www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
Issue 08 | June 2013
Carbon Footprint of Accoya wood outperforms most other building materials Metropol Parasol: An icon of world-class timber engineering New Timber Regulation comes into effect in the European Union John Yarema: The ‘Michelangelo’ of wood floors Strongwood looking to grow in the Middle East and beyond PLUS Timber industry news, new products, exhibition previews and listings and more
A N A L Y S I S | I N T E R V I E W S | D E S I G N | S U S T A I N A B I L IJune T Y2013|| www.timberdesignandtechnology.com TECHNOLOGY
1
Sound forestry practices lead to quality wood products. AWP continues building a strong timber reserve while producing the finest hardwood products and practicing total utilization of the forest resource.
Recognizing that resource is the key to the future. 2
www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
PETERSBURG, WV 304.257.1082 路 WWW.ALLEGHENYWOOD.COM 路 ALLEGHENY WOOD PRODUCTS
FROM THE EDITOR
Editor’s comment Cover photo: Metropol Parasol, Seville, Spain Image © Nikkol Roth for Holcim
T
he long-awaited EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) finally came into effect in March this year and traders and operators across the globe have been working hard to ensure ‘due diligence’ and compliance with the regulation. The effects of this important piece of legislation have yet to
fully register but it is important to note that the EUTR affects the Middle East as well, particularly the UAE, given that a significant proportion of joinery production is for projects in Europe. It is
Issue 08 | june 2013
only fitting that our lead story in this issue takes a closer look at the EUTR.
Timber Design & Technology Magazine
recently convened the first Global Timber Forum (GTF) in Rome. Launched as a major new
Director Andy MacGregor publisher@citrusmediagroup.net +971 55 849 1574
timber sector, the event covered topics such as new market legality requirements from the
The FAO, along with the European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF) and The Forest Trust (TFT)
Marketing Director Eric Hammond marketing@citrusmediagroup.net +971 4 455 8400
initiative to strengthen communication, networking and co-operation across the international processor’s, and buyer’s perspective, wood promotion, timber and green building and maintaining the global forest. Here in the Middle East, the first Design Mission Middle East takes place in Qatar and Timber Design & Technology is a media partner for the event. Our sustainability feature looks at Accoya and a new study published by Verco, which proves that the carbon footprint of Accoya wood outperforms most other building materials; yet another indicator that wood is the perhaps the only truly environmentally-friendly material we have. In
International Sales Director James Hamilton james@timberdesignandtechnology.com
addition, Dr. Jeffrey Howe and Kathryn Fernholz of Dovetail Partners look at the future of the U.S.
Editor Tony Smith editor@timberdesignandtechnology.com
in the U.S. and may play a role in ensuring that future generations continue to enjoy the many
International Representatives Rabia Alga AntExpo Org. | Turkey +90 216 541 0390 rabia@antexpo.net
and Strongwood, who are both bullish on their market prospects in the Middle East. Our design
Elias Aggelopoulos Med Expo | Greece +30 210 2931011 info@epipleon.gr
forest resource following the release of a report - ‘Future of America’s Forests and Rangelands’. In the article, they explore five major factors that have significantly influenced past forest trends benefits of abundant forest resources. This issue also features international and regional players including Allegheny Wood Products focus explores the Barnes Museum in Philadelphia, which houses one of the most valuable private art collections in the world. We also profile John Yarema who has been nicknamed the ‘Michelangelo of wood floors’ by Mary Richardson Kennedy as a result of his involvement with the renovation of the Kennedy Residence. In addition, our technology feature looks at Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), which has been used to construct Metropol Parasol - one of the world’s largest timber structures. As always, I would like to encourage you to log on to the website www.timberdesignandtechnology.com for the latest updates and please get in touch if you have any suggestions for subjects we should consider covering.
Timber Design & Technology is published 6 times a year by Citrus Media Group (powered by WillyMac Associates FZ LLC) Level 14, Boulevard Plaza - Tower One, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, PO Box 334155, Dubai, UAE
is designed by UC Design Pvt. Ltd. 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 © 2013 Citrus Media Group and may not be reproduced in any form without prior consent. Letters and readers’ contributions may be edited at our discretion. June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
3
In OctOber 2012 FarlIn GrOup OFFlOaded One OF the bIGGest ever lOads OF FIlm Faced plywOOd, cOmmercIal plywOOd, mdF and Other panel prOducts at KhalId pOrt In sharjah and dOha pOrt In Qatar. FARLIN OF carGO COMPANIES ARE VERTICALLY INTEGRATED the tOtalGROUP sIze OF the was 36,000cbm. mOre vessels lIKe thIs WITH AN ESTABLISHED PRESENCE WORLDWIDE TIMBER have already been planned tO meet the GrOwInG demandIN OF Our valuable custOmers FrOm acrOss the Gcc. please cOntactAND Our COAL LOGS, SAWN TIMBER, PLYWOOD, PANEL PRODUCTS salesENERGY team tOday FOr ImmedIate servIce. FOR SECTORS. 4 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com Te l : 0 4 8 8 0 9 | June 8 82013 9 | Fa x : 0 4 8 8 0 9 7 7 9 | w w w. fa r l i n d u b a i . c o m
IN THIS ISSUE
Contents 12 SUSTAINABILITY
Carbon Footprint of Accoya wood outperforms most other building materials The world-leading environmental credentials of Accoya wood have been further boosted through publication of an independent carbon footprint report
16 MARKET REPORT The next 100 years of forests in the U.S. - Growing forests we want and need
P12
Dovetail Partners look at five major factors that have significantly influenced past forest trends in the U.S.
21 ANALYSIS New Timber Regulation comes into effect in the European Union Legislation prohibits the placing of illegally harvested timber on the European market
28 THE SOURCE AWP confident of growing demand for American hardwoods in the MENA region
P30
AWP offers a wide variety of species of hardwood lumber
30 DESIGN & DéCOR Relocation of historic Barnes Museum to downtown Philadelphia prompts sustainable design American hardwoods on display at the new Barnes campus
36 PROFILE Strongwood looking to grow in the Middle East and beyond Leading player is the exclusive agent and distributor for SVEZA in the region
39 TECHNOLOGY Metropol Parasol: An icon of worldclass timber engineering J. MAYER H. Architects create a new landmark for the city of Seville
43 FLOORING
P43 PLUS p7 Latest News
John Yarema: The ‘Michelangelo’ of wood floors One of a kind. One at a time. Custom wooden flooring
p46 Showtime June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
5
www.accoya.com
modified wood by Accsys Technologies
INNOVATION IN WOOD
WOOD WITHOUT COMPROMISE Created from sustainably sourced wood and completely non-toxic, Accoya速 is a revolution in wood technology:
- Guaranteed for 50 years above ground - Guaranteed for 25 years below ground - Exceptional dimensional stability - Outstanding coating performance for low maintenance - Consistent quality throughout - Available in FSC and PEFC certified - Cradle to Cradle Gold certified Available from:
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6
www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
ACCOYA速 and the Trimarque Device are registered trademarks owned by Titan Wood Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Accsys Technologies PLC, and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
NEWS
DOMOTEX Middle East 2013 shaping up well
This year will mark the second time that DOMOTEX Middle
strong showing of specialized floor coverings and synthetic
East will be held at the Istanbul Expo Center, having staged its
turf products for sports facilities, plus laying, cleaning and
successful debut there in November 2012 after an illustrious
application technologies, natural stone, marble and ceramic tiles.
six years in Dubai. According to the organizers, the upcoming
“We’ll be continuing the DOMOTEX Middle East success story
edition, which runs from November 7 - 10, 2013, will further
this November with an even stronger overall focus on quality,”
cement the reputation of DOMOTEX Middle East as the leading
added Folkerts. “The fair is the ideal place for businesses to
trade fair for carpets and floor coverings in Turkey and the
maintain existing customer and supplier relationships, lay the
Middle East.
groundwork for new relationships and find the partners they
“Turkey is an up-and-coming market of key importance for the
need in order to access new markets. DOMOTEX Middle East will
carpets and floor coverings sector,” said Martin Folkerts, Director
preview the trends, designs and materials that will define the
of Global Fairs at Deutsche Messe, the company that organizes
flooring markets of Turkey and the Middle East over the coming
the fair. “For its exhibitors, DOMOTEX Middle East is a gateway
year.”
to new markets - and not just in Turkey, but in the Arab countries as well.” The 2012 premiere of the Istanbul incarnation of DOMOTEX
The fair’s supporting lineup of conferences, forums and special exhibitions and events will provide the perfect platform for fresh, modern designs, high-quality classic products and expert
Middle East featured 222 exhibitors from 28 nations and
dialogue on the latest new laying technologies and systems. In
occupied more than 7,770 sqm of display space. More than half
the case of the IHIB Carpet Design Competition, for instance,
of the exhibitors came from countries other than Turkey, as did
young designers have been invited to give free rein to their
21 percent of the fair’s 5,100 trade visitors. Further, the majority
creativity in the pursuit of unconventional carpet designs. The
of the international trade visitors came from Iran, Saudi Arabia
winning designers will receive attractive prizes and get to
and the United Arab Emirates.
present their award-winning creations at the fair.
This year, the organizers are putting together an extensive
The Carpet and Rug Restoration Workshop, which, as the
lineup of innovations and exciting new floor coverings to build
name suggests, will profile restored and antique carpets and
on the success achieved last year. The 2013 exhibition program
rugs. Other event highlights include the Creative Flooring
includes hand-made and machine-woven carpets and rugs;
special display, which will feature information and practical
hallway runners and mats; textile floor coverings; resilient
demonstrations of techniques for laying textile and resilient
floor coverings; and laminate, parquet and other types of
floor coverings and parquet and laminate flooring; and the
wood flooring. There will also be displays of textile machinery
Future of Flooring Forum, with its focus on quality expert
and accessories, not to mention fibers, yarns and textiles, a
dialogue on the latest trends in wood flooring.
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
7
NEWS
Wood gets medical attention Using medical scanners, scientists at Rotorua-based Crown Research Institute Scion have been able to peer inside blocks of wood. MRI and CT scanners at
but we found there were many tricks required to look inside wood.” Over the course of several evenings, long after the regular patients had
Lakes Radiology in Rotorua were used to map the water distribution inside
gone home, dozens of wood samples were scanned from pieces of green
wood from which moisture had been extracted.
timber, dewatered wood samples and also wood that had been dried using a
Timber engineering technician, Slobodan Bradic from Scion, says that
traditional wood kiln. Both the MRI and CT scanners were used to view how
carbon dioxide was used to remove moisture from wood - a process called
water was distributed inside the wood. The MRI scanner provided a clearer
dewatering. Carbon dioxide has proved to be most effective, and the wood
picture of moisture in wet wood while the CT scanner measures density so
is then open to further modifications such as adding colors and hardening
was able to detect traces of water left in kiln dried wood.
agents. For Bradic and the Scion research team, a crucial research question
The results are an impressive series of three-dimensional images of
remained unanswered - how much water remains inside the wood after
moisture patterns inside wood. On a scan, dark areas have a lower density,
dewatering and where is it hiding?
indicating less water while lighter areas signify more moisture is trapped
Delia Dephoff, a medical radiation technologist from Lakes Radiology,
inside the wood. This knowledge can help Scion’s scientists work out how
was both surprised and intrigued when she got the phone call from Scion.
to dry this wood in the most cost-effective way and potentially open up
Dephoff said: “While our scanners have primarily been used for scanning
opportunities to create new applications from wood. Research of this nature
humans, imaging blocks of wood for research purposes was not something
lays the foundation for a new kind of wood that has many high-value
we had considered before. Using these scanners proved to be a massive
commercial applications. This study is still in the research and development
learning experience for both us and the scientists. We were surprised, we
phase and a number of studies need to be completed before products can be
figured that chunks of wood should be easier to image than human patients,
brought to market.
New thermal mass study backs timber frame construction
Groundbreaking new research commissioned by TRADA strongly rebuffs
dynamic thermal model from Environmental Design Solutions Limited
construction industry concerns that lightweight timber frame construction
that allows modeling of the internal temperatures of a building as well
performs poorly with respect to the risk of overheating when compared
as its heating and cooling demands. Four construction systems were
with traditional forms of construction. The research, undertaken by
considered in this analysis: lightweight, mediumweight, heavyweight and
Oxford Brookes University, demonstrates that the risk of overheating in
very heavyweight.
a house built with lightweight framing is comparable to that of a house built to current standards with brick and lightweight block. The subject has come under the microscope as high levels of thermal
However it also highlighted that if the climate warms in the future,
insulation and airtight fabric in modern residential building have raised
the risk of overheating may well increase. For this reason, the study
concerns that recently built dwellings - of all forms of construction -
maintains it is sensible to consider cooling strategies that will mitigate
will have a tendency to overheat during periods of hot weather. Not
this risk and hopefully avoid the need for air conditioning.
only that, but there is further concern that global warming may push
“As climate change progresses over the next few decades it will
up temperatures in the UK over the next 50 years, within the lifetime
remain critical that the dwellings produced have both a low carbon
of the dwellings built today, and that this could exacerbate potential
impact and remain comfortable in what is likely to become an
overheating.
increasingly severe climate,” said Rupert Scott, TRADA Membership &
To investigate the risk of overheating for different construction types
8
The results of this study showed that thermal mass in domestic buildings has a negligible effect on overheating during occupied hours.
Marketing Manager. “The findings of this study are therefore reassuring
under different climate assumptions, a dynamic thermal simulation
in that lightweight frame construction has the capacity to meet both
model of a typical three-bedroom house was developed using, a
these needs in a cost-effective manner.”
www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
NEWS
Process turns timber waste into diesel The Southern Cross University’s Forestry Department is working
into smoke, that is filtered to collect heavy tars and creosote
on a pilot program, which will turn wood waste into diesel.
before the smoke is vaporized to collect volatile elements like
The process is not new, with Germans Franz Fischer and Hans
benzene, acetone, furpharal and other flavanoids - some of
Tropsch, inventing an application for turning coal to liquid fuel in
which should produce other lines of income. The cleansed syn
the 1920s. Being petroleum-poor but coal-rich, Germany used the
gas can also be further synthesized, using the Fischer-Tropsch
Fischer-Tropsch process during the Second World War and today
process, to recombine hydrogen and carbon monoxide into liquid
there are large-scale plants producing biofuel from wood waste
hydrocarbons. The resulting bio-crude is then ‘cracked-off’, much
in Europe.
the way petroleum products are refined, to create diesel fuel.
Dr. Graeme Palmer and his team of researchers are trying to
According to Dr. Palmer, the Northern Rivers produces
develop a small-scale version of the Fischer-Tropsch catalyser
plenty of cellulose but it tends to be located in relatively small
so that every sawmill has the opportunity to turn its waste
pockets isolated from the rest. To load this waste on trucks and
into fuel, or electricity. Given that the university’s plant uses
transport it to a central factory would tremendously impact
cellulose, there is an opportunity to make use of woody waste
any profitability. However, small-scale plants that harness local
from sugar cane, soybean, corn and tea tree production. The
resource could create fuel and money. At present, the university
cleansed syn gas, as it is called, containing explosive hydrogen,
crew are still at the gasifier stage, with the complex and
can be used to drive gas turbine engines, which in turn can make
expensive catalyzing process still to come. However Dr. Palmer
electricity.
says the prospects are bright and the outcome positive for
Dr. Palmer’s team has created a gasifier that turns wood chips
Northern Rivers industry.
FAO hosts first Global Timber Forum in Rome The FAO Forestry Department convened the first Global Timber Forum (GTF) in Rome on May 22 - 23, 2013 along with the European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF) and The Forest Trust (TFT). The event was launched as a major new initiative to strengthen communication, networking and co-operation across the international timber sector and was attended by leading industry expert speakers and delegates from around the world. As such, the event included presentations, moderated discussions and breakout sessions on current industry topics and concerns, such as new market legality requirements from the processor’s, and buyer’s perspective, wood promotion, timber and green building and maintaining the global forest. According to the FAO, responsible timber trade is being seen as a key conduit for addressing illegal logging and its impact on deforestation. It is important that the international timber trade community keeps pace with the latest market requirements and new voluntary and regulatory measures, such as the EU Timber Regulation, the Voluntary Partnership Agreements under the FLEGT Initiative of the EU, and the US Lacey Act, to name the most prominent ones. The proliferation of green building schemes and public and private procurement policies also requires constant attention from the timber industry and trade. The GTF was launched as a platform for sharing experiences on the changing timber trade conditions from all over the world with a view towards the initiation of new collaborative actions for fostering responsible timber trade in a timely manner. The broad themes for the event were ‘Securing the future of forest resources and legal trade’ and ‘Responsible timber trade: A vision for the future’. Some of the key topics discussed at the event included: EU-FAO FLEGT Programme: Tracing Our Timber; Sustaining the resource: managing & investing in future of forests; Made of Timber, but not as you know it - The Future of Wooden Buildings; and Timber Products - Building Greener & Higher, and a Better Life with Wood. The event was a joint effort by the FAO, ETTF and TFT, all of who are fully committed to work in public-private partnerships to improve the legality and sustainability of forestry, industry and trade.
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
9
NEWS
LCA can quantify impact of forest certification
Companies can measure and minimize the environmental footprint of the wood-based products they are sourcing, according to a
develop new LCA datasets and fill this gap.” Quantis identified deforestation as the basis for differentiating
recent study by Quantis. The study confirmed that it is possible
the environmental impacts of certified and non-certified forest
to quantify to a certain extent the impact differential between
products. By definition, certified wood comes from forests under
certified and non-certified forest products within Life Cycle
sustainable forest management, where a holistic management
Assessments (LCA).
approach is used to maintain the forest now and in the future.
“This development is extremely beneficial to everybody wishing
Non-certified wood, on the other hand, does not have the third
to quantify the impact of their responsible timber sourcing
party, sustainability assurance that certification delivers, and
practices and integrate it within product life cycle assessments,”
therefore may be linked to deforestation. The resulting process
commented Sarah Price, Head of Projects & Development of PEFC
and datasets from the project thus integrates a shared impact
International, the partner to Quantis in this project.
or responsibility of deforestation across all non-certified forest
Corporations and consumers alike share a desire to better
products.
understand and address the sustainability of the products they
The new LCA process identified that a cubic meter of non-
manufacturer and consume. However, product sustainability is a
certified wood is linked to deforestation of an area of almost 5
massively complex, multifaceted arena, requiring a corresponding
square meters. Through pilot application of the new datasets, the
diversity of approaches to manage and evaluate. One of these
study identified that the use of certified wood, can reduce the
approaches is life cycle assessment, a technique to assess
climate change impacts by 15-fold, lead to an 8-fold reduction in
environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product’s
human health impacts and a 3-fold reduction in ecosystem quality
life from cradle-to-grave. For timber and wood-based products,
impacts.
however, there has until now not been any data or methodology
“Companies can now go beyond current practices of monitoring
to integrate the comparative environmental impacts of certified
and reporting certified material procurement by volume. The
products as compared to uncertified products into life cycle
results of this project actually enable them to integrate real data
assessment.
into their sustainability reports to demonstrate the decreasing
“Responsible companies’ source certified forest products because
environmental footprint that their responsible buying choices are
they know it’s the right thing to do, but until now they’ve been
supporting. We are aware that this project is only a first step in a
unable to quantify the real impact of that decision on climate
long journey, but it provides proof of concept, and we are looking
change, human health or ecosystem quality,” added Price. “PEFC
forward to working with companies wishing to pilot these new
saw this as a lost opportunity and partnered with Quantis to
datasets,” concludes Price.
10 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
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danzer.com
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 11
SUSTAINABILITY
Carbon Footprint of Accoya wood outperforms most other building materials Accoya window frames now classified as Carbon negative over full life cycle
T
he world-leading environmental credentials of Accoya wood have been further boosted
through the publication of an independent carbon footprint report. An updated cradle-to-gate analysis of the revolutionary modified wood by leading climate change consultancy
it is less environmentally damaging
improvement of environmental and
Verco has shown that Accoya’s carbon
than current de facto materials and
overall performance’.
footprint significantly outperforms
also offers comparable or improved
most other building materials,
durability and other performance
footprint analysis, Bryan Crennell,
including even a wide range of
benefits. As a result, the company
Director of Sales and Marketing from
sustainably-sourced hardwoods.
commissioned Verco to undertake an
Accsys Technologies said: “During
exhaustive cradle-to-gate analysis of
the last three years we have worked
challenge as rising atmospheric
Accoya’s carbon footprint in 2009.
in partnership with our suppliers to
concentrations of greenhouse gases
Following the initial analysis, Verco’s
improve production techniques and
threaten to have severe impacts on
carbon update 2012 notes that Accsys
we are delighted that this effort has
food production, ecosystems and
Technologies has made significant
been verified. Accoya now has a lower
human health over the next 100 years.
progress in ‘updating a range of
carbon footprint when compared
Whilst the greatest impacts will be
production parameters in a continuing
to a wide range of typical building
Climate change presents a serious
Welcoming the recent carbon
felt by people in developing countries, particularly those in low lying coastal regions and in marginal agricultural areas, developed countries will also be affected. As such, there is a clear need to develop more sustainable solutions to every day demands. Accsys Technologies, the manufacturers behind Accoya wood, believe that Accoya is a viable alternative to conventional construction materials, given that
12 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
Image © Merle Prosofsky Photography
SUSTAINABILITY
Accsys Technologies, the manufacturers behind Accoya wood, believe that Accoya is a viable alternative to conventional construction materials, given that it is less environmentally damaging than current de facto materials materials including sustainably-sourced hardwoods which are increasingly scarce because of the higher demand pushed by the obligatory European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR).” Most significantly, the current environmental impact of Accoya’s production process was set against that of other popular construction materials such as concrete, PVC, steel, aluminum, MDF and plywood as well as a range of sustainably-sourced hardwoods such as Azobe and Red Meranti. Results showed that Accoya’s carbon footprint outperformed these materials based on wood-sourcing options currently available. Verco also analyzed the potential full life span impact of Accoya on the Image © Accsys Technologies
environment in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. The report noted that Accoya’s high strength-to-weight ratio, its low maintenance requirements, combined with its increased carbon sink potential through increased durability and good recyclability during end-of-life could provide even additional environmental benefits to Accoya. It is important to note that the assessment carried out by Verco is a cradle-to-gate product assessment and not a cradle-to-grave assessment. This means that the carbon footprint is analyzed from the source (i.e. the forest) to the factory exit gates, which also includes the acetylation process. This cradle-to-gate perspective of the supply chain enables incremental addition of greenhouse gas assessments at different stages of the supply until the product or service is made available to the consumer. “The demand for tropical hardwood in recent years has put significant
Image © Accsys Technologies
pressure on rainforests leading
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 13
SUSTAINABILITY
to deforestation. These results show that Accoya offers a viable solution and alternative to tropical hardwoods by enabling abundantly available, sustainably sourced temperate wood species to deliver on performance while reducing impact on the environment. The improved performance characteristics make Accoya an excellent low carbon substitute for typical non-renewable and carbon intensive building materials such as aluminum, concrete, PVC and steel,” adds Crenell. A closer look at the assessment reveals that there are three key components which have the greatest Image © Accsys Technologies
bearing upon Accoya’s embodied greenhouse gas emissions. The acetic acid co-product has the single greatest
all of which is reflected in the overall
environmental credentials of Accoya
effect upon emissions in that it is sold
carbon footprint of the product.
for the ‘in-use’ phase. For instance, a
“We are also pleased that the
subsequent carbon footprint analysis
emissions are subtracted from that
acetylation process involved in
by the Delft University of Technology
applicable to Accoya. Further, Acetic
creating Accoya, has been recognized
on a cradle-to-grave basis took these
anhydride is the largest input from a
by the report as an environmentally
life cycle aspects into account and
CO2 perspective, followed by utilities
friendly method of wood modification.
revealed that Accoya window frames
consumption and transport in the case
The acetylation process modifies the
are CO2 negative over the full life cycle
of intercontinental sourcing.
wood at a molecular level, which
of the product, mainly thanks to the
as a useful co-product and hence its
not only significantly improves the
limited emissions during production
product’s emissions are generated
stability and durability of the product
and benefits gained from carbon
either within the acetylation facility
but releases less carbon dioxide
sequestration during the considerable
or embodied within the raw materials
emissions than alternative methods,”
life span of the durable acetylated
consumed on-site, this means that
concludes Crenell.
wood.
Given that the majority of the
Accsys is in control of the majority
It is important to note that further
of the greenhouse gas sources. The
work could be carried out to develop
conclude that Accoya may be used as
company has taken advantage of this
the emissions factor for Accoya in
an alternative material to steel and
possibility and altered some of its
specific applications and to reflect
other more energy intensive materials
production parameters whilst also
the specific variables in countries
in construction and large infrastructure
making distinct choices with respect
where the process could be licensed.
projects. There is a net carbon benefit
to the procurement of input materials,
This would further support the
in using Accoya wherein the emissions
Greenhouse gas emission in kgCO2e per m3 of material
0
5000
10000
Aluminium Steel Red Meranti (unsustainably sourced) Azobe (unsustainably sourced) PVC Western Red Cedar (unsustainably sourced) Concreate Ceramic tile Plywood (sustainably sourced) MDF (sustainably sourced) Azobe (sustainably sourced) Red Meranti (sustainably sourced) Accoya (Radiata Pine) Accoya (USA Alder) Accoya (EU Alder) Western Red Cedar (sustainably sourced) Accoya (Scots Pine)
14 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
In theory, one can then safely
15000
20000
25000
24732 11388 4905 4793 4278 3795 2185 1550 638 495 393 359 342 293 204 195 140
SUSTAINABILITY
from Accoya are less than steel for the same volume. However, given that a smaller volume of steel might be required in comparison to wood, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact carbon benefit of Accoya versus steel. Nonetheless, reports such as the Delft University study and Verco’s carbon update help to further establish the green credentials of Accoya whilst building a case for the timber as well. Not content to rest on its laurels, the company is already looking to the future with a view towards not only retaining its strong sustainability position but to further improve Accoya’s outstanding environmental performance. With this in mind, the company is continuously innovating Image © Accsys Technologies
and researching ways in which this can be achieved on various levels - most notably in terms of factory efficiency and local wood sourcing. Given that the company already has an environmentally sound production process in place and with the continuous improvements outlined above, the future looks bright for Accsys Technologies as they forge ahead in their quest to remain world leaders in sustainable wood
VERCO Verco is an award-winning, employee owned business specializing in sustainability, energy and carbon management. Verco has a 25-year track record in high-level policy and strategy work, deep technical analysis and project implementation. Verco provides energy and resource cost reductions to industrial, commercial and public sector clients around the world through technical and financial expertise and software solutions for improved resource efficiency. Verco’s carbon accountants provide advice on, and report to, internationally accepted protocols and standards, and the business is recognized for its contribution to the development of greenhouse gas accounting and reporting. www.vercoglobal.com
technology.
Image © Accsys Technologies
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 15
market report
The next 100 years of forests in the U.S. - Growing forests we want and need
16 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
MARKET REPORT
I
n August 2012, the U.S. Forest Service released the report
Fig.1
-‘Future of America’s Forests and
Rangelands’1 - providing an extensive examination of pressure on natural resources in the next 50 years (20102060) and potential changes in forests of the United States. The report highlights risks for negative impacts to forest resources linked to expansion of urban and developed areas, climate change, population growth, and other factors.2 The report concludes that,
‘forest inventory volumes are expected to peak between 2020 and 2030 followed by a decline in volume to 2060 (Fig. 1).’3 So, are these declines a foregone conclusion? There is reason for hope - namely, the U.S. history as a nation that values forests and has proven
improved wood utilization and forest
its ability to restore and protect
productivity technologies, and the
Factors that drive U.S. forestland
them. Today, the U.S. has more trees
growth of a diversified domestic
Land Ownership Patterns
than 100 years ago and stable forest
forest-dependent industry.4
In the late 19th century, scarcity
cover since the early 1900s (Fig. 2).
of critical natural resources such
a quadrupling of the population; a
Background - 100 years ago and more
substantial increase in the use of
The forests of the U.S. were vastly
both conservation and preservation
wood in construction and for other
different 100 years ago. Areas of
of diverse ecosystems, led to a
uses; massive urban and suburban
the eastern United States that are
reconsideration of the privatization
expansion; and devastation from
now known as densely forested
of land in the United States. As a
insects and diseases. So how did the
were more likely to be farm fields or
result, various federal, state, and local
U.S. do it, and, more importantly, how
pastures a century ago. At the same
governments began acquiring and
can it continue?
time, lands that are now included
designating forestland for the public
within large urban areas - including
good. Today, approximately 330
major factors that have significantly
Seattle, Atlanta, and Nashville - were
million acres, or about 44 percent of
influenced past forest trends in the
once farms or forests. Dramatic
all forestlands in the U.S., are publicly
U.S. and may play a role in ensuring
changes can be seen in the trend
owned.5 The management objectives
that future generations continue to
lines (Fig. 2).
of these lands are varied, ranging from
This has been accomplished despite
In this article we explore five
enjoy the many benefits of abundant
The forests of the United States
as large game animals, minerals, and timber, along with interest in
acreage fully protected from human
forest resources. These factors are:
today and the increased growing
influence (e.g. wilderness areas) to
changes in land ownership, shifts
stocks (Fig. 4) are a reflection of
lands specifically designed to yield
in land use patterns, emergence of
past and current land management
annual income (e.g. county-managed
land management professionals,
practices.
public lands). Also, new forms of ownership
Fig. 2
have arisen such as Land Trusts, Conservation Easements, Timber Investment Management Organizations (TIMOs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). Land Trusts and Conservation Easements are ways to retain land in private hands while ensuring longterm public benefits such as resource protection and critical wildlife habitats, while often supporting a working forest with periodic harvesting. TIMOs and REITs provide forest products companies with access to capital while retaining forestland under professional management. The diversified ownership model in the U.S. provides important benefits and
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 17
MARKET REPORT
Fig. 3: north america wood utilization
from these programs have provided the essential workforce for private companies, community forestry programs, and local, state, and federal land management organizations. To address the challenges facing the future health and vitality of the nation’s forests, continued training of current natural resource management professionals is necessary, as is recruitment of the next generation of foresters, ecologists, and biologists.
Improvement of wood utilization and forest productivity technologies Over the past 75+ years, improvements in forest productivity and wood utilization technologies have had a huge impact on both the availability and use of wood. Sawmills today have the ability to make use of more than 99 percent of a harvested log - including bark and sawdust (Fig. 3). These materials are used to make solid-wood products, composite and specialty products, and to allow much of the industry to operate off the grid using biomass-energy. In the paper sector, similar advancements have enhanced
urbanization for the coming century
Development of natural resource management professionals
and beyond.
The profession of forestry is a little
recycled material, with nearly two-
over 100 years old in the U.S. In
thirds of paper consumed in the U.S.
Land Use Patterns
the late 1800s, individuals such as
recovered for recycling in 2010.8
The U.S. has been able to keep total
Bernhard Fernow, Carl Schenck, Gifford
forestland stable in the past century
Pinchot, and Teddy Roosevelt were
in wood utilization the U.S. would have
(Fig. 2) in large part because land use
among the key instigators behind the
needed to harvest nearly twice as many
patterns in the nation radically shifted
establishment of the first forestry
trees to produce the same amount
during that time frame. There were two
programs in the United States.7 Since
of material over the past 50+ years.
major changes that occurred between
then, more than 70 forestry programs
Instead, there has consistently been a
the mid 1800s and early 1900s. First,
offering two-year technical or higher
lower rate of harvest than net annual
farming and associated agricultural land
degrees have been established at
growth, contributing to the growth in
uses moved from less productive areas
universities, colleges, and schools
U.S. forest inventories (Fig. 4).
in the East into the highly productive
around the country. The graduates
may aid in finding creative solutions to issues caused by pressure from
lands of the Midwest; second, agriculture (as well as standard transportation systems) ended a dependence on animal power. When agriculture moved west, many areas in the East were re-planted to forests or abandoned and regenerated naturally. When horses, mules, and oxen were no longer the major labor and transportation force, millions of acres of pasture were replanted or gradually regenerated, and other forests were left intact due to reduced pressure for pastureland or farms.6 These changes resulted in such significant gains for forest area that they effectively offset forest loss due to urban and suburban expansion.
18 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
Fig. 4
product yields, reduced chemical use and water impacts, and improved energy efficiency. Paper is a leading
Without technological advancements
Research into more productive
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 19
MARKET REPORT
About Dovetail Partners Dovetail Partners provides authoritative information about the impacts and trade-offs of environmental decisions, including consumption choices, land use, and policy alternatives. Dovetail is a highly skilled team that fosters sustainability and responsible behaviors by collaborating to develop unique concepts, systems, models and programs. Dovetail Partners is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. More information is available at www.dovetailinc.org
forestry and farming technologies has
lumber, flooring, paneling, doors,
history provide valuable lessons in
also contributed to better utilization
windows, and many other products.
forest management. From population
and reduced pressure on natural
These companies have used
growth and urban expansion to
resources. Improved knowledge of
every imaginable species in every
climate change and increased
silviculture and forest genetics has
available shape and size. Operating in
recreation demands, there is no
enhanced the ability to create highly
communities across the country and
guarantee America’s abundant
managed, highly productive forestlands
buying wood from local landowners, the
forests will continue to thrive
(e.g. plantations) thus directly reducing
industry has helped make the growing
without concerted action. The report
pressure on more naturally diverse
of trees an economically competitive
- Future of America’s Forests and
forestlands. Also, improved productivity
choice for many landowners and
Rangelands - Forest Service 2010
on farms has reduced pressures for the
a responsible business choice for
Resources Planning Act Assessment
conversion of forestlands to agriculture.
investors and others. History has
- warrants the attention of decision-
Ensuring continued forest abundance
shown that, in the absence of a market
makers at all levels of government
and productivity requires a renewed
for the products and services that
as well as within the private sector.
commitment to forest and forest
come from growing trees, landowners
The lessons learned from restoring,
product sciences.
will often choose to use their lands to
managing, and maintaining forests
do or grow something else. Retaining
in the U.S. over the past 100 years
competitive industries and a vibrant
illustrate the positive possibilities.
forest-dependent economy is essential
Diverse ownership and usage
to supporting the choice to retain
patterns, professional training,
forests now and in the future.
improved utilization and research
Establishment of diversified domestic forest-dependent industries The U.S. is home to a widespread forest products industry,9 and the presence of
investment, and maintaining the
a diversified domestic forest-dependent
The bottom line
industry has been essential to keeping
The recent analysis by the Forest
forest products industry all
the U.S. forested. Forest products
Service provides perspective on
contribute to forest sustainability
companies in the U.S. make everything
challenges facing forests in the
and deserve consideration now in
from dowels and shims to shoehorns
United States over the next 50
order to ensure thriving forests for
and toothpicks, as well as dimensional
years; and the past 100 years of
the future.
benefits of a diversified domestic
references 1 Future of America’s Forests and Rangelands – Forest Service 2010 Resources
5 Forest Resources of the United States, 2007, http://www.fs.fed.us/nrs/pubs/gtr
Planning Act Assessment. USDA – Forest Service. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO- 87.
gtr_wo78.pdf
August 2012. Available online at: http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/41976/ To
6 For further discussion, see American Forests: A History of Resiliency and Recovery
download the pdf: http://www.fs.fed.us/research/publications/gtr/gtr_wo87.pdf
By Douglas W. MacCleery, http://foresthistory.org/Publications/Issues/amforests.html
2 News Release: “US Forest Service report forecasts natural resource management
7 For a recent publication that provides insight into the development of the
trends and challenges for next 50 years, Study projects significant forest loss due
forestry profession in the United States, see: The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and
to suburbanization and land fragmentation” (12/18/12) http://www.fs.fed.us/
the Fire That Saved America by Timothy Egan, Published by Houghton Mifflin
news/2012/releases/12/report.shtml
Harcourt, 2009.
3 Executive Summary, and further discussed in Chapter 2, page 23 and Chapter 7
8 http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/paper/index.htm
4 The five factors discussed in this report are a result of evaluations by the authors
9 There are likely a number of small, local wood using industries that are not
and are not drawn from the recent Forest Service report.
included within the national scale depiction.
20 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
ANALYSIS
New Timber Regulation comes into effect in the European Union Legislation prohibits the placing of illegally harvested timber on the European market
T
he European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) to counter the trade in illegal timber has
come into effect in all EU countries as of March 3 this year. The legislation, which will affect everyone in the wood trade, prohibits the placing of illegally harvested timber on the European market in an effort to tackle the ever-growing problem of illegal logging across the world. Significantly, the EUTR is one part of the EU’s FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade) Action Plan to help stamp out illegal logging worldwide. The law, which covers both imported and domestically produced timber and timber products, sets out procedures for those in the trade to follow in order to minimize the risk of illegal wood being used. This means that operators - defined as those who first place a timber product on the EU market - must, through a ‘due diligence’ system, make every effort to ensure that the wood they trade in is legal. In addition, traders - defined as those who sell or buy the timber already on the market - are required to keep
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 21
ANALYSIS
adequate information so that the wood they deal in can be easily traced. The regulation, however, is not a border measure, which means that shipments will not be checked at EU borders. Covering an extensive range of products - from paper and pulp to solid wood and flooring - the EUTR is a part of ongoing efforts in the EU to help tackle the problem of illegal logging. The practice has severe economic, environmental and social impacts - not only is it associated with deforestation and climate change but it also undermines the efforts and livelihoods of legitimate operators and can contribute to conflicts over land and resources. By enforcing the regulation, the aim is to influence forestry practices within Europe and around
these communities, forests also
and other uses of wood through
the world and help eradicate illegal
contribute to climate change mitigation
innovation of new and improved
logging. For instance, the European
and adaptation, support biodiversity
products, the potential of wood energy,
commission has published a poster
and play a key role in environmental
the sustainability of wood and its low
(see next page) to raise awareness
protection. More importantly, forests
carbon footprint are all causes for
about the EU Timber Regulations. In
are also economically valuable, with
optimism and should go some ways
this article, we take a closer look at the
forests and trees providing at least
towards ensuring the safety of the
EUTR and the reasons behind it.
€180 billion per annum in income
world’s forests.
The world’s forests: A vital natural resource
from timber, fuel wood and nontimber forest products. Significantly,
Illegal logging: A global problem
reports indicate a movement towards
Illegal logging, which is defined as
The latest estimates indicate that 1.3
creating a sustainable economy, which
the harvesting of wood in a way that
billion of the world’s poor depend
represents a bright spot for the future
breaches the laws or regulations of
on forests for part or all of their
of forests. Further, the trend towards
the country of harvest, has severe
livelihoods. Apart from sustaining
increased use of wood for construction
economic, environmental and social impacts for some of the world’s most valuable remaining forests and the billions of people that rely on them. Experts point out that illegal logging results in lost revenues (an estimated €7 billion per year), undermines the efforts of legitimate operators, and is associated with deforestation, the loss of biodiversity and the emission of greenhouse gases, as well as conflicts over land and resources and the disempowerment of indigenous communities. It is important to recognize that illegal logging might originate or be prevalent in certain countries but it is a global problem that threatens to destroy the world’s forests and as such requires action from all corners of the globe.
Role of the European Union (EU) In 2011, 35 percent (approximately €37.8 billion) of the global trade of primary timber products was by and within the EU. Whilst it is difficult to estimate what percentage of this trade was in illegally harvested timber, one can say with a degree of certainty that the EU is an important export market
22 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 23
ANALYSIS
for those countries where levels of
Law Enforcement, Governance and
timber from being placed on the
illegality and poor governance in the
Trade) Action Plan was adopted. The
European market, are the two key
forest sector are most serious. More
plan provides a number of measures to
elements of this action plan.
importantly, by allowing wood and
exclude illegal timber from the EU, to
wood products that are potentially
improve the supply of legal timber and
EUTR: An overview
derived from illegal sources into the
to increase the demand for responsibly
The EUTR - Regulation (EU) No
EU market, it jeopardizes the efforts
produced wood products. The EU
995/2010 - was adopted on 20
of timber-producing countries to fight
Timber Regulation (EUTR) along with
October 2010 and has been officially
against illegal logging and essentially
Voluntary Partnership Agreements
in effect from March this year. It
sustain the practice. Through the
(VPAs), which are bilateral trade
prohibits the placing of illegally
FLEGT Action plan, the EU has taken a
agreements with timber exporting
harvested timber and products derived
major step in the fight against illegal
countries that help prevent illegal
from such timber on the EU market.
logging.
EU response: The FLEGT Action Plan Illegal logging has long been a problem but it was not until the 1990s that research in countries such as Cambodia and Indonesia revealed just how severe it was. It became a subject for intergovernmental discussion at the G8 Action Programme on Forests in 1998. In order to address the issue at the EU level, in 2003, the FLEGT (Forest
24 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
The law, which covers both imported and domestically produced timber and timber products, sets out procedures for those in the trade to follow in order to minimize the risk of illegal wood being used
Both timber and timber products produced in the EU and those imported from outside the EU are covered by the legislation. It applies to a wide range of, but not all, timber and timber products. Further, it divides those dealing in wood or wood products into two categories - operators and traders. Each has its own distinct obligations. Operators - defined in the regulation as those who place timber or timber products on the EU market for the first time - are required to put in place
ANALYSIS
a risk management or ‘due diligence’ system. Meanwhile, traders - defined in the EUTR as those who sell or buy timber or timber products already placed on the EU market - are required to keep information about their suppliers and customers so that timber products can be traced if necessary. The EUTR is also complemented by two other pieces of legislation that offer more detail on specific points within the law - the Regulation on rules for the recognition and withdrawal of recognition of monitoring organizations (Commission delegated Regulation (EU) No 363/2012); and the Regulation to ensure the uniform implementation of the law (Commission implementing Regulation (EU) No 607/2012).
Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs): An overview Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) are bilateral agreements with timber-producing countries. These agreements allow the EU to meet the demand for legal timber but also provide technical assistance and capacity building to the government, private sector and civil society of the country concerned. For countries that have an operational VPA with the EU, only timber and timber products covered by a FLEGT license may enter the EU market. These products are
The FLEGT action plan provides a number of measures to exclude illegal timber from the EU, to improve the supply of legal timber and to increase the demand for responsibly produced wood products
considered to comply with the EUTR. As of October 2012, Ghana, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Liberia have signed VPAs, while Indonesia is due to sign in 2013. In addition, negotiations are in progress with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Malaysia and Vietnam, and they have started with Guyana, Honduras and Laos as well.
Implications of the EUTR in the Middle East The EUTR affects both imported and domestically produced timber and timber products and so companies in the Middle East that supply to the EU need to make sure that they are in compliance with EUTR requirements. The first step is to establish whether a company is an operator or a trader. Those who are traders (as defined by the regulation) simply need to keep information on the businesses that they buy and sell timber products to. In the case of companies who are operators, there is a greater level of responsibility involved as they need to exercise ‘due diligence’ to make sure timber in their products has been legally harvested. This due diligence will involve obtaining the necessary information (species, country of harvest, quantity, supplier, CoC if applicable, etc.); a risk assessment wherein the operator needs to analyze and evaluate the risk of the
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 25
ANALYSIS
timber being illegally harvested; and risk mitigation in the event that the operator is not satisfied with the information and risk assessment and cannot safely conclude that the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the market is negligible. The EUTR has issued an official Guidance Document that provides explanations on certain aspects of the EU Timber Regulation and aims to help companies achieve full compliance. The EUTR has only been in effect for over two months and the initial response seems positive. The EU now needs to commit resources for consistent communication across the industry and effective enforcement of the EUTR. Whilst it is a significant challenge to roll out a complex and untried piece of legislation across tens of thousands of operators in the EU, the EUTR, if properly enforced, can go a long way towards fighting illegal logging. It represents an opportunity for the timber industry to move beyond fire-fighting negative publicity surrounding illegal logging and hopefully to build a more proactive communication campaign to highlight the strong environmental credentials of wood compared to non-wood materials. *This feature contains information and text from the European Commission and EUTR website. For more details, please log on to http://ec.europa. eu/environment/eutr2013/index_en.htm.
facts - The total global forested area covers around 4 billion hectares (ha) - that’s about 0.6 ha per inhabitant. - Around 13 million ha of forest were lost per annum during the period 2000-2010, compared to 16 million ha for 1990-2000. - Forests and trees provide at least €180 billion per annum in income from timber, fuel wood and nontimber forest products. - 1.3 billion of the world’s poor depend on forests for part or all of their livelihoods - 630 million mosaic forest farmers, 430 million in forest frontier communities and 200 million primarily indigenous forest dwellers. - In 2011, the global trade of primary timber products was worth over €108 billion. Of this, 35 percent (€37.8 billion) was by and within the EU. - Tropical timber accounted for 13 percent (€27 billion) of overall timber imports in the EU in 2010. - For some countries, timber represents an essential resource for the economy, comprising up to 40 percent of export earnings. In some Central African countries the forestry sector is the most important
26 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
provider of jobs after the public administrations. - Globally, illegal logging has been estimated to cause losses of €7 billion per year, half of this in lost royalties and taxes for governments, not to mention the losses in relation to ecosystem services. - Illegal logging is thought to depress world prices for forest products by 7-16 percent. - Illegal logging has serious repercussions for smalland medium size forest enterprises in developing countries wherein these enterprises provide millions of jobs. - Between 2000 and 2008, Sumatra and Kalimantan in Indonesia lost 1.08 million ha of their forest cover to illegal logging. - According to WWF, 73 percent of timber production in Indonesia is believed to stem from illegal logging, 25 percent of Russia’s timber exports originate from illegal logging and 70 percent of harvested timber in Gabon is considered illegal. - According to WWF, the EU causes almost €3 billion in lost revenue globally due to its trade with countries in the Amazon Basin, the Baltic States, the Congo Basin, east Africa, Indonesia and Russia.
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 27
THE SOURCE
AWP confident of growing demand for American hardwoods in the MENA region Image © AWP
A
llegheny Wood Products
that worked hard at producing
years to come. Marketing its products
(AWP) started its operations
high quality lumber in a safe and
worldwide, AWP has developed a
in 1973 with one sawmill
environmentally sound manner from
reputation for excellence across the
in Riverton West Virginia. Today,
our region’s most abundant renewable
regions it supplies to. As a result,
the company employs over 500
resource. We currently have over one
forty years of consistent growth
people and has six sawmills and
billion board feet of timber procured
has been achieved on the basis
four dry kiln facilities. Five of the
to support some of the largest and
of inspired leadership, dedicated
six sawmills and three of the dry
most modern sawmill and dry kiln
people, strong timber resources,
kiln facilities are located in West
facilities in the industry. Even though
sound forestry practices, and state-
Virginia, and one sawmill and dry
our company has grown substantially
of-the-art manufacturing facilities.
kiln yard are located in Pennsylvania.
over the years, I am very proud that
All of these combine to serve the
As such, the company’s annual
we still conduct our business like a
company’s goal to provide superior
sawmill production is approximately
small family-owned company. We
forest products to the world.
405,868 cubic meters and annual
continue to focus our attention on
dry kiln production is in excess of
the quality of our products and our
Environmental credentials
198,000 cubic meters. Given that
responsiveness to our customer’s
With over thirty full time foresters,
AWP’s sawmills are equipped with
needs. Allegheny Wood Products has
AWP believes in and practices
state-of-the-art optical scanning and
expanded because of our dedicated
sustainable forest management
thin-kerf technology, the company
employees and the relationships we
and legal timber procurement.
is able to maximize manufacturing
have cultivated over the years with
Landowner’s management objectives,
yields, which has helped it develop
both customers and suppliers.”
forest regeneration and air, soil
a reputation for excellence in terms
AWP ownership and management
and water quality are always taken
of both service and product quality.
have long believed that resource
into account in AWP’s procurement
Timber Design & Technology takes an
is the key to the future. With a
process. In addition, the company is
in-depth look at AWP.
combination of company owned
committed to the wise management
forestlands and long-term wood
and efficient utilization of forests
supply agreements on approximately
to meet the needs of the present
According to John Crites II, President,
an additional 400,000 acres (161,878
generation while also assuring the
AWP: “Almost forty years ago my
hectares) of private lands, AWP
availability of forests for future
parents founded Allegheny Wood
is well positioned to produce fine
generations. Further, scientifically
Products. They formed a company
Appalachian hardwoods for many
based silvicultural techniques
Early beginnings
28 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
the source
integrate natural reforestation, growing, nurturing and harvesting trees with the conservation of soil, air and water quality, plant and animal diversity, recreation and aesthetics. In 2009 all AWP facilities became FSC certified. This certification acknowledges AWP’s forestry and procurement practices as both legal and sustainable. The certificate of compliance states that AWP has ‘implemented a FSC wood products control system according to the Forest Stewardship Council certification system for activities concerning the Image © AWP
manufacture of FSC Pure and FSC Mixed hardwood lumber.’ Today, AWP can offer FSC Chain of Custody
Cherry, and Hard Maple are also
commercial products. Slabs and other
Certified products including lumber,
abundant in the region and AWP
solid wood residues are also chipped
chips, sawdust or bark to customers
produces mostly 4/4 lumber in these
and sold as hardwood chips. Sawdust
worldwide.
species. Ash, Basswood, Hickory are
is separated during the manufacturing
minor species and are all sawn into
process and sold for a variety of
professional foresters take very
4/4 lumber. AWP is also known as
uses whilst bark is removed from
seriously the responsibility of
a quality supplier of logs in many
logs prior to sawing and sold for
managing our forests to meet our
of the same Appalachian species.
hardwood mulch and fuel.
present needs while also enhancing
Currently, both veneer logs as well
and insuring the opportunity for
as sawlogs are loaded into containers
Export capabilities
future generations to live, work, and
and shipped to manufacturers around
Allegheny Wood Products isn’t new
enjoy our most renewable resource,”
the world.
to exporting lumber and logs. Over
“At AWP, our entire staff of
adds Kelly Riddle, Vice President of Forestry, AWP.
On account of its location, AWP
the past twenty-five years, AWP’s
is able to produce a wide variety
export volume has grown to over
of species of hardwood lumber.
fifty percent of kiln dried lumber
Significantly, desirable characteristics
shipments. China has become the
Being centrally located in the
such as color consistency, good
largest export market for AWP, with
Appalachian Hardwood region allows
average widths and lengths, and
the remainder of Southeast Asia,
Allegheny Wood Products to produce
a slow grown, tight grain are all
Mexico Europe and MENA being other
most of the fine hardwood species
trademarks of the Appalachian
vitally important export markets.
that grow in the region. Red Oak in
lumber produced by AWP. The
The AWP brand has become very
4/4 through 8/4 thicknesses is the
company also believes in total
well recognized in Egypt, Jordan and
number one species produced by
utilization of the forest resource and
Turkey.
AWP whilst Poplar in 4/4 through
so by-products of lumber production
8/4 thicknesses is the number two
such as sawdust, bark, and sawmill
business in the MENA market.
species. White Oak, Soft Maple,
slabs are processed and sold as useful
The contacts we have here really
AWP Products
“We are looking to grow our
understand the products we produce and are great people to work with,” says Dean Alanko, Vice President of Sales. “We produce a lot of Red Oak and a fair amount of White Oak, which seems to have favor in the MENA market so we are always looking for new customers in this market.” Advantages of doing business with AWP include a large sustainable resource base, a wide variety of species, grades and thicknesses, and a reputation for high quality products and service. “The logistics involved with exporting can be daunting for some companies but we’ve been doing this for a long time and our reputation on paperwork and logistics issue is Image © AWP
very good,” concludes Alanko.
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 29
design & dĂŠcor
Relocation of historic Barnes Museum to downtown Philadelphia prompts sustainable design American Hardwoods on display at the new Barnes Campus
30 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
Image Š Charlotte Davis
design & décor
C
ompleted in May 2012, the new Barnes Museum in downtown Philadelphia is a breathtaking
achievement in modern architectural design. When the Barnes Foundation and its Board of Trustees made the decision to relocate to Center City Philadelphia, they knew they wanted a building that highlighted the Foundation’s environmental mission. Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, a firm well known for successfully combining architecture and the fine arts, were tasked with bringing to life the legacy of Dr. and Mrs. Albert C. Barnes and the core educational and sustainable mission of the Foundation. The 93,000 square-foot building, designed by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, provides extensive accommodations for the Barnes Foundation’s programs in art education and temporary art exhibitions, and houses the worldclass Barnes art collection, one of the most valuable private art collections in the world. The 12,000 square foot gallery exactly replicates the dimensions and shapes of the Image © Charlotte Davis
original spaces in the Foundation’s previous Merion museum location, as well as the founder’s conception of a visual interplay between art and nature. The design honors the original Barnes facility in Merion, PA, offering a series of outdoor rooms and spaces that unfold as visitors approach the building and pass through the public gardens en route to the entrance. Within the Collection Gallery, the architects deliberately intensified the design of the floors, walls, and ceilings to brighten and clarify the viewing experience while respecting the original details within each room.
Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, a firm well known for successfully combining architecture and the fine arts, were tasked with bringing to life the legacy of Dr. and Mrs. Albert C. Barnes and the core educational and sustainable mission of the Foundation
Urban Green Design Set within a four-and-a-halfacre landscape, the new Barnes
compounds (VOC) products - Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified woods and recycled products (tiles, gypsum wall board and many others) - and employing building practices that emphasized life and health safety, the project features a number of eco-friendly highlights, including: 12,000 square feet of photovoltaic panels that provide eight percent of the building’s electrical load, and a 40,000-gallon landscape irrigation cistern that collects rainwater from the green roof to irrigate all of the grounds’ plants. Materials featured in the sustainable design include: reclaimed
bar and gift shop. The Foundation and the architects
Pennsylvania and New Jersey wood, as well as other local materials;
Foundation building stands two
shared a common vision for a
hand-tooled panels of textured grey
stories high and has an additional
sustainable design from the start.
and gold Negev limestone overlaid
level below grade. Now officially
The building recently received
on stainless steel skin with bronze
referred to as the Barnes
LEED (Leadership in Energy and
accents; FSC-certified quartersawn
Philadelphia Campus, the new
Environmental Design) Platinum
white oak; and stone Gallery floors
complex houses the Foundation’s
certification, the highest level
with wood and glass windows.
gallery collection, classrooms and
possible, from the United States
seminar rooms, an internal garden,
Green Building Council (USGBC). It
Hardwood Sustainability
a 150-seat auditorium, a special
is the first major art and education
One of the most vital elements in
exhibitions gallery, a painting
institution in the United States to
the design of the Barnes Museum
conservation laboratory, a library,
do so. In addition to specifying and
was the flooring. The challenge
administrative offices, a café, coffee
installing no- or low-volatile organic
was finding a material that was
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 31
design & décor
both beautiful and sustainable.
of 21 studies considering how
FSC-certified quartersawn white
It had to be durable enough to
substituting wood for non-wood
oak from Frank Miller Lumber.
support many years of public wear,
materials in specific building
The exhibition gallery, the library,
while being true to the aesthetic
applications impacts greenhouse
the lower lobby and the 150-seat
vision of the architects as well as
gas emissions concluded that for
auditorium all feature FSC-certified
the environmental focus of the
each m3 of timber used in place of
quartersawn white oak floors.
Foundation.
a non-wood alternative, an average
In addition to its sustainable
greenhouse gas emission reduction
forest management practices and
Hardwood Export Council (AHEC),
of 1.9 tons of CO2 equivalent is
maximum use of wood resources,
environmental issues are only
achieved.
Frank Miller Lumber, a member of
According to the American
effectively integrated into material
“Undertaken in full conformance
AHEC and proponent of the Council’s
specification and green building
to ISO standards, preliminary results
mission, supports the U.S. Green
design through a scientific Life Cycle
from the AHEC LCA study indicate
Building Council’s Leadership in
Assessment (LCA)-based approach.
that American hardwoods perform
Energy and Environmental Design
LCA involves the collection and
extremely well on a full cradle to
(LEED) program. Construction
evaluation of quantitative data on all
grave basis,” said Rupert Oliver,
projects within the Frank Miller LEED
the inputs and outputs of material,
AHEC sustainability consultant.
geographic area qualify for LEED
energy and waste flows associated
The decision was made to use
points. The quartersawn white oak
with a product over its entire life
American hardwoods exclusively
cycle so that the environmental
for the flooring. More than 30,000
flooring was supplied in solid
impacts can be determined.
square feet of flooring was
¾”x3”x6’ custom milled strips, and
manufactured by PA Flooring using
101,000 solid ¾”x4”x4” precision
A recent comprehensive review
32 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
design & décor
Project Particulars Project: The Barnes Foundation Philadelphia Campus Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Size: 8,600 square meters Opened: May 19, 2012 Architects: Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, New York, NY, USA Certification: LEED Platinum Building Materials: Reclaimed Pennsylvania and New Jersey timber and other local materials, Negev limestone overlaid on stainless steel, quartersawn white oak and stone floors with quartersawn white oak and glass windows.
Image © Charlotte Davis
squared and end-trimmed blocks. Together, the blocks and strip material were used in the gallery to create a remarkable custom design. “By allowing Frank Miller to be involved early in the design process, we were able to effectively meet the needs of the flooring manufacturer, the flooring installer and the specifications established by the architects,” said Dan Hackett, President and CEO, Frank Miller. “It’s exciting to be a part of such an architecturally and culturally significant building.” The Light Court, a room designed as the ‘living room’ of the building, is
Undertaken in full conformance to ISO standards, preliminary results from the AHEC LCA study indicate that American hardwoods perform extremely well on a full cradle to grave basis
a vibrant space during the day and an events space at night. In order to facilitate the diverse activities, the space needed a durable floor that was also warm and inviting.
Image © Charlotte Davis
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 33
design & décor
Image © Charlotte Davis
The nearly 200 foot-long ipe wood
There’s a reason the architects chose
‘rug’ is laid in a herringbone pattern
hardwood floors - they have stood the
from reclaimed boards taken from
test of time. There are quartersawn oak
the renovation of Coney Island
floors around the globe that are still in
Boardwalks in Brooklyn, N.Y. The
service after centuries of use. The Loire
boards were provided by Provenance
Valley chateaux in France host more
Millworks/Old Soul Architectural
than one million visitors per year. Those
Salvage in Philadelphia, Pa.
visitors are walking on quartersawn
The Realization of a Vision The ground breaking took place on November 13, 2009. Two and a
white oak floors that have been there for more than 500 years, and they are still beautiful, flat and tight. Aesthetically and practically,
half years later, the opening night
hardwood has been a preferred
celebrity-filled gala of the Barnes
flooring surface throughout the ages
Foundation Philadelphia Campus
in every corner of the globe. The most
was held on May 19, 2012. An
fascinating aspect of hardwood floors
inaugural week kicked off with
is that there is nearly twice as much
free admission for the public to the
hardwood growing in the U.S. now than
renowned art collection and entire
was growing 50 years ago. This is a
campus, culminating with a Memorial
truly sustainable, durable and beautiful
Day weekend offering a variety
product.
About the Author
Criswell Davis has more than 25 years of experience in the hardwood industry, and is the Architectural Marketing Consultant for Frank Miller Lumber.
of entertainment and programs, including a festival. In total, the Barnes Foundation’s Philadelphia campus was realized at a cost of USD 150 million for construction and related expenses.
The Hardwood Advantage The architectural vision for the project from the very beginning was to maximize sustainability. Every decision Tod Williams and Billie Tsien made was carefully considered from an environmental perspective. The design synthesizes the components of art, nature, education and aesthetics - the guiding principles of the Barnes Foundation - resulting in a building that will undoubtedly endure through many generations of public use and appreciation.
34 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
Image © Charlotte Davis
DEALERS IN PLYWOOD, WHITEWOOD AND MDF
A wide choice of the best
Romanian Whitewood
Commercial Plywood
Plain MDF
Shuttering Plywood
Toll free 800 787 664 Tel +971 4 333 2144 Fax +971 4 333 2967 E-mail admin@strongwood.ae
The Yard: #25, Next to Strongwood Roundabout, Street 22, Ras Al Khor 2, Dubai, UAE.
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 35
profile
Strongwood looking to grow in the Middle East and beyond Leading player is the exclusive agent and distributor for SVEZA in the region
Image Š Strongwood
S
trongwood is a leading
Russian and CIS regions, the company
shuttering plywood and has been
merchandiser and trader of
ships vast quantities of timber from
specified in many of the leading
harvested timber from around the
these zones to the Middle East, Africa
projects around the globe including
globe. Started in 2002, the founders
and Asia. They are also the exclusive
the main stadium and Olympic
have a rich background in the timber
agents and distributers for SVEZA, the
village of the 2012 Olympic Games
industry dating all the way back to
world’s largest producer of natural
in London; the football stadium for
1965 and today the group operates
Russian Birch plywood in the world.
the 2010 FIFA World Football Cup in
various procurement points across
SVEZA is considered by most
South Africa; the MGM Complex in
the world. Particularly active in the
consultants as the Rolls Royce of
Las Vegas; the Jordan University in
36 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
profile
Aqaba; Park Hyatt Hotel in Abu Dhabi; and the Royal Opera House in Muscat, Oman. With the SVEZA brand gaining popularity in the Middle East, we speak to Maxim Barziankou, Business Development Manager at Strongwood, who outlines the company’s plans for growth in this region and beyond.
Could you give us a brief overview of your company? Strongwood was started in 2002 and was primarily involved in shipping lumber out of Siberia into the Middle Image © Strongwood
East. Our expertise was mainly in handling logistics through the vast
Strongwood was started in 2002 and was primarily involved in shipping lumber out of Siberia into the Middle East
Russian terrain. At the time, we would
primarily to merchants as our business
load timber from sawmills located
model is based on the fast turnover
deep in Siberia under harsh conditions
of inventory to accommodate for the
and transport them by train to the
constant flow of timber coming out of
port of Novorossiysk on the Black
the forests and sawmills. In reality, we
Sea. This train would take two weeks
cannot interrupt or pause the supply
to travel the 4,000 km journey to the
chain and so we need to make sure
port where the cargo was offloaded
that goods are leaving our yard as
and then loaded into containers and
soon as they come in. Across the MENA
shipped out through the Black Sea into
region, we mainly ship our cargo to
will help serve as a buffer in the event
the Persian Gulf. Given our experience
ports in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
of sudden unforeseen requirements.
with managing the complicated
and Bahrain. In addition, we also send
In addition, this gives us a cushion
shipment routes of timber from Russia,
shipments to China and India, which
against sudden price fluctuations
we felt confident to diversify into
are relatively newer markets for us.
arising from increased shipping costs
newer regions and move timber from
and raw material costs. We are also
in the Ukraine, Riga in Latvia, St.
How important is the Middle East as a market for Strongwood? What growth do you expect in 2013?
Petersburg in Russia, or Poti in Georgia.
In the Middle East, we are trying to
confident that the volumes shipped
expand on our warehousing model.
to this region will be higher in 2013.
We currently operate one warehouse
Anticipating this demand we have
in Dubai and would like to see several
already locked in contracts as far as six
other facilities across the region, as this
months ahead with many of the local
In the UAE, we operate a 100,000
would help us serve our clients better
timber harvesters in various parts of
square foot yard, which stocks a wide
in the event of any shipping delays.
the world.
range of our brands. We still sell
The ability to maintain additional stock
these remote sawmills to merchant stores. Today, the loading ports are normally Constanza in Romania, Odessa
What are the primary activities of the company in the UAE and wider MENA region?
able to obtain better shipping rates if volumes are higher. Given that the region is experiencing positive growth in the construction sector, we are
Overall the year looks positive and we are on course to target new markets. At present, we are getting tremendous feedback from Saudi Arabia and hopefully the traders there will start moving more stock for us. China is also looking very optimistic on account of the increased interest in timber shipments out of the CIS region. For instance, we have logging concessions in place in Ukraine and these logs will be shipped directly into China. In addition, we also currently ship some volumes of sawn timber out of Romania into China. Assuming that we are able to supply the demand from China, our sales to that region will represent a big boost in overall revenues. Plywood is another growing
Image © Strongwood
sector for us. The SVEZA brand of
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 37
profile
for our customers. A good example would be the case of Ukraine where we confirm log supplies almost a year in advance and so are able to ensure that our supply is uninterrupted.
What trends do you anticipate in the coming year? For starters, more companies might insist on FSC certification. It’s a mandatory requirement in most of Europe and North America as well and we are already seeing some demand for FSC products in the region. As a result, we anticipate that buyers in the region will streamline their purchasing with such standards in place. This would entail that proper documentation regarding the source such as Chain of custody papers and other similar documentation will need to be given along with the actual cargo. Image © Strongwood
the formwork stage. Volumes for this
Are there any current real or perceived shortages in the regional market? Please explain.
What are your plans for expansion in the region? Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years in this market?
have already been sold out for the next
There are shortages that arise when a
We plan to expand the volume that
couple of months. Larsen & Toubro in
ship gets delayed or certain sizes might
we hold ourselves in this region.
Oman and Doka in Dubai are a few of
go out of stock in the market. But in most
In order to do so, we need to
our regular clients.
cases there are always stocks available
acquire more warehousing across
within the local market. The recession
the region. In addition, we are
had slowed down the construction
always searching for better ways
sector and so there were higher level
to reduce the costs involved in this
of unsold quantities earlier. However,
business. One way is to find more
Getting FSC certified timber and
current demand is on the rise and so
remote sources and organize the
timber products is a challenge
inventories are lower across the board.
logistics from there. I personally
at the present moment. Many
Certain countries also have an aggressive
think it’s more interesting this
producers don’t comply with
purchasing strategy, which impacts the
way. In 5 years, we hope to
the FSC standard, which is well
volume available for this region. We try
expand with more products and
established as a must in most
and fix contracts on a long-term basis in
vertically do more on the stocking
mature markets. Pricing is also
order to guarantee uninterrupted supply
and inventory side.
shuttering plywood has been widely accepted in Saudi Arabia with several prestigious projects using it in during
What are some of the challenges facing the regional timber industry?
higher for FSC products and so costs increase for everyone along the chain. We believe that making people aware of the value of FSC certified timber and its role in sustainable forestry is indeed a challenge. Most buyers refuse to pay a higher price for certified timber but what they don’t realize is that they will end up paying a higher price in the future due to illegal logging and its effects on the planet in general. So over the years creating this awareness is necessary to ensure people insist on buying from legal sources and with proof of a chain of custody. On our part, we have been aggressively promoting SVEZA as a brand that complies with all the requirements of FSC.
38 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
Image © Strongwood
technology
Metropol Parasol: An icon of worldclass timber engineering J. MAYER H. Architects create a new landmark for the city of Seville Image Š Nikkol Roth for Holcim
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 39
technology
W
ith Metropol Parasol, J.
of the largest and most innovative
MAYER H. Architects have
bonded timber-constructions with a
World-class timber engineering
created a new landmark for
polyurethane coating, the parasols
Finnforest, a leading wood products
the city of Seville. The project, which
grow out of the archaeological
company in Europe, has delivered
was a redevelopment of the Plaza de la
excavation site into a contemporary
the elements based on Finnforest
Encarnacíon in Seville, has ensured the
landmark, defining a unique
Kerto LVL (laminated veneer lumber)
creation of a new icon for the city - a
relationship between the historical
to Metropol Parasol, which is one of
place of identification and to articulate
and the contemporary city.
the world’s largest timber buildings.
“Metropol Parasol explores
The building, which represents one
most fascinating cultural destinations.
the potential of the Plaza de la
of the most visionary and exciting
Significantly, the multifunctional
Encarnación to become the new
urban projects throughout Europe,
Metropol Parasol also signals an initial
contemporary urban centre. Its role
incorporates six ‘parasols’ and over
step in the dynamic development of
as a unique urban space within the
3,400 individual wooden elements. A
cultural and commercial facilities at
dense fabric of the medieval inner
highly complex timber construction
the heart of Seville.
city of Seville allows for a great
project, Metropol Parasol reaches
variety of activities such as memory,
a height of 28 meters and covers a
impressive timber structures, offers
leisure and commerce. A highly
surface area of over 11,000 square
an archaeological museum, a farmers
developed infrastructure helps to
meters.
market, an elevated plaza, multiple
activate the square, making it an
bars and restaurants underneath
attractive destination for tourists
permeable levels. The basement
and inside the parasols, as well as
and locals alike,” says architect
level has a viewing platform over
a panorama terrace on the very
Jürgen Mayer H., from J. MAYER H.
the archaeological artifacts found at
top of the parasols. Realized as one
Architects, based in Berlin.
the site. The first level is a 2,155 m²
Seville’s role as one of the world’s
The building complex, with its
40 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
The structure has four intertwined
technology
marketplace, and on the second is a square elevated 5 meters above the market to be used for performances and shows. On the third floor is a restaurant, and on the fourth level is a public panoramic balcony with stunning views of Seville’s old quarter. The parasols have been constructed in a mushroom-shaped timber lattice and frame the structure whilst also creating shadows that move continuously throughout the day. “Metropol Parasol is a highly complex wood composite structure setting a totally new level for timber engineering. It is perhaps the most complex timber structure ever built. Extremely large dimensions, threedimensional load bearing system and creative geometrical forms have been great challenges both for the use of wood, but also for engineering skills. The final result shows that Finnforest
Project Facts Location: Plaza de la Encarnación, Seville, Spain Developer: The City of Seville, Spain Architect and project lead: J. MAYER H. Architects, Berlin Contractor: Sacyr S.A.U. Structural engineering and building services: Arup Berlin & Madrid Timber engineering and detail design: Finnforest Building period: 2005-2011
has managed to accomplish the challenges together with construction
dimension-stable, weather-proof and
company Sacyr, our customer,”
high-strength materials.
says Mika Kallio, Head of Building Products, Finnforest. Metropol Parasol also makes
Image © Nikkol Roth for Holcim
A closer look at the structure reveals that the wooden mega structure consists of glued Kerto-Q laminated
a strong statement in terms of
veneer lumber panels arranged in an
engineering technology. Three
orthogonal grid with a spacing of 1.5 x
characteristics make this project
1.5 meters. The size of the individual
stand out in particular - the use of
load-bearing elements is adapted
highly load-bearing Finnforest Kerto
to the actual load and is thus highly
LVL; post-curing using an epoxy resin;
variable. The thickness of the wooden
and the application of a polyurethane
panels ranges from 68 millimeters to
spray coating. Finnforest’s Kerto® LVL,
311 millimeters. The largest of the
manufactured in Finland, is a highly
approximately 3,400 wooden parts
flexible material made of softwood
measures 16.5 meters high by 3.5
veneer that has been glued together
meters wide and 140 millimeters thick.
and is ideal for projects demanding
The foundations and the cylinder-
The building complex, with its impressive timber structures, offers an archaeological museum, a farmers market, an elevated plaza, multiple bars and restaurants underneath and inside the parasols, as well as a panorama terrace on the very top of the parasols Image © Nikkol Roth for Holcim
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 41
technology
shaped lift towers below the panorama restaurant are made of concrete. In contrast, the museum is topped off with far-reaching composite frames made of reinforced steel and concrete. The load-bearing platform for the restaurant 21.5 meters above ground level has been realized using a steel-concrete composite construction. The individual parts of the grid structure consist of Finnforest Kerto LVL. The parts were cut out with millimeter precision using a CNCcontrolled trimming robot that also adds milling details and cut-outs. Image © Nikkol Roth for Holcim
However, many tasks were also carried out manually, for example
Ultimately the project’s success
drilling 35,000 holes for gluing in
is covered with a waterproof but
the threaded bars that form part
diffusion-permeable 2–3 millimeter
can be attributed to the integrated
of the connecting joints. Roughly
thick 2-component polyurethane
design team of architects, structural
3,400 individual wooden elements
coating.
engineers, building services, fire prevention specialists and timber
were manufactured by Finnforest’s
The load-bearing characteristics
component factory in Aichach, near
of the Metropol Parasol also greatly
contractors with the courage to
Munich, Germany. In addition, 2,500
depend on the more than 3,000 joints
embark on an engineering adventure
cubic meters of Kerto LVL were
where the Kerto LVL panels intersect.
and to face new challenges. Today,
transported by road to Seville, where
The engineers from Arup and
the Metropol Parasol seems to
it was coated with polyurethane and
Finnforest developed an innovative
float casually above Plaza de la
finally assembled.
joining mechanism based on glued-in
Encarnacíon like a space ship that
steel rods, which also resulted in a
has landed in the middle of a city.
roof and must therefore rely on a
swift assembly on site. In light of the
Down below, Spaniards go on with
different form of protection from
extreme thermal conditions existing
their everyday lives oblivious to
the damaging effects of weather. To
in Southern Spain, the epoxy resin
the intrusion, whilst visitors can
meet this requirement, the architects
was tempered, thus ensuring that the
ride an elevator up to the top of the
chose a new wood protection system.
connecting joints remain strong even
structure and explore the flowing
The exposed pressure treated wood
at high temperatures.
architecture.
The Metropol Parasol has no
Image © Nikkol Roth for Holcim
42 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
flooring
John Yarema: The ‘Michelangelo’ of wood floors
Image © John Yarema
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 43
flooring
J
ohn Yarema of Detroit, Michigan, is known by many descriptions - unorthodox,
unconventional, unusual, avantgarde, genius and the even more grandiose title of the ‘Michelangelo’ of wood flooring, which was coined by Mary Richardson Kennedy as a result of John’s involvement with the renovation of the Kennedy Residence. What everyone who has seen his work can agree on is that his work is unparalleled in its beauty and craftsmanship. As one of a dying breed of craftsmen, who is a designer, creator, contractor and installer, John is dedicated to the creation of works of art, whether a 30,000-piece modern marquetry floor or a beautiful reproduction of a timeworn 18th century parquet floor. He takes no shortcuts, makes no compromises in quality and delivers a floor that will last for lifetimes and will never be duplicated. In 2009, John was contacted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mary Richardson Kennedy to discuss the
600 feet of flooring from the house
bought the wood floors from those
restoration of floors in their Mt. Kisco,
they had dismantled, and they wanted
houses. John then cut the recycled
New York, home that was damaged
Yarema to incorporate those boards
wood into pieces and installed the
in a flood. They had heard of John’s
into a new floor with a design of
floor using all salvaged materials.
work before and decided that John
interlocking circles and squares. But
would be the one to restore their
the boards would not be enough for
and Mary Kennedy said this: “John’s
house to its former glory. The project
the 4,800 square feet of flooring the
floors are the soul of our house. He is
required true creativity, as the
new home required. John went to
a gifted artist who takes woodworking
Kennedy’s were trying to replicate
Washington D.C. and found, through an
to a new level. His energy and upbeat
the old floors of their now dismantled
architectural salvage company, three
spirit brought new life to our project
home. The Kennedys had kept about
houses scheduled for demolition. He
as soon as he arrived. My wife, Mary,
Upon completion of the work, Robert
having had the privilege of working as an architect with the design firm Parish-Hadley for 14 years, has given her the unique opportunity to work with some of the best craftsmen in the world. In our opinion, there is no one in John’s league. He is absolutely one of the finest artisans of our time. John Yarema is the ‘Michelangelo’ of wood floors.” John is a perfectionist, applying his complete skill set to each project. He has to work with other craftsmen, making sure that he has everyone focused on the successful completion of yet another masterpiece. He likes to work in quartersawn White Oak, Red Oak, Walnut and Hard Maple because they are truly sustainable and in quartersawn form will be very stable in application. He has also adapted industrial lasers to cut the more intricate pieces for his designs, allowing him to work with incredible precision. As a project manager, he is a force of nature, Image © John Yarema
44 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
a taskmaster who will not compromise
flooring
them into flooring and installing the flooring, ceilings, walls from the trees that represented the footprint of the library. The entire process was made into a documentary called ‘Up from Ashes’ and it is a fascinating chronicle of John’s work. Commenting on his philosophy, Yarema states: “Being able to create what is in my head with my hands is unbelievably rewarding for me. There is something so pure about guiding the wood through its journey. It has its own language and if you listen for it, you will know where to go. Whether it’s recovered old-growth logs from the Great Lakes or timbers salvaged from a local wind-torn barn, as the progression plays out, a new chapter is written. It is why I prefer to use sensible local materials that relate to each project. Not only does it support and communicate a broader environmental responsibility, but it also influences the form of the final Image © John Yarema
piece.” To enter John’s world is to
his standards for anyone. One could
experience creativity and craftsmanship
reasonably ask what the limits are to his
at its finest, showcasing the beauty and
abilities. He has been known to say: “If
sustainability of the best that America’s
you can draw it, I can build it.”
forest have to offer.
SC Johnson complex It was humbling enough for John to work in the shadow of some of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most critical architecture, but John was proud to have the chance to work in the new SC Johnson complex designed by Norman Foster and Ralph Applebaum. To be commissioned to design, create and install a polyconic wooden mosaic map made up of over 20,000 wooden 3x3 end grain blocks into this new building was another exciting challenge for John. The map depicts the rich topography of the Western Hemisphere and traces Sam Johnson’s journey from Racine to Brazil; four different types of sustainably harvested wood (American black walnut, American cherry, maple and hornbeam) make up the topography. An inlaid brass line depicts Sam Johnson’s journey while a 1/8” aluminum strip defines the continental edge; separating the wooden map from the sea of white terrazzo. This beautiful and organic map is the largest interpretive piece John has ever created.
Educated as a computer engineer, John found that while his job as a systems engineer offered him stability and security, he was not happy. It wasn’t until he and his wife Lisa undertook the daunting task of renovating a 19th century one room school house that John found his true calling. He considers himself very lucky to have found a passion, something elusive to so many of us. He also didn’t come from a long line of woodworkers and so had to rely on himself to learn as he went along. John initially started in the woods, harvesting trees, milling them into boards, drying the boards, milling and installing flooring. As a result, he has intense respect for the beauty and sustainability of American hardwoods and his work has been featured in some of the most notable restorations and new construction in the U.S. and overseas. The reality is that the public will never see some of his most beautiful work, as it is in so many private residences. However, his work can be found in government buildings, museums and libraries. He built the Ann Arbor District Library in 2006, harvesting the Ash trees by hand and rendering the boards, milling
Image © John Yarema
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 45
SHOWTIME
Top Industry
Exhibitions coming up This season Wood2Build
range of contributors including architects, entrepreneurs, engineers and specialists from CSTC, CTIB (Centre Technique de l’industrie du bois) and CCW (Confédération de la constructiuon wallonne) cover a variety of topics such as fire safety, stability, acoustic comfort, innovative technologies, energy performance and exemplary buildings in Belgium.
Date: 5 - 7 June Venue: Namur Expo Center Location: Namur, Belgium Timings: 5 June (Wednesday), 17:00 - 21:00 and 6 - 7 June (Thursday - Friday), 09:00 - 18:00 Expected Attendees: 25,000+ WEBSITE: www.wood2build.com
Elmia Wood Elmia Wood is the world’s largest forestry fair. The basic concept behind the fair is to demonstrate machinery and equipment for modern silviculture in their proper element the forest. The live fair, which takes place every four years, features demonstrations that reflect forestry practices in Scandinavia and attracts visitors from all across the globe. In addition, the event serves as a platform where visitors and exhibitors can update their knowledge of technical innovations, both from all the major machinery manufacturers and from small-scale producers, refresh their contact networks, gain inspiration and acquire new ideas. As the largest forestry fair in the world, the event is expected to host over 500 exhibitors and attract more than 46,000 visitors over the course of four days. The show aims to represent all aspects related to the forest and this includes Wood2Build is the world’s first international exhibition
not only machines, tools and methods but also advisors
for the wood construction industry and will take place
and experts who can show forest owners and contractors
from June 5 - 7, 2013 at Namur Expo. According to the
efficient ways to improve their profitability. According to
organizers, the wood construction industry is booming,
the organizers, about 3,000 cubic meters of timber were
and Namur Expo already plays host to the largest public
harvested during Elmia Wood 2009. Harvesters, forwarders
trade show of this type in Europe - Bois & Habitat.
and skidders were working flat out whilst small-scale
However, there was no event dedicated specifically to trade
sawmills, firewood splitters, scarification equipment, GPS
professionals in this industry. As such, Wood2Build aims
gadgets and logging trucks were also in full swing.
to meet the demands of timber construction professionals and will play host to all the techniques, materials and skills specific to the transformation and use of timber in the construction process. As the first and only show of its kind, Wood2Build will cover the full range of wood processing and construction technologies, expertise and innovation, from initial production right through to on-site finishing, and from residential projects to public buildings and industrial infrastructure. In addition, the event will also host a conference featuring renowned German architect Jürgen Mayer, the man behind the Metropol Parasol, a wooden structure measuring 150 meters by 75 meters, standing 28 meters tall and supported by six pillars, located at Plaza de la Encarnacion in Seville. Two other conferences on ‘Collective housing’ will also take place on the sidelines of the show. Further, the Innov’action conference, organized by the Centre Scientifique et Technique de la Construction (CSTC), will cover both theoretical aspects of wood construction and real-life examples in Belgium. The event will see a
46 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
Date: 5 - 8 June Venue: Bratteborgs Gårdr Forest Location: Jönköping, Sweden Timings: 5 - 7 June (Wednesday - Friday), 09.00 - 17.00 and 8 June (Saturday), 09.00 - 16.00 Expected Attendees: 46,000+ WEBSITE: www.elmia.se/en
SHOWTIME
China Furniture & Woodworks 2013
Asturforesta 2013 The ninth edition of the Iberian Peninsula International Forestry and Forest Applications Fair (Asturforesta 2013) will take place on June 20 - 22, 2013 in Mount Armayán, Tineo, Spain. According to the organizers, Asturforesta 2013 came about as a result of the favorable opinion of exhibitors and visitors and the continued success of the show since its launch in 1997. The previous edition hosted 104 exhibitors from 15 countries and 15,000 professional visitors from all over Europe and the organizers are confident that the latest edition will surpass these figures. Held every two years, the show aims to reunite leading woodworking technology providers and the most qualified professionals in the hardest working conditions. The exhibition will throw the spotlight on innovations in the forestry sector, which enable forestry professionals to achieve greater profitability, environmental credentials and safe working conditions. These solutions will be present in Asturforesta, which will serve as the perfect setting for demonstrations wherein the latest machinery can be tested in the most realistic setting. Following the commercial success of participating companies, Asturforesta leaves its mark by exhibiting a broad range of the latest machinery and gathering together industry professionals in real working conditions. It is for this reason that it has been named:
The 18th China International Furniture Components &
‘The Meeting Place of the Forestry Industry in Spain and
Raw Material Exhibition (China Furniture & Woodworks
Portugal. A proven leader.’
2013) will take place at Dalian Star-Sea Convention & Exhibition Center from June 6 - 9, 2013. After 17 years of development, the show is now recognized as the most comprehensive trade fair for the furniture industry in North China and the most important trade platform for suppliers, manufacturers and buyers both at home and overseas. Given that North China is an important wood furniture industrial base, and with the support of China National Furniture Association, China Furniture & Woodworks 2013 will continue to serve all vertical sectors of furniture and wood products manufacturing industry with better service and high quality business opportunities. The show will primarily display products and services pertaining to woodworking and the furniture industry with a special focus on products and services from North China. As a leading platform for suppliers, manufacturers and buyers both at home and overseas, the show will provide an excellent trading opportunity and gateway into China. The show is expected to attract a large number of visitors including wholesalers, manufacturers, importers, distributors, exporters, processors; and machinery and auxiliary industries. Some of the exhibit products include woodworking machinery & tools; flooring; kitchen and bathroom furniture; porcelain handicrafts sculptures and painting frames.
Date: 6 - 9 June Venue: Dalian Star-Sea Convention & Exhibition Center Location: Dalian, China Expected Attendees: 15,000+ WEBSITE: www.sinoexhibition.com/furniture/index_e.asp
Date: 20 - 22 June Venue: Tineo Location: Asturias, Spain Expected Attendees: 15,000+ WEBSITE: www.asturforesta.com/en
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 47
SHOWTIME
Furnitech 2013
FITECMA 2013 The next edition of FITECMA will be held from July 2 - 6, 2013, at the Costa Salguero Center, in Buenos Aires City, and will offer a wide range of innovations in supplies as well as in products for each segment of the wood-furniture value chain. As a leading exhibition for the sector in South America, the show aims to help companies in the woodworking industry increase production efficiency and flexibility, cut costs and gain competitiveness. Some of the key issues that the show aims to address is the revaluation of wood as one of the materials with larger use possibilities for the future’s sustainable architecture; the appearance of new composites and supplies with different applications in construction, decoration and furniture; and the gradual advance of bioenergy. Both domestic and international players are set to display their latest products at the event. Given that Buenos Aires is an important consumer of products related to the construction sector, particularly timber, FITECMA offers an opportunity to present a wide range of reforestation and native wood products manufactured in Argentina. Testament to the importance of the event, companies offering wood preservatives or surface
The only furniture manufacturing related show in Thailand,
finishing (paints, lacquers, varnishes, abrasives, manual
Furnitech 2013 is an ideal opportunity for providers of
and automatic coating elements, etc.) and board
machinery, technology and fitting materials who want to
manufacturers also take advantage of FITECMA as a
grow their businesses by venturing into expanding markets in
platform to launch their new lines of coatings and colors.
Thailand. Positioned as the only sourcing and networking event
The same applies to manufacturers and distributors of
for the furniture manufacturing industry in Thailand, the event
high-value wood veneers, roots and coatings; and of the
will help companies form strategic alliances with the industry’s
increasingly extended range of reconstructed veneers.
market leaders. According to the organizers, Furnitech 2013 promises to be the platform to unify the furniture manufacturing community with a quest to expand horizons beyond traditional markets. It will also serve as the meeting point for manufacturers of furniture production machines and components to directly mingle with executives from furniture factories, property owners, land developers, decorators and construction companies in Thailand. A key highlight for the exhibition is an international conference - Strategic Directions for ASEAN Furniture Industry after AEC 2015 - that will aim to give attendees a clear picture on how the ASEAN furniture industry can benefit from and sharpen their competitive edges for the upcoming Asian Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. Further, visitors and delegates can also broaden their business visions, opportunities and networks through a series of conferences, technical seminars and Business Matchmaking Program, which are all taking place on the sidelines of the event. The organizers are confident of the success of the exhibition given that Thailand’s furniture industry continues to enjoy strong growth, which is evident in stable exports of Thai furniture for year 2012 despite forecasted negative figures.
Date: 20 - 23 June Venue: Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC) - Hall 106 Location: Bangkok, Thailand Timings: 10:00 - 19:00 Expected Attendees: 5,000+ WEBSITE: www.furnitechwoodtech.com
48 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
Date: 2 - 6 July Venue: Costa Salguero Center Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina Timings: 2 - 5 July (Tuesday - Friday), 14:00 - 21:00 and 6 July (Saturday), 10:00 - 21:00 Expected Attendees: 14,000+ WEBSITE: http://feria.fitecma.com.ar/index.php/en
SHOWTIME
CIFM / interzum guangzhou 2013 concludes 10 solid years with resounding success
CIFM / interzum guangzhou, Asia’s largest and most
yourself (DIY) and the build-it-yourself (BIY), furniture
comprehensive trade fair for woodworking machinery,
production, wholesale and retail, interior design as
furniture production and interior design industry,
well as the wood and plastic processing and trading
successfully closed its four day run in its namesake
sectors. Significantly, 89 percent of them rated the
city. The event celebrated its tenth anniversary
show as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. Similarly, the high quality
with unprecedented figures recorded for exhibitors,
of the attendees was one of the main talking points
area occupied and visitors, thereby cementing its
among exhibitors. Overall, a clear consensus gleaned
status in the region. Imported from Germany, the
from the event is the undisputable influence and
130,000-square meter show hosted around 1,095
importance of interzum guangzhou within the industry.
manufacturers. In addition, the shows’ co-location with
On the turnout of the event and loyalty of veteran
the China International Furniture Fair - Office Show
exhibitors, Michael Dreyer, Vice President Asia-Pacific
segment helped draw 60,975 visitors over four days.
of co-organizer Koelnmesse was quoted as saying:
According to the organizers, booth spaces at the
“Judging from show response, the persistence of all
international halls of interzum guangzhou were booked
exhibitors has paid off. Having been through ten years
out four months in the lead up to the show by 251
of development and challenges, interzum guangzhou
exhibitors hailing from 28 countries. As such, the show
has not only emerged as the leading industry event
featured a host of products from Australia, Belgium,
but also an event of choice for trade buyers. Its quality
Canada, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, India,
and coverage is also unanimously recognized. It is
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands,
gratifying to see that most of our exhibitors have
Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland,
reviewed positively and have decided to participate
Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom,
again next year.”
Uruguay, the United States and Vietnam. The show this year also saw stronger group
Following the success of CIFM / interzum guangzhou 2013, the organizers have already announced new and
participation with eight pavilions, mirroring increasing
longer show dates for the next season. Extended to
overseas interest in the China and Asia market. Joining
five days from the initial four and taking place a day
the ranks of group exhibitors from Chile, Germany,
later than usual, the long-running event, which will be
Italy, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, the U.S./Canada and the
in its 11th run in 2014, will take place from 28 March
American Hardwood Export Council was the Malaysian
-1 April in China. According to the organizers, the
Timber Council which made their first appearance at
change is necessitated by the industry’s call for more
interzum guangzhou. While most of the showcased
time to discuss business at the show. Visitor traffic
manufacturers target the China and Asia market,
has been heavy and exhibitors were often faced with
some regard interzum guangzhou as a base to reach
the ‘positive problem’ of having limited time to attend
an international audience or tap into a more diverse
to more prospective customers. Buyers, on the other
market.
hand, have found it challenging to cover the sprawling
Visitors at the expo were primarily from the do-it-
array of products on offer over four days.
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 49
SHOWTIME
Products, quality, commitment and vitality at the 15th edition of DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR
The 15th edition of DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR recently
were helped in finding the newest products throughout
concluded at the Shanghai New International Exhibition
the ground by means of floor maps, free show guides and
Center (SNIEC), a high-standard infrastructure occupied
booth signs highlighting the InnovAction participating
by 1,122 international and domestic exhibitors for a total
companies. According to the organizers, 42,165 professional
gross exhibition space of 130,000 sqm this year. According
visitors walked the show ground in March 2013, which
to the organizers, what made the Shanghai flooring show a
represented an increase of 5.8 percent over 2012. Further, a
different story from any other show in the world was once
remarkable increase of 14 percent was recorded among the
again the energy and positive spirit pouring out from the
international visitors.
big halls of the exhibition center. Over the course of three
Many big and leading companies exhibited at the show
days (March 26 - 28), professional visitors were positively
including Power Décor, Kronoswiss, Berry Alloc, Sino
impressed by the interesting new products on display, which
Mapple, LM Flooring, Prado Style, Amorim, Dasso, Sika,
help to reinforce the position of the show as a platform
Homag, Klumpp Wood Coatings, Yasuda, Dajulong, Gerfloor,
representing the latest developments from the flooring
Armstrong, LG Hausys, Forbo, Balta, Mannington, Dupont,
industry.
Oriental Weavers, Suminoe, Shanhua Carpet Group, Tibet
The special location, Shanghai being the business centre
Sheep Carpet, Universal, Hongjia, and pavilions organizers
of China, and the leading role this unique show conducts
such as Flanders Investment & Trade/ Belgium, Carpet
within the wide Asian Pacific region, combined with the
Export Promotion Council/ India , American Flooring
expertise and deep involvement of the show organizers
Alliance/USA, ITKIB/Turkey and the Federal Ministry of
in the Chinese and regional industries were key success
Economics/ Germany.
elements for the 2013 edition. According to the Chinese
4 halls (10,000 sqm each) were filled with the whole
National Forestry Industry Association, floor sales volumes
range of carpet products and technologies, 2 halls for
certified in China in 2012 were alone 377 million sqm
the ever-expanding resilient flooring sector, and 4
(performed by 1,518 Chinese manufacturers), while the
halls dedicated to the wood flooring products and floor
actual estimation of total sales amount would be around
technologies. The upgraded product segments allocation and
500 million sqm. Given that China has become one of the
the use of 1 more main entrance than the previous years,
biggest consumers of floors in the world, with products and
made some adjustments to the visitors flow and guaranteed
services quality consumers’ standards rising very fast as
a smoother visitors’ access especially on the opening day.
well, the show is the perfect platform for suppliers to target
Further, an increased number of buyers and contractors
the potential in China and the wider Asia Pacific region.
visited the show together with the traditional visitors
The show this year, attentive towards its attendees’
such as agents, distributors/wholesalers, franchise dealers,
needs, launched an original marketing campaign focused
real estate developers, companies owning commercial and
precisely on the new flooring products and materials on
residential buildings, and government officials. Given the
the market. ‘InnovAction flooring’ by DOMOTEX Asia/
success of the event, the organizers now look forward to
CHINAFLOOR, won the praise of the many journalists who
the next edition of the show, which will be held on March
visited the show as well as the attention from visitors who
25-27, 2014.
50 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 51
SHOWTIME INTERVIEW
Design Mission Middle East 2013 to be held in Qatar
D
esign Mission Middle East is a
products and services. Timber Design
who will ultimately take the call to
deliberate approach devised
& Technology talks to Ganesh Babu, the
authorize procurement of a particular
by IDE and its team of experts,
Director at IDE-Global, ahead of the
product. In the construction sector, the
to bring together key stakeholders
event, which is slated for June 4 - 5 at
onus of this decision-making is not
from the architecture and design
the W Hotel in Doha, Qatar.
always restricted to one individual,
segment, involved in premier projects
or perhaps the authorization maybe
the region. The event will congregate
01. How is this year’s edition positioned?
leading architects, interior designers,
In this, its first edition, Design Mission
parties and most often would require
design professionals, hoteliers, real
Middle East 2013 will be primarily
a second round of meetings. This is
estate developers, project managing
focused on functioning as a deal-flow
where we discovered we could make a
consultants, engineers, contractors and
platform and facilitating business
difference.
sustainability experts who will make
based on the enormous architecture
themselves available for the two days
and design driven market existent in
to source quality products, network
Qatar. By way of our research, we have
and re-educate themselves to keep
identified that key concerns within
abreast of the latest market trends,
the Qatari market include compliance
02. What are the main objectives for this year’s edition? How many delegates do you expect at the event?
with green building norms and a
To make all of this come together,
possible shortage in terms of sourcing
IDE has developed the unique DSI
supplies. With several ongoing projects
pre-scheduled meeting model wherein
and many more in the pipeline, we
each of the 50 pre-qualified projects
have shortlisted 50 top projects in
participating in this initiative will be
Qatar based on certain criteria such
represented by the Decision Maker
as the stage of the project, estimated
(Client/Developer), Specifier (Architect/
completion date and proposed
Interior designer) and the Influencer
budgets to guide us in evaluating the
(Contractor/Consultant). The idea
imminent needs of these projects
here is to ensure that the three key
to source supplies. Our wide pool of
representatives of a given project will
global solution providers, who are
be seated together whilst meeting
some of the best in the business, have
with the preferred solution providers,
also been finalized keeping in mind
so as to not further delay finalizing
the due importance Qatar gives to a
contracts for procurement. A one stop
sustainably built environment.
shop, literally that will assemble 150
specifically from Qatar and across
Ganesh Babu
What we typically witness at these
Image Š IDE
52 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
delivered by one individual upon consultation with the other involved
pre-qualified real estate developers,
deal-flow initiatives is that these one-
architects, interior designers, hoteliers,
to-one meetings are largely carried
project managers, consultants,
out without really paying heed as to
engineers and contractors across
SHOWTIME INTERVIEW
laugh and share knowledge. Sometimes the best insights are gained in the most casual conversations. As the saying goes, ‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’. Although in a very different context, IDE was very clear from the get go about how we prioritize what will be most valuable as a service to this sector in Qatar. The conference and exhibition format has had a saturating effect in the market. In order to stand out, we were well aware that we should avoid trying to compress the generally expected tangents of a conference or exhibition, all into two days. In this way we hope to ensure that there is no compromise on the quality of the pre-scheduled meetings.
04. Why have you decided to host the conference in Qatar? In light of Qatar’s winning bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the goal to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, hosting an initiative like Image © IDE
Design Mission in Qatar made the most sense. It is a young and relatively
varied segments such as residential
Most of the solution providers will
unexhausted market unlike other
commercial, hospitality, education and
be visiting Doha, Qatar for the very
countries in the Middle East region.
healthcare amenities.
first time. Therefore, we understood
The opportunities from 2010 have
It’s no secret that the Middle East
the imperative need to give them an
been growing significantly year on
market in particular is kept thoroughly
opportunity to visually comprehend
year in Qatar. We have strategically
connected by multiple conferences
the scale and status of these projects
partnered with The American Institute
and exhibitions being held every
and in turn equip them to better
of Architects Middle East Chapter
month. But these are for all practical
service their potential buyers.
and Qatar Green Building Council to
purposes, familiarization meetings.
The two days are entirely focused
counsel us on the focus and format
Of course, they are just as essential.
on networking and interactions albeit
of Design Mission Middle East 2013.
In fact, Design Mission Middle East
strictly following a schedule and in a
Further, most of the IDE team has
2013 aims to be the second phase
professional environment. To create a
had extensive prior experience in this
or the final act of the conference and
more relaxed setting for networking,
market and considering the clientele
exhibition series. Contrary to regular
there is a cocktail dinner reception at
of suppliers we deal with, it was
deal-flow initiatives, which are usually
the end of day one. It’s important to
clear there was plenty we could do to
coupled with a conference agenda,
get to know your clientele beyond the
activate the construction sector
Design Mission Middle East 2013
meeting room. Share a drink, share a
in Qatar.
is making a point to capitalize on business facilitation. These are busy executives with real requirements we will be hosting. They are looking to ensure that their time spent out of the office is backed by substantial returns. Recognizing this, we have veered from the regular conference style and have made it all about engaging and facilitating business.
03. Are there any events such as awards or networking sessions at this year’s edition? In order to encourage maximum mileage amongst our clients and international solution providers, IDE will be facilitating site visits to iconic development projects in Qatar.
Image © IDE
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 53
SHOWTIME
EXPO Calendar Woodworking 2013
Asturforesta 2013
Modern Furniture Fair 2013
4th - 6th June Kazanskaya Yarmarka Exhibition Center Kazan, Russia
20th - 22nd June Tineo Asturias, Spain
www.asturforesta.com/en
13th - 21st July Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC) Bangkok, Thailand
Furnitech 2013
Furnitex 2013
20th - 23rd June Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC) - Hall 106 Bangkok,Thailand
18th - 21st July Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center Melbourne, Australia
Wood2Build 5th - 7th June Namur Expo Center Namur, Belgium
www.wood2build.com Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition 5th - 7th June Georgia World Congress Center - Building A Atlanta, USA
http://sfpaexpo.com Elmia Wood 5th - 8th June Bratteborgs Gรฅrdr forest Jรถnkรถping, Sweden
www.furnitechwoodtech.com FITECMA 2013 2nd - 6th July Costa Salguero Center Buenos Aires, Argentina
http://feria.fitecma.com.ar/index.php/en Expo AMPIMM 2013
www.elmia.se/en
3rd - 5th July Centro Banamex Exhibition Center Mexico City, Mexico
China Furniture & Woodworks 2013
South Downs Wood Fair
6th - 9th June Dalian Star-Sea Convention & Exhibition Center Dalian, China
www.sinoexhibition.com/furniture/index_e.asp Timber 2013 7th - 8th June The Pennsylvania State University Rock Springs, United States
http://patimbershow.cas.psu.edu Sarawak Grand Timber Expo & Conference 2013 7th - 10th June Borneo Convention Center Kuching (BCCK) Sarawak, Malaysia
http://sgtec2013.com/ Zellcheming Expo 12th - 14th June Rhein-Main-Halls Wiesbaden, Germany
http://zellcheming-expo.de/en/home The Week of Furniture Salon in Almaty 12th - 15th June Atakent Exhibition Center Almaty, Kazakhstan
www.atakentexpo.kz Iraq Furn Expo 2013 12th - 15th June Erbil International Fair Ground Erbil, Iraq
www.iraqfurnexpo.com/2013 Libya International Furniture 2013 17th - 20th June Tripoli International Fairground Tripoli, Libya
54 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013
http://www.expoampimm.com/front_content.php 13th - 14th July Queen Elizabeth Country Park Hampshire, United Kingdom
http://www.woodlandcrafts.co.uk/south_downs_ wood_fair.html
www.furnitex.com.au AWFS Woodworking Fair 24th - 27th July Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, USA
http://awfsfair.org Timber & Working With Wood Show (Sydney) 26th - 28th July Sydney Olympic Park Sydney, Australia
www.iexh.com.au/index.php/exhibitions/timberworking-with-wood/sydney.html ABIMAD 2013 30th July - 2nd August Centro de Exposicoes Imigrantes Sao Paulo, Brazil
http://www.abimad.com.br/portal/Default.aspx
June 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 55
56 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2013