East Covering fair to take place alongside INDEX 2015

Furniture production Interiors Cologne

The future starts here.

Middle East Covering, the only exclusive contract business flooring and wall covering B2B exhibition in the MENA region, will officially open its doors on May 18 - 21, 2015 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. The show will offer an exclusive platform to an estimated USD 1.6 trillion worth of interior decoration construction projects across the MENA region. “Dmg events is extremely excited to introduce Middle East Covering,” said Yan Wang, Event Manager. “With our combined 50 years experience in organizing the MENA region’s largest construction and interior design exhibitions, BIG 5 and INDEX, this new specialized trade show will provide more cutting edge solutions

interzum 05.–08.05.2015

and cater to the requirements of any building project and design specialty be it for hospitality, healthcare, residential, office, retail,

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recreation or sports projects.” “Surface interior design significantly contributes to the overall

World’s Leading Event

Fresh ideas and progressive solutions ! All in one place !

character and aesthetic appeal of any development project. As such, demand for world-class interior surface solutions, including a

At interzum, you’ll find everything you could possibly need

wide variety of floor coverings and wall surface materials, remains

in terms of innovating for the future of your business :

relatively high with developers seeking to optimize the business

visionary technology, the newest materials and innovative

value of their projects through innovative and unique interior

design. The best ideas and innovations for the furniture

designs. With the Gulf region boasting the most active construction

and interiors industry make their debut at interzum. As the

market in the world, there is an ever-increasing demand for innovation, durable and sustainable initiated surface materials,”

leading industry event, interzum is the doorway to the future.

added Wang.

This is where the key players, trend-setters and driving

The inaugural edition of the standalone show, taking place in

inspirational forces of the industry come together. Get the

Sheikh Saeed Hall, will be part of MENA region’s largest interior sourcing platform. The show will be co-located with three other B2B

competitive edge – and get inspired !

interior exhibitions, all organized by dmg events: INDEX - celebrating its 25th anniversary edition - workspace at INDEX and Middle East

Save time and money by registering online and

Stone. Together the four exhibitions, covering a gross exhibit space

buying your tickets at: www.interzum.com/tickets

of over 70,000 sqm, will host more than 50 exhibiting countries and expect over 32,000 visitors from around 100 countries. Middle East Covering 2015 will showcase a complete line of handmade and machine-made carpets; textile and resilient floor coverings; parquet and wooden flooring; laminates; sports arena flooring; application technologies; wall coating, wall covering materials and all type of surface covering materials. The exhibition will attracts key industry players such as wholesalers and retailers of floor coverings, decision makers in the MENA contracting business, project planners, architects, interior designers, contractors, project

Koelnmesse GmbH, Messeplatz 1, 50679 Köln Germany Tel. +49 1806 077 050 Fax +49 221 821-99 1210 interzum@visitor.koelnmesse.de

planners, and floor fitters.

88x273-iz15-M1 INT-Timber Design.indd 1

13 February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 28.11.14 11:37

SUSTAINABILITY

Image © Swedish Wood

Swedish Wood T

he winner of the ‘Swedish Wood meets Arabia’ student design competition was announced in

December last year in the presence

meets Arabia: A sustainable student design competition

of H.E. Jan Thesleff, the Ambassador of Sweden in the UAE. The initiative was a joint effort between the American University in Dubai (AUD) and Swedish Wood and the aim was to create a link between Scandinavian wood culture and Arabic design. It is interesting to note that the origins of the competition can be traced back to the Swedish Wood stand at the Dubai WoodShow 2014. Not content with simply throwing away approximately 7 cubic meters of Swedish pine and spruce, Swedish Wood approached AUD with the idea of a design competition and the rest, as they say, is history.

AUD and Swedish Wood partner in cultural crossover initiative

The competition was launched at AUD on the 14th of September 2014, where AUD students - from the School of Architecture, Art and Design - were tasked to exchange ideas, design, and develop a project with

14 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

SUSTAINABILITY

Image © Swedish Wood

the help of experts from Swedish Wood and the support of their faculty members. The competition gave the students an opportunity to work in teams and to design a piece of furniture or decoration made of Swedish softwood and adapted to Arab traditions and culture. The Chair of the AUD Interior Design Department Prof. Albert

Image © Swedish Wood

Not content with simply throwing away approximately 7 cubic meters of Swedish pine and spruce, Swedish Wood approached AUD

Fakhoury, commented: “The

Image © Swedish Wood

has enriched our students. It is a good starting point and significant accomplishment for their future as professionals.” The five final groups were selected from a pool of ten finalists at a previous event. The overall winners were Mariah Sobh and Syeda Salwa Hasan for their design ‘The Hybrid’ and they won an invitation for a one-week study trip to Sweden,

uniqueness of this competition is

piece of furniture or decoration for

fully covered by Swedish Wood.

that it has taken the challenge to

everyday use; be functional; clearly

The second and third place went to

the next level where our future

maintain the structure and texture of

‘Sarab’ by Mona Al Ghussein, Lina

designers create and build something

the wood; and have maximum overall

Al Medanat, and Mariez Barsoum;

new. These five projects are quite

dimensions of 2m x 2m x 2m. It goes

and ‘The Cruise’ by Bhawna Ludhani

impressive with their real scale

without saying that the students

Tilokani, Zeina Al-Khoury, and Lisa

and proportion. This process is a

were encouraged to be innovative

Harpalani respectively.

vibrant statement of the successful

and propose something not currently

collaboration we witnessed between

available or not realized yet.

the supplier, the designers and the

Prof. Annamaria Lambri, AUD

Charlotte Dedye Apelgren, Communications Manager, Swedish Wood, commented: “The student

Associate Professor of Interior Design

design competition ‘Swedish Wood

and Competition Coordinator, added:

meets Arabia’ is a very successful

piece of furniture or decoration using

“This competition is joining creativity,

initiative of cultural crossovers.

Swedish wood and entries needed

technical skills, and presentation

The students have shown in a very

to follow anthropological needs and

skills. One of the challenges was to

creative way how design with the

dimensions combined to design; be a

understand a different culture, which

light-colored Swedish wood species,

contractor.” The students were asked to design a

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 15

SUSTAINABILITY

Image © Swedish Wood

pine and spruce, can be enriched by the Arabic culture and tradition. Swedish Wood is looking to create a platform for the design of wood furniture and interiors, which will be both inspirational and educational for

It is a good starting point and significant accomplishment for their future as professionals

and spruce (picea abies, also called whitewood). Swedish pine is mainly used in joinery such as doors, windows and furniture, whereas spruce is often used as formwork in constructions, in glulam beams, in packaging and for cable drums. All

today’s students, who are the future

Swedish wood comes from sustainably

interior designers in Dubai, in the Middle East and beyond. We believe

and look forward to our continuing,

that the experience of working with

mutually beneficial collaboration.”

wood is something that the students

Worldwide, Sweden is the third

managed forests. Bond Interiors, providers of a full range of planning and turnkey fit-out

take with them in their careers and

largest exporter of sawn timber after

services to the interior contracting

we hope that it will remain a part of

Canada and Russia. In Europe, the

industry, were responsible for building

their skill-sets when starting their

Swedish sawmilling industry holds

the full-scale projects. Saad Moaswes,

professional lives.”

a prominent position as the second-

Managing Director at Bond Interiors,

largest producer and the largest

said: “We are delighted to be part of

Charlotte Dedye Apelgren and Erik

exporter of sawn softwood. Sweden

this event which encourages students

Belfrage, Project Coordinator from

exports every year more than 3

to explore designs that combine

Swedish Wood, in addition to Dr.

million cubic meters of sawn softwood

concept and material with function.

Nabyl Chenaf, Dean of the AUD School

to the Middle East and North Africa.

Design is an essential aspect to

of Architecture, Art and Design, and

Almost a third of the Middle East’s

accelerate industry progress and we

Farida Kamber Al Awadhi, President

softwood imports come from Sweden.

are proud to have collaborated with

of the Association of Professional

Swedish sawn timber consists mainly

AUD for this event that will nurture

Interior Designers (APID).

of two softwood species: pine (pinus

creativity and enhance the confidence

sylvestris, also called redwood)

of future interior designers.”

The jury of the finale included

“I am delighted to have participated in the final jury selecting the winning student team for this furniture design competition. As a not-for-profit association, APID offers students a great opportunity to interact with the professional community helping them to get better prepared for their future careers,” said Farida Kamber Al Awadhi. “For this competition, we are proud that a well-established APID professional member, Pallavi Dean, was part of the initial selection committee and another member company, Bond Interiors, has handled the production of the furniture pieces directly with the students. We are pleased to support AUD, one of APID’s founding members, in this regard

16 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

Image © Swedish Wood

SUSTAINABILITY

Image © Swedish Wood

Sarab The brainchild of Mona Al Ghussein, Lina Al Medanat, Mariez Barsoum, Sarab is a contemporary urban bench, which has been designed in such a way that it can be made use of from both the front and the back (lower levels offered for children as well). The center part of the bench is designed to transform into a table for different purposes (ex: to hold coffee, books, laptop, etc). When tilted once more from the back it restores its original form in continuity as a seat again. It can be used for both residential and commercial purposes. Hayyat Lana Samha, Tala Al Kloub and Aya Kadour were inspired by the most recognizable Arabic calligraphy known as Ruq’ah Script. This script is well known for its clipped letters, curvy lines and sharp edges. According to the designers, the letter was not only chosen for artistic figure but also because they could relate it to life and dreams. The Cruise The shape of the Arabian Dhow and the Scandinavian Viking ship served as the inspiration behind the design of ‘The Cruise’ by Bhawna Ludhani Tilokani, Zeina Al-Khoury and Lisa Harpalani. It took the trio around two to three weeks to finish the project with the design going back and forth between them until the final version was agreed upon. The Hybrid According to Mariah Sobh and Syeda Salwa Hasan, the inspiration for ‘The Hybrid’ came from the desire to design a piece that had an impact, one that was more than just visual. The designers wanted to play with the idea of what the majority perceive as ‘impossible’. The very essence of their design comes from finding a collaboration within the contradictions, inspired by the extreme contrast of the Arabian and Swedish design philosophy. Mashrabiya Shelves One of the major features of the ‘Mashrabiya’ is for privacy, an important aspect of Arabic and Islamic cultures. Designed by Yara Abdeen, Christina Abou Haidar and Zina Ayyad, the wooden screen with windows that can be opened ensures both shade and the protection from the heat whilst allowing cool air from the street to flow through. Using Swedish timber as the main element of the design, their design incorporates the use of the mashrabiya as a bookshelf as well.

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 17

MARKET REPORT

Global wood production grows for the fourth year 2013 saw record levels of global wood pellet and wood-based panel production

18 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

MARKET REPORT

lobal production of all major wood products continued to show steady growth in 2013

for the fourth consecutive year, according to new data published by FAO. The report ‘Global Forest Products Facts and Figures’ is based on FAO’s forest products statistics, which present figures for the production and trade (quantity and value) of forest products, covering 54 product categories, 21 product groups and 245 countries and territories. The report is published at the end of each year with the final statistics being released for the previous year. Timber Design & Technology takes a closer Caribbean and Northern America. In

groups (e.g. overtaking Canada in

contrast, recovery in Europe paused

sawnwood production and United

recovery after the economic recession

in 2012 (especially in western and

States of America in sawnwood

(2008-2009) appears very clearly in

southern Europe where production

consumption). The country is by far

the statistics for the last five years.

and consumption fell in 2012-13 for

the largest producer and consumer

Globally, production of all major

some products). As a result, Europe’s

of wood-based panels and paper.

products (industrial roundwood,

share of global markets has fallen.

China is also highly significant for

look at the findings of this report. According to the report, the

sawnwood, wood-based panels, pulp

international trade in forest products,

China continues to increase in

and paper) declined steeply in 2009

importance as a producer and

being the world’s largest importer of

and gradually recovered in 2010-

consumer of forest products and has

industrial roundwood, sawnwood and

2013. Production in 2013 exceeded

recently overtaken a number of other

fiber furnish (pulp and wastepaper)

the level of 2009 in all these product

major countries in different product

and the largest exporter of wood based panels. China’s imports of

groups, but is still below the prerecession level (2007) for sawnwood. However, growth in pulp and paper stagnated in 2012-13 largely due to a decline in consumption in China, where electronic publishing is increasingly being used instead of traditional printing processes. The fastest recovery in markets has been in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and

According to the report, the recovery after the economic recession (2008-2009) appears very clearly in the statistics for the last five years

industrial roundwood and sawnwood surged by 18 percent and reached record levels in 2013, but paper production and consumption in China contracted slightly in 2013 for the first time since 1970s. Wood pellet production soared to an all time high in 2013, mainly driven by bioenergy policies and

Figure 1 PRODUCTION

PRODUCT

UNIT

2013

Roundwood Wood fuel Industrial roundwood

million m3 million m3 million m3

3591 1854 1737

Sawnwood Wood-based panels Veneer and plywood Particleboard & fiberboard

million m3 million m3 million m3 million m3

413 358 146 212

Wood pulp Other fiber pulp Recovered paper Paper & paperboard Forest products value

million tonnes million tonnes million tonnes million tonnes US$ billion

174 14 215 398

CHANGE(%) COMPARED TO

EXPORTS

2013

CHANGE(%) COMPARED TO

2012

2000

1980

137 8 128

13% 2% 14%

16% 129% 12%

46%

0% 9% 5% 8% 92% 253% 13% 119% 233% 77% 269% 5%

124 77 29 49

5% 3% 2% 3%

10% 36% 30% 40%

77% 374% 256% 490%

2% 38% -10% 87% 50% 326% 22% 135%

58 0 56 109 246

4% -6% -6% 1% 5%

50% 20% 125% 12% 70%

172% 87% 910% 213% 334%

2012

2000

1980

1% 0% 2%

4% 5% 3%

15% 10% 20%

0% -15% 0% 0%

38%

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 19

MARKET REPORT

consumption targets in Europe, according to the report. Global production grew by another 12 percent reaching 22 million tonnes in 2013. Over half of this (13 million tonnes) was traded internationally. Europe and Northern America account for almost all global production (62

demand in China. Production of

Globally, production of all major products declined steeply in 2009 and gradually recovered in 2010-2013

percent and 34 percent respectively)

paper and consumption of pulp and wastepaper in China - the two main products used to manufacture paper - declined slightly (by one percent) in 2013 for the first time after 38 years of uninterrupted growth. The downturn in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest producer and consumer of paper was

and consumption (81 percent and 15

largely responsible for the stagnation

percent respectively). Trade in pellets

Asia-Pacific. Similarly, global wood-

in global pulp and paper production

from Northern America to Europe

based panel production surged to

in 2013.

(mainly UK) also doubled in 2013,

a new record high of 358 million

year on year.

cubic meters - up 7.8 percent from

trade in the Russian Federation has

The structure of production and

Production and consumption of

2012 and 35 percent from 2009.

also changed in the last five years,

wood-based panels and sawnwood

Wood-based panels were the only

with a decline in industrial roundwood

also appears to be growing strongly

product category that did not contract

exports and increases in sawnwood

in most regions. In 2013, global

during the recent recession and their

and wood-based panel production

sawnwood production totaled 421

production has been growing steadily.

and exports. The country has recently

million cubic meters, representing an

This is due to rapid and consistent

overtaken Canada and Germany to

increase of 4.6 percent compared to

growth in the Asia-Pacific and Latin

become the third largest producer and

2012 and an increase of 22 percent

America and Caribbean regions,

consumer of wood-based panels in

from 2009. Sawnwood production

where production has increased by 59

the world.

has been recovering gradually over

percent and 23 percent respectively

the period 2009-13, largely due to

over the period 2009-13.

production growth in three regions: Europe, Northern America and

20 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

The report states that paper markets paused due to weaker

* This article contains text from the FAO Report - 2013 Global Forest Products Facts and Figures.

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 21

ANALYSIS

Talking Timber: Throwing the spotlight on wood as a versatile and sustainable material

Image © AHEC

nderscoring the rebound of

contracting and fit-out sector to

Swedish Timber, Malaysian Timber

the industry, the total value

encompass internal wood works,

Council and American Softwoods,

of construction projects

soft and hard furnishings, furniture,

the event will throw the spotlight

due for completion in 2014 across

lighting, partitions, flooring, kitchen

on timber and why we should be

the GCC was expected to top USD

and bathroom fittings.

embracing it as a material. Ahead of

72 billion, according to a study by

Given that the MENA region is

the event, we have asked Roderick

Ventures Middle East. Further, the

a major consumer and processing

Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle

report pointed out that the increase

hub for timber, Timber Design &

East, South Asia and Oceania; Charlotte

in construction activity translated

Technology will be organizing ‘Talking

Dedye Apelgren, Communications

into increased opportunities for the

Timber’ - the first industry-focused

Manager at Swedish Wood; Khairul

interiors and fit outs markets with

seminar and networking event on

Anwar, Director, MTC Dubai; and

investment estimated to reach USD

the day before the start of the Dubai

Charles Trevor, Consultant to American

7.84 billion by the end of last year.

WoodShow 2015. Supported by the

Softwoods to share their views on the

The report defined the GCC interior

American Hardwood Export Council,

market for timber in the MENA region.

22 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

ANALYSIS

How important is the MENA region? RW: As a whole, the MENA region is a significant market for U.S. hardwood products and its importance has been growing year-on-year since we started operating in the region back in 1999. Exports of American hardwoods, as a whole, have become more important

particularly in the UAE and in other

KA: The Middle East has become

Gulf markets such as Saudi Arabia. In

an increasingly important trading

North Africa, Libya and Morocco are

partner for the Malaysian timber

significant importers as well as Egypt.

sector. Last year, exports of Malaysian

What was the value of timber exports to this region last year? Please elaborate on the top three markets in the MENA region.

timber products to emerging markets, particularly Middle East countries, showed positive growth as mega projects in these countries favor Malaysian timber products, namely sawn timber, MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and wooden furniture.

to the U.S. hardwood industry in recent years and the MENA region

RW: The latest data for 2014 is for

For the first ten months of 2014,

offers a significant and long-term

Jan-Nov. In total USD 89.44 million

the top three markets were the UAE

growth potential to U.S. companies.

worth of American hardwood lumber

(RM 465.5 million); Saudi Arabia (RM

and veneers were shipped to the

308.0 million); and Yemen (RM 221.6

CA: Sweden is the third largest

MENA region during the eleven-

million).

exporter of sawn timber in the world

month period. This was made up

after Canada and Russia. In Europe,

of USD 62.55 million of hardwood

CT: According to the latest data

the Swedish sawmilling industry holds

lumber and USD 26.89 million of

released by the United States

a prominent position as the second-

hardwood veneers, representing

Department of Agriculture (USDA),

largest producer and the largest

increases of 22 percent and 14

the total value of American softwood

exporter of sawn softwood. Today,

percent respectively, on the same

lumber exports to the MENA region

the main export markets for Swedish

period in 2013. For U.S. hardwood

for the period of January to October

wood are Europe, the Middle East

lumber, the top three export markets

2014 grew to USD 23.88 million,

and North Africa-region, and Asia.

in the region were the UAE (USD

which represented a 55 percent

Sweden exports more than 3 million

11.68 million), Turkey (USD 9.65

increase over the same time period

cubic meters of sawn softwood to the

million) and Egypt (USD 9.09 million).

in 2013. A closer look at the numbers

Middle East and North Africa annually.

Respectively, exports to these three

revealed the top three markets to be

markets grew by 46 percent, 17

Egypt (USD 7.11 million), Libya (USD 5

KA: The Middle East was Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

percent and 44 percent on the same

million) and Algeria (USD 2.78 million).

sixth biggest market for timber and

eleven months in the previous year.

The majority of markets across the

timber products including furniture

In American hardwood veneers, the

region were up over the previous year

(2011 - Oct 2014) in terms of value.

top three MENA markets were Egypt

with the biggest increases being seen

For the first ten months of 2014,

(USD 10.66 million), Turkey (USD

in Algeria (843 percent), Jordan (331

exports to the Middle East amounted

7.94 million) and Lebanon (USD 2.91

percent) and Lebanon (293 percent).

to RM 1,476.5 million. Currently, the

million), growing by 17 percent, 3

GCC countries jointly account for more

percent and 2 percent, respectively,

than 70 percent of Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s timber-

on the Jan-Nov period of 2013.

based exports in value terms. CA: In 2013 the total value of

What are the key drivers for the growth of timber exports to this region? Where do you see new growth opportunities coming from in 2015?

CT: The MENA region is growing in

exported sawn softwood to the MENA

importance for producers of American

region was SEK 5.5 billion (about

softwoods and we have been pleased

USD 800 million). Egypt is the largest

with how well the market has

market (SEK 2 billion) followed by

RW: The consistent growth in the

accepted our species and products.

Algeria (SEK 1 billion) and Morocco

construction sector across the

We would like to expand further

(SEK 0.7 billion.)

MENA region is the main driver, but

EVENT DETAILS Title: Talking Timber: Seminar & Networking Evening Date: 13th April 2015 Supported By: American Hardwood Export Council Malaysian Timber Council Swedish Wood American Softwoods

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 23

ANALYSIS

specifically, in creating demand for

KA: It is important to note that the

CA: Swedish sawn timber consists

interior joinery, flooring and furniture.

Middle East imports most of its timber

mainly of two softwood species:

In 2015, we see the massive upswing

as the region is forest deficit. Driving

pine (pinus sylvestris, also called

in the Gulfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s construction sector

the growth of Malaysian timber are

redwood) and spruce (picea abies,

really beginning to have a significant

mega construction projects, both

also called whitewood). Swedish

impact on demand for U.S. hardwoods.

commercial and residential, particularly

pine is mainly used in joinery such

However, demand for American

in the oil-rich GCC states; projects

as doors, windows and furniture,

hardwoods is also driven by wood

being built for Expo 2020, Dubai Creek

whereas spruce is often used for

processing for export. Specifically,

Harbor, mega projects in Abu Dhabi;

different construction purposes

the growing furniture sector in Egypt

massive housing and school projects

such as carcassing, formwork, in

and the expanding joinery sector in

for the fast-growing population in

glulam beams, in packaging and for

the GCC, which are geared towards

Saudi Arabia; Qatar - World Cup 2022

cable drums. It is important to note

manufacturing for markets outside the

and Qatar International Athletic Meet.

that all Swedish wood comes from sustainably managed forests.

MENA region. CT: Key drivers include the housing CA: Swedish production of sawn

and construction boom in Dubai, which

KA: Malaysian timbers are used in

timber has increased continuously

we hope will accelerate as Expo 2020

joinery and carpentry for door and

and reached 17 million cubic meters

approaches. Looking ahead, we would

door frames; MDF for interior panels

last year. Growth in Sweden and

like to interest and influence specifiers

and furniture; plywood as shuttering

other European markets has now

in the UAE and ensure that they have

boards in construction; and residential

slowly started to recover, but is still

as much information as they need

and outdoor furniture.

weak compared to other expanding

to design and build with American

markets. Understandably, exports of

softwoods.

Swedish and European sawn timber are increasing and the MENA region is therefore becoming more and more important. Swedish exports to the MENA region have shown strong

What is the primary use of the timber products coming from your region in this market?

CT: American softwoods have many uses in the MENA region. These include construction uses, such as concrete forming; structural uses, including wood framing for residential and light commercial buildings up to five storeys high;

growth since 2008. In 2013, exports decreased for the first time since

RW: Aside from furniture production

outdoor uses such as walkways,

2007 but the volumes were back to

in Egypt, the primary use for both

bridges, cladding, decks, marinas, and

record levels in 2014. As such, we see

American hardwood lumber and

playground equipment; and in joinery

continued growth opportunities all

veneers is in interior joinery, such as

for windows and doors, furniture,

over the region in 2015 as well as for

doors, door frames, moldings and wall

cabinetry, flooring, moulding,

the coming years.

paneling.

paneling and staircases.

24 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

ANALYSIS

Image © Broadleaf Consulting

How does the MENA region compare to other established markets across the globe?

as North America and the EU ranked

stands under 100 million m3, and are

second and fifth respectively.

predicted to exceed 250 million m3 over the next 40 years. Given that

CT: The MENA market is somewhat

the volume of hardwood standing in

RW: Relative to Asia and Europe,

smaller than our markets in China and

U.S. forests has more than doubled

which are the leading destinations

Japan but it has grown from USD 8.1

during a period of increase in U.S. and

for American hardwoods, the MENA

million in 2009 to USD 23.88 million

international wood demand, the futire

region is quite small. However, it is

in 2014.

is very positive for the American

important and has shown consistent growth for the past twenty years or so. Furthermore, we see the MENA region as offering steady and longterm growth potential for American

What are the main messages that you would like to communicate to the audience at the seminar?

hardwood industry. CA: Swedish timber has been used for a long time both for both interior decoration and construction, and we will present the latest trends when

hardwoods, due to a number of factors, including its young and fast-

RW: One of the biggest initiatives

it comes to the use of Swedish wood

growing population.

that AHEC has been involved with

in design and glulam constructions.

is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

One example of the trends we see in

CA: The MENA region has now for

study by PE International, which

interior decoration is the development

many years been by far the fastest

revealed the strong environmental

of new surfaces, where the wood is

growing export region for Swedish

performance of American hardwoods

treated in different ways to create a

wood. Over the past few years, the

- underpinned by an expanding forest

new look and feel of the material.

MENA region has been established

resource, sustainable management

as the second largest market after

and low carbon emissions. Particularly

KA: Our speaker has yet to be

Europe. For Swedish pine (redwood)

encouraging is the carbon footprint of

finalized but the focus of our

products, almost half of the Swedish

kiln dried American hardwood lumber,

presentation will be on Malaysia’s

production is exported to the MENA

which shows that sequestration

Sustainable Forest Management (SFM)

region, which is the single largest and

of carbon during the growth of

practices; the wide range of high

most important region for Swedish

the tree more than offsets total

quality Malaysian timber products;

pine.

carbon emissions during extraction,

and Malaysian timbers that have been

processing and shipment to the MENA

beautifully applied in many luxury

region.

resort and residential projects in

KA: The Middle East was Malaysia’s sixth biggest market for timber and

Low levels of utilization have also

various places including the Malaysian

timber products including furniture

seen the hardwood volume in U.S.

islands of Langkawi and Penang,

(2011 - Oct 2014) in terms of value. In

forests surge in spite of increasing

Singapore, Mauritius and the Maldives.

comparison, established markets such

harvests levels, which currently

Attendees will learn about

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 25

ANALYSIS

Image © dwp

Malaysia’s Sustainable Forest

understood and designers are afraid

essential material for architects

Management (SFM) practices, which

to specify it. However, a little bit of

across the globe, we are eager to raise

date back to 1901, when the first

research and education will go a long

awareness about American hardwoods

Forestry Officer was appointed. The

way and, in many applications, using

across all elements of the ‘timber

country strives to balance three

wood will often prove to be the better

chain’ in the MENA region.

aspects in sustainable forestry

and, more environmentally-beneficial,

management: the economic,

solution. Provided it derives from a

KA: Buyers and specifiers need to

environmental and social aspects.

sustainably managed forest, timber is,

understand that not all tropical

Further, Malaysian forests are

arguably, the most environmentally-

timber-producing countries are the

certified by the Malaysian Timber

friendly material available. It

same. Malaysia is by far the most

Certification Scheme, which is the first

has a very low (often negative)

progressive tropical timber-producing

tropical timber certification scheme

carbon footprint, it is abundant, it

country in the world, with sustainable

to be endorsed by the globally

is renewable, it’s harvesting and

forestry policies that are continually

recognized Programme for the

processing do not use or produce

refined to fulfill her global pledge of

Endorsement of Forest Certification

harmful chemicals or by-products and

maintaining at least 50 percent of her

(PEFC).

it has low embodied energy.

land area under natural forest cover.

As with everywhere in the world,

The current land area under natural

CT: We haven’t decided yet who

the greatest barrier to the increased

the speaker will be but he will be

usage of wood in building is a lack

an expert in both Southern Yellow

of knowledge. What I mean by

import tariff for timber and timber

Pine and in western species such

this is that the level of awareness

products in all GCC countries except

as Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine

and understanding of wood by the

Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, the

and Eastern White Pine. American

decision-makers is, more often

application of GCC common external

softwoods are available in a wide

than not, far lower than it is for

tariff of 5 percent for imported goods,

range of grades and sizes and

more mainstream, commodity-type

while GCC imports are exempted

come from the most sustainably

materials, such as concrete, aluminum

as per Pan Arab agreement. Saudi

managed forests in the world, they

and steel. Specifiers are often

Arabia gives priority in government

are of excellent quality and are

dissuaded from using wood because

purchasing program to GCC products.

competitively priced. A technical

of their own lack of confidence in and

They receive up to 10 percent price

service is available to assist buyers,

understanding of the material. This

preference over non-GCC products. As

specifiers and end users to select the

is very much the case in the Gulf too

such, the import duty of 15 percent

correct species and grade of American

and, perhaps more so, since wood is

raises the cost of importation from

softwoods for each specific job.

not a material from the Gulf itself.

Malaysia. Generally speaking, the

Are there any misconceptions or challenges that you need to overcome in this region?

Our role is to help specifiers and

forest stands at 61 percent. A key challenge is the 5 percent

Middle East is a price-sensitive

other decision-makers to develop a

market, which demands high quality

greater understanding of wood as a

timber and timber products at very

viable, suitable and environmentally-

competitive prices.

friendly material for numerous RW: Contrary to popular belief,

applications, which should, in time,

CT: Perhaps the idea that American

timber harvesting is beneficial to the

lead to greater use of this wonderful

softwoods are expensive and are not

forests and to the environment. Wood

and sustainable resource. Given

readily available. Our products are

frequently loses out to alternative

that wood has not only enjoyed

readily available and competitively

materials because it is often little

a renaissance, but has become an

priced.

26 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

PROFILE

JAF Group: A leading supplier of timber products Image © JAF Group

he JAF Group was founded in 1948 in Stockerau (Austria) where its headquarters are

based today, and has over the course of six decades become central Europe’s leading wholesaler for wood and wooden materials. Driven

What began in Stockerau in 1948 is now an international group with currently 53 sites in 16 countries

by the consistency, familiarity with

of wood and well-founded market knowledge combined with product quality. Until the late 1990s, the focus was on expanding in Austria. Since the beginning of the 1990s, the group has focused on international growth, starting with the Czech Republic and from there on into

the market and immense personal

Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia

commitment of founders - Josef

established as a strong partner for

and Romania. The next phase saw the

and Antonia Frischeis - the group

the wood processing industry, the

group begin its expansion into ‘young

has developed from a local wood

construction sector and resale.

markets’ including Bulgaria, Bosnia-

merchant to the internationally reputed JAF Group, which is firmly

A key driver of the group’s growth has been the decades of experience

Herzegovina, Poland, Russia and Serbia in 2005.

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 27

PROFILE

In 2014, the group expanded its global business by acquiring the global sales operations of the well-known timber supplier DLH in China, Southeast Asia and Africa. As such, the group’s turnover in 2014 was EUR 565 million with 2,250 employees working in 53 branches across 16 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. Timber Design & Technology talks to Teemu Korhonen (pictured), Vice President of Sales, JAF Global Sales, ahead of the group’s participation at the upcoming Dubai WoodShow 2015. Image © JAF Group

Overview What began in Stockerau in 1948

also sends a wide variety of goods for

is now an international group with

customers directly from the producer

currently 53 sites in 16 countries. In

to the destination, thereby offering

Europe, the internationally reputed

both flexibility and reliability to its

JAF Group boasts a dense branch

customers. Given that a large majority

network, an enormous variety of

of national languages are represented

products and a constant stock of

within the group, customers can also

20,000 articles, which enables the

benefit from the ease of conducting

group to service customer needs.

business in their national language. “It is not just our product range that

With a product range that comprises around 83,000 articles, covered

varies - depending on the country

storage area in excess of 220,000

we have to take account of different

square meters, the group serves more

prices, customs regulations, traditions

than 30,000 customers. At present,

and procurement markets. Here our

the group’s product range includes

customers benefit from our decades

decorative panels, construction

of experience in international trade and logistics. JAF specialists allocated

panels & boards, sawn timber, timber for construction, decking, floorboards,

Image © JAF Group

JAF Global Sales The JAF Global Sales department sees itself as the connection between international customers and the respective procurement markets. And this connection does not just exist on paper, but quite concretely - the group uses high performance logistics solutions for container imports, and

to the individual countries also bring their individual expert knowledge

doors and veneers.

Extensive contacts, an organization with a global outlook and our direct access to the respective markets enable us to offer unique procurement expertise

and their country-specific knowhow with them. Extensive contacts, an organization with a global outlook and our direct access to the respective markets enable us to offer unique procurement expertise,” says Korhonen.

J.F. Furnir Recognizing the need to provide value-added products, the JAF Group opened its state-of-the-art sawmill and veneer production facility in Brasov in 2007. Located in the middle of a large deciduous and pine forest and operating under the J.F.Furnir name, the facility processes around 30,000 solid cubic meters of logs each year. Through this modern production plant in Romania, the group is able to offer veneers, sawn or profiled timber, decking and thermo-treated wood all whilst maintaining the highest standards in terms of product quality and customer service.

Image © JAF Group

28 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

The plant location is strategic

S VISIT U

E AT TH

WO I A B DU

15 0 2 W LL SHO EL HA E B ’A : ZA HALL : A14 STAND

JAF Global GmbH Gerbergasse 2, 2000 Stockerau, Austria T: +43 2266 605-0 globalsales@jaf-group.com

JAF – THE STRONG BRAND IN THE INTERNATIONAL TIMBER SOURCING

www.jaf-group.com

The JAF Group has been well-known for many years as Central Europe’s leading wholesaler for wood based products. Not without reason: In JAF decades of experience of wood and well-founded market knowledge meet product quality. By acquiring the global sales operations of the well-known timber supplier DLH with the target markets China, Southeast Asia, Middle east and Africa, the JAF Group expands its horizon and fastens its worldwide competence as a leading supplier for timber and timber products.

—

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 29

PROFILE

Image © JAF Group

especially given the rich forests of Transylvania in close proximity, which ensures that oak, beech, beech heartwood, maple, cherry, white ash, ash heartwood or even pine - all the natural resources for the production of veneer, sawn timber and decking - are readily available and in ample supply. In addition, the 10,000 square meter timber stockyard is stacked high with logs of almost every species

The 10,000 square meter timber stockyard is stacked high with logs of almost every species and quality of wood desired, mainly from Europe, but also from Africa, Asia and South America

and quality of wood desired, mainly

from a trader of wood to producer of veneer, lumber and thermo wood at the highest level. With an annual veneer production of over 12 million square meters, Korhonen is confident of the group’s position as one of the leading producers of veneers in Europe, evident from the fact that the group distributes more than 20 million square meters of veneers annually to customers throughout the world.

from Europe, but also from Africa, for decking and profiled wood

JAF Veneer World

production. Combining the latest

The JAF Veneer World platform is the

equipped with the latest technology,

technology with the expertise of its

first online shop in the world to offer

which allows for both the efficient

350-strong workforce, the majority

high-resolution pictures of veneer

processing of raw timber and for a

of whom have been to ‘Universitatea

bundles. Targeting both specifiers

quality end product. Further, two

Transilvania’, which offers a special

(architects, interior designers,

recently installed thermo-modifying

curriculum for wood technology and

planners etc) and commercial

chambers enable for thermally

wood design, has enabled the group

customers, the platform not only

modified timber to be sent directly

to manage its sustainable growth

offers diversity and quality, but also

Asia and South America. According to Korhonen, the plant is

the unique opportunity to view the individual characteristics and beauty of every veneer bundle on screen. At present, customers can view and select from more than 12 million square meters of veneer on stock; more than 190 different types of veneers; around 1.2 million veneer surfaces (front and back) in high resolution pictures; and 11 filters for making an exact veneer search. The filters allow to search for sales type, length groups, structure, quality and characteristics. In a nutshell, the platform is designed to allow customers to search, filter, view, select Image © JAF Group

30 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

and order online.

PROFILE

Middle East and Africa In 2014, the group acquired the global sales operations of the well-known timber supplier DLH in China, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, with a view to further expand its horizon and strengthen its worldwide presence as a leading supplier for timber and timber products. The total turnover for this division of DLH has been around EUR 74 million annually. Given that the DLH Group is a stock market listed company, which specializes in the worldwide wholesale of timber and Image © JAF Group

timber products, and has been in Danish family ownership for more than 100 years, it made sense for the JAF Group to take over its operations. “Historically our main markets for sourcing were in Europe. Our strong operations throughout Europe set up very competitive partnerships with local industries and forest owners. By taking over part of the global DLH business we were glad to provide additional sustainable sources within our organization,” says Korhonen. “We decided to acquire DLH Asia and

The integration of the DLH operations in China, Vietnam and Cameroon will ensure that customers will benefit from the worldwide network the group will now be able to access

Africa because, of course, we see growth potential there. In addition, these markets fit perfectly with our plans to extend the international radius of the JAF Group. Up to now our global sales expertise has mainly been in the areas of veneers and sawn timber - to be specific hardwood. Now we intend to follow this with further product areas.” According to Korhonen, the integration of the DLH operations in China, Vietnam and Cameroon into the group will ensure that customers will benefit from the worldwide network the group will now be able to access by means of this expansion. DLH customers in these markets will immediately enjoy the additional benefit of being able to draw on the decades of know-how, strong logistics and well-founded contacts of a market leader in Central and Eastern Europe. Moreover, internationally the group will have direct access to the best procurement markets. Ahead of the groups’ participation at the Dubai WoodShow 2015,

Image © JAF Group

Korhonen is positive of future growth and development in the MENA region. Commenting on the region, Korhonen says: “The Middle East is one of our main markets and we see great growth potential here. Owing to our sourcing offices and activities in Cameroon and Gabon we have a strong position in these markets. Additionally we have been initiating sourcing activities in Ghana. North Africa is obviously also a very important market for us, particularly for our European lumber products. Looking ahead, we are monitoring Africa very carefully and planning to expand our trading activities in

Image © JAF Group

different African countries.”

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 31

DESIGN & DĂ&#x2030;COR

32 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

DESIGN & DÉCOR

American red oak features in the Spanish House Of Representatives T

he House of Representatives

by Hunter Douglas España S.A. which

in Madrid boasts a new hall,

continue until halfway down the front

Prim Hall, for forthcoming

and rear walls. European oak was

meetings and events. Prim Hall is located directly above the grand ‘Los

The rest of the walls are covered by

Pasos Perdidos’ Hall and is named

a flat surface where the grain of the

after General Juan Prim, the president

red oak is positioned horizontally to

assassinated in 1870, the year of

give continuity to the horizontal slats

2014 being the bicentenary of his

of the ceiling. Access doors are flat

birth in Reus (Tarragona). The space

and flush with the wall, with which

was opened on July 22, 2014 by the

they integrate perfectly becoming

Speaker of the House, Jesús Posada,

virtually invisible, also being made

and is equipped with the latest

in red oak with the grain positioned

technology.

horizontally.

A key objective of the project

The curved shape of the ceiling

was to modernize the space,

responds to the need to achieve

differentiating it from the classical

good acoustics while obtaining the

style of the rest of the building. “The

maximum possible height that is pre-

two fully glazed side walls provide

determined by the structural trusses

superb light in the hall. However,

supporting the roof. The ceiling of

glass is unsuitable for acoustics,

wooden slats allowed Ana Jiménez

so I decided to use wood for the

to hide air conditioning units and

ceiling, floor and front and rear

technology systems so that only the

walls,” says Ana Jiménez Díaz-Valero,

lighting is visible.

Architect and Curator of the House of

“For the project I needed sturdy

Representatives and manager of the

wood of great aesthetic beauty from

renovation project for the new Prim

sustainable forests. Red oak has

Hall.

suited my aspirations for the project

The interior space of the hall is

perfectly,” comments Ana Jiménez. “I

fitted almost entirely with oak and big

only wanted to use red oak if it came

windows on either side of the room to

from well-managed forests to be sure

allow good natural light. “Wood offers

that my decisions were not harming

good acoustic performance, allows you

the environment. I was happy to use

to create unique shapes and provides

American red oak because of the

warmth. Therefore, along with light,

strong environmental credential of

it became another major feature of

American hardwoods.”

the hall,” comments Ana Jiménez.

Image © AHEC

specified for the floors.

The hall is still furnished by the

American red oak covers an area of

old classic furniture from the 60’s

230 square meters across the ceilings,

evoking the necessary coexistence

with solid 15 mm x 45mm slats

between the past and future. The

30mm apart, supplied and installed

furniture has been restored and

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 33

DESIGN & DÉCOR

Image © AHEC

PROJECT DETAILS Ownership State Heritage Opening date 22 July 2014

Image © AHEC

upholstered, consisting of chairs with

the space as “perched” on the old

arms in groups of three. However,

building. In a new and original piece

the furniture of the presidential table

of architecture, a mesh covers and

and the stenographers’ table, located

contains the extension allowing

on one side, has been newly made

natural light to enter through the two

following the same pattern as the

glass side walls. An external stainless

walls and ceiling of the hall.

steel lattice with adjustable internal

The Hall was originally built in the

blinds makes it possible to control the

1960s as an extension to the existing

light intensity in the hall and provides

roof and thus is architecturally

privacy when required. This superb

different from the original building.

renovation project has achieved a

Ana Jiménez chose to retain the

light, flexible and functional hall and

architectural difference of the

most importantly, a space that is

hall’s exterior and sought to define

pleasant to be in.

34 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

Prescriber Ana Jiménez Díaz-Valero, Architect-Curator of the House of Representatives Construction company Dragados Supplier and installer of the wooden ceiling and walls Hunter Douglas España S.A. (www.hunterdouglas.es) Supplier and installer of the solid European oak floor Junkers Photography Credit Francisco Javier Salcedo Rico / AHEC

DESIGN & DĂ&#x2030;COR

Malaysian timbers bring luxury and warmth to Paradise Island Resort and Spa Built with Malaysian timbers two decades ago, many of the timber features still stand solid and strong Image ÂŠ MTC

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 35

DESIGN & DÉCOR

alaysian timbers have upped the luxury quotient of many heavenly island resorts

in Mauritius, the Maldives and the Seychelles, creating exclusive awayfrom-it-all playgrounds for royalties, celebrities, the super-rich and jet setters. One such resort is situated on an island known as Lankanfinolhu to the Maldivians, situated in the North Male’ Atoll of the Maldives. For the rest of us, it is simply known as Paradise Island. Does it live up to its name? Geographically, this may be just Image © MTC

another Maldivian island, situated 10 kilometers north of Male Airport. It measures a modest 201 meters wide

by Malaysian Chengal pillars and

and one kilometer long. But when you

beams, while Malaysian Kempas

that has been maintained from

place 276 villas with private terraces

rafters are paired with rattan weave-

the original blueprint of Paradise

offering unparalleled views of the

craft to make up the ceiling, creating a

Island Resort. A pair of wooden

Indian Ocean, Paradise Island Resort

casual yet classy ambience. Adjoining

swing doors framed within a timber

might just give heaven (the real one)

the Arrival Lounge is the Sunrise

archway welcome visitors for ultimate

a run for its money!

Restaurant, which also incorporates

pampering sessions. In anticipation of

The Paradise Island Resort and

the Paradise Bar. The bar’s high pitch

bare-footed visitors, the spa features

Spa has been refurbished in recent

roofs incorporate Malaysian Merbau

Merbau flooring, creatively laid out in

years with additional facilities such

rafters and Kempas trusses; again

the shape of a heptagon to echo the

as water villas and restaurants.

coupled with rattan-weave-craft

design of the roof. Timber latticework

However, certain original parts

ceilings. Solid Merbau strips line the

frames the outdoor greenery,

of the resort have been retained,

floor of the sea-fronting bar.

complementing the interior’s cooling

particularly those featuring modern Maldivian architecture. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that despite being built with Malaysian timbers two decades ago, many of these timber features still stand solid and strong, a proud testament to the quality of Malaysian species. One such structure is the Arrival Lounge, which is located closest to the jetty. It has high pitch roofs supported

The spa village is another facility

brown hues. The long corridor leading

Malaysian timbers have upped the luxury quotient of many heavenly island resorts in Mauritius, the Maldives and the Seychelles

to the treatment rooms are also lined with solid Merbau strips. Being marooned on an island such as Lankanfinolhu is a wonderful experience with several fine-dining restaurants to satiate one’s appetite. One such restaurant is The Lagoon, built about a hundred meters out to sea among the resort’s water villas. The Lagoon features a pitched roof

Image © MTC

36 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

DESIGN & DÉCOR

Furnished with sun loungers or

of wide overhanging eaves to shield the walled portico against the intense rays of the sun. The ‘walls’ on most sides of the restaurant are fitted with large Meranti-framed folding doors, which when fully opened allow a full enjoyment of the sea breeze and a fabulous view of the ocean while

Malaysian Balau is unsurpassed for outdoor applications and hence, its use for the decking around the restaurant

timber-framed day beds, the deck is an idyllic spot for relaxing, reading or simply enjoying the ocean’s whispery breezes or visual offerings of various shades of blue, turquoise and aquamarine. A short flight of Balau steps in one corner allows guests to step right into the lagoon for a swim

dining.

with the local marine life.

Malaysian Balau is unsurpassed for outdoor applications and hence,

provide a degree of privacy to the

its use for the decking around the

diners.

restaurant. The ocean-facing side of

The Ocean Suites, perched at the edge of the island reef, also offers

The property’s exclusive Haven

magnificent views of the crystal clear

the restaurant features an expansive

complex is often described as a

lagoon and oceanscape beyond from

sundeck, perfect for al fresco dining

resort within a resort. The Haven

the Meranti-framed windows of each

and a sundowner. Inside, the roof

Villas and Suites are built on stilts

suite. Here, privately served meals

trusses and beams are all also made

above a lagoon. Malaysian Meranti

are laced with fresh sea breezes on

of Balau, renowned for its natural

has been used judiciously for interior

a generous seafront living space

strength and durability. Carved

applications such as wall panels,

decked with Balau and furnished

wooden screens line both sides of the

doors and window frames as well

with Kempas outdoor furniture.

walkway from the restaurant’s main

as other interior fit-outs. Each of

Partly thanks to Malaysian timbers,

doors, which are handcrafted using

these villas and suites features

the Paradise Island Resort and Spa is

Malaysian Merbau. Besides serving as

a spacious private Balau-decked

truly living up to its name as paradise

decorative ‘walls’, these screens also

veranda, equipped with a Jacuzzi.

on earth!

Image © MTC

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 37

COMMENT

Image ÂŠ AHEC

38 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

COMMENT

Thermally modified American hardwoods offer great potential for outdoor applications Sir Paul Smith and Nathalie de Leval create ‘Shed’ as part of AHEC’s collaboration with the London Design Festival

ommercial thermal

only reduces the moisture content of

also destroys the hemicelluloses

modification of timber was

the timber.

and carbohydrates in wood that

developed and introduced

The thermal modification process

provide the main food sources for

in the 1990s, and is becoming

reduces the timber moisture content

insects and rot-producing fungi. The

increasingly popular with architects

down to 4-6 percent (very low). This

timber is therefore more resistant to

and designers globally as a substitute

has the effect of drastically reducing

rot, and does not necessarily need

for tropical timbers and traditionally

the equilibrium moisture content. Put

any surface treatment, painting or

preserved timber. The American

simply, the physical structure of the

pressure treatment. This increase

Hardwood Export Council (AHEC)

wood is changed, which limits the

in dimensional stability and decay

recognizes thermal modification

ability of the wood to absorb moisture,

resistance significantly extends the

as a developing market with great

so products are more dimensionally

service life, and has the potential

potential for American hardwood

stable and less prone to cup, warp

to reduce the maintenance needs

producers. There are various species

and twist with changes in humidity.

of products made from thermally

that can be successfully treated such

The thermal modification process

modified hardwoods.

AHEC recognizes thermal modification as a developing market with great potential for American hardwood producers

attractive dark color running through

as - ash, soft maple, tulipwood, red oak, yellow birch and hickory. Thermally modified timber (TMT) was first developed to improve the performance and durability of softwoods, but it has more recently been extended to boost the performance of hardwoods, allowing certain timbers to be used externally with no additional protection.

In addition, the timber has an the whole cross section. With a rich brown color, the appearance and uniformity can rival that of many tropical hardwood species and its color alone may be enough to win over end users. It is important to note that the timber will still turn grey over time due to the degrading action

Following thermal modification, ash, soft maple, tulipwood and red oak (with the best results from quartersawn timber), can achieve Class 1 durability, the highest possible rating, and equivalent to teak. The treatment process consists of gradually heating the timber to a temperature of between 180 - 215°C for three to four days (the length of time depends on the thickness and the species of timber). This has to be done in an inert atmosphere (that is, one that contains no oxygen) to prevent the timber igniting. This is normally done either in steam or in a vacuum. This process permanently alters the wood’s chemical and physical properties. This is very different to kiln drying, which

Image © Nathalie De Leval

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 39

COMMENT

Image © Petr Krejci

commercial name “Cambia”.

of ultraviolet light. For a timber such

modified American ash,” says

as ash, which has been and remains

Lawrence. “The thermal modification

Paul wanting a shed gave us

a popular choice for furniture, this

makes the ash resistant to decay and

the opportunity to really test the

opens new possibilities in durable

imparts a wonderful dark tone, while

performance of thermally modified

and attractive external applications.

at the same time preserving enough

American ash. We believe this

Although the thermal modification

strength for modest structural use.

technology is a key part of the

process does use energy to heat

The next step will be to do some

future for using wood externally. The

the timber, this increased carbon

formal strength testing.” The thermally

market is growing and designers and

footprint has to be set against the

modified ash was kindly donated by

architects want to use wood, but it

environmental impacts of the various

UK importer Morgan Timber and U.S.

has to perform well, look good, and

protective treatments that are no

exporter Northland Forest Products,

last, or it just won’t compete. TMT uses

longer needed.

who produce the TMT under the

no chemicals, improves stability and

During the summer of 2014, AHEC collaborated with fashion icon Sir Paul Smith and Nathalie de Leval as part of ‘The Wish List’ - an extraordinary collaborative project created by AHEC, Benchmark Furniture and Sir Terence Conran, who invited nine other famous commissioners to work with talented up and coming designers to create “the object they had always wanted”. Paul’s request was for a garden shed, “Somewhere you can go to switch off, somewhere to relax,” he says. As Smith wanted the shed to be all wood, thermally modified hardwoods, with grade-one durability, seemed a sensible choice. Together, Smith and De Leval chose thermally modified ash for its dimensional stability, rich color and grain. De Leval consulted with Arup’s timber specialist, Andrew Lawrence, on the structure. “Paul’s Shed is the first structural use of thermally

40 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

Image © Petr Krejci

COMMENT

used to replace tiles on a shower floor. In Europe, TM wood has also been commonly used in spas for sauna benches because of its durability and low heat transfer. Homes with decks, balconies and patios are also potential spaces for TM hardwoods. Composite decking products tend to be commonly specified, however treated softwoods or cedar are also used. Thermally modified hardwoods have the potential to replace both, particularly for those building on the waterfront. The potential for thermally modified American hardwoods is certainly promising, both in established markets as well as in developing Image © Petr Krejci

ones. Somewhat limited availability may be a constraining factor for the

has a very low environmental impact

Whilst, engineered wood floors have

immediate future, but this is changing

relative to other material solutions.

been substituted in many of these

very quickly, as producers adopt the

So it was amazing to have the shed in

areas, strip or plank flooring made

technology across the United States,

the courtyard of the Victoria & Albert

from thermally modified hardwood

Canada and also in Europe and Asia.

Museum in London for six weeks,

lumber may be a solution to growing

As the product becomes better known,

in all weathers. The public reaction

the available market for solid wood

it is anticipated that its potential

was huge and, to top it all, Paul came

flooring. There is also an opportunity

as an alternative option in exterior

to the launch. He loved it and was

for furniture manufacturers to produce

applications or in wet environments

especially delighted that we had taken

wooden outdoor furniture made

will be exploited widely. Its consistent

up the challenge he set us to make the

from TM hardwoods and offer it as

rich brown color, its dimensional

shed rotate!

an alternative to traditional species,

stability, resistance to decay and its

Thermal modification opens

such as teak. In principle, hardwood

environmental credentials all point to

up tremendous opportunities for

furniture could be made from lower-

it being one of the most exciting new

manufacturers of wood products. The

cost species, such as ash, red oak,

products the wood industry has been

improved moisture resistance and

tulipwood and soft maple.

able to offer in recent years. With the

dimensional stability of thermally

Thermally modified hardwoods also

current vogue for timber cladding and

modified hardwoods make them an

offer the possibility to produce more

decking, as well as exterior timber

excellent option for wood flooring

specialized wood products for those

structures and street furniture, we

in spaces where solid wood flooring

consumers looking for something

hope to see American hardwoods

has traditionally been ruled out for

unique in their homes. For instance,

featured in an even wider range of

reasons such as contact with water.

thermally modified wood has been

applications in the near future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Image © Nathalie De Leval

Image © Petr Krejci

Roderick Wiles has worked with the American hardwood industry since 1999. Since then, he has run a programme of activities designed to raise the profile and understanding of American hardwood products in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 41

TECHNOLOGY

‘SOFT Rocker’ lights up MIT ‘FAST’ Festival KVA MATx looking to pioneer solar powered lounger in the Middle East

he Massachusetts Institute of

physical environment in thought-

powered outdoor rocking lounger

Technology (MIT) celebrated

provoking, breathtaking ways.

in light of the potential for it to be

its 150th anniversary in

Some of the installations around

pioneered here in the Middle East.

2011 with a series of provocative

the campus included a large-scale,

architectural installations cropping

diaphanous origami lining the

SOFT Rockers are smart, clean

up around the campus. Designed

underside of a stairway; a vaulted

energy charging stations disguised

to celebrate the Institute’s culture

passageway evoking Escher, Gaudi

as outdoor rocking lounge furniture.

of creativity and invention at the

and Gothic cathedrals; a field of white

Unlike conventional ‘hard’ urban

intersection of art, science and

plaster mounds running alongside

infrastructure, the SOFT Rocker

technology, the Festival of Art

Walker Memorial and a shimmering

leverages its environment in a

+ Science + Technology (FAST)

curtain of light in the archway below

dynamic manner by using the

included more than 20 installations

the Green Building, generating and

human power of balance to create

created by MIT faculty and students.

consuming energy harvested from

an interactive 1.5 axis 35 watt

Not only did the installations

the wind. One particular installation

solar tracking system. Soft power

transform the way people

that stood out was the ‘SOFT Rocker’

electronics designed for this

experienced the campus but they

developed by architecture students at

project charge the 12 ampere-hour

also demonstrated how technology

MIT, lead by professor Sheila Kennedy.

battery and store solar energy

and fantasy could transform the

We take a closer look at the solar

harvested during the day. Installed

42 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

According to Kennedy, the MIT

TECHNOLOGY

Image © KVA MATx

I immediately thought of creating something that could sequester carbon and generate energy

Image © KVA MATx

at the Institute’s Killian Court for the

the design, Kennedy, said: “My

And so when MIT invited my design

duration of the festival, the teardrop-

design firm KVA MATx is focused on

team to create an installation for

shaped outdoor rocking lounge chairs

different design strategies to advance

the MIT FAST project, I immediately

have solar panels over the top to

the use of plywood, wood plank and

thought of creating something that

provide power for up to three USB

engineered wood sheets. As such,

could sequester carbon and generate

devices, and some after-dark lighting

we utilize standard sheet products

energy. In the SOFT Rocker, we used

to allow the party to go on after the

but transform these with the use of

a kuka robotic arm to kerf (cut)

sun goes down.

design and software (computation)

MDF wood sheets so that they can

in a process we call flat to form.

take on any form when pressed

Explaining the rationale behind

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 43

TECHNOLOGY

together. Significantly, due to the fact that the curved soft rocker form can be mass customized using computation, it can be easily adapted to different latitudes - making it the first adaptable wood solar charging station.” The leaf-like loop form of the SOFT Rocker explores how standard softwood panels can be mass customized to adapt their form to the latitude and sun angle of any site using parametric design software and automated fabrication with a lightweight Kuka robotic arm. The project advances digital kerfing Image © KVA MATx

methods developed by Christoph Schindler with wood joining techniques, which enable softwood

could be prototyped in house, any

CNC router. The wooden structure

panels to be formed into a seemingly

manufacturer with the right machines

was then varnished to afford it

continuous undulating wood surface.

could make them,” adds Kennedy.

some protection from the elements,

According to Kennedy, the process

The SOFT Rockers were made

can be adapted to many different

from flat MDF panels, which have

will probably require something a bit

kinds of wooden sheet products. The

undergone an advanced digital

more robust.

team used medium density fiberboard

curving process based on the

(MDF), which is essentially pressed

zipshape process that was originally

of MDF, Phil Seaton from the team

sawdust in a sheet form, on account

developed in Switzerland by

said: “Zipshape can, in theory, be cut

of its stability, affordability and

Schindler. A lightweight Kuka robotic

from any flat-packed material, but

sustainability given that it is produced

arm was used to remove portions

there are reasons to cut it out of MDF

by using wood waste from other cuts/

of the structurally unsound wood to

and then post-veneer the surfaces,

products.

form an inside surface resembling

as we did. Basically, the ‘teeth’ that

a row of teeth. While the robot arm

we cut work best when they’re cut

using the zip form software

probably could have taken care of the

out of some grain-free and laminate-

developed by Schindler. Once the

intricate pattern work too, this was

free material: cutting out of solid or

wood sheets were cut, we then used

done using a laser cutter or 3-axis

plywood can cause the teeth to chip

“Three prototypes were created

although longer-term installations

Explaining the reasons for the use

a vacuum form to compress them

out during the cutting process. On the

together. We also developed the solar

other hand, cutting out of MDF alone

charging electronics and through the use of parametric design software we were able to adjust the panels to the angle of the sun. The fabrication was done either in house or through our fabrication team partners Radlab and FineFinish in the Boston area. We figured that if the rockers

The leaf-like loop form of the SOFT Rocker explores how standard softwood panels can be mass customized

(and not veneering afterwards) risks the material not being able to handle the tension loads, and breaking in the backing (which is generally only about 2mm thick or so). We experienced many such breakages; the veneer, in our case, serves both a structural and an aesthetic purpose.”

Image © KVA MATx

44 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

TECHNOLOGY

Image © KVA MATx

Two such panels were then interlocked and glued together to form a curved structure, and then vacuum-sealed in plastic bags. When the glue had dried, they were removed from the bags, veneer applied to both sides and then placed back in the bags. Seaton said that the

We figured that if the rockers could be prototyped in house, any manufacturer with the right machines could make them

team “did try veneering first, in the

Image © KVA MATx

generation as an integrated and distributed public activity rather than a centralized, singular off-site project of ‘engineering’. At the end of the FAST festival, the SOFT Rockers were sent to Kennedy and Violich Architecture for “cleaning and rehabilitation.” Other projects created for the festival have

flat, but found the panels lost some

the sky. Here, the human power of

now been dismantled and disposed

flexibility when done in this order.”

balance is used as the ‘second axis’ of

of, but such has been the interest

Gen II flexible solar panels from

the solar tracker. An LCD panel inside

in the SOFT Rocker that the team

Global Solar were finally installed

the rocker tells you how well you’re

is now working on the next stage

over the surface of the roof to feed a

doing in terms of optimizing energy

in development. Commenting on

12 amp-hour battery, which in turn

production from the available solar

the potential for the project in the

provides power to devices such as

energy,” concludes Seaton.

Middle East, Kennedy says: “Mid scale

laptops, smartphones and even chilled drinks dispensers connected via USB.

The interdisciplinary SOFT Rocker

production is definitely possible and

project, in a nutshell, combines hi-

we are actively looking to identify

tech and low-tech design strategies:

possible manufacturing partners

“entirely human-powered - the idea

it produces electricity but engages

who are interested in entering the

has its roots in trying to invent a

the body and works like furniture

solar charging market with a design

kind of culture surrounding power

‘by hand’; it mixes sun tracking and

where people can enjoy solar energy.

generation,” says Seaton. “Rather than

social dynamics; it is a site specific

This could be a great resource for

envisioning electricity generation as

object and a flexible form family of

university campuses, city parks, or

something centralized and off-site

‘soft’ wood construction. The SOFT

corporate headquarters and it would

that embodies hidden processes and

Rocker blurs distinctions between

be very exciting to pioneer the SOFT

hidden social and environmental

pleasure and work and recasts power

rocker in the Middle East!”

The 35W solar tracking system is

costs, we’re imagining a future where ‘soft’ and decentralized generation of small amounts of power can actually become a hub for social and cultural activity.” “The SOFT Rockers, then, are intended to employ as much human intervention in the generation of electricity as possible: the rockers are free to rotate on their bases, and are positioned horizontally using the handle on the front. When the angle is correct, the rockers provide full shade for the person sitting inside. Then, once inside, the position of one’s body to higher and lower seating positions causes the solar panel to face higher or lower positions in

Image © KVA MATx

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 45

WOOD WORKS

The ‘Strand’ collection by Nada Debs T

o say that the work of design

embraced the concept of opposites

deconstructed, reconstructed, or

pioneer and trendsetter

finding the harmony between them

sometimes even magnified to great

Nada Debs is sensitive would

and blending ornamental Middle

proportions, lending a modern nuance

be to accurately describe what

Eastern with minimalist Japanese

to every piece. Every collection

is effectively an intrinsic part of

as well as contemporary with the

marries unexpected materials and

the philosophy of this timeless,

timeless. The unique Nada Debs

textures bringing a refreshing sense

global brand. And it is just that. A

identity was formed celebrating the

of unpredictability in Debs work. It is

philosophy. Each carefully hand

luxurious yet approachable sensibility

a celebration of the tactile, inspiring

crafted piece evokes an emotion,

of her work.

touch, and hence the pulse and life of

and there is a palpable spiritual

Debs’ work is almost a language.

the piece.

energy that is emitted from every

A communication of positivity and

curve, texture and detail of her work.

unity; a notion that is often lost

in 2012 and was inspired by the

A reflection of hours of love and

in our modern age. A product of

idea of fusing arabesque patterns

labor to create a piece that is more

human emotion and energy, her work

into vintage furniture. A seating

than furniture. It is a story with a

glorifies ancient craft techniques and

collection whose sleek minimalist

soul. A soul that borrows from the

brings them to the fore, inspiring

lines juxtapose beautifully with the

history of the East, and interprets

a movement aptly named ‘Craft

exuberance of the hand-carved motif

centuries of craft and knowledge in a

Cool,’ which serves as a platform for

that defines it, the pieces surround

contemporary reference.

designers reviving and celebrating

perforated carving technique in

valuable crafts and techniques. Debs

American ash with vintage style

Debs immersed herself in the clean,

encourages and invites just such

design. The collection encompasses

linear and uncluttered Japanese

creators to join the movement, as she

four pieces - a console, sofa, arm

sensibility, which she carries in her

passionately perseveres to ensure

chair, dining chair - with the sofa and

work to this day. That coupled with

these precious intricacies endure.

arm chair both being upholstered in

From conception to the living

velvet and encased in an ash frame.

With her formative years in Japan,

her passion for the East, created

The ‘Strand’ collection was designed

the perfect blend of design and

room, the life of the furniture

decoration, which has become her

evolves from a historical pattern or

in Beirut, the collection is available in

inimitable signature. It is from her

motif to a final rendition, detailed

her boutique in Lebanon or online at

contrasting environments that Debs

with decorative elements either

www.nadadebs.com.

46 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

WOOD WORKS

Image © Nada Debs

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 47

INDUSTRY FOCUS

TIMBER AND WOOD MACHINERY ASSOCIATIONS

end users (furniture and joinery manufacturers) or importers and distributors. AHEC conducts seminars across the region, highlighting positive developments, such as the growing acceptance of thermally modified U.S. hardwoods, which can be used in exterior applications, such as decking and cladding.

Key contact: Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, South Asia and Oceania Website: www.americanhardwood.org

American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC)

Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association (TWMA) The Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association (TWMA) is the leading association for the woodworking machinery industry in Taiwan with more than 270 members, which represents over 90 percent of the manufacturers in the field of woodworking machinery in Taiwan. As a representative association to communicate with/between members, it has been active in the furniture industry ever since mass production via mechanization began in 1960. The role of TWMA is significant given that after three decades of steady growth, the production value of the woodworking machinery industry in Taiwan has reached fourth in the world, after Germany, Italy and the U.S. A great deal of Taiwan’s woodworking machinery industry has gradually been taken over by the next generation. This group of successors are highly educated and motivated to bring new potential to the

Image © AHEC

industry. Then have inherited accumulated wisdom and technology of two generations of industry entrepreneurs.

The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) is the

They are equipped with knowledge of more complete

leading international trade association for the U.S.

sustainable modern management techniques. Today,

hardwood industry, representing the committed exporters

Taiwan’s Woodworking Machinery industry enjoys

among U.S. hardwood companies and all the major

excellent support as it pushes to further R & D and brand

U.S. hardwood product trade associations. AHEC runs a

establishment. The current trend toward technology

programme to promote American hardwoods in over 50

exchange is driving the new generation to put even more

export markets, concentrating on providing architects,

energy into product innovation.

specifiers, designers and end-users with technical

Taiwan Woodworking Machinery manufacturers

information on the range of species, products and sources

are taking steps to foresee the future demands of

of supply. In addition, AHEC also produces a full range of

their clients. They study the internal and external

free technical publications.

environments their clients experience in order to

From its head office based in Washington, D.C.

develop the technology they will eventually need. This

and six overseas offices, strategically located near

has become Taiwan’s new market positioning strategy.

key hardwood markets, AHEC conducts a worldwide

Taiwan Woodworking Machinery companies pay attention

promotion programme. All activities are run though

to quality of service, and in the future will continue

the joint efforts of the U.S. hardwood industry and the

to optimize pre-and after-sales service systems. In

Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the U.S. Department

cooperation with the Taiwan External Trade Development

of Agriculture (USDA), to broaden the impact on and

Council (TAITRA), TWMA are organizing first Taiwan

outreach into international markets, giving AHEC’s

International Woodworking Machinery Show (Taiwanwood

member companies the competitive edge needed to meet

2015). The event will be launched in July 2015 at the

the growing worldwide demand for American hardwood

Taipei World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall.

products. In the Middle East, AHEC’s strategy is focused on education aimed at all elements of the ‘timber chain’,

Website:

whether it is specifiers (architects and interior designers),

www.twma.org.tw/index.php?english

48 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 49

INDUSTRY FOCUS

Quebec Wood Export Bureau (QWEB)

aims to highlight wood as a competitive, eco-friendly and sustainable material. A department within the trade and employer organization - Swedish Forest Industries Federation - Swedish Wood is supported by the Swedish sawmill sector. Swedish Wood promotes wood and wood products in markets of particular interest to the Swedish sawmill industry. The goal of the international wood promotion is to increase the value of the Swedish sawmill industry’s exports and to strengthen the image of the Swedish sawmill industry and Swedish wood products abroad. All international work takes place in cooperation with other European organizations. An international group consisting mainly of

marketing directors from a number of member companies governs the international initiatives. All marketing is based

The Quebec Wood Export Bureau (QWEB) is a non-profit

around sustainable forestry.

organization with a mission to showcase wood products from Quebec in export markets and is a founding partner of Canada Wood, a network of sister associations in other Canadian provinces. Representing more than 200 manufacturers in different sectors, QWEB provides direct access to Quebec’s vast array of wood products including softwood lumber and value added products; hardwood lumber and value added products; hardwood flooring; factory-built wood-frame housing; and wood pellets. Working for Québec’s wood products industry, QWEB’s goals are: to consolidate existing markets by increasing Image © Swedish Wood

overseas customer awareness and confidence in the commitment of Quebec wood manufacturers to export reliability, continuity and quality; to identify and quantify new specific overseas markets where potential exists

Key contact:

for Quebec value-added wood products and to introduce

Jan Söderlind, International Director

member suppliers to those individual markets compatible with their product potential; and to provide the market

Website:

information necessary to assist suppliers in producing

www.swedishwood.com

according to a variety of overseas market needs. Products from Quebec have been present in the Middle East and the GCC since many years. In 2015-2016, QWEB

French Timber

will actively promote softwood and hardwood products from Quebec in the region by taking part in the Dubai

French Timber is an association founded in 2001 by the

WoodShow in April and the Index International Design

National Timber Federation (Fédération Nationale du Bois)

Exhibition in May 2015. The aim is to increase the

and is supported by the joint-trade organization France

knowledge of Canadian character hardwood species such

Bois Forêt. With this support from the trade, French

as hard maple and yellow birch amongst designers and

Timber is in charge of promoting French lumbers and

architects. Given that Quebec is a center for hardwood

wood products across international markets. By attending

flooring manufacturing, a number of QWEB’s member

trade fairs, giving out technical information leaflets, taking

companies will exhibit their luxurious products at INDEX.

part in conferences and talking to journalists, French Timber provides commercial and technical information on the French wood industry and its products. This free

Key contact:

and comprehensive source of information is designed to

Sven Gustavsson, Softwoods Director

enable buyers to better understand the range of available products with a view to help in the global sourcing of

Website: www.quebecwoodexport.com/en

French sawn timber and veneers. The Association pursues two goals - to promote, on a national as well as international basis, the use of the

Swedish Wood

different sawn timber species and processed wood products, coming from sustainable managed French forests; and to ease supplies of sawn timber to foreign

Swedish Wood spreads knowledge, provides inspiration

companies by increasing the visibility of the French

and encourages development relating to wood, wood

sawmills offer and expertise. Communication and research

products and wood construction. The goal is to increase

tools offered by the association help in bringing together

the use of wood in Sweden and in international markets

relevant parties with the aim of achieving best match

through information and inspiration. Swedish Wood also

and best performance between offer and demand. The

50 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

INDUSTRY FOCUS

association also helps promote French sawmills, which

importers of both temperate and tropical hardwoods

combine quality awareness, products expertise and

in Europe. In addition, AIEM also works on joint efforts

ability to adapt their production to specific international

with AHEC, AMSO, the Nordic Timber Council, and the

demands.

Malaysian Timber Council.

Contact:

Website:

Thibaud Le Moign, Export Development Manager

www.aeim.org/EN/Default.aspx

Website: www.frenchtimber.com/en/

ACIMALL

American Softwoods (AMSO) American softwood timber is marketed internationally under the American Softwoods (AMSO) banner, a promotional partnership formed by three major U.S. softwood timber trade associations: the Softwood Export Council, the Southern Forest Products Association and APA - The Engineered Wood Products Association. AMSO provides marketing and product support services on behalf of American softwood timber products in more than 50 Image © ACIMALL

countries worldwide, including the Middle East. In addition to the U.S. headquarters offices of the participating associations, AMSO maintains staffed offices in China,

The Italian woodworking machinery and tools’

Japan, Mexico and Europe. The Middle East and Northern

manufacturers association (ACIMALL) was founded in

Africa region is serviced by AMSO’s Europe office.

Milan in 1966. The association currently comprises 180

In support of these markets, AMSO conducts trade

companies, which together represent more than 70 percent

visits, sponsors buyer visits to the U.S., offers technical

of the national turnover in an industry that has about 10

assistance, conducts and distributes market analyses,

thousand employees and a turnover in 2011 of 1.7 billion

and provides advertising and promotional support for

Euros, of which 75 percent is destined for export. It also

American softwood timber products, including exhibiting

participates actively in the work of FEDERMACCHINE,

each year at the Dubai WoodShow and other exhibitions

the federation that groups 11 national associations

in the region. AMSO’s role is to help designers, builders

representing the same areas of mechanical engineering, and

and buyers in the Middle East, to understand better the

EUMABOIS, the European federation that brings together

advantages American softwoods bring in both interior and

representatives of 12 national associations and holds the

exterior applications.

secretariat. As the national trade association, ACIMALL adheres to CFI (Fairs Industry Committee), Confindustria (General

Key contact:

Confederation of Italian industry) and UNI (Nation Italian

Charles Trevor, Consultant to American Softwoods

institution for unification). ACIMALL is active in national and international lobbying in the definition of technical

Website:

rules and saftly; conducts studies and industry analysis

www.americansoftwoods.com

from which the member companies derive valuable information to define their strategies and promotes ‘Made

AIEM

in Italy’ in all markets interested in woodworking; and organizes Xylexpo – the biennial world exhibition for woodworking technology and components for the furniture

The Asociación Española del Comercio e Industria de la

industry - that represents the most important event for the

Madera (AEIM) is a private organization, which gathers

sector in the even years worldwide.

timber importers in Spain. Also referred to as the Spanish Timber Trade Association, its membership comprises importers, wholesalers, distributors, agents and exporters.

Website:

AEIM’s key areas of activity include promotion of both

www.acimall.com/eng/index.cfm?id=161

timber products and our member companies through exhibitions, architects seminars, and other networking and promotional initiatives, publications communication and

VDMA

public relations. AEIM is member of the European Softwood Conference,

VDMA (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau)

which gathers 18 countries, importers and exporters of

or the German Engineering Association represents over

coniferous sawn timber; and the European Hardwood

3,100 mostly medium-sized companies in the capital

Federation (UCBD), which is the main organization for

goods industry, making it the largest industry association

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 51

INDUSTRY FOCUS

in Europe. The association represents the shared financial,

out by AFEMMA, its Technical and Commercial Departments

technical and scientific interests of the mechanical

reply and channel inquires and requests as received both

engineering industry, especially with respect to national

from domestic and external markets.

and international authorities and business groups. The German mechanical engineering industry is an

Over 90 percent of Spanish woodworking machinery companies are small and medium-sized companies

international leader – in 25 of 31 comparable subsectors,

(SMEs). Their leading products include wood machining

German firms are among the top three providers in

equipment, such as routers and machining center with

the world, and global market leader in as many as half.

numerical control (CNC), pallet manufacturing lines,

Mechanical engineering is Germany’s biggest industrial

ultraviolet furniture finishing lines and lathing lines with

employer with 1,011,000 workers (October 2014). It

CNC. Both its size and technology, comparable to that of

develops and produces key technologies for the global

the leading international competitors (Italy and Germany),

market. The export ratio is 76 percent. With revenue of

enable the sector to compete on operational flexibility and

EUR 212 billion (2014), it is one of the leading branches of

to diversify its range of high- quality products.

industry in Germany. VDMA’s membership covers the entire process chain - in the field of mechanical engineering including

Website:

associated tools and components, of process, production,

www.afemma.com/index.php

manufacturing, drive-train and automation engineering, office and information technology, software, and productrelated services, i.e. from components to plants, from

Malaysian Timber Council (MTC)

system suppliers and system integrators through to service providers. The association reflects the diverse customersupplier relationships along the whole value chain and promotes sector-specific and overarching cooperation.

Website: www.vdma.org/en/der-vdma

AFEMMA

Image © MTC

The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) was established in January 1992 to promote the development and growth of the Malaysian timber industry. MTC was formed on the initiative of the timber industry and governed by a Board of Trustees, whose members are appointed by the Minister of Plantation Industries & Commodities, Malaysia. MTC’s main objectives are to promote the Malaysian timber trade and develop the market for timber products globally, to promote the development of the industry by upgrading the industry’s manufacturing technology base, to augment the supply of raw materials, to provide information services and to safeguard and promote the Asociacion de Fabricantes Espanoles de Macquinaria (AFEMMA) is a national private non-profit organization

Malaysian timber industry’s global image. The Council has three Regional Offices in London,

whose objective is the promotion, in Spain and throughout

Guangzhou and Dubai. MTC Dubai was established in

the world, of a field that has experienced enormous

1999 and the Council is now entering its sixteenth year of

growth over the past few years: machines, equipment,

operations in the UAE, a testament to its commitment to

tools and products to work and process wood. AFEMMA

the MENA market.

encompasses companies which represent 90 percent

In 2015, MTC will again participate in the Dubai

of national production and 96 percent of the sector’s

WoodShow. This will be complemented by trade fairs in

total exports, companies that meet both domestic and

other MENA countries such as Algeria, Lebanon, Iran and

international market requirements, offering a whole

Saudi Arabia, as well as marketing missions organized for

range of products for woodworking that have achieved

B2B business matches.

high international standing due to their technology and versatility. The Spanish offering of machinery, equipment, tools and products for woodworking, backed and coordinated by

Key Contact: Khairul Anwar, Director, MTC Dubai

the Association, is continuously present at the main trade international shows, such as Germany, Italy, Russia, Poland,

Website:

Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, China, and India,

www.mtc.com.my

among others. In addition to promotional activities carried

52 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

THE WORLD’S MOST VERSATILE TIMBER

For more information on your choice of sustainable American Softwoods, including certified Southern Yellow Pine, Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Hemlock and Eastern White Pine, visit www.americansoftwoods.com

American Softwoods represents: APA–The Engineered Wood Association Southern Forest Products Association Softwood Export Council

AMERICAN SOFTWOODS www.americansoftwoods.com

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 53

SHOWTIME

TOP INDUSTRY

EXHIBITIONS COMING UP THIS SEASON

furniture industry: it not only produces 40 percent of all supplied parts manufactured in Germany but also earns 30 percent of Germany’s total turnover in furniture. ZOW benefits from its immediate proximity to this center and its stakeholders from industry, associations and higher learning institutes, making it possible to tap directly into Germany’s lucrative furniture market. No other B2B show format provides a comprehensive overall picture of supplier product innovations as early and as compactly as ZOW does. As the segment’s first relevant industrial event held in February annually, the show attracts key national and international decision-makers from the furniture industry and the world of furniture

SALON BOIS

and interior design. Company owners as well as members of top management form part of ZOW’s primary visitor groups. ZOW’s clearly structured concept ensures short distances and provides a forum for direct dialogue among market players. What’s more, ZOW also points the way for furniture products of the future: This is where tomorrow’s big issues in furniture-making and interior design, such as RFID wireless technology and material-optimized product solutions in lightweight construction, find a professional platform.

The eleventh edition of Salon Bois takes place from February 6 - 8, 2015 at Espace Gruyère, Bulle in Switzerland. Held every two years, the show is a platform for the exchange of information and networking between professionals and the general public interested in the wood in construction, housing and energy. The last edition in 2013 attracted nearly 9,000 visitors from Switzerland and Image © ZOW

France and the organizers are positive of larger numbers this year on account of over 100 exhibitors expected to attend the show. In addition to the exhibition, a series of seminars, workshops and conferences will be organized for industry professionals. Further, the IBSR, which gathers sawmills throughout Western Switzerland and has over 55

DATE: 9 - 12 February VENUE: Bad Salzuflen Exhibition Center LOCATION: Bad Salzuflen, Germany WEBSITE: www.zow.de/en

members, has confirmed its presence at Salon Bois 2015.

DATE: 6 - 8 February VENUE: Espace Gruyère LOCATION: Bulle, Switzerland WEBSITE: www.salonbois.ch

ZOW

DREVOSTAVBY 2015 (WOODEN BUILDINGS) The 10th International Exhibition Of Wooden Buildings, Structures and Materials for Low-Energy and Passive Houses (Drevostavby 2015) will be held from February 11 - 14, 2015 in Prague. Unique in its range of topics, the

ZOW is the exclusive and concentrated trading platform

show aims to promote wooden houses as a construction

for national and international suppliers to the furniture

system of the future. According to the organizers, wood

industry and interior design. Precisely when the furniture

is and always will be a renewable natural resource and

industry is placing its orders, the exhibitors at Bad

remains in all forms of processing an indispensable part

Salzuflen will be showing the ZOW trade audience new

of the materials used in construction. As such, the fair

products, materials as well as process ideas for furniture

provides comprehensive information on the use of wood

production - at the heart of Europe’s largest furniture

and natural materials in construction and processing of

cluster, East Westphalia-Lippe. The region is one of

fully renewable natural resources.

the most important supplier hubs for the international

54 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

The fair attracts professionals, developers, investors,

SHOWTIME

builders and anyone interested in modern wooden

partnerships between thousands of buyers and furniture

houses. More importantly, the exhibition along with the

makers across the globe. As it will be the first industry

accompanying program covers most of the important

event of the year in Asia, show attendees to MIFF 2015

topics in architecture, design, technology, energy savings

can expect to see brand new collections and an extensive

and finances needed to implement the construction of

selection of new products from 500 manufacturers. The

wooden houses. Trade visitors will be able to obtain a

five-day show spread over 80,000 square meters is

comprehensive overview of the market situation, learn

on track for another strong performance based on the

about new trends and innovations, and find information

momentum of influential buyers coming to MIFF in the past

about specific prices and products. In addition, the

few years.

show also offers the opportunity to meet architects, quality construction companies, and suppliers of wood, woodworking machinery, and related tools.

DATE: 3 - 7 March VENUE: Putra World Trade Center and MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Center LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia WEBSITE: http://2015.miff.com.my

EXPORT FURNITURE EXHIBITION The 11th edition of the Export Furniture Exhibition (EFE) is set to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, Malaysia’s leading convention facility, from March 4 - 7, 2015. Following the success of last year’s edition, which attracted more than 9,000 buyers from across the globe, including various trade delegations and buying mission Image © Drevostavby

groups, the show will offer visitors the opportunity to see an array of unique design breakthroughs and the latest trends and witness firsthand the high quality of Malaysian

DATE: 11 - 14 February VENUE: Holešovice Fairground LOCATION: Prague, Czech Republic WEBSITE: www.domotex.de/en

workmanship through the products on display. A trade platform by the industry for the industry, EFE is a unique and ideal trading place where numerous opportunities, market expansion and business networking are readily available for all. As such, more than 250

MALAYSIAN INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE FAIR

international and local exhibitors and 10,000 buyers and visitors are expected to converge at the venue in search of business. According to the organizers, the event is not only a platform to meet with furniture business manufacturers from all throughout Malaysia and the region, but also a one-stop show for furniture professionals to find new products, meet suppliers and build partnerships with leading industry players.

Image © MIFF

The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), an export-oriented furniture trade show held annually in Kuala Image © EFE

Lumpur, Malaysia, celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2015. A global leading trade show approved by UFI, the Global Association for Exhibition Industry, MIFF welcomes over 6,000 quality buyers from over 140 countries every year. However, in recent years, the fair has drawn more and more influential buyers who purchase in bulk on the spot.

DATE: 4 - 7 March VENUE: Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia WEBSITE: : http://efe.my/index.php

Held annually since 1995, MIFF has nurtured invaluable

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 55

SHOWTIME

EUROBOIS

to the organizers, a total of 350 overseas and domestic enterprises from 15 countries and regions showcased the latest woodworking machinery, components and supplies for wood product manufacturing over the four-day fair in 2013 and the expectations are high this year as well. Held once every two years, the show is the leading specialized exhibition in China targeted at manufacturers and suppliers to the timber industry. As the only specialist trade show in China that offers a complete platform for the ‘total woodworking technology sector’, the event is an unparalleled showcase of technology and components for the timber industry in China. Everything from forestry to logging machines; saws to wood processing; wood panel and veneer technology; machinery for furniture, wood flooring, window Image © EUROBOIS

and door production; wood products and hardware will be on display. Apart from machinery, WoodMac also includes a

EUROBOIS is being organized at the heart of the second

large section for the suppliers of tools, saw blades, abrasives,

biggest forestry region in France and is the only exhibition

routers and other components used in woodworking machines.

that showcases wood as the basic resource for all activities

In addition, a further attraction for buyers this year will be

in the sector. Held every two years, the show embraces all

the series of professional seminars by industry leaders and

the stakeholders in this industry, enhances across-the-board

highlighting latest technology and industry trends that will be

communication for more efficiency, and mobilizes production

held alongside the exhibition.

capacities. Given that the wood processing industry is still looking to improve production efficiency and that Europe still remains the leading manufacturer of wood processing machines (60 percent of worldwide production), a key priority at the show is the showcase of European machinery performance levels. As such, the majority of the floor space has been dedicated to wood processing machines and tools. Other highlights at the exhibition include a Forestry Conference where more than 400 forest owners will discuss the theme of forest resource mobilization; a dedicated area for forest management equipment; an outdoor demonstration area dedicated to wood fuel; seminars and workshops on equipment and performance; a focus on interior design; and a full scale production line within the show. The product Image © WoodMac China

range on display at EUROBOIS will include 1st and 2nd stage processing machines; vacuuming; tooling; sharpening; waste treatment; production equipment; and equipment and appliances for wood treatment and finishing.

DATE: 4 - 7 March VENUE: Eurexpo LOCATION: Lyon, France WEBSITE: www.eurobois.net

WOODMAC CHINA

DATE: 11 - 14 March VENUE: Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) LOCATION: Shanghai, China WEBSITE: www.woodmacchina.net

VIFA-EXPO 2015 The Vietnam International Furniture and Home Accessories Fair and EXPO Fair are two of the biggest fairs in Vietnam with a focus on export markets. As such, the HCMC Department of

The 13th International Forestry & Woodworking Machinery

Industry and Trade and HAWA agreed to combine VIFA and

and Supplies Exhibition (WoodMac China) takes place at the

EXPO into one fair named VIFA-EXPO last year. Following the

Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) alongside the

success of this combination, VIFA-EXPO 2015 returns to the

13th International Exhibition of Machinery and Accessories

Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) from March

for Furniture Production, Upholstery and Furnishings (FurniTek

11 - 14, 2015.

China) and the 11th International Exhibition of Timber

The show will showcase a wide selection of indoor and

and Wood Products for Furniture and Building Industries

outdoor furniture as well as a vast range of handicraft and

(WoodBuild China) in March this year. Organized jointly by

home accessories. Given that Vietnam has become ASEAN’s

China International Exhibitions; Deutsche Messe Worldwide

leading furniture exporter, the main focus of VIFA-EXPO 2015

and the China National Forestry Machinery Association, the

is to show the powerful woodworking industry of the nation.

show owes much of its success to the solid support from

As such, the four-day event will highlight the trademark of

China’s private sector woodworking industry guilds including

Vietnam’s furniture production - high quality products at

Harbin, Qingdao, Shanghai and Lunjiao. Further, according

competitive prices - and also provide visitors with numerous

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with two other exhibitions, the show attracts over 900

opportunities to meet all their sourcing needs. According to the organizers, the exhibitor profile of

exhibitors from 10 countries who gather in Houjie and

the show primarily includes furniture manufacturers (81

display their latest products in 11 exhibition halls covering

percent), wood materials (9 percent), and handicrafts & home

250,000 sqm. As such, 3F along with the International

accessories (10 percent). The show is being organized by

Famous Furniture Woodworking Machinery & Material Fair

the Handicraft & Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh

and Dongguan Home Furnishings Fair touch every essential

City (HAWA), which has a mission to strengthen co-operation

category in the home furnishings/décor marketplace,

amongst members as well as to establish international

including bedroom furniture, living room furniture,

relationships to help exports. With over 80 percent of its

upholstery, wall décor, decorative accessories, lightings,

members engaged in the export of Furniture & Handicrafts,

textile as well as woodworking machinery and materials.

HAWA has successfully launched and organized the Vietnam

Held right in the center of China’s furniture industry, 3F

International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair on an annual

is the only furniture event in China supported by Ministry

basis since 2008 providing a venue for both buyers and sellers

of Commerce of China and Hong Kong Trade Development

to make valuable connections.

Council and is also the only furniture exhibition in China that has been approved by UFI. With 70 percent of the leading furniture manufacturers in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan as exhibitors, 3F is regarded as the ‘representative furniture fair’ in China. The exhibitor profile includes suppliers of furniture, woodworking machinery, furniture accessories and components, lighting, home accessories, items for the home, carpets and home textiles. Moreover, trade professionals involved with furniture and furnishing retail and wholesale trade, furniture importers and exporters, interior designers, architects, joiners, carpenters, and interior decorators visit the show.

Image © VIFA

DATE: 11 - 14 March VENUE: Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) LOCATION: Hochiminh City, Vietnam WEBSITE: www.vifafair.com

INTERNATIONAL FAMOUS FURNITURE FAIR (3F)

DATE: 16 - 20 March VENUE: Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Center LOCATION: Houjie, Dongguan, China WEBSITE: www.2f.com.cn/e

ZOW ISTANBUL Building on the vision of ZOW in Germany, the show in Turkey is designed to serve as an interface between supply and demand. Held annually since 2008, ZOW Istanbul has been offering Turkish and Eurasian furniture suppliers the opportunity to showcase the latest products and technologies and interact with their customers. With a transparent workshop atmosphere, with manageable, single exhibition areas, concentrated at a glance, ZOW is the ideal place to maintain contacts, to do business and develop new ideas. The organizers of ZOW Istanbul have listened to the majority of exhibitors and decided to align the dates of the 2015 event with the development cycles of the furniture and interior design industries. A new addition to the show in 2015 is the ZOW trend_works concept. The leading fair of Turkish furniture trends; ZOW, is opening doors to new ideas every year. Trend_works is going to take place for the first time in ZOW Bad Salzuflen with trendsetter

Image © 3F

Lidewij Edelkoort’s lead on 9 -12 February 2015, and only 5 weeks after trend_works is going to be introduced

The International Famous Furniture Fair (Dongguan),

to Turkish industry with the attendance of trendsetters

commonly known as 3F, is a leading furniture fair that

Lidewij Edelkoort and Adnan Serbest.

is held twice a year. Jointly organized by Dongguan City Government, Houjie Town Government, Dongguan Famous Furniture Association, International Furniture and Decoration (Hong Kong) Association and Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Center, the show will be

DATE: 19 - 22 March VENUE: CNR Expo Center LOCATION: Istanbul, Turkey WEBSITE: www.zow.com.tr

held in March and September this year. Held concurrently

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 57

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DOMOTEX ASIA/CHINAFLOOR newest promotion channel offered at this edition’s campaign - allows the exhibitors to present and highlight unique features of their newest products for a maximum exposure of their brand. Pre-registered visitors may comment and vote on their favorite new products through various channels choosing top 10 New Products from wood, carpet and resilient sectors. Onsite, both exhibitors and visitors will enjoy an enriched experience of activities such as QR code based activities, voting walls and promotional prizes in 2 dedicated areas: InnovAction Zone, where new, innovative products will be showcased in a dedicated venue, and Designer Mini Show rooms dedicated show rooms’ space specially designed with innovative concepts and high quality materials. The Hosted Buyer Program assists exhibitors to meet targeted potential buyers and enables visitors Image © DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR

to easily come in contact with the right exhibitors. The hosted buyers will be invited according to sectors

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR is the leading flooring trade

such as laminate and bamboo flooring, WPC flooring,

exhibition in Asian Pacific and the second largest flooring

sport flooring, carpet sector, etc. Hosting services are

trade exhibition worldwide. As part of the DOMOTEX

varied and include onsite match-making, VIP treatment

shows group, the show facilitates the communication

at the show and factory tours to fast growing regions

within the industry by presenting the developments of the

in China. In addition, the GreenStep Asia Awards,

floor covering industry in Asia and beyond. It also brings

a joint venture with Floor Covering Weekly (FCW),

numerous business opportunities from which domestic

returns for the second year to honor individuals and

and overseas exhibitors gain maximum exposure for both

organizations working to advance sustainability in

their brands and products. The main product categories

floor covering through products and processes. The

include wood & laminates; carpets & rugs; flooring

competition is open to any manufacturer in the world

machinery; cleaning and maintenance technologies;

that has manufacturing facilities in Asia where they

resilient flooring; industrial and commercial flooring.

apply the principles of environmental sustainability.

Further, the visitor profile includes buyers, agents,

It will feature four awards categories for the flooring

distributors, wholesalers, retailers, franchise dealers,

industry: best green product, best green practice/

architects, designers, contractors, project managers,

process, best green promotion/communication and best

real estate developers, owners, government officials,

green pinnacle. An authoritative jury composed by the

associations, and manufacturers from all over the world.

leaders of some of the world’s most famous flooring

In 2014, the 16th edition of DOMOTEX asia/

and green associations will judge the awards.

CHINAFLOOR was hosted at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Center (SNIEC) with a total of 140,000 square meters of exhibition space filled by 1,177 exhibitors from 36 countries. Owing to the wide range of products on display, combined with a comprehensive program of supporting events, the show attracted 42,386 professional visitors last year. According to the organizers, the aim this year is create even more opportunities for both exhibitors and visitors to connect at the Shanghai show where new and innovative products are introduced to the world each year. Two programs created to maximize the value of the show are the Hosted Buyer Program and the InnovAction Flooring Campaign. These programs are designated to give exhibitors ways to expose their brands and promote their products through the most effective channels and enable visitors to faster connect with products and manufacturers matching their interest. All the characteristics of these programs are designed to

make business happen. The InnovAction Flooring Campaign enables exhibitors to launch their newest product electronically before the show, and visitors to identify the products of their interest and arrange on-site meetings in advance using an online ‘match making’ system. A short video - the

58 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

DATE: 24 - 26 March VENUE: Shanghai New International Exhibition Center (SNIEC) LOCATION: Shanghai, China WEBSITE: www.dacf.cn/em/website/dacf/index.php

SHOWTIME

BOIS & HABITAT

The 41st edition of MEBEL - the International Fair for Furniture, Household and Social Buildings Equipment, Manufacturing Supplies and Furniture Industry Machinery

The first trade fair where the general public, professionals

- will be held from March 24 - 29, 2015 at the Congress

(manufacturers, builders, architects, engineering and design

Center in Skopje, Macedonia. The show, which will cover

firms) and officials (local and regional) could meet and

an area of 16,000 sqm, is expected to attract over

discuss the subject of building and renovating in wood,

60,000 trade visitors on account of the 400 international

Bois & Habitat aims to set the benchmark for construction,

exhibitors from 20 countries who have confirmed their

renovation and interior and exterior decoration in wood.

participation at the event. The exhibitor profile includes

With over 250 specialized exhibitors from Belgium, France,

leading players involved in furniture, kitchens, bath

Luxembourg and elsewhere covering an area of 12,000

fittings, lighting, floors and wall decorations, upholstery,

sqm and around 40,000 visitors, the show has, in the

garden furniture and accessories for gardens, as well as the

span of a decade, become Europe’s biggest fair devoted to

latest machinery and equipment for wood processing.

building and renovating in wood. Though wood construction has definitely established its credentials these days, nevertheless, as with other building materials, construction, renovation or interior or exterior decoration in wood should not be improvised. As such,

DATE: 24 - 29 March VENUE: Congress Center LOCATION: Skopje, Macedonia WEBSITE: www.eragrupa.mk

the show focuses on addressing questions such as - which types of wood to choose and for which purposes, what are the correct techniques to use, what is the role of the

LAS-EXPO

architect, where to find specialized contractors, etc. In addition, the show also focuses on new forms of energy in line with the concept of sustainable construction, a cause

The LAS-EXPO (Timber Industry & Forest Resources

that has been championed by Bois & Habitat from the

Management Fair) trade fair is a meeting place of specialists

outset.

- wood processing industry insiders and foresters - given that the two sectors closely cooperate in wood material acquisition and processing. The show provides an opportunity to become familiar with the latest wood-industry developments and is a showcase for specialized companies to display tools and equipment for wood transport and processing, pesticides and insecticides dedicated to forest protection as well as advanced IT systems. Held under the patronage of the General Directorate of the State Forests National Forest Holding in Warsaw and the Association of Forest Entrepreneurs in Gołuchów, the last edition of the show was complemented by a diversity of dynamic presentations of equipment as well as business sector meetings, workshops and conferences. Given the positive Image © Bois & Habitat

response to the show in 2014 with over 58,000 registered visitors, the organizers are confident of similar success this

DATE: 20 - 23 March VENUE: Namur Expo LOCATION: Namur, Belgiun WEBSITE: www.bois-habitat.be/en

year as they celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the show.

MEBEL 2015

DATE: 27 - 29 March VENUE: Kielce Trade Fairs Congress Center LOCATION: Kielce, Poland WEBSITE: www.targikielce.pl

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 59

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CIFM / INTERZUM GUANGZHOU

As Asia’s largest woodworking and furniture production

consolidating related exhibits and facilitating exhibitor-

trade fair, CIFM / interzum guangzhou has been the

visitor interaction.

chosen place by the industry to size up the competition,

The upholstered furniture market demand is closely

which was why it came as no surprise as organizer,

tied to the real estate market, and with accelerating

Koelnmesse, announced recently that the annual event,

urbanization, growth in urban population and the

which will run from March 28 to April 1, is sold out

intensifying residential development in emerging markets

months before its opening. This is despite the addition of

in recent years, the region is increasingly becoming the

a new hall at the Pazhou Complex, expanding the floor

world’s new growth market for upholstered furniture. The

space from 130,000 to 140,000 square meters - the

boom in the upholstered furniture industry in China has

largest in the 11-year history of the event. As such, the

brought about the upholstery equipment manufacturers’

organizers expect to host over 1,200 exhibitors and more

rising demand to participate in CIFM / interzum

than 62,000 visitors over the course of five days.

guangzhou. The new hall is expected to offer companies

Renowned names Homag, IMA, SCM, FGV, Titus, Cyber

involved with Bedding Materials / Bedding Machinery /

Lock, Okin Refined, Boyteks Tekstil, Bekaert, H.B. Fuller,

Cutting Machinery / Sewing Machinery and Woodworking

Schattdecor, Rehau, SIGE, Italiana Ferramenta, Leggett &

Machinery an opportunity to participate in CIFM /

Platt , Kleiberit, Surteco, Alvic, Leitz, Freud, Mechatronic,

interzum guangzhou 2015.

Leuco and Xinyada will continue to be mainstays of the

Titled ‘Behind the Furniture Industry’s Progress -

event, while 2015 will also welcome debuting exhibitors,

Passing On Technology and Innovation in Furniture

including Fibromade from Portugal, Hans Weber and

Production’, an official forum to be held during the trade

Zimmer from Germany, Permo from Italy and Japan’s

fair will serve to reveal the role technological innovation

Terao. In addition, national pavilions slated to make their

in furniture production plays in promoting the upgrading

appearance include countries like Germany, US/Canada,

of the global furniture industry, and introduce innovative

Italy, Turkey, Chile, and Spain as well as association-led

furniture manufacturing technologies in 2015 and analyze

groups by the American Hardwood Export Council and

as well as predict development trends. In addition to

Canada Wood respectively. Among them, pavilions from

being able to source from the most comprehensive

Canada Wood, Chile and Turkey will spot bigger booth

range of exhibits in Asia, visitors who pre-registered

space take-up than in previous years.

online prior to the event will also be treated to exclusive

Spotlighting China’s position as the world’s largest

benefits and services at the PIAZZA visitor lounge,

producer and consumer of upholstered furniture, which

including a complimentary beverage, free internet service

possesses great market demand for related raw materials

and souvenir redemption.

and production equipment, a 10,000 square meterhall - Hall 12.1 - dedicated to bedding production and woodworking machinery has been added and will host show regulars Adler, Duerkopp, Robatech, Baomo, Bluevent and the Italian pavilion under its roof. The new hall is also aimed at further refining product segmentation,

60 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

DATE: 28 March - 1 April VENUE: Pazhou Complex LOCATION: Guangzhou, China WEBSITE: www.interzum-guangzhou.com

SHOWTIME

HOLZHAUS The 22nd edition of the Holzhaus Exhibition will take

DUBAI WOODSHOW The Dubai WoodShow celebrates its tenth anniversary

place in Pavilion 75 VDNH (VDNKH Metro station) in

this year and is firmly established as the biggest wood

Moscow on April 2 - 5, 2015. As the leading exhibition

and woodworking machinery industry trade show in the

in Russia where wood houses from Russian and foreign

Middle East Region. With over 500 exhibitors from more

manufacturers as well as advanced materials and

than 54 countries expected to take part, the show remains

technologies required for the creation of a ready-for-

the leading exhibition in the region that offers a chance

living wood house are presented, the show has been the

for the timber industry to meet wood and woodworking

meeting place for wood house manufacturers, customers

professionals and develop ideas for increasing the

and purchasers in Russia ever since it was launched ten

range and quality of business and learn about new

years ago. Supported by the Association of Wood Housing,

techniques and sources of supply. As the biggest trade

Russian Architects’ Union, National Low-Rise and Cottage

show for the timber industry in the Middle East Region,

Construction Agency (NLRCCA), Russian National Roofers’

the annual event is a convergence point for producers,

Union, SIP House Building Technologies Association

manufacturers, importers, exporters, traders, suppliers

(EcoPan), the last edition of the show hosted 140

and end-users in the wood industry chain. As such, the

companies from Russia and other countries worldwide

vast range of products showcased at the Dubai WoodShow

and attracted 14,439 visitors from over 22 countries.

includes wood products, woodworking machinery, blades

The exhibitor profile includes both local, regional and international manufacturers and suppliers of houses as well as technologies and materials required

& knives, tools, abrasives, industry solutions, and many more. Being a highly specialized show, Dubai WoodShow

for construction and improvement of a country house

provides an excellent opportunity for regional and

including wood protecting coatings, lacquers, paints,

international companies and agents to showcase and

sealants, insulants, roofing materials, windows, doors

learn about wood and woodworking and to build new

and many others. In addition to the exhibition, a

strategic relationships with buyers, traders and investors.

comprehensive program of seminars, panel discussions,

A must-attend event for anyone who is passionate about

technical workshops and architectural installations will

wood, the exhibition is the UAE’s largest convention

ensured that visitors are able to obtain a comprehensive

for distributors, suppliers, interior designers, furniture

overview of the market situation, learn about new trends

manufacturers, carpenters, wholesale traders and

and innovations, and find information about specific

retailers, building material manufacturers, construction

prices and products.

suppliers and project developers. The exhibitor profile for the event include the latest products and innovations in MDF, plywood, hardwood, softwood, veneers, timbers,

DATE: 2 - 5 April VENUE: Pavilion 75 VDNH LOCATION: Moscow, Russia WEBSITE: www.holzhaus.ru/en-GB

parquet, laminates, finished wood merchandise, paper products, as well as wood machineries and related products and services.

LUBDREW LUBDREW is the only trade show in the eastern region of Poland that offers a platform for companies operating in the wood sector to display their products and services. Launched in 2011, the show is one of the most important events in the timber industry in Poland and Eastern Europe. The exhibitor profile includes sawmills, wood working machinery, wooden warehouses, carpentry and tools and wooden furniture. In addition, the organizers have announced that LUBDREW 2015 will be held in conjunction with the LUBDOM Building Fair. As such, visitors this year can benefit from a wider group of exhibitors, related to both the wood industry and construction, and also attend some of the events and activities planned in conjunction with the two shows.

DATE: 10 - 12 April VENUE: Lublin Trade Fair and Exhibition Center LOCATION: Lublin, Poland WEBSITE: www.lubdrew.pl

DATE: 14 - 16 April VENUE: Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center LOCATION: Dubai, UAE WEBSITE: www.dubaiwoodshow.com

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 61

SHOWTIME INTERVIEW

DUBAI WOODSHOW CELEBRATES TEN YEARS IN 2015

he Dubai International Wood &

previous year. The show recognized

country, representing 13 percent

Wood Machinery Show (Dubai

a positive improvement in business

of the production of industries in

WoodShow) celebrates its 10th

prospects for hardwoods, softwoods

the country. According to figures

anniversary in 2015 and expectations

and panel products and was able to

released by Dubai Exports, an agency

are high for the show, which is set to

expand and deliver a diverse range

of the Department of Economic

run from April 14 - 16, 2015 at the

of offerings for visitors whilst also

Development, the capital investment

Dubai International Convention &

presenting a wider range of networks

in the UAE furniture industry was

Exhibition Center. As the leading and

for exhibitors.

around AED 1 billion, representing

only dedicated platform for the wood, wood accessories and woodworking machinery industry in the Middle

02. How is this year’s edition positioned?

1.2 percent of the total investment in manufacturing. The show will offer the latest timber products and tools and will

East and North Africa (MENA) region, the 2015 edition is expected to host

This year’s edition is positioned to

provide a chance to learn from

over 500 brands and companies from

complement the industry’s continuing

leading international experts and

54 countries, bringing with them

efforts to encourage the use of

woodworking industrial specialists

the latest products, equipment and

more wood, in keeping with green,

whilst developing strategic new

technologies to the buyers. Josine

sustainable building and construction.

partnerships and reinforcing existing

Heijmans (pictured), Exhibition

Driven by the surging construction

trade relationships.

Director, Dubai WoodShow believes

activities in the GCC, with an estimate

this next edition will be the largest

of USD 2.4 trillion in 2014, regional

and best attended in its illustrious

wood product imports have witnessed

history. In an interview with Timber

unprecedented growth. This buoyant

Design & Technology, Heijmans

outlook for the construction sector

provides an overview of the show.

in the Middle East and North African

Dubai WoodShow aims to act as a

region, promises an exciting and

strategic platform for visitors and

positive outlook for Dubai WoodShow

exhibitors to establish profitable

2015.

relationships. The show will host the

01. In retrospect, what were the major achievements of the last Dubai WoodShow?

The show also provides the perfect

03. What are the main objectives for this year’s edition?

world’s leading manufacturers and

business and networking platform

suppliers in Woodworking Machinery,

The 2014 edition of Dubai Wood

to meet with the regional industry

Tools, Hardwood & Softwood,

Show attracted 500 brands, suppliers

players from the furniture sector.

Plywood, Veneer, MDF & Laminates,

and manufacturers representing 40

When looking at the UAE only, we

Wood Flooring, Doors, Finishings &

countries and welcomed 8,349 quality

see that the furniture sector plays

Fittings amongst others showcasing

visitors to the event, representing a

a major role, with more than 600

their products and services to a

35 percent overall increase on the

furniture factories operating in the

targeted audience of key decision

62 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

SHOWTIME INTERVIEW

makers. We are particularly focused on attracting the latest wood products from key markets such as the USA, Canada, Sweden, Malaysia, China, France alongside the latest European Machinery technologies, which will support the furniture factories and the joineries in the region to deliver the highest quality products in lin with the new trends of architectural designs.

04. How does Dubai WoodShow aim to be different from other timber industry trade fairs?

Dubai WoodShow has established itself as the region’s leading and only dedicated business-to-business meeting place for the wood, wood accessories and woodworking machinery industry. Supported by leading industry associations such as AFEMMA, ACIMALL, EUMABOIS, AHEC, QWEB, and MTC amongst others, the show provides an excellent platform for regional and international companies to showcase their latest wood machinery and woodworking products to business prospects and build new strategic relationships with buyers, traders and investors. The event displays a wide

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 63

SHOWTIME INTERVIEW

range of wood products, including MDF, plywood, hardwood, softwood, veneers, timbers, parquet, laminates, finished wood merchandise and paper products. The show has also become a major platform for regional and international wood and woodworking industries seeking to tap the opportunities presented by the construction boom throughout the region and aids to explore partnerships from the Middle East region. A comprehensive trade fair like Dubai WoodShow serves to add further momentum to the strong growth of the wood and wood machinery industry in the Middle Image ÂŠ Dubai WoodShow

East.

05. How many visitors and exhibitors are likely to be there at the fair this year? What percentage of them are repeat exhibitors and how many of them are new?

06. Who are some of the new exhibitors making their debut at the show this year?

volume of business at the show, we are positive that an increase in the construction activity in the GCC, with an estimated USD 2.4 trillion in

We have covered different regions

2014, should translate into increased

across the globe delivering a diverse

business opportunities.

range of offerings. To name a few

08. What is the long-term plan for the WoodShow series of exhibitions in the Middle East?

The exhibition is being held in

of our new exhibitors, we have

approximately 13,428 square

Vermark from Turkey; Fibromade from

meters of exhibition space. We have

Portugal; Griggio Spa from Italy; NEPA

received overwhelming response

from Hong Kong; Reliance Veneer

from international timber firms who

from the UK; Emathal from UAE

are looking to establish a regional

amongst others. We are also happy to

The Dubai WoodShow is celebrating

presence through Dubai to meet

welcome back many of our old clients

its tenth anniversary this year and

anticipated demand as part of the

such as Chabros, Sirca, Farlin Timbers,

has established its name as the

buildup for Expo 2020. We will have

PVS, SIMCO Industrial Machinery,

leading wood and woodworking

participation of over 500 companies

German Tech Machinery as well as the

machinery platform in the region. We

from 54 countries. To date, around

HOMAG Group.

will be announcing new dates for the

85 percent are repeat exhibitors. However, we are seeing a 20 percent growth in new international players. Last year the show attracted 8,000 plus trade professionals from across

07. Do you have an idea of the volume of business that might be conducted at the show this year?

the globe and we expect an even greater turnout this year.

other WoodShow editions in Indonesia and Cairo and of course we are also looking at other growth markets to support our exhibitors in expanding and setting up their businesses over there. We look forward to meeting

Whilst it is difficult to quantify the

you at Dubai WoodShow 2015!

Image ÂŠ Dubai WoodShow

64 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 65

SHOWTIME

EXPO CALENDAR SALON BOIS

ZOW ISTANBUL

LAS-EXPO

19th - 22nd March CNR Expo Center Istanbul, Turkey

27th - 29th March Kielce Trade Fairs Congress Center Kielce, Poland

DOMOTEX ASIA/CHINAFLOOR

CIFM / INTERZUM GUANGZHOU

www.zow.de/en

24th - 26th March Shanghai New International Exhibition Center (SNIEC) Shanghai, China

28th March - 1st April Pazhou Complex Guangzhou, China

DREVOSTAVBY 2015 (WOODEN BUILDINGS)

BOIS & HABITAT

6th - 8th February Espace Gruyère Bulle, Switzerland

www.salonbois.ch ZOW

9th - 12th February Bad Salzuflen Exhibition Center Bad Salzuflen, Germany

www.zow.com.tr

www.dacf.cn/em/website/dacf/index.php

11th - 14th February Holešovice Fairground Prague, Czech Republic

20th - 23rd March Namur Expo Namur, Belgiun

www.drevostavby.eu

www.bois-habitat.be/en

LEGNO & EDILIZIA

MEBEL 2015

19th - 22nd February Verona Exhibition Center Verona, Italy

24th - 29th March Congress Center Skopje, Macedonia

www.legnoeedilizia.com

www.eragrupa.mk

NEPAL WOOD INTERNATIONAL EXPO

BISHKEKBUILD

27th February - 1st March Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall Kathmandu, Nepal

25th - 27th March Bishkek - The Palace of Sports Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

http://bishkekbuild.kg/?lang=en

www.targikielce.pl

www.interzum-guangzhou.com HOLZHAUS 2nd - 5th April Pavilion 75 VDNH Moscow, Russia

wwww.holzhaus.ru/en-GB LUBDREW 10th - 12th April Lublin Trade Fair and Exhibition Center Lublin, Poland

www.lubdrew.pl

DUBAI WOODSHOW 14th - 16th April Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center (DICEC) Dubai, UAE

www.dubaiwoodshow.com

http://nepalwood.in/index1.html MALAYSIAN INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE FAIR 3rd - 7th March Putra World Trade Center and MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Center Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

http://2015.miff.com.my

EXPORT FURNITURE EXHIBITION 4th - 7th March Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

http://efe.my/index.php EUROBOIS 4th - 7th March Eurexpo Lyon, France

www.eurobois.net WOODMAC CHINA 11th - 14th March Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) Shanghai, China

www.woodmacchina.net VIFA-EXPO 2015

11th - 14th March Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) Hochiminh City, Vietnam

www.vifafair.com

INTERNATIONAL FAMOUS FURNITURE FAIR (3F) 16th - 20th March Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Center Houjie, Dongguan, China

www.2f.com.cn/e

66 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015

Swedish wood â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a modern, flexible material

natural emotion renewable design strength We look forward to receiving you in our pavilion at the Dubai Wood Show (14-16 April)

info@swedishwood.com â&#x20AC;˘ www.swedishwood.com February 2015 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 67

Middle East design. American hardwood.

French architects AS.ARCHITECTURE-STUDIO specified American red elm to create this stunning interior at the National Theatre of Bahrain in Manama, Bahrain. Architects and designers all over the world 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 Follow us on fti

68 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2015