www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
Issue 17 | December 2014
American white oak welcomes travelers at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Azerbaijan Value of GCC construction projects expected to be completed in 2014 to top USD 72 billion Would you live in a wooden high-rise? ‘Glass River’ tables by Greg Klassen FLEGT pays democratic dividends 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 BDecember I L I T2014 Y | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | T E C H N O L O G Y1
Middle East design. American hardwood. Emaar Corporate Offices wins CID award for 'Outstanding Use of American Hardwood in the Middle East' Designed by: dwp Species: American white oak Location: Downtown Dubai
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www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
Image © dwp
Image © dwp
Image © dwp
Architects and designers all over the Middle East have embraced American hardwoods for the range of colours, grains and textures they offer, as well as for their consistency in grade, quality and supply and their sustainable credentials.
fli
Image © dwp
For more information visit www.americanhardwood.org Follow us on Image © dwp
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
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www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
FROM THE EDITOR
Cover Photo: Fort McMurray International Airport Image © Ema Peters
Editor’s comment Outlining his vision for the potential of timber in buildings, Andrew Lawrence, Arup’s Timber Specialist, makes a case for timber as being ideally suited to modern prefabricated construction. He believes that we are at the start of a revolution where we will soon see timber become a standard construction material alongside steel and concrete. He signs off his article for the magazine by
ISSUE 17 | DECEMBER 2014
stating that wood really does have the potential to create buildings, which are beautiful, sustainable
Timber Design & Technology Magazine
technologies in this issue help to further illustrate his point and we couldn’t agree more.
Director Andy MacGregor publisher@citrusmediagroup.net +971 55 849 1574
we are committed to elevating the profile of timber across the GCC’s burgeoning building and
Marketing Director Eric Hammond marketing@citrusmediagroup.net +971 4 455 8400
and cost competitive at the same time. A quick glance at the different timber projects and emerging As the only magazine dedicated to the timber and woodworking industry in the Middle East, construction sector. Given that the total value of construction projects due to be completed in 2014 in the GCC is expected to top USD 72 billion, it is imperative that we highlight the potential of timber. The Ventures Middle East report, featured in this issue, points to an increase in construction activity, which has increased opportunities for the interiors and fit outs markets with investment estimated to reach USD 7.84 billion by end of this year. This issue also features the UK’s largest timber building, the William Perkin High School in
International Sales Director James Hamilton james@timberdesignandtechnology.com
Greenford, West London, which officially opened in April this year. Designed by Feilden Clegg
Editor Tony Smith editor@timberdesignandtechnology.com
design shifted to a timber superstructure due to the distinct advantages timber offers in both cost
International Correspondent Eamonn Ennis eamonn@timberdesignandtechnology.com +91 98676 54952
sequestration is included.
International Representatives Rabia Alga AntExpo Org. | Turkey +90 216 541 0390 rabia@antexpo.net
Klassen’s tables showcase the gorgeous details within the wood; we see knots, swirling grains, and
Elias Aggelopoulos Med Expo | Greece +30 210 2931011 info@epipleon.gr Timber Design & Technology is published 6 times a year
Bradley, the final result is a showcase for timber engineering due to its sheer size, exposed timber structure and bold architecture. While originally planned as a concrete frame building, the school’s and time. Further, the choice of CLT and glulam rather than concrete has resulted in fewer, and likely less disruptive, material deliveries, and saved approximately 4,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions if timber Working with timber often means celebrating the variation and character of this natural material. We take a look at Greg Klassen’s ‘River Collection’, a series of intricately designed and handcrafted tables that feature embedded, blueish-green glass ‘rivers’ running throughout each piece. Each of other imperfections that make his work truly one-of-a-kind. More importantly, he uses trees that were sustainably harvested from the banks of the Noonsack river, so with every new table he builds, discarded trees have a new life through functional art. This issue is not only the final edition for 2014 but also a celebration of our third year of operations. Looking ahead, we plan to launch an improved version of our website by the end of this year. As always, I would like to encourage you to log on to the website www.timberdesignandtechnology.com - for the latest updates and please get in touch if you have any suggestions for subjects we should consider covering. In closing, I would like to thank our advertisers, our partners and our readers as we look to 2015 and the realization of our expansion plans for the magazine.
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 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 © 2014 Citrus Media Group and may not be reproduced in any form without prior consent. Letters and readers’ contributions may be edited at our discretion.
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
CONTENTS 16 SUSTAINABILITY
William Perkin High School building champions the affordability, durability and the aesthetic qualities of timber
The UK’s largest timber building officially opened in April this year
20 MARKET REPORT Value of GCC construction projects expected to be completed in 2014 to top USD 72 billion
P12 P16
Saudi Arabia and the UAE continued to command the largest market shares in terms of projects due for completion
24 ANALYSIS FLEGT pays democratic dividends
Timber sector stakeholders in FLEGT VPA signatory countries are appealing to the European trade to keep faith with the initiative
30 DESIGN & DÉCOR American white oak welcomes travelers at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Azerbaijan
P30
The landmark terminal features interior architecture and experiential design by the globally acclaimed Autoban studio
36 DESIGN & DÉCOR Cross laminated timber innovation at new Fort McMurray International Airport
Use of CLT enabled the team to increase construction time, and reduce the carbon footprint and cost of construction
40 COMMENT Would you live in a wooden high-rise?
Andrew Lawrence, Arup’s Timber Specialist, discusses his vision for the potential of timber in buildings
44 TECHNOLOGY Urban Timber: From seed to city
P40
PLUS p8 Latest News
Four winning projects proposed by emerging architects feature innovative structural uses of timber
48 WOOD WORKS ‘Glass River’ tables by Greg Klassen
p50 Showtime December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
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NEWS
Sustainable Accoya® home receives Platinum LEED certification
Image © Accsys Technologies
One of the USA’s most sustainable family homes, constructed
synonymous with high quality performance, the new LEED
with the extensive use of Accoya wood manufactured by Accsys
accreditation system presents a rounded approach to materials and
Technologies, has been awarded platinum level LEED certification -
products, enabling project teams to make better informed decisions
the highest recognition available from the US Green Building Council.
that will have greater overall benefit for their projects and our
The 4,211 sq. ft. custom built single family residence in California’s
environment.”
desirable Newport Beach has become a benchmark in Energy and
Jeff Jeannette of Jeannette Architects, Long Beach CA, said: “We
Environmental Design for Homes and will serve as an educational
recommend and specify Accoya wood materials for all exterior wood
tool for the local and international community to showcase
applications for its aesthetic, durable and sustainable attributes.
stewardship of the environment. Accoya was used for the fascia of
We’ve had great success on several custom homes we’ve designed.
the house, as well as for additional features including the balcony
On the Newport Green Home, we were asked to design a low
railing, rain screen siding, garage doors, jamb, decorative beams and
maintenance home but wanted to include wood on the exterior.
potting bench.
As the home is very close to the ocean, the use of Accoya for the
Bryan Crennell, Sales and Marketing Director, Accsys Technologies
rain screen, fascia and other locations was a perfect fit. We also
said: “Accoya has made a real contribution to the platinum LEED
integrated it into some interior decorative applications for continuity
certification of this project, and it’s great to see the house reach
in materials. I’m very pleased with the performance of Accoya and
the highest mark of recognition. With sustainable design becoming
will continue to use it for our building projects.”
New Zealand now the world’s largest supplier of softwood New Zealand has become the world’s largest exporter of softwood
the record high timber harvest levels in New Zealand. In 2013,
global trade, according to estimates by WRI. Russia and the U.S.
shipments to China accounted for 72 percent of the total export
ranked second and third as global log suppliers, each shipping about
volume, followed by South Korea, India and Japan. The magnitude of
15 percent of the softwood logs traded in the world last year.
the log export volume cannot be underscored enough. In the fourth
Not only has the volume of logs exported from New Zealand
quarter of 2013, as much as 57 percent of the timber harvest in
increased dramatically the past five years, with almost a doubling
New Zealand was exported in log form. Such a high share of exports
of exports to over 16 million m3, but the value of the logs has gone
of unprocessed wood is unmatched in the rest of the world.
up even faster. The average value of exported logs reached a new
While timberland owners have mightily benefited from the
record high in March this year, which was double the value just four
strong log export market, domestic sawmills have not seen the
years ago, as reported in the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ).
same surge in export volumes. In 2008, the total value of exported
Despite the dramatic increase in sawlogs leaving the country and
8
China is, of course, the reason for the surge in log exports and
logs, with shipments in 2013 accounting for over 20 percent of
lumber equaled that of exported logs at approximately USD 500
the closures of a number of manufacturing facilities in New Zealand,
million. Since that time, the export value for lumber has gone up a
domestic log consumption has not changed much the past ten years.
respectable 30 percent. However, this pales in comparison with the
In 2013, the forest industry consumed just slightly less logs than the
value of logs that have gone up fourfold to reach close to USD 2
ten-year annual average consumption.
billion in 2013.
www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
NEWS
Next edition of Dubai WoodShow poised to be the biggest to date Dubai WoodShow (DWS), the region’s premier timber trade fair, has
edition will be the ‘try before you buy’ concept which will transform
grown in stature to become the biggest wood and woodworking
the exhibition floor into practical workshops. We are creating a
machinery trade show in the Middle East. The next edition, which
perfect environment for enabling fruitful interaction between sellers
will be held from April 14 - 16, 2015, is expected to host 250
and buyers.”
exhibitors from 45 countries. DWS will occupy an area of 13,428
A number of top woodworking machinery manufacturers,
sqm and offer the latest timber products and tools and a chance to
toolmakers, timber providers and traders will hold skill-building
learn from leading international experts and woodworking industrial
sessions, allowing visitors to view the production process first
specialists.
hand, with live demonstrations of machinery in operation. Further,
Josine Heijmans, Exhibition Director of the Dubai WoodShow said:
exhibitors of all skill levels will showcase wood carving, turning,
“DWS has become a major platform for the regional and international
scroll work, fine woodworking, gourd art and pyrography at the
wood and woodworking industries. An interesting aspect of the next
three-day show.
Södra pools resources in sawn timber and interior wood
Image © Södra
Södra is pooling its sawn and planed timber resources with interior
competitiveness,” commented Lars Idermark, CEO of Södra. “The move
wood by merging the Södra Timber and Södra Interiör business
is in line with our efforts to improve our internal efficiency, which is
areas. The merger will strengthen Södra’s market presence and
something we are working with on all fronts.”
yield synergies in administration, technology, logistics and sales.
Håkan Svensson, currently President of Södra Timber, has been
In addition, the move will strengthen Södra forest owners’ range
appointed President of the merged business area. Håkan Svensson
of sawn timber and interior wood, and therefore the profitability
has worked in the Södra Group since 2005 and has served as
of forest estates. The merger is a natural step in the Södra’s Group
President of Södra Interiör and Södra Skog. Södra Timber produces
strategy aimed at becoming a more cohesive and profitable Group.
sawn timber and reported revenue in 2013 of approximately SEK 3.3
“By merging Timber and Interior, we are taking a structural
billion. Södra Interiör produces planed and turned timber products for
approach to sawn and planed timber as well as interior wood. We
interior use, such as moldings, paneling, flooring, poles, glued-joints
are strengthening our market presence and industrial structures,
and other interior fittings in wood and reported revenue in 2013 of
enabling us to realize synergies throughout the supply chain, from
approximately SEK 1.2 billion. The new business area, which will be
raw material to customer. By doing this, we will be able to provide
called Södra Wood, will have a combined revenue of approximately
an enhanced offering to our customers, thereby boosting their
SEK 5.5 billion and about 1,500 employees.
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
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NEWS
Exhibition highlights the story of Finnish wood architecture The Museum of Finnish Architecture opened a new exhibition, ‘Annual Rings 1994-2014. A New Generation of Finnish
modern and impressive use of wood in architecture. “Even though we’re in a museum, the exhibition looks not only
Architecture’, which tells the story of Finnish wood architecture
at the past, but also to the future. When you get all twenty years
over the past two decades. The focus is on current trends, with the
into perspective, you can see where wood architecture in Finland
selected projects showcasing the myriad opportunities offered by
is heading,” said Juulia Kauste, Director of the Finnish Architecture
wood. The exhibition will run until January 25, 2015 at the Museum
Museum. “The exhibition is worth a visit, as you can experience
of Finnish Architecture in Helsinki and is supported by Metsä
the entire spectrum of wood construction in one go. It really is
Wood with additional support from Lakea Oy, Puuinfo, and Suomen
everything.”
Tuulileijona Oy. The exhibition is inspired by the 20th anniversary of both Aalto
The miniatures are displayed on Metsä Wood plywood and Kerto sheets. Over the years, the actual construction of seven of
University’s Wood Program and Wood Award. Another landmark
these buildings has also employed products from Metsä Wood. The
in Finnish wood architecture also occurred twenty years ago with
majority of the miniatures have been made by students studying in
the construction of Lusto, the Finnish Forest Museum. Although
Aalto University’s Wood Program. Each course designs and builds a
wood architecture became commonplace after notable projects in
project every year. All previous winners of the Wood Award are also
the 1920s and 1930s such as the Antwerp World Fair building, the
represented in the exhibition, as they too tell us something of the
construction of Lusto in 1994 marked a definitive step towards
trends in wood architecture and construction over the years.
Exports of U.S. hardwood lumber and veneer to the MENA region reach USD 78.8 million in the first three quarters of 2014 Total exports of U.S. hardwood lumber to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached a value of USD 56.3 million and a volume of 71,761 cubic meters during the first three quarters of 2014, according to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry. The statistics, which have been compiled from the latest data released from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), reveal an increase in value of 19.5 percent over the January to September period of 2013 and an increase in volume of 6.4 percent. In addition, direct exports of U.S. hardwood veneers to the MENA reached a total value of USD 22.5 million during the January to September period of this year, rising by 20 percent from the same period in 2013. According to the data released, the most significant increases in shipments of U.S. hardwood lumber were seen in Qatar (up by 81 percent to 2,900 cubic meters), Lebanon (up by 41 percent to 3,858 cubic meters), the United Arab Emirates (up by 26 percent to 9,820 cubic meters) and Jordan (up by 20 percent to 4,784 cubic meters). At the same time, a marginal downturn in shipments was seen to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Morocco. The UAE was the number one destination for U.S. hardwood lumber during this period and was followed by Pakistan (9,769 cubic meters), Turkey (8,858 Image © AHEC
cubic meters) and Egypt (8,614 cubic meters). In addition, exports of American hardwood logs to the MENA region during the first three quarters of this year reached a volume of 28,232 cubic meters. In U.S. hardwood veneers, the main destination in the MENA region
lumber shipped to the MENA region during the January to September period of this year was accounted for by red oak (23,356 cubic
during the nine-month period was Egypt, which took USD 8.75 million
meters). However, this share of the total is much less than it has been
worth, marking a rise of 23 percent from the same period in 2013.
in previous years and this is because higher volumes of ash, white
Turkey was the second most important destination, taking direct
oak, walnut and tulipwood are being shipped to the region today in
shipments worth USD 7 million during the period. It should be noted,
response to global trends. Increased exports of white oak (11,422
however, that the United States is an exporter of hardwood logs and,
cubic meters), walnut (4,370 cubic meters) and hard maple (5,149 cubic
therefore, American hardwood veneers are also produced in and
meters) to the region demonstrate a consistent demand for American
exported from Europe, the Far East and the Middle East itself, so the
hardwoods across a variety of species. The volume of ash exported
actual market for these products is far greater than is reflected in the
to the region reached 14,360 cubic meters, with around 50 percent
USDA export statistics. This is especially true in Turkey, which boasts
of the total being shipped to Pakistan and about 40 percent of the
more than twenty veneer slicing units.
remainder (3,008 cubic meters) being shipped to Turkey, mainly for the
In terms of species, 32 percent of the volume of U.S. hardwood
10 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
production of thermally-modified decking and cladding.
NEWS
WOODBOX reveals the potential for forward-thinking timber architecture in Europe initiated by proHolz Austria and conceived to span several years, will have its first stops in Bratislava, Ljubljana and Milan. The concept behind the international road show was to position wood as a building material in a setting where timber construction will play a major role in the future. Technological advancements in the past several years now allow for totally new ways of building using wood, making this sustainable material predestined for ambitious building projects in urban areas. Growing cities create a huge demand for intelligent ways to use densely occupied space, for energy-efficient renovation and the creation of smart living spaces. At the same time, the increasingly urgent questions associated with protecting against climate change demand environmentally conscious building practices. Wood offers perfect solutions that are still not widely known and which have not yet found the ideal conditions for their application. Using about 50 completed architectural projects, WOODBOX demonstrates how building with wood can tackle completely new dimensions from long-span structures to high-rises, how innovative ways of building with wood can be applied to the expansion of existing structures, the compact building of housing and renovations and finally, the significant role wood can play in public building projects, including everything from schools to care homes. The majority of the model projects originate in the German-speaking Image © proHolz
countries; many of them are from Austria, which sees itself as a pioneer in building with wood.
WOODBOX, a compact and mobile exhibition element planted directly
Drawing from Austrian know-how as well as specific experiences
in city centers, has revealed the potential for forward-thinking timber
in Germany and Switzerland, the road show WOOD. BUILDING THE
architecture in Europe. It acted as a hub during WOODDAYS, which
FUTURE will contribute to the expansion of and networking between
are dedicated to exploring the possibilities offered by wood as a
timber construction projects throughout Europe. proHolz Austria
building material in urban settings through dialogue, lectures and
initiated and continues to lead the project along with a host of
demonstrations of best practices. The road show helped position
international partners including the European Organization of the
wood as a major topic for growing, green cities of tomorrow. The tour,
Sawmill Industry (EOS) and the European Panel Federation (EPF).
MTC mission clinches close to RM 6 million in Middle East orders The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) secured about RM 6 million
Malaysian timber products to emerging markets, particularly Middle
worth of export orders following a marketing mission to Qatar, Oman
East countries, showed positive growth as mega projects in these
and Kuwait to boost timber exports to the dynamic Middle East
countries favour Malaysian timber products, namely sawn timber,
and North African (MENA) market. The 12 Malaysian participating
MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and wooden furniture,” said Dr. Ng.
companies promoted their products through business networking
“Tropical hardwood timbers such as Meranti are also among the top
sessions with key timber buyers, importers and distributors and
choices for home owners in the Middle East who expect high quality
explored joint-venture opportunities to cater to the growth and
and well-finished hardwoods for doors, door frames, flooring, decking
consumption trends of the 3 countries, which have led to a massive
as well as trimmings and decorative features. With our capabilities
upsurge in construction activity and demand for quality hardwood
and vast resources, we are well positioned to cater to the growing
products. The mission also helped strengthen trade ties and widen
demand for timber products in the region,” said Dr. Ng.
existing trade networks in the region for the industry. MTC’s Director for Trade Promotion and Development, Dr. Eric Ng
Products of focus during the marketing mission were sawntimber, mouldings, panel products (e.g., Medium Density Fibreboard
led the delegation of Malaysian timber companies which consisted of
(MDF) and High Density Fibreboard (HDF) laminated flooring) and
Bestwin Resources, Bortim Export, Eco Lumber, E.P.W., Supreme Fame,
laminated timber such as scantlings and glulam (glued laminated
Welley Timber Industries, Robina Flooring, Segamat Panel Boards, SNL
timber). The Malaysian companies also participated in a seminar on
Woods, Top Forest Wood and two Bumiputra companies - MyGlam
Malaysian Timber as well as business-to-business (B2B) meetings
and Zahan Resources. According to Dr. Ng, the marketing mission was
in Qatar, Oman and Kuwait to promote their products and network
successful and served to highlight positive demand for Malaysian
with potential buyers from a total of 55 local companies in these
timber products and build strong bilateral trade relations with key
3 countries. Apart from this, participants also visited 12 local
market leaders in the Middle East.
companies in Doha, Muscat and Kuwait City to gain insights into the
“The Middle East has become an increasingly important trading partner for the Malaysian timber sector. Last year, exports of
various types of timber and wood products that are currently in demand in the market.
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 11
NEWS
North America’s tallest all-wood modern building opened
Image © MGA
Standing 30 meters high, North America’s tallest all-wood modern
BC’s new master’s programs in wood engineering. The upper three
building recently opened its doors in Prince George, B.C. Designed
floors provide future commercial space.
by Michael Green Architecture, the USD 25 million Wood Innovation
“Wood generally has been a part of construction but not the
and Design Center (WIDC) was built to LEED Gold status and is an
entire construction,” said Chad Kaldal, Project Manager with PCL
example of what can be accomplished with all-wood construction,
Constructors Westcoast. “Every time you do something for the first
while showcasing B.C.’s expertise and efforts. Incorporating unique
time, there are a lot of unknowns but the important lessons learned
structural systems that use a wide variety of wood and locally
from this building will help improve wood construction going
manufactured engineered wood products, the project is part of a
forward so we can expand the use of it and catch up to places like
growing movement to build higher, and more often, with wood. The
Europe.”
idea has caught on in Europe and Australia. Now it’s Canada’s turn with B.C. leading the way. “The Wood Innovation and Design Centre will provide a legacy
More than 1,700 cubic meters of wood was used for the primary structure, exterior cladding and interior finishes. The building relies almost exclusively on engineered wood components including
for our province. Built with B.C. wood, the WIDC features provincial
glulam columns and beams; cross-laminated timber (CLT) for the
expertise in wood innovation and design. It incorporates wood,
floor assemblies and core vertical panels; and laminated veneer
value-added wood products and other features manufactured and
lumber (LVL) for highly visible areas such as the feature stairs and
engineered by B.C. companies,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs,
canopy. With its distinctive features and advanced building systems,
Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labor. “This
the center aims to be a model for future projects (potentially taller
building will be a new prototype to show the world the value of
structures) and highlights the region’s expertise in designing and
building with wood products, showing that tall wood buildings are
constructing innovative wood buildings.
cost effective, efficient and attractive.” Designed by Michael Green Architecture, the 50,000 square foot
“The WIDC project is a global milestone for mass timber construction. The B.C. government has demonstrated exceptional
landmark facility features an all-wood structure. The only concrete
leadership in the advancement of ideas that will reshape our
is in the raft slab foundation and a small concrete topping at the
cities with healthier, more energy-efficient and more climate-
penthouse level for the mechanical equipment. Located at the corner
sensitive building solutions,” says architect Michael Green, who
of 5th Avenue and George Street, the building program includes a
was determined to build the first tall wood building in B.C. “As
demonstration space on the main level with classrooms, a 75-seat
an architect, it’s our duty to be looking at solving big problems,”
lecture theater and research facilities for the University of Northern
added Green.
12 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 13
Farlin group of companies are vertically integrated with an established presence worldwide in timber logs, sawn timber, plywood, panel products and coal for energy sectors.
14 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
T: +971 4 8809889 F: +971 4 8809779
www.farlindubai.com info@farlindubai.com December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 15
SUSTAINABILITY
Image Š Kier
16 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
SUSTAINABILITY
William Perkin High School building champions the affordability, durability and the aesthetic qualities of timber T
he UK’s largest timber building
for the buildings frame, panels and
looking onto a large library and a
- the William Perkin High
connection details. Designed by
central performance studio and is
School in Greenford, West
Feilden Clegg Bradley, the final result
clad in brick with some feature steel
London - officially opened in April
is a showcase for timber engineering
cladding. Overall, the construction
this year. The GBP 20 million four-
due to its sheer size, exposed timber
of this school building champions all
storey complex is built from 3,800m3
structure and bold architecture. Using
the attributes of timber, including its
of cross laminated timber (CLT) and
a combination of CLT and glulam
affordability, its durability and the
includes a 750-seat performance
timber to form the structure and
material’s aesthetic qualities.
auditorium, sports hall and central
architectural features, the building
atrium running the full height of
also incorporates hidden steel
concrete frame structure; however,
the building. The building was
elements where required to achieve
CLT offered a number of programme
designed by architectural practice
the structural requirements.
benefits, such as the ability to
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the
The school, which specializes in
Originally, the design had a
commence fit-out on lower floors
main contractor on the project was
science and languages for 1,200
whilst the upper floor CLT frame was
Kier Construction, and the CLT was
pupils aged 11-18 years, is a single
still being erected. In addition, CLT
supplied by KLH UK Ltd.
structure comprising a four-storey
frame erection is less susceptible
teaching block, sports hall, atrium
to winter weather working, which
design and consulting company,
and two-storey building. The key
proved fruitful during the snowstorms
were invited by Kier to draw on
aim was to provide an open and airy
of spring 2013, where CLT erection
their decade of experience in CLT
space. The main four-storey triangular
continued throughout the snow and
to produce the structural design
building is skirted by balconies
more traditional in-situ frame sites
Ramboll, a leading engineering,
While originally planned as a concrete frame building, the school’s design shifted to a timber superstructure due to the distinct advantages timber offers in both cost and time Image © Kier
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 17
SUSTAINABILITY
the design, which enables each of the classroom configurations to be reorganized. Solid timber load bearing walls are located where removal is least likely; however, the timber enables the formation of further openings to these walls if required. The school is the latest in a number of challenging, high-speed school projects Kier Construction has undertaken using CLT. The project stands as a showcase for cross laminated timber, not only because it is the largest CLT building project so far in the UK, but also because, despite the perils of hundreds of teenagers charging about the building, the majority of the interior timber panels will be in view. According to Joe Murphy, Senior Site Manager, Keir, despite the inevitability of knocks and damage, CLT’s advantages were clear. Whereas concrete has to be protected in certain locations, CLT can be sanded and recoated. Kier is also confident that impact damage can be repaired and routed for sockets or additions. “Keir has built several academies in CLT. There are the build advantages and there is the ethos in public buildings of sustainability and carbon Image © Kier
footprint. There is also how they (the academy) want the building to
would have struggled with the low temperatures. A closer look at the building reveals that the above ground floors are made from 230mm-thick CLT and span 7.5m with a 2.5m cantilevering walkway. The CLT wall panels range from 95 - 208mm in thickness, decreasing to
The project has proved, despite the building’s massive size, that a fast sustainable programme is genuinely achievable with timber
95mm at the top floor as a means of saving both cost and weight. In
weather or temperature, and with
addition, balustrades are 60mm thick.
a much smaller and less intrusive
The building is founded on piles and
delivery schedule than concrete.
reinforced concrete ground beams,
Internally the timber also forms a key
with precast concrete panel floors at
design feature for the school - with
ground level. Even more impressive
both the sports hall and the buildings
is the fact that the building was
sunlit central atrium showcasing this
assembled in just 19 weeks.
bright, natural material.”
Gavin White, Associate Structural
Large areas of the timber structure
Engineer at Ramboll UK, commented:
are exposed as architectural features,
“While originally planned as a
the most striking of which include the
concrete frame building, the
main atrium space where the timber
school’s design shifted to a timber
walls, a floating feature staircase
superstructure due to the distinct
and roof-lights are visible. The level
advantages timber offers in both
of exposed timber required careful
cost and time. Even with snow on
consideration of the details. Ramboll
the ground and delivery restrictions
worked closely with the design team
from the surrounding residential area,
in fine-tuning the timber details to
the majority of the CLT structure was
ensure the highest level of finish
assembled in only 19 weeks. This
was achieved. Future flexibility and
is because CLT can be put up in any
adaptability were also integral to
18 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
feel,” said Murphy. “A lot of the CLT is exposed in the main areas. Because of acoustics and issues such as fire ratings, the general teaching areas are plasterboard. But the public areas are exposed timber - it gives warmth. The sports hall walls will be exposed and there will be decorative timber in the
SUSTAINABILITY
Image © Kier
staircases.” The CLT panels were cut and
Design. “We’ve done contracts where the panels have been left exposed and
of movement. The choice of CLT and glulam
processed at KLH’s plant in Austria
it’s worked well. It is sprayed on site
rather than concrete has resulted
and delivered direct to the site.
with a protection that gives a slightly
in fewer, and likely less disruptive,
The school was located adjacent to
white-ish tint, but the grain can still
material deliveries, and saved
a residential area, with a nearby
be seen clearly.”
approximately 4,400 tonnes of CO2
primary school, restricted parking
The building footprint, which sits
emissions if timber sequestration is
and bus routes, so the number and
adjacent to the A40, is carefully
included. The project also made use
schedule of deliveries of CLT and
positioned and orientated to minimize
of building information modeling,
glulam were considered fewer and
impact from solar gains, acoustics
which highlighted a number of issues
less intrusive than concrete. The
and air quality. Communal areas, such
that would have not been obvious
project required 3,800m3 of panels
as the hall, sports hall and dining
otherwise, and definitely helped
- more than 1,700 tonnes - covering
areas, are located to the south side.
with on-site co-ordination of the
combined floor and wall areas of
Classrooms are to the north and form
scheme. According to White, early
22,500m2. KLH also supplied glulam,
a triangular space with large, central,
contractor design involvement and
including 11 large beams for the
north facing roof lights above the
detailed fabrication modeling by
sports hall. The panels were supplied
atrium spaces. The elevations are
the subcontractor was integral to
in three-, five- and seven-layered
a simple brick-clad, with punched
fast tracking the design, which was
panels, with non-visible and living
windows to the teaching spaces. The
essential to fit with the school’s new
space quality finishes.
south facade contains vertical ‘metal
term. All in all, the project has proved,
strips’ within the cladding to provide
despite the building’s massive size,
and an attractive and smooth finish,”
articulation and features slightly
that a fast sustainable programme is
said Kay Hartmann, KLH UK’s Head of
rotated brick to emphasize the sense
genuinely achievable with timber.
“The visible layer has fewer knots
PROJECT DETAILS Client William Perkin High School Completion 2014 Value GBP 20 million Architects Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios Main Contractor Kier Construction Structural engineers Ramboll CLT Supplier KLH UK Ltd Image © Kier
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 19
MARKET REPORT
Value of GCC construction projects expected to be completed in 2014 to top USD 72 billion Saudi Arabia and the UAE continued to command the largest market shares in terms of projects due for completion
20 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
MARKET REPORT
T
he total value of construction projects expected to be completed in 2014 in the GCC
is expected to top USD 72 billion, underscoring the rebound of the industry, according to a new study by Ventures Middle East. The report ‘GCC Building Construction and Interiors Overview’ focuses on the GCC Interiors industry, specifically on the developments in the commercial real estate, hospitality, residential, retail, medical and educational sectors of the building construction industry. Building projects worth over USD 74.1 billion were awarded to contractors in 2013 across all the building sectors including residential, commercial and hospitality. As governments finalized their plans in 2014 in the run up to major events such as the World Cup 2022 and World Expo 2020 for Qatar and the UAE, and tourism focus and revival for Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman picking up pace, building construction contractor awards are expected to grow significantly to reach over USD 88.9 billion for 2014. According to the report, the residential and commercial sectors, respectively accounting for USD 30 billion and USD 11.8 billion worth of construction projects expected to be completed by 2014, remain the sectors that attract the
Building projects worth over USD 74.1 billion were awarded to contractors in 2013 across all the building sectors including residential, commercial and hospitality
and hospitality sectors recorded an increase of 30 percent in 2014 compared to 2013 whilst projects in the medical sector also recorded an increase in terms of investment. A closer look at the numbers reveals that as of October 1, 2014, building projects worth over USD 66.89 billion were completed in 2014 across segments of the building sector including residential, commercial,
most investment. Investment in
hospitality, retail sectors, medical,
construction projects in educational
educational segments and mixed use projects. This figure is likely to reach USD 72.02 billion by the end of year, reflecting a healthy growth of 7.7 percent year on year, with a number of projects nearing completion across countries and sectors as a steady growth that has set in since the last downturn in 2009. With the total value of projects estimated at USD 33.8 billion and USD 21.28 billion respectively, Saudi Arabia and the UAE continued to command the largest market shares in terms of projects due for completion this year followed by Qatar (USD 9.06 billion), Kuwait (USD 3.79 billion), Oman (USD 3.02 billion) and Bahrain (USD 1.05 billion). The report points out that the increase in construction activity has translated into increased opportunities for the interiors and fit outs markets with investment estimated to reach USD 7.84 billion by end of this year. The report defines the GCC interior
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 21
MARKET REPORT
contracting and fit out sector to encompass internal wood works, soft and hard furnishings, furniture, lighting, partitions, flooring, kitchen and bathroom fittings. The report goes on to state that the interior contracting and fit out sector constitutes approximately 10 to 20 percent of the average construction project value and closely mirrors the trends in the building construction market. Interior and fit out spend in the residential sector projects accounts for the largest share of 43.4 percent (USD 3.2 billion) of the overall GCC market. Saudi Arabia remains the largest market with an estimated USD 13.61 billion worth of residential units to be completed and with interior contracting and fit out accounting for approximately 11 percent of total project costs (USD 1.50 billion). The UAE with USD 1.3 billion takes the second place for interiors spend on residential projects likely to be completed in 2014 (USD 11.83 billion). Kuwait is likely to more than double its share - from USD 60 million in 2013 to USD 160m in 2014 whilst Qatar has an interior spend of USD 206 million in terms of projects completed in 2014, down from 2013. According to the report, the GCC commercial market is the second largest segment in terms of project completions after the residential sector with projects worth USD 11.7 billion likely to be completed over 2014. The commercial sector has also emerged as the segment with the largest potential for the interiors and fit out market as the expanding supply of the commercial sector in the GCC will provide opportunities to the tune of USD 1.29 billion worth of interiors development from projects likely to be completed over 2014. The tourism sector continues to be the most promising in terms of growth in the GCC countries. The region has projects in the hotel sector worth USD 4.8 billion (up 30 percent from 2013) due to be completed in 2014 with Saudi Arabia (USD 2.12 billion), the UAE (USD 1.45 billion) and Qatar (USD 740 million), sporting the largest growth in the number of hospitality projects under construction as of October 2014 (up from USD 300 million in 2013). This upturn in the GCC hospitality sector should lead to an improvement
22 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
Increase in construction activity has translated into increased opportunities for the interiors and fit outs markets
and opportunity for interiors development not only in terms of interiors and fit-out contracts on fresh projects, but also for hotel refurbishment and fit-out, as competition spurs existing hotels to invest in fresh interiors and fit out to keep up with the new hotel brands
MARKET REPORT
pouring into the market to attract visitors. The report estimates that the spend in this sector is expected to rise from USD 828 million in 2013 to USD 1.29 billion by end of 2014. Not all sectors promise new growth and development. The interior contracting and fit out developments in the retail sector is likely to record a lower spend of USD 203 million (down by 24.23 percent from 2013) due to the relatively lower number of projects completed, with the exception of Qatar, which is making up for its relatively late entry into the retail markets of the region with a larger number of retail developments slated Image Š Meydan Sobha
for completion in 2014. The interiors contracting and fitout developments in the healthcare
to show the results of the sustained
foreign investors and tourists to
sector is estimated to earn USD
government backed budgetary spend
the affluent, fast growing consumer
341 million on projects worth USD
of the past few years. As social
base of the GCC alongside spurring
4.27 billion expected to complete
infrastructure and diversification
retail and hospitality segment of the
in 2014. The UAE has taken the
remained the cornerstones of
buildings market. Even the commercial
lead in terms of healthcare projects
this growth model, the residential
segment that has over the years
likely to be completed in 2014 with
segment spurred by the large-scale
vastly remained oversupplied has
expected interiors and fit out spend
social housing programs in the
begun to witness greater absorption
approximating USD 186 million; Saudi
region, education and healthcare
rates over 2014.
Arabia, with an expected interior
development have stood to benefit
and fit out spend of USD 98 million
immensely. Physical infrastructure
have translated into a plethora of
has emerged as a closely competing
upgrades and adopting tourism as a
opportunities for the interiors and
market, followed by Qatar with USD
means to attract foreign investment
fit outs market across segments,
28 million. In addition, the interiors
has also helped many of the countries
apart from a growing market
contracting and fit out developments
adopt a sustainable platform to
for refurbishment as existing
in the educational development sector
growth.
establishments also gear up to
The aforementioned trends
The winning bids to host global
meet the increased competition by
on projects worth USD 7.35 billion
events such as the World Expo 2020
remodeling themselves. The larger
expected to complete by the end of
by Dubai and the World Cup 2022 by
markets such as Saudi Arabia, the
2014.
Qatar have provided these economies
UAE and Qatar have had to take
with a catalyst to help boost economic
proactive measures to ensure the
GCC building construction market is
revival. This has unleashed a chain of
excess activity does not result in
clearly showing a positive uptrend in
economic activities across the building
overheating or property bubbles
2014, with most segments beginning
construction industry, attracting
such as the earlier years, with strong
is estimated to earn USD 588 million
The report concludes that the
legislations in the property market and controls in supply. It has also been realized that government spend cannot sustain the current profligate pace in the future and it is imperative that private investment begins to gradually replace the current model of government spending backed growth. Despite these long term concerns, the GCC building construction and interiors market is clearly set for a sustained upward stint over the next few years with the hospitality and educational sectors being the ones to watch out for.
Image Š Meydan Sobha
* This article contains text from the Ventures Middle East Report - GCC Building Construction and Interiors Overview October 2014. December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 23
ANALYSIS
FLEGT pays democratic dividends T
imber sector stakeholders in
career and there were tears among
without further due diligence illegality
FLEGT VPA signatory countries
other delegates, who included
risk assessment under the EU Timber
are appealing to the European
representatives from a range of civil
Regulation. That’s potentially a major
trade to keep faith with the initiative
society and private sector groups
commercial and logistical attraction.
due to the democratization and
associated with the Indonesian
However, while Indonesia and
transparency it is already delivering
forestry and timber industry. What
Ghana expect to get there soon (and
in their industries. Timber sector
the event highlighted was the deep
thirteen more are engaged, some at
journalist and commentator Mike
investment that timber producer
an advanced stage), none are yet in a
Jeffree reports on the benefits the
country stakeholders have in the
position to issue FLEGT licenses.
VPA process has already delivered
FLEGT VPA process.
Signatory countries are however
in terms of increasing transparency
Of course, there’s frustration in
urging export market partners not
and stakeholder participation in the
the timber sectors of EU buyer and
to lose faith. Part of the reason the
countries’ forestry and timber sector.
supplier countries that, four years
FLEGT licensing process has taken
after the first VPA was signed, no
so long, they say, is because it’s so
room in Brussels when Indonesia
FLEGT-licensed timber has yet been
thorough. Progress has also been
signed its EU Forest Law Enforcement
delivered. That’s understandable. A
slow because VPAs are not imposed
Governance and Trade Voluntary
FLEGT license, backed by an EU and
top down. A key stipulation is that
Partnership Agreement (FLEGT
producer country developed and
they involve broad stakeholder
VPA) in autumn 2013. Forestry
approved timber legality assurance
engagement and, say the stakeholders
minister Zulkifli Hasan described
system (TLAS), will give timber and
themselves that by definition is
it as a defining moment of his
wood products access to the EU
complex and time consuming.
There was genuine emotion in the
24 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
ANALYSIS
What the event highlighted was the deep investment that timber producer country stakeholders have in the FLEGT VPA process Image © Mike Jeffree
However it is also a worthwhile part
“This level of consultation between
- ‘notably non-state actors and
of the process in its own right and
government, civil society, NGOs and
indigenous peoples’ - were to be
a prize that is already being won.
private sector, never happened in
‘regularly consulted in the design and
It has already resulted in greater
these countries before,” said Saskia
implementation of VPAs’. The latter,
transparency and accountability in
Ozinga, Campaign Coordinator at NGO
in turn, were meant to ‘strengthen
signatory countries’ timber industries,
FERN. “In fact, it hasn’t happened
(wider) participation in policy making’.
and brought a wider range of society
anywhere, including Europe.”
The experience of three countries at
into decision-making. Consequently,
To encourage as extensive multi-
VPA implementation stage shows how
said one NGO, it is something the
stakeholder engagement in FLEGT as
this flexibility has led to different
international timber trade should
possible, the EU set guidelines for it
stakeholder engagement approaches.
“publicize, nurture and cherish”.
rather than rigid rules. Stakeholders
But the common thread between
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 25
ANALYSIS
Image © Mike Jeffree
them is that their participation has
business, academics, media and
stakeholders, has been government
shaped their individual VPAs, which,
indigenous peoples representatives,
enthusiasm for their involvement,”
say stakeholders themselves, will
the VPA process has built on those
said Andy Roby, Indonesia FLEGT
ultimately reinforce the credibility
foundations, giving stakeholders
facilitator. “There’s a desire at political
of FLEGT licenses for business,
greater leverage.
level to make this inclusive, perhaps
consumers and governments.
“There’s an awareness that without
stemming from Indonesia’s wider
“And if the process has been
us, the VPA won’t happen,” said
properly consultative, they’re less
Abu Meridian, Forests Campaign
likely to be challenged by NGOs,”
Coordinator, Telapak. Subsequent to
has not been trouble-free, but
added Ozinga.
Indonesia starting VPA negotiations,
stakeholder consultation is now
he added, Telapak in 2010 became
standard for changes to its TLAS. They
largely been involved via NGOs,
the coordinator of the new nationwide
were also instrumental in adding
but they have drawn in numerous
civil society consultation body, the
annex 9 to the Agreement, stipulating
other interests. The foundations
Independent Forestry Monitoring
greater transparency and public
for stakeholder engagement were
Network (JPIK). “Telapak relays their
access to official documentation.
laid under the development of its
views to SVLK/VPA negotiations
No one pretends illegality has been
Timber Legality Verification System
and together we hold stakeholder
entirely rooted out of the Indonesian
(SVLK), which launched in 2009 and
consultation events and annual
timber sector either, but the VPA has
now forms the basis of Indonesia’s
workshops,” added Meridian.
empowered civil society to monitor
In Indonesia, civil society has
FLEGT VPA TLAS. But according to Telapak, a consortium of NGOs,
“What’s also been encouraging in Indonesia, besides the energy from
move to greater democracy.” Indonesia’s VPA experience since
the industry, and press for abuse to be tackled.
It has already resulted in greater transparency and accountability in signatory countries’ timber industries, and brought a wider range of society into decisionmaking Image © Mike Jeffree
26 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
ANALYSIS
For instance, information and lobbying from stakeholders, including Telapak, played a part in the recent prosecution of police officer Labora Sitorus for massive timber smuggling. In addition, Roby points out that civil society and small business can now influence wider forestry policy. “They secured a change in the SVLK legality definition, enabling Papua to incorporate community land rights, for example,” adds Roby. Some feel there’s scope for wider community consultation in Indonesia. But, as the Brussels signing showed, there’s evident pride in what it has been achieved so far. In fact, its VPA
Image © Mike Jeffree
is seen as a model for stakeholder engagement in other industries, from mining to oil palm production. “It’s been an arduous journey, but everyone from civil society and indigenous people, to industry and government has had their say,” said Mardi Minangsari, Forest Campaigner for the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA). “It shows it can and
What’s also been encouraging in Indonesia, besides the energy from stakeholders, has been government enthusiasm for their involvement
engagement had a difficult birth. The country was among the first to express an interest in FLEGT, opening discussions in 2006. But while it had a ready-made starting block for stakeholder participation in Forest Watch Ghana (FWG), a coalition of over 35 NGOs, initially they weren’t on the VPA steering committee.
should be done in other sectors.”
After civil society representatives
In Ghana multi-stakeholder
vigorously voiced their dissatisfaction, however, FWG was invited on board. Subsequently a VPA contact group was launched, hosted by FWG and comprising community groups, ‘traditional authorities’, such as tribal representatives, unions, media and research bodies. To develop the final VPA, a policy committee was also created, plus working groups for legality definitions and standards, verification and licensing, domestic market regulation and timber industry restructuring. “There was private sector resistance to involving civil society,” said Chris Beeko, Timber Validation Director Image © Mike Jeffree
at the Ghana Forestry Commission (GFC). “But broad acceptance of this, partly thanks to the influence of EU customers, has been a success of the VPA, as has the greater transparency it has produced.” The Ghanaian government also initiated moves to deepen engagement. According to Clare Brogan, Ghana FLEGT VPA facilitator: “They invited civil society and private sector representatives to observe negotiations with the EU. The message was ‘we want you to feel you can trust us in these talks’.” Stakeholders were also kept
Image © Mike Jeffree
informed on the development of
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 27
ANALYSIS
Ghana’s computerized TLAS Wood Tracking System, and local groups participated in field-testing. They’re also involved in reforms, which form another part of the country’ s VPA and TLAS, to combat illegality on the domestic market. The Domestic Lumber Trade Association, for
benefited from the illegal trade and
Its VPA is seen as a model for stakeholder engagement in other industries, from mining to oil palm production
saw the VPA TLAS as a threat to profits. They had to be convinced FLEGT licensing could boost business with the EU.” Liberian civil society also has outstanding issues in the forest sector, notably non-payment of forestland
instance, has recommended axing a
rent. “Local communities are owed
widely breached ban on small-scale
USD 1.4 million by government as
chainsaw milling, and controlling it with official permits instead.
their share of loggers’ land rental were already engaging in forest
tax,” said Julie Weah, FCI Director.
sector issues,” said Matthew Walley,
“But we’re now more confident of
of time taken between Ghana’s VPA
President of the National Union of
resolution thanks to the VPA, as
negotiations and implementation did
CFDCs. “So when VPA negotiations
ministers know we won’t have FLEGT
result in a temporary loss of impetus.
started in 2009, there were already
licensing until it’s paid.”
“But now FLEGT licensing is in sight,
channels for community-level
there’s renewed stakeholder energy,”
involvement.”
According to Brogan, the length
she said. “And licensing won’t be the end,”
According to Walley, FLEGT overall has reinforced Liberia’s forest laws
Liberian community groups saw
and given communities “a stronger
the VPA bringing further “checks
platform to articulate interests,
said Beeko. “As FLEGT’s benefits
and balances to forest management
participate and ultimately share
are seen, popular participation will
and the timber sector”, and quickly
forestry industry benefits”. Liberians,
increase.”
established a stakeholder steering
consequently, would like to see the
committee. They were also involved
EU and particularly the EU timber
has been different again. The basis
in talks in Brussels. The CFDCs also
trade, acknowledge advances made so
for civil society involvement in
encouraged wider involvement.
far and demonstrate commitment to
the forestry and timber sector also
“We even ran jingles about FLEGT
FLEGT long-term.
already existed, but here went deeper
in regional dialects on local radio!”
down to the grass roots. “Bodies
added Walley.
The Liberian stakeholder experience
like the Foundation for Community
“We’re now seeing often poorly educated local people sitting at the
Again some private sector elements
table discussing issues vital to their
Initiatives (FCI) and Community
did not welcome what they saw as
livelihoods with the Liberian forestry
Forestry Development Committees
civil society telling them how to run
authority and business. That never
(CFDC), a network of local groups,
their businesses. Walley adds: “Some
happened before,” concludes Walley.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Image © Mike Jeffree
Image © Mike Jeffree
28 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
Mike Jeffree graduated in history and economics from Cambridge University and holds a post-graduate diploma in journalism studies from City University in London. He has been a journalist for over 25 years, working for newspapers, magazines, broadcast and online media. He started to report on the timber and forestry industries in 1997 and was appointed editor of the world’s longest established publication in the sector, the UK’s Timber Trades Journal (TTJ) in 2001, a post he still holds today. He launched the magazine’s website - www.ttjonline.com - and its specialist construction title Timber & Sustainable Building. He is also Communications Consultant to the European Timber Trade Federation, works with the European Forest Institute and Global Timber Forum and reports on sustainable construction for the Danish digital title Dagens Byggeri. He has written for the German-based international timber title Euwid and has travelled widely in the industry, reporting on business and market developments worldwide, from the Americas to South East Asia.
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fti December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 29
DESIGN & DÉCOR
American white oak welcomes travelers at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Azerbaijan
30 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
DESIGN & DÉCOR
Image © Sergio Ghetti
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 31
DESIGN & DÉCOR
T
he new terminal at Azerbaijan’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport opened in September
of this year in the country’s capital of Baku. The landmark terminal features interior architecture and experiential design by the globally acclaimed, Istanbul-based, Autoban studio. Bearing all the hallmarks of the multidisciplinary studio’s experimental, genre-defying approach, the contemporary interiors overturn the traditional airport conventions of cavernous space and impersonal experience. Commenting on the project, Seyhan Özdemir, Co-founder of Autoban said: “Aviation has always been a field that we felt very attached to. It started with us designing the head office for Turkish Do&Co - the company that operates gourmet meals for airlines in Turkey. Then came the interiors of the Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul. That project was named among the 10 best airport lounges in the world. And now we have designed a complete airport. This is our largest commercial public project to date, and it gave us the
always going to be a human-focused
where you get the first impression
opportunity to apply our expertise in
environment, putting their needs
about its culture. Keeping this fact
hospitality on a much larger scale and
first. The client wanted a space that
in mind, the new Heydar Aliyev
to a wider audience.”
evoked a feeling of warm hospitality
International Airport terminal was
and a contemporary presentation
designed as a forward-thinking,
approached Autoban in June 2012.
of traditional design touch points
modern building that fits the new
According to Özdemir, the initial
extended to a whole airport terminal.
face of the modern city of Baku,” said
brief included all of the interior
“As a result of globalization, our
Azerbaijan Airlines initially
Özdemir. Taking inspiration from Azerbaijani
architecture of the terminal, which
traveling habits are changing rapidly
covers all sections and areas that
and airports are fast becoming
hospitality, Autoban’s Red Dot
are used by passengers. The design
destinations of their own within
award-winning design spans the
needed to reflect Azerbaijani culture,
the tourism industry. They are the
entirety of the terminal’s passenger
values, and its people, and so it was
welcoming faces of the countries,
spaces, and includes striking custommade wooden ‘cocoons’, made using American white oak veneers, that create a sense of welcome and discovery, and opportunities to either meet or retreat. This use of narrative and unconventional forms is typical of Autoban’s idiosyncratic approach. For more than a decade, the studio has developed a reputation for its imaginative, human approach to design, creating spaces that are firmly rooted in cultural, social and geographic narratives, yet offer unexpected and thought provoking experiences to their inhabitants and visitors. At Heydar Aliyev, their bespoke furnishings and lighting schemes upend airport typologies, opting for tactile natural materials such
Image © Autoban
32 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
as wood, stone and textiles, gently
DESIGN & DÉCOR
Image © Autoban
Image © Autoban
and warmly lit. The cocoons which vary in size and house an array of cafes, kiosks and other amenities - exist at the convergence of architecture and art, creating an inviting, intriguing landscape within the huge transportation hub that challenges expectations of the airport environment. Autoban have also conceived, designed and furnished four handsomely appointed ‘Salam Lounges’ exclusively for business class use, extending the best of
Image © Kerem Sanliman
their hospitality expertise to these premium passengers. Explaining the design inspiration, Sefer Çaglar, Co-founder of Autoban said: “The keyword for us was ‘warm hospitality’. To achieve this, we adopted the architectural structure of the terminal and played with microarchitecture within the cavernous space to bring it down to a more human scale, so that it felt like a cocoon. This is not an airport where the space dictates. Instead, the people are in control. Traveling has become a huge part of our lives. So as designers we believe it’s our goal to make it as enjoyable as possible for the public by changing the fundamentals of such transportation hubs.” There are a total of 16 cocoons 11 are solid in form and are clad in
Image © Kerem Sanliman
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 33
DESIGN & DÉCOR
wooden panels while 5 have open frameworks. The cocoons have a variety of uses; there are two cafes, a champagne and caviar bar, a play area for children, a spa and beauty shop, a music and bookstore, and some provide amenities such as luggage storage. Additionally, the use of the cocoons is flexible and it is expected they will change over time as the airport terminal evolves. Made using American white oak veneers, they were manufactured in Ankara under the supervision of METU engineering professors and then assembled on site. American white oak lumber and veneers were also used in the production of bespoke table and chair sets for various lounge areas in the new terminal. American white oak was specified because Autoban wanted to create a welcoming, comfortable and contemporary environment that generates a sense of belonging and
is not, and there are many other
homely feel for its users and to offer
preconceptions about airports that
a brand new passenger experience at
lead to a certain uniformity. We
an airport. According to Çaglar, the
wanted to challenge this. Why not
main idea was to break away from the
use wood at an airport? How can we
general airport typology. Initially, it
incorporate wood into our design,
was quite challenging to convince all
and break away from the typology of
of the international partners of the
conventional airports that overwhelm
project but in the end, it turned out to
passengers with their scale, standards
be the part Autoban enjoyed the most
and technology? These were the
out of the whole experience.
questions. As a result, with the aid of
Explaining the extensive use of
innovative production technologies,
wood in the airport, Çaglar said:
wood became quite a practical
“There is a common belief that it
material for the airport.” The biggest design elements are the series of custom-made wooden ‘cocoons’, which the designers view as micro-architectural elements. In terms of the quantity of American white oak veneer used in the project, 6,000 square meters and 4,000 square meters were used for the cocoon shells and spandrel beams respectively. The largest cocoon is clad with 2,050 panels in 40 different sizes. To make the cocoons, Autoban played with natural materials and worked with craftsmen, but also used CNC milling and laser-cutting. Using Rhinoceros and AutoCAD to design the cocoons and 3DS Max to place the cocoons into the overall interior design, Autoban printed a 3D model of the open-framework cocoons and MAPA built a full-size mock-up in Ankara to test their functionality. Commenting on the triangular Image © Sergio Ghetti
34 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
structure of the building, which is
DESIGN & DÉCOR
for all of the interior architecture. Working with an in-house team of 15 architects, interior designers, furniture and lighting designers as well as engineers, the entire project took the leading studio less than 2 years to complete. In the first 8 months, Autoban worked on the design, and then followed up to ensure that the completed project was true to the initial design and client brief. The main contractor for the project was MAPA Construction Company whilst the interior joinery work was done by YOPA. “We’ve been designing cafes, restaurant-bars and hotels for the last 11 years. So, the airport was like a huge playground for us to apply our imaginative, idiosyncratic, and human-centered approach in hospitality design. The response to Image © Sergio Ghetti
the new terminal has been incredibly positive and the comment we hear
also reflected in the entire interior,
again and again is that it doesn’t
Özdemir says: “Triangular geometry
feel like being in an airport, which
comes from the architecture scheme
we take as a great compliment.
and structural design of the airport
Azerbaijani people are proud of their
building, and we continued this
new airport because of the way it
throughout the interior to present
reflects what their country stands
one strong fluid design. We believe
for,” concluded Çaglar.
architecture and interior design
meters, more than six million
forms was a way of respecting the
passengers a year are expected to pass
architecture and adopting it for us.”
through the airport, enjoying Autoban’s
The terminal building’s conceptual Image © Autoban
Now spanning 65,000 square
should be coherent. Using triangular
thoughtful, highly functional and
architecture was designed by Arup,
memorable gateway to the country
whilst Autoban was responsible
and the wider Caucasus region.
PROJECT DETAILS Project Heydar Aliyev International Airport Client Azerbaijan Airlines Location Baku, Azerbaijan Main Architect Arup Interior Architect Autoban General Contractor MAPA Construction Company Interior joinery YOPA Project timespan June 2012 - September 2014 Image © Autoban
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 35
DESIGN & DÉCOR
Cross laminated timber innovation at new Fort McMurray International Airport Use of CLT enabled the team to increase construction time, and reduce the carbon footprint and cost of construction
Image Š Ema Peter
36 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
DESIGN & DÉCOR
Image © Ema Peter
T
he new Fort McMurray
resident community. They have
terminal functions: check-in, security
International Airport creates
also created the impetus for a large
screening, domestic and international
a relevant and meaningful
transient population - temporary
arrivals and departures areas, food/
portal for visitors and residents
residents drawn to resource-based
beverage and retail outlets, car rental
of the Regional Municipality of
jobs who fly back to their home
agencies and administrative offices
Wood Buffalo in Northern Alberta.
communities frequently between
for airlines and the airport authority.
The region is characterized by its
work cycles.
spectacular geography and natural
While Canada’s busiest airports
Said Steve McFarlane, Principal in Charge, omb,“The building orientation
beauty including the Boreal Forest,
have seen an average annual
was pre-determined by the
the Prairies and the Northern Lights.
passenger traffic growth rate of about
relationship to the runway; however
Its seasonal temperatures range
3 percent a year, Fort McMurray
special consideration was given to
from -400C in the winter to 300C
International Airport grew 25 percent
the deployment of the programmatic
during the summer. Designed by the
in 2012 and 2013, and continues to
elements in order to optimize the
Vancouver-based office of mcfarlane
be Canada’s fastest growing airport.
relationship to the energy of the
biggar architects + designers (omb),
This, along with more forecasted
sun. Large south facing courtyard is
the building form uses simple
growth, inspired the Fort McMurray
complimented by expansive western
means to generate an iconic and
Airport Authority (FMAA) to create
oriented glazing to passively harness
memorable presence in the landscape,
a new green-field airport, complete
the energy of the sun and reduce
exemplifying modesty and directness
with a new terminal building, aircraft
energy consumption.”
to resonate with the community it
apron, taxiways, approach road, and
serves.
parking areas.
Economically, it is host to a
According to Rob Grant, Project
“The issue of building technique is paramount in the Wood Buffalo region, as much of the skilled labor
burgeoning oil sands industry that
Architect, omb, the project responds
force is utilized by the local resource
has thrust the small community onto
to the unique challenges of this
industry. In response, the terminal
the global stage and contributed
context while seeking to define a
building is designed to maximize
to unprecedented growth, with the
dignified and meaningful place for a
the amount of off-site fabrication
population expected to double by
growing community whose identity
to the greatest degree possible. The
2030. Socially, the area’s rich history
is continually evolving. The three-
approach improves quality, minimizes
and thriving industry have fostered
storey, 15,000 square meter building
the construction duration, and
tremendous diversity within the
includes all of the typical airport
imparts a directness and honesty of
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 37
DESIGN & DÉCOR
Image © Ema Peter
expression that reverberates with the spirit of place,” added McFarlane. Fort McMurray’s remote location, its limited local labor force, and demanding seasonal constraints influenced several fundamental technical decisions early on in the design process. These factors were coupled with an overall desire to institute efficient green building measures. As such, the building was
Aesthetically, the overall goal was to create an iconic and memorable presence in the landscape and a directness and honest expression in harmony with the spirit of its locale
constructed with significant off-
pine beetle infestation. Replacing a steel or concrete structure, CLT offers a light and rigid structure with a beautiful warm interior finish, that enabled the team to increase construction time, and reduce the carbon footprint and cost of construction,” said Grant. According to McFarlane, the concept of reduction informed the building throughout the design process. Wherever possible, measures
site fabrication, durable materials
cross laminated timber (CLT) panel
were taken to reduce the extent of
and simple technologies in order to
elements in combination with glue-
materials necessary; to build with less
ensure quality and minimize both
laminated wood beams. As one of
and minimize the resources necessary
the construction schedule and future
the most exciting projects in Canada
to create a robust, durable, and
maintenance.
that presents a major innovation in
efficient building that is responsive
the use of CLT technology, YMM is
to its use and setting. In addition,
building measures, the decision was
presently the largest application of
mass timber assemblies provide both
made to incorporate two distinct
CLT in North America.
structure and finish, while imbuing
In a bid to institute efficient green
modular structural systems: mass
“The major public areas are defined
the building interior with the warm of
timber and precast hollow-core
by a mass timber structure comprised
concrete. The major public areas are
of CLT panels in combination with
defined through the generous use of
glue laminated wood beams - in this
meaningful building practices
mass timber structure comprised of
case salvaged from British Columbia’s
practically applicable to an airport
this renewable resource. The design centers on the most
typology, including the following highlights: passive solar orientation, energy optimization, super-insulated building envelope assemblies, infloor radiant heating, displacement ventilation, and sophisticated heat recovery systems. Further, low-emitting materials are used throughout to promote healthy interior environments for passengers and employees. “Our design finds inspiration in its context and sets out to evoke the special qualities of the place within all aspects of the design. Fort McMurray and the Regional Municipality of Image © Ema Peter
38 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
Wood Buffalo possess a character
DESIGN & DÉCOR
resulting from an incredibly diverse range of influences. The relationship to heavy industry creates a unique set of community characteristics unlike anywhere else in Canada. Visitors and transient workers travel from all corners of the globe, while others call the area home and have done so for generations,” said Grant. Taking their cue from the local landscape, the material expression is derived from the incumbent palette of the industrial landscape; weathering steel, bitumen colored metal cladding, and unfinished concrete. These tough materials are complimented with more sophisticated yet durable materials to further refine the interior spaces; unitized triple glazing, terrazzo flooring, acoustic wood panels, and exposed mass timber structure. “The building spatial arrangement provides an innovative alternative to typical airport planning, particularly with regard to the nature of the passenger arrivals and baggage claim areas. Arriving passengers will be greeted with generous day-lit spaces with direct physical and visual access to a landscape courtyard in lieu of the dark and compressed basement-like arrivals spaces found in many more conventional airports. Aesthetically, the overall goal was to create an iconic and memorable presence in the landscape and a directness and honest expression in harmony with the spirit Image © Ema Peter
of its locale” concludes McFarlane.
PROJECT DETAILS Name Fort McMurray International Airport Location Fort McMurray, AB, Canada Project Value USD 258 million Project Size 86,500 SF Completion October 2014 Principal in Charge Steve McFarlane Project Architect Rob Grant Services Architecture, Interior Design Image © Ema Peter
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 39
COMMENT
40 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
COMMENT
Would you live in a wooden high-rise? Andrew Lawrence, Arup’s Timber Specialist, discusses his vision for the potential of timber in buildings
Image Š Michael Charters
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 41
COMMENT
I
believe that timber is ideally suited to modern prefabricated construction and that we are
at the start of a revolution where we see timber become a standard construction material alongside steel and concrete. Until just six years ago wood was mainly limited to low-rise platform frame residential buildings, built from thin studs, joists and plywood. The real breakthrough was the invention of a new product - cross laminated timber or CLT - an incredibly clever way of making large solid wood panels from small planks of wood glued together. The project which sparked everyone’s imagination was Andrew Waugh’s nine-storey Stadthaus in London 2008, where the walls and floors are entirely built from CLT panels. These panels have about half the strength and stiffness of a precast concrete slab but only a quarter of the weight and of course they can be machined to very high tolerances. That makes them ideal for off-site fabrication and safe rapid erection. Fit out is quicker too because it’s so easy to screw into the wood. The other great advantage of CLT and also I should say solid glued laminated timber (or glulam) beams is that they have inherent fire resistance. All of the high profile fires have actually been in lightweight platform frames during construction. These light frames rely on plasterboard protection and the fires happened before the plasterboard was in place. Massive members like CLT and glulam are really hard to set alight and even then they only char slowly while the core of the wood remains cool and undamaged - because wood is such a poor conductor. That means the glulam or CLT can be left visually exposed without any protection and still retain enough strength after 60-90 minutes. This is very exciting because it means that from a fire perspective we can build up to 6-9 storeys without the need for expensive plasterboard fire protection. Of course in residential buildings you still need plasterboard for soundproofing, but in offices you can leave the wood soffits exposed, which can bring massive programme and cost savings. That’s why in London we’re now starting to see a new breed of timber office buildings such as Arup Associates Believe in
42 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
Image © Simon Kennedy
COMMENT
Better Building for Sky or Allies & Morrison’s new offices. The comparison between these two is actually really interesting. Allies & Morrison used entirely CLT panels; this is an incredibly simple way of building - the panels can just be screwed together like an Ikea shelf unit - but it does mean that the
Wood really does have the potential to create buildings, which are beautiful, sustainable and cost competitive at the same time
floor spans are limited and that there
and where the real future of wood lies. In the short-term timber is undergoing a massive period of research, but ten years from now standard ways of building in wood will have developed which are cost competitive with the traditional steel and concrete alternatives. That’s great because it means that designers will be able to meet the client’s cost and
are relatively closely spaced walls.
concrete, using each material to its
sustainability criteria at the same
Arup Associates combined CLT floor
best advantage.
time. Because of course not only is
panels with a glulam frame, which
Our Berlin office developed the
wood our only renewable building
enabled them to achieve a more
concept for the twenty-storey Life
material, it also has the lowest
flexible open plan layout and to use
Cycle Tower. The most important
embodied energy - I like to say that it
thinner cheaper CLT panels. Both are
feature is the floor slabs, which use
grows using solar power - and it even
completely viable methods.
very thin concrete slabs precast
locks away carbon dioxide for the life
onto glulam beams. The result is
of the building.
Everyone is now asking how tall we can go in wood. Michael Green for
prefabricated elements which have
example has done a lot of good work
only half the weight of solid precast
timber - a lightweight material which
to promote the idea of 20-30 storey
concrete but still sufficient mass to
lends itself to rapid prefabricated
wood buildings in North America. But
limit vibrations and to provide good
construction and which both
you have to remember that wood is
soundproofing, thermal mass and fire
looks good and is also incredibly
a relatively weak material, so at that
separation. For me the glulam beams
sustainable. We’re definitely going to
height the columns and stability walls
also help to modulate the floor soffits,
see more and more of it being used
at ground floor would be pretty big.
compared to a bare CLT soffit. An
combined with steel and concrete to
That’s why I think buildings made
eight-storey prototype has already
create better overall solutions. Wood
entirely from wood are sensibly
been built and now we’re helping to
really does have the potential to
limited to about 6-10 storeys. If you
realize a twenty-storey version.
create buildings, which are beautiful,
want to go taller you can, but it will
I think these sort of hybrid
be wood combined with steel and
structures are actually very exciting
So that’s my vision for the future of
sustainable and cost competitive at the same time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Image © Kaveh Shirdel-Arup
Image © Simon Kennedy
Andrew Lawrence is the leading Timber specialist at Arup, a member of the Timber Eurocode Committee and a judge for the UK Wood Awards. He lectures worldwide on timber in architecture, has co-authored a book for RIBA on the use of timber for structure and cladding and has appeared on Grand Designs discussing new developments in timber. He is committed to help make timber a standard construction material for larger projects alongside steel and concrete. His projects include the highly acclaimed 2005 Serpentine Pavilion, the Metz Pompidou and the Endless Stair amongst many others.
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 43
TECHNOLOGY
Urban Timber: From seed to city Four winning projects proposed by emerging architects feature innovative structural uses of timber
T
he ‘Urban Timber: From seed
innovations in engineered timber
develop and realize their installations
to city’ exhibition celebrated
available to architects and engineers,
in the gallery.
wood as a natural and
in a bid to dispel common myths
sensible building material for cities while highlighting its adaptability,
associated with building using timber. Included in the exhibition were a
While the U.S. perception of wood as an inferior building material persists, Yugon Kim, founding owner/
versatility, and extraordinary technical
number of case studies demonstrating
partner of IKD, Associate/Director
qualities. The exhibition explored how
the successful use of timber in tall
of TSKP Boston, and co-curator
the use of wood in mid-rise buildings
buildings. Also on display at BSA
of the exhibition points out: “We
can combat climate change and
Space - and the result of an open
now know that timber is a superior
highlighted its remarkable potential
competition - were four winning
structural building material that
as the need for high performance,
projects proposed by emerging
should be considered alongside steel
low environmental impact structures
architects featuring innovative
and concrete. The carbon offset and
continues to increase in our urban
structural uses of timber. The winners
sustainability benefits of wood make
cores. The exhibition also explored
collaborated with mentor architects,
it an ever-relevant and timely building
wood technology and the recent
engineers, and material suppliers to
material in our urban landscape. Urban
44 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
TECHNOLOGY
Timber: From seed to city will show
steel and concrete that we know today
engineer, and a material fabricator,
that recent developments - including
might have been very different,” adds
all with expertise in timber - who
numerous successful implementations
Emily Grandstaff-Rice, BSA President.
together worked for a year to
of timber as primary structure for the
The competition was designed to
develop their ideas and guide the
construction of midrise buildings in
give aspiring architects an opportunity
projects. The intent was that through
Europe - point to a different future for
to learn about timber through design
this experience and by gaining
wood.”
and fabrication. Curators Yugon Kim
familiarity with timber’s potential,
and Tomomi Itakura, also founding
these emerging designers would
the strength and solidity of New
owners/partners of IKD, invited
further their understanding and
England’s physical history comes from
designers to submit their ideas
appreciation for the material and go
wood, and that its future may hold a
for innovative structural uses of
on to contribute to the profession
significant second act for the largely
timber and assembled a jury that
by designing with wood. These
underrated structural material. Were
selected four to be displayed at BSA
four projects are a testament to the
it not for the Great Fire of Boston in
Space. Each team was matched with
exciting possibilities for tomorrow’s
1872, the urban landscape of glass,
three mentors - an architect, an
timber buildings.
“Urban Timber is a reminder that
Image © IKD
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 45
TECHNOLOGY
Duck-Work Designers: Sean Gaffney and Christina Nguyen Architecture Mentor: Nader Tehrani (NADAAA) Engineering Mentor: Benjamin M. Cornelius (Lera) Fabricators: CW Keller & Associates, Studio A+I and Kin & Co Material Supplier: Image © WinnieMan_QtMousie Studios
Plum Creek Duck-Work takes advantage of
wood directly into the assembly itself.
three qualities of plywood. The first
It proposes a system that is able to
is its availability in standardized
break down complex curved surfaces
dimensions that provides ease in both
into standardized, economical pieces,
workability and transport. The second
which can be easily constructed
is its resistance and allowance for
on site without the need of many
bending. The third is its composition
complicated fabrication tools.
of layers of different grades,
The resulting structure is a unique,
thicknesses, and orientations of wood,
customized, inhabitable landscape
each performing supporting roles.
built entirely from standard off-the-
Rather than relying on the standard
shelf plywood sheets. In the same
practices of steaming, laminating or
way that plywood is an assembly of
cutting wood into a desired curvature,
layers of veneer held together by glue,
Duck-Work invents a new type of
this structure is comprised of layers
wood construction method that
of plywood shaped by central tension
integrates the tool used to bend the
rods, able to support larger loads.
Image © WinnieMan_QtMousie Studios
Four Corners Designers: Yasmin Vobis, Aaron Forrest, Ultamoderne Architecture Mentor: Andrew Waugh (Waugh Thistleton Architects) Engineering Mentor: Christopher Carbone (Bensonwood) Material Supplier: Nordic Engineered Lumber Four Corners re-imagines the traditional timber-framed New England barn using cross-laminatedtimber (CLT). Mimicking the form of traditional barn gables, CLT is folded into complementary triangular shapes or ‘bents’ cut from the Image © IKD
corners of a barn-shape primitive and reassembled. Four bents are cantilevered off of a central spine
frames, roof, and cladding, Four
to create a single column assembly.
Corners is composed of a single
When multiplied to form a field
material, which acts as both the
condition, several of these column
structure and enclosure, allowing the
assemblies are attached together for
traditional barn form to be turned
stability.
inside out. For this installation, three
Unlike a traditional bent-and-gable
interlocking column assemblies come
structure, which is composed of
together to form a porous sequence of
separate elements such as structural
rooms, corridors, and courtyards.
46 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
Image © WinnieMan_QtMousie Studios
TECHNOLOGY
Coopered Column Designers: Timothy Olson Architecture Mentor: Alex Anmahian (Anmahian Winton Architects) Engineering Mentor: Matt Johnson (Simpson Gumpertz + Heger) Material Supplier: Image © IKD
Fraserwood One of the biggest challenges in tall mass-timber construction is end-toend connections between structural elements. This is because wood is strong in the direction of the grain but weak in the cross direction. In addition, the volume of wood Image © WinnieMan_QtMousie Studios
required for tall wood construction
Image © WinnieMan_QtMousie Studios
needs to be effectively distributed to connecting them circumferentially
mega-column is transformed into a
with rings of diagonally oriented
cone and cut at an oblique angle. The
these challenges by expanding the
timber screws (as in the coopers of
resulting asymmetrical cantilevered
cross section of a post in a typical
a barrel), the many pieces of wood
form uses gravity to simulate vertical
post and beam structural system
come together to form a continuous
and lateral loads that would be
and turning it into a hollow tube, or
structural tube. The structure can be
imposed in an actual building. The
‘mega-column’. By lapping timbers
assembled on-site.
form also demonstrates spatial and
resist lateral and vertical loads. The Coopered Column addresses
vertically along the face-grain and
For this installation, a cylindrical
programmatic possibilities.
M2X3 Designers: Christopher Taurasi, Lexi White and Jeffrey Lee Architecture Mentor: Alan Organschi (Gray Organschi Architects) Engineering Mentor: Ben Brungraber (Fire Tower Engineered Timber) Material Supplier: Image © IKD
Una-Lam Contemporary engineered lumber
to be used as both a tensile and
reduces a massive material into thin
compressive member; bending tests
sheets, or particles, and reassembles
were conducted to determine timber’s
the pieces, gaining additional strength
ability to achieve complex curvatures
while using less material. Designed
with varying board widths. These tests
by Christopher Taurasi, Lexi White
showed the intensely diverse range
and Jeffery Lee, M2X3 replaces
of curvature achievable with wood,
traditional timber framing joinery with
which are typically not investigated.
a laminated veneer system, merging
This range proves engineered wood
structure and surface. Recognizing New
can diversify framing systems to more
England’s wood building vernacular
precisely adapt to climate constraints
while exploring the potential of
and urban site conditions. In addition,
contemporary engineered lumber,
there is potential for variety of interior
M2X3 has crafted a progressive
sectional configurations, whereas
tectonic system for application in
traditional timber structures rely on
midrise construction.
a limiting orthogonal post and beam
Maximizing on the ability of wood
assembly.
Image © WinnieMan_QtMousie Studios
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 47
WOOD WORKS
Image © Greg Klassen
‘Glass River’ tables by Greg Klassen
Image © Greg Klassen
48 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
WOOD WORKS
Image © Greg Klassen
G
reg Klassen is a masterful
natural holes. Klassen uses trees that
of wood, and although it is certainly
studio furniture maker in
were sustainably harvested from the
no easy task, it is made possible by
the Pacific Northwest who
banks of the Noonsack river, so with
insetting the pane over a slightly
finds inspiration in its landscape
every new table he builds, discarded
larger area than the presented gap.
and translates that into his work.
trees have a new life through
The glass is first cut to roughly match
His ‘River Collection’ is a series of
functional art.
(and overlap) the natural shape of the
Klassen actively seeks out the
opposing jagged timber sections. A
tables that feature embedded,
irregular edge sections of trees and
guideline is then drawn around this
blueish-green glass ‘rivers’ running
deformed slabs of wood to create
fluid shape before a ‘flood plane’ is
throughout each piece. According to
his unique river tables. These raw,
carved into the wood to allow the
Klassen, the naturally uneven edges
‘hard to work with’, and typically
meandering glass pane to sit flush.
of the wood and their vivid grains
undesirable cuts might have splits,
provide the perfect ‘shore’ to mimic
scars and holes (which he is keen to
more than 15 tables for his River
bodies of water.
fill in with ‘lakes’). The varieties of
Collection, which he has sold for
timber used are mainly walnut and
between approximately USD 4,000
the gorgeous details within the
elm, as well as several other species
and USD 9,000. However he has
wood; we see knots, swirling grains,
of hardwood that grow locally to him
recently sourced a number of
and other imperfections that make
in the Pacific Northwest.
irregularly shaped exterior edge
intricately designed and handcrafted
Each of Klassen’s tables showcase
Klassen has so far produced
Whilst it might seem like an
timber pieces and plans to create a
complemented by the specially-cut
impossible feat to cut glass to fit
lot more of his unique river tables
glass that connects two otherwise
perfectly between the two overtly
after the amount of attention the
separate pieces of wood or fills in its
irregular forms of these parallel slabs
initial run garnered.
his work truly one-of-a-kind. It’s
Image © Greg Klassen
Image © Greg Klassen
Image © Greg Klassen
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 49
SHOWTIME
TOP INDUSTRY
EXHIBITIONS COMING UP THIS SEASON
sawn timber, edge banding materials, adhesives, lacquers, polishes, finished, sanding paper, sanding materials, abrasives, coatings etc. DATE: 4 - 7 December VENUE: Myanmar Convention Center (MCC) LOCATION: Yangon, Myanmar WEBSITE: www.myanmar-expo.com/MyanmarWood
BAU
MYANMARWOOD 2014 BAU, the world’s leading trade fair for Architecture, Materials and Systems, is the biggest and most important event in the sector. The last edition took place from January 14 - 19, 2013 with over 2,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries showcasing their solutions to more than 235,000 visitors from all around the world. Held every two years, the event brings together market leaders from the sector to participate in a unique international display of competence spanning all the construction trades. The next BAU takes place from January 19 - 24, 2015 at the Messe München exhibition center with the organizers already having announced that all 180,000 sqm of the exhibition space has been sold out. As the world’s largest trade fair for architects and construction engineers, attracting more than 60,000 design professionals, the key exhibitor profile include suppliers of architectural solutions, materials and systems for commercial and residential construction and for interior fitout, for both new-build and renovation and modernization. The exhibits at the fair are organized according to building material and also product and theme areas. Key topics for the future of the industry, such as sustainability and Myanmar International Wood Processing Machines,
building for life, play an important role in all sections
Cutting Tools & Hand Tools Fair (MYANMARWOOD) is set
of the exhibition. The many attractive events in the
to take place from December 4 - 7, 2014 at the Myanmar
supporting program, including high-caliber forums with
Convention Center (MCC) in Yangon. As one of the largest
experts from all over the world, round off this industry
trade fairs for the wood and woodworking industries in
showcase.
the country, the show attracted 9,504 trade visitors and buyers last year. The floor space at the last edition covered around 10,500 sqm, with close to 400 stands taken up by 220 well-known exhibitors from 15 international countries, which included companies from China, France, Korea, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Poland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Given that Myanmar is looking to establish itself as a woodprocessing hub in the region, the organizers are confident of an even bigger show this year. The exhibitor profile includes suppliers of woodworking machinery plant & accessories for the production of sawn timber, veneer, particleboard, MDF, OSB, LVL, plywood & panels; kiln drying & related timber technologies; joinery machinery, machinery for the furniture industry, woodbased panels & veneered products, manufacturers of Image © BAU
upholstered products; machinery & lines for finishing; handling equipment, tooling, woodworking tools, hand tools, portable power tools; fittings and accessories (hinges, knob handles, other hardware), dust extraction equipment; woodworking materials & consumables - laminates, veneers, plywood, particleboard, MDF, engineered wood, moulded plywood, panel products, wood composites,
50 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
DATE: 19 - 24 January 2015 VENUE: Messe München Exhibition Center LOCATION: Munich, Germany WEBSITE: www.bau-muenchen.com/en
SHOWTIME
DOMOTEX HANNOVER
the product categories in halls 6, 9 and 17. As a central meeting place and highlight of the trade fair, the areas provide an inspiring overview of the product innovations and their design options. The next edition will also mark the first time that the Carpet Design Awards will be presented as part of Innovations@DOMOTEX in 2015. The renowned competition is regarded as the most prestigious international award for modern hand-made carpets. Chaired by London-based designer Michael Sodeau, an international jury will select three carpets in each of eight categories. In addition, the Skilled Trades Hub will offer the entire spectrum of flooring technologies in one place. This is where sector specialists and craftspeople can learn all about new laying, maintenance and application equipment and techniques, and pick up useful tips for their everyday work. They will also be able to explore a broad range Image © DOMOTEX Hannover
of machines and devices for floor laying and removal, installation materials, strips and cross-sections, surface
DOMOTEX Hannover is the world’s largest exhibition
glazes and other application techniques.
for the carpet and floor coverings industry offering a comprehensive overview of the market and a host of opportunities for companies to widen their contacts and cultivate existing connections. In line with the DOMOTEX claim - ‘The World of Flooring’ - every product group and
DATE: 17 - 20 January 2015 VENUE: Hannover Exhibition Center LOCATION: Hannover, Germany WEBSITE: www.domotex.de/en
trend will be showcased in detail at the show. Hand-made and machine-made carpets, textile and resilient floor coverings, parquet, wooden and laminates take pride of
IMM COLOGNE
place, in addition to equipment and products for floor laying, maintenance and applications technology. As such, trade visitors come from the wholesale/retail trade, the field of architecture, interior design and the skilled trades looking to obtain a complete market overview so that they can compare suppliers, products, terms and prices, as well as gain insights into the latest trends and developments. In 2015, approximately 1,300 exhibitors from more than 60 nations will converge on the Hannover Exhibition Center to showcase their latest products and new season’s collections. DOMOTEX picks up on key trends and innovations and sets the tone in international interior design fashions for the new year. In addition, a broad range of special events, trade association meetings and conferences offers visitors the chance to learn more about Image © imm Cologne
the key issues affecting the industry. The organizers have announced that internationally renowned architects and designers such as Stefan Diez, Ross Lovegrove and Roberto
imm Cologne is the first furnishing trade fair of the year
Palomba will be discussing the latest developments and
and will present the trends that shape the furniture
applications in the flooring sector at the Innovations@
and interior design sector. According to the organizers,
DOMOTEX Talks.
everything from the basics to designer items and luxury
A key highlight next year is the return of the
interiors will be on display, thereby ensuring visitors find a
Innovations@DOMOTEX showcase, which will give
unique diversity of interior design ideas - for every room,
unprecedented exposure to a handful of product
in every style and for every taste. As such, the show is
innovations and design highlights and also for the first
well established as an important platform where suppliers
time feature innovations in applications and installation
and decision-makers from important global markets in the
technology. These will be showcased in one of the three
sector will set the course for doing successful business in
special display areas, which will also include textile and
the future. In 2015, imm Cologne will once again present
resilient floor coverings, parquet and laminate flooring,
inspiring interior design ideas for trendsetters and provide
as well as modern hand-made rugs and carpets. Headed
the markets with new momentum.
by André Schmidt, Berlin-based architectural firm Matter
As one of the most important events in the global
is responsible for the creative presentation of the
primary furnishing market, imm Cologne presents the latest
innovations in the three special display areas. Schmidt
international furniture trends and surprises with numerous
has developed a customized design for each Innovations@
marketable innovations. The broad range on offer is
DOMOTEX area relating to the particular qualities of
combined with high standards of quality and an excellent
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 51
SHOWTIME
presentation of the products. The fair also provides an effective platform for young designers. Fittingly, the fair is open to end consumers on certain days, which provides
TIMBER IN CONSTRUCTION AND TIMBER PRODUCTS EXPO (YAF)
exhibitors with the opportunity for product and market tests. Given the extensive programme of events that take
Organized for the first time in 2014, the Timber in
place all over the city of Cologne in conjunction with the
Construction and Timber Products Expo (YAF) returns
show, imm Cologne is expected to remain the center of the
for its second edition from January 29 - February 1,
furnishing and design world for the duration of its week-
2015 at the Istanbul Congress Center. The show, which is
long run.
being organized with the support of the Turkish Timber Association (UAB) and the Turkish Exporters, Importers and
DATE: 19 - 25 January 2015 VENUE: Koelnmesse GmbH (Halls 1-11) LOCATION: Cologne, Germany WEBSITE: www.imm-cologne.com/en/imm/home/index.php
Manufacturers of Forest Products Association (TORID), aims to increase the use of timber in the construction industry, particularly in wooden buildings. As the only specialized timber trade fair in Turkey, the show attract professionals involved with wooden framed buildings, urban, office and
ISTANBUL FURNITURE FAIR
home furniture, door and window manufacturers and floor coatings, wood chemicals and accessories. The inaugural YAF hosted 54 exhibitors and attracted 6,250 professional visitors, the majority of whom were architects, interior designers, forest industry engineers, contractors, purchasing department personnel, technical professionals, carpenters, woodworkers and leading decision makers from wood processing companies. Given the important role of Turkey as timber hub, the organizers are confident of attracting exhibitors involved with the supply and/or production of timber framed houses, urban furniture, interior furniture, doors and windows, timber flooring, exterior coverings, kitchen and bathroom fittings, pools and saunas, timber in play grounds, chemicals and accessories, engineered timber products, roof trusses, floor beams, wall panels and connectors amongst others.
Image © Istanbul Trade Fair
Held at the beginning of the year, the eleventh edition of the Istanbul Furniture Fair (ISMOB) will showcase the latest home furnishings, interior designers and global furniture trends for 2015 over the course of its five day run at the CNR Expo Center in Istanbul, Turkey. Ranked amongst the top ten furniture fairs in the world, ISMOB will present the Turkish furniture sector to a global audience and connect manufacturers, designers and buyers from January 27 to February 1, 2015. The show is being held in co-operation with Istanbul Fuarcılık and MOSDER - the Association of Turkish Furniture Industrialists. Currently, more than 60,000 companies operate in the Turkish furniture industry with Istanbul, Ankara, Kayseri, Inegöl and Izmir emerging as the leading furniture production locations. Manufacturers in Turkey closely follow global furniture technologies, continuously renewing their machine fleets and using state-of-the-art technologies whilst Turkish furniture designers, who also follow developments worldwide, produce trendy designs, all of which means that the Turkish furniture industry is on its way towards becoming a global leader. As such, there is demand for new materials and technologies for the furniture industry, which bodes well for the market leading Image © YAF
Istanbul Furniture Fair.
DATE: 27 January - 1 February 2015 VENUE: CNR Expo Center LOCATION: Istanbul, Turkey WEBSITE: http://ismob.com.tr/Default.aspx?ln=2
52 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
DATE: 29 January - 1 February 2015 VENUE: Istanbul Congress Center LOCATION: Istanbul, Turkey WEBSITE: www.yapiahsapfuari.com/en
SHOWTIME
INTERIORS QATAR (IQ)
Interiors Qatar has been specifically tailored to tap into the
solutions and technology; Hospitality design, supplies and
lucrative interior and exterior design market, coinciding
technology; and Public Sector interior design solutions and
with Qatar’s hugely ambitious development plans. Taking
technology. The organizers expect to host over 300 leading
place in February 2015 at the Qatar National Convention
international brands over 15,000 sqm gross of floor space
Center (QNCC), a state-of-the-art venue, the exhibition is
at QNCC and attract 6,000 trade professionals from across
a multi-faceted event that combines interior and exterior
the architecture, design, hospitality, and government
designs, products, solutions and technologies targeting
sectors. The show will also feature a series of professional
the residential, commercial, hospitality, and public sector
workshops run by the Qatar Green Building Council,
markets. Organized by dmg events Middle East and by
which will focus on the principals and best practices to
q.media - a Qatar-based media house - the B2B event
comply with green building certifications requirements
will be the flagship event in Qatar for residential and
for selecting and specifying a green material, plus help
commercial interior design, hospitality interiors and
attendees to identify the main attributes that define a
solutions, as well as public sector interior and exterior
green material.
finishes. The exhibition will bring to Qatar the latest and most
A key element of the show is Qatar Design Week - a series of events, exhibitions, awards and competitions -
innovative products and solutions for the interiors and
which aims to fully engage the art and design community,
hospitality markets, given that the country is one of the
promote Qatar as a leading destination for art, culture
world’s most dynamic and fastest growing economies,
and design, while recognizing excellence among the
almost tripling in size from 2005. It is the wealthiest
projects and those involved in aiding Qatar to reach its
nation per capita GDP, and plans to rapidly develop the
2030 National Vision. Within the umbrella of Qatar Design
country’s economy and infrastructure, following the
Week, the organizers have announced plans to host the
successful bid for the 2022 World Cup as well as its
Qatar Design Awards - an awards ceremony to celebrate
National Vision, aimed at strengthening Qatar’s position as
excellence and innovation in design within the residential,
a world leading economy by 2030. Showcasing products,
commercial, hospitality and public sectors; IQ Education
services and technologies for the design, architecture,
- a series of seminars and round tables to support the
hospitality and retail industries, as well as fixtures, fittings
development plans and milestones needed to reach Qatar’s
and materials, IQ will attract interior designers, architects
2030 National Vision; and the IQ Student Challenge - a
and design industry professionals from both Qatar and the
highly-engaging competition for students from Qatar’s
surrounding Gulf states.
design community to display their design concepts.
IQ will draw interest from companies across the globe that are looking to enter the growing market in Qatar and will give them the perfect opportunity to showcase their products and solutions. The show has been divided into four distinct product areas - Residential interior design
DATE: 2 - 4 February 2015 VENUE: Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) LOCATION: Doha, Qatar WEBSITE: www.iqexhibition.com
solutions and technology; Commercial interior design
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 53
SHOWTIME
DELHIWOOD 2015
and architectural and decorative products for interiors in homes, offices, commercial spaces and factories. The show will also give suppliers of raw material, manufacturers of woodworking machinery, tools and consumables, and retailers of fittings and accessories an opportunity to connect with woodworking professionals from North, Central, East & North-East India, as well as neighboring countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan. DATE: 4 - 7 February 2015 VENUE: India Expo Center and Mart, Greater Noida LOCATION: Delhi, India WEBSITE: www.delhi-wood.com Image © PDA Trade Fairs
Building on the success of previous exhibitions, the 4th
FURNEX
edition of DELHIWOOD will take place at the India Expo Center and Mart, Greater Noida, from February 4 - 7, 2015. According to the organizers, the international trade fair for
FURNEX returns in 2015 with a view to showcase and
Furniture Production Technology, Woodworking Machinery,
promote Egypt as a world-class supplier and a major player
Tools, Fittings, Accessories, Raw Materials & Products is
in the furniture and home furnishings market. Jointly
expected to attract around 450 exhibitors from more than
organized by the Egyptian Exporters Association (Expolink)
20 countries, and approximately 15,000 visitors from all
and the Egyptian Furniture Export Council (EFEC), the
over India and neighboring countries. Covering furniture
show has played a key role in the transformation of local
production technologies, tools, fittings, accessories for
furniture manufacturers into developed skilled exporters by
furniture production and raw materials for woodworking,
enabling them to compete internationally and continuously
the show promises to be of great value for manufacturers
exposing their products to international visitors and
and other woodworking professionals to compare,
therefore international markets. Set to run from February
benchmark and source machinery and materials.
5 - 8, 2015 at the Cairo International Convention Center
The Indian furniture market is estimated to grow at a
(CICC), the next edition will witness the participation of
compound annual growth rate of 25 percent through fiscal
small to medium and large sized companies presenting their
2015-19, along with the (organized and unorganized)
new collections and production capabilities
woodworking industry. The rising proportion of working
Returning after a two year hiatus, the organizers expect
age population, increasing per capita income, rise of the
to host over 150 Egyptian exhibitors from different various
consumer class, rapid urbanization and growth of the
industrial sectors, including furniture, home accessories,
real estate sector are some of the contributors to the
home textile, lighting, marble, flooring, handicrafts, service
woodworking sector’s growth. As such, the organizers
providers and more. Given that the organizers run an
believe that this positive trend and market sentiment
International Visitor Program (IVP), which is a hosted
will reflect in participation at DELHIWOOD 2015, where
buyers program targeting regional and international
exhibitors will not only showcase woodworking machinery,
visitors wishing to source furniture and furnishings from
furniture accessories and fittings, but also systems and
Egypt, the show is able to offer exhibitors an opportunity
tools for woodworking.
to form regional and global partnerships. In addition, the
As South Asia’s & South East Asia’s largest B2B Trade
next edition will also feature the ‘Design Hub’, a seminar
Expo for furniture production technologies, tools, fittings,
and conference programme, and a range of other activities
accessories for furniture production and raw materials
aimed at promoting the Egyptian furniture industry.
for woodworking, the show will be brought alive with demonstrations of operations of log peelers, panel saws, hot presses, edge banders and other efficient and ground breaking machinery, material and software. DELHIWOOD 2015 is expected to attract more than 15,000 business visitors and, as in the past, continue to offer the woodworking industry from across India and South Asia a platform to showcase emerging technologies. It will, in extension, offer a great opportunity to small, medium and large wood-based manufacturers to become competitive
Image ©FURNEX
and benefit from the burgeoning market. DELHIWOOD 2015 will play a vital role in transforming the unorganized woodworking units in the country into adopters of material and manufacturing technologies for organized, industrial-scale production. This will help the industry meet the growing domestic and international demand for wood-based products such as furniture, joinery
54 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
DATE: 5 - 8 February 2015 VENUE: Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center (CICC) LOCATION: Cairo, Egypt WEBSITE: www.furnexegypt.com
SHOWTIME INTERVIEW
CIFM / INTERZUM GUANGZHOU 2015 TO OFFER MORE OPPORTUNITIES WITH LARGER SPACE Image © CIFM/interzum guangzhou
T
he 12th edition of CIFM /
benefitted buyers with ample time
bedding. In future, we will place
interzum guangzhou will
to discover partners that meet their
more emphasis on the development
take place next year and
procurement needs. According to our
of the interior design accessories
expectations are high for the show,
figures and survey, both the length
product segment to become a major
which is set to run from March
of stay and overall satisfaction of
exhibit category at CIFM / interzum
28 - April 1, 2015 at the China
visitors have increased, so the event
guangzhou.
Import and Export Fair Complex,
will continue to span five days in
Guangzhou. As Asia’s largest and most
2015.
participated furniture production and woodworking machinery trade fair, CIFM / interzum guangzhou 2014 saw
02. How is the 2015 edition positioned?
some 1,147 exhibitors sprawl across
03. What are the main objectives of the show? As Asia’s premier woodworking machinery, furniture manufacturing
130,000 square meters of trade floor.
Providing a quality ‘one-stop’ trading
and interior décor trade fair, the scale
The international exhibitor halls
platform for all manufacturers and
of CIFM / interzum guangzhou has
featured 280 well-known overseas
buyers in the various fields of the
remained at 130,000 square meters for
companies from 32 countries and
industry has always been the aim of
years. With the growth of the domestic
regions, bringing with them the latest
CIFM / interzum guangzhou. We hope
and Asian furniture manufacturing
products, equipment and technologies
to further grow the position of CIFM /
industry, the demand for the event
to the buyers. Karen Lee (pictured),
interzum guangzhou as a professional
from the woodworking machinery,
General Manager South China,
trade fair which both serves as the
furniture production and raw materials
Koelnmesse Co., Ltd believes the next
bellwether of the industry as well as
industry has been increasing every
edition will be the largest and best
offering trade practicality, for it to
year, leading to a perpetual short
attended in its illustrious history. In
become the preferred platform for
supply of booth spaces at CIFM /
an interview with Timber Design &
product launches and lead industry
interzum guangzhou in recent years.
Technology, Lee provides an overview
trends in the region. We also aim
of the show.
to be the event of choice for trade
guangzhou 2015 will activate the last
visitors to obtain the latest industry
available hall, Hall 12.1, expanding the
information, and promote trade
overall area from 130,000 to 140,000
exchange.
square meters. Through the expansion,
01. In retrospect, what were the major achievements of the 2014 edition?
Our next edition will further
To counter this issue, CIFM / interzum
we hope to provide more opportunities
improve on exhibit segmentation,
to the industry to showcase the latest
The original four-day event has
so that different types of exhibits
quality products and technologies,
proven to be insufficient for trade
will be more clearly defined and
so that more premium international
visitors, and as such, after three
concentrated, which will better
brands will be able to participate, and
years of research and coordination,
categorize exhibitors showcasing
at the same time expose visitors to
CIFM / interzum Guangzhou 2014 has
similar products together and improve
more exhibitors.
successfully extended to five days. On
procurement efficiency. For example,
the one hand, this has provided more
the new Hall 12.1 will focus on
business opportunities for exhibitors,
showcasing machinery, materials
and on the other hand, it has also
and components for upholstery and
04. Are there any new events such as awards, seminars and workshops at the next December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 55
SHOWTIME INTERVIEW
will be repeat exhibitors. We are also anticipating more than 62,000 visitors to procure at the event. As participation results have been significant, repeat exhibitors have consistently been taking part longterm, leading to many companies not being able to secure a booth space. Opening up Hall 12.1 will hopefully ease the situation to a certain extent, so that new exhibitors that have been waitlisted for years will have the opportunity to participate in CIFM / interzum guangzhou, whilst at the same time providing more choices for Image © CIFM/interzum guangzhou
edition?
our plans have been focused on enhancing the results of exhibitors’
buyers.
07. Who are some of the new exhibitors making their debut at the show?
There will be a decrease in the
participation, bringing the latest
number of organizer hosted seminars
international industry designs and
in 2015 compared with previous
trends to the event, and promoting
We will be seeing overseas
years, as we wish to free up time
the development of the industry. It
companies, such as Fibromade, Hans
slots for exhibitors to hold their own
is this combination of effectiveness
Weber, Permo, Terao and Zimmer
product launches, technical seminars
and design concepts that has been
from countries, including Portugal,
and other activities.
attracting the continuous participation
Germany, Italy, and Japan.
05. How do you aim to differentiate the show from other industry trade fairs that cater to the furniture and timber sectors?
of our exhibitors and visitors. Needless to say, with the gradual expansion of the event, we are also improving the overall operations management and services to provide
08. Do you have an idea of the volume of business that might be conducted at the show?
an experience of the highest quality for participating exhibitors and
The interzum series is a brand
As one of the global satellite events
trade visitors, which is our core
trade fair with German origins
of interzum in Cologne, Germany,
competitiveness.
and therefore, show concepts and
the brand has enabled CIFM / interzum guangzhou to stand out from its competition since it was first introduced to China in 2004. In terms of influence, CIFM / interzum guangzhou aims to have a strong foothold in China, with influence
06. How many visitors and exhibitors are likely to be there at the next edition? What percentage of them are repeat exhibitors and how many of them are new?
management styles are close to European exhibition practices. The key difference between trade fairs in Europe and China is the stronger emphasis on introducing design concept into the event to provide the latest information, inspirations and experiences for the industry. Since
extending to Asia and the rest of the world. Currently, it has become the
Next year, the number of exhibitors
interzum was imported into China,
industry’s most prestigious, and the
is expected to exceed 1,200, and
this concept has been reinforced,
flagship trade fair in Asia.
among them more than 80 percent
and as such, comparing with events
In terms of exhibition scale and scope of exhibits, the event in 2015 will be expanded to 140,000 square meters - the largest event of its kind in Asia. The exhibits of CIFM / interzum guangzhou cover the entire industry from raw and auxiliary materials for furniture production to woodworking machinery, upholstery machinery and other production and auxiliary machinery, as well as interior décor raw materials. Lastly, when the trade fair was first established, we realized that ‘effectiveness’ is the key to a successful and lasting event, so regardless of its development,
56 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | December 2014
Image © CIFM/interzum guangzhou
SHOWTIME INTERVIEW
Image © CIFM/interzum guangzhou
like Canton Fair, which pursues trade
industry. Nevertheless, there is
can they compete against numerous
volume, interzum pays more attention
still a gap in the level of furniture
world-class brands at CIFM / interzum
to the experience of exhibitors and
manufacturing compared with other
guangzhou, but the event also
visitors, as well as the effectiveness
countries. For China to make it
serves as an important window of
in exhibitor-buyer interaction. This is
out to the world, it is necessary to
opportunity to expand outside of
also the main reason why interzum
absorb foreign advanced technology
China.
is able to successfully extend its
and integrate with specific local
footprint from Germany to Singapore,
conditions, establish a strong
interzum guangzhou is a vital spring
Guangzhou and Moscow, develop
foundation in the domestic market
board to enter China, and at the same
sustainably and win high praises from
and seek self-development to come up
time allows them to benefit from the
the industry.
with new products with independent
event’s large pool of international
intellectual property rights, and
buyers. On the other hand, foreign
continue to narrow the distance with
exhibitors bringing advanced
the world’s developed countries.
technology, materials and designs to
09. What - in your opinion are the major trends for the furniture and interior design industry over the next year?
Major international industry
For foreign exhibitors, CIFM /
China, which in turns enables Chinese/
players have began participating in
Asian furniture manufacturers to
CIFM / interzum guangzhou since
upgrade their own production and
Demand in the upholstered furniture
its inception in 2004, and have
compete on a different level with the
market is closely related to the
designated the event for new product
international furniture industry. CIFM
real estate market, and emerging
releases annually in Asia. According
/ interzum guangzhou is a quality
markets in the BRIC economies are
to statistics, about 25 percent of the
business platform, which promotes
becoming a new point of growth
total number of exhibitors came from
mutual communication among brands
for the global upholstered furniture
overseas in 2014, which brought
in the industry, thus encouraging
market with their accelerating
with them the latest products and
healthy competition among peers, and
urbanization in recent years, growing
cutting-edge technology each year.
plays the role of enhancing the overall
urban population and intensifying of
For domestic enterprises, not only
level of the industry.
urban home construction. In China, urbanization will bring about a huge development of the domestic upholstered furniture industry, which will in turn spur the growth of production machinery for upholstery at home and abroad. I believe the upholstered furniture segment will be a major highlight in the next year.
10. What role does Interzum Guangzhou play in the development of the furniture and interior design industries in China and wider Asia? After over a decade of development, the furniture manufacturing trade in China has now become a pivotal
Image © CIFM/interzum guangzhou
December 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 57
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EXPO CALENDAR MYANMARWOOD 2014
ISTANBUL FURNITURE FAIR
INTERIORS QATAR
www.myanmar-expo.com/MyanmarWood
http://ismob.com.tr/Default.aspx?ln=2
www.iqexhibition.com
4th - 7th December Myanmar Convention Center (MCC) Yangon, Myanmar
INDONESIA FURNITURE FAIR 2014
27th January - 1st February 2015 CNR Expo Center Istanbul, Turkey
2nd - 4th February 2015 Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) Doha, Qatar
TANZANIA BUILDEX 2015
STOCKHOLM FURNITURE FAIR
www.profexexhibitions.com/tanzaniabuildex/ index.html
www.stockholmfurniturefair.com
http://indonesiafurniturefair.com MADECOR EXPO
YAF
6th - 14th December Jakarta Convention Center Jakarta, Indonesia
12th - 15th December Parc des Expositions de l’Office des Changes (CICEC) Casablanca, Morocco
www.madecorexpo.com
JANUARY FURNITURE SHOW 13th - 15th January 2015 NEC Birmingham Birmingham, UK
www.januaryfurnitureshow.com
29th - 31st January 2015 Mlimani Conference Center Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania
29th January - 1st February 2015 Istanbul Congress Center Istanbul, Turkey
www.yapiahsapfuari.com/en
SALON DU MOBILIER
1st - 3rd February 2015 Nantes Parc des Expositions de La Beaujoire (EXPONANTES) Nantes, France
www.salondumobilier.com
3rd - 7th February 2015 Stockholm International Fairs and Congress Center Stockholm, Sweden
DELHIWOOD 2015
4th - 7th February 2015 India Expo Center and Mart, Greater Noida Delhi, India
www.delhi-wood.com FURNEX
5th - 8th February 2015 Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center (CICC) Cairo, Egypt
www.furnexegypt.com
FORMEX
WOODEX 2015
DREVOSTAVBY 2015 (WOODEN BUILDINGS)
www.formex.se
http://woodex.chistafair.com
www.drevostavby.eu
14th - 17th January 2015 Stockholm International Fairs and Congress Center Stockholm, Sweden
1st - 4th February 2015 Tehran Permanent International Fairground Tehran, Iran
11th - 14th February 2015 Holešovice Fairground Prague, Czech Republic
DOOR FAIR 2015
15th - 18th January 2015 Istanbul Expo Center Istanbul, Turkey
www.doorfair.com
DOMOTEX HANNOVER 17th - 20th January 2015 Hannover Exhibition Center Hannover, Germany
www.domotex.de/en BAU
19th - 24th January 2015 Messe München Exhibition Center Munich, Germany
www.bau-muenchen.com/en IMM COLOGNE
19th - 25th January 2015 Koelnmesse GmbH (Halls 1-11) Cologne, Germany
www.imm-cologne.com/en
EXPOPROMUEBLE 2015 21st - 24th January 2015 Centro Banamex Mexico City, Mexico
www.promueble.com.mx MAISON ET OBJET PARIS
23rd - 27th January 2015 Parc des expositions de Paris - Nord Villepinte Paris, France
www.maison-objet.com/en/paris
Image © Greg Klassen
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