Timber Design & Technology Middle East - June 2014 by Andy MacGregor

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

Issue 14 | June 2014

Vernacular Versatility: Contemporary adaptation of Korean traditional architecture Will Burmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s timber ban curb or entrench corruption? The return of the Gulf construction boom OMBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award-winning bosk restaurant FLEGT - Forging legality links PLUS Timber industry news, new products, exhibition previews and listings and more

modified wood by Accsys Technologies

www.accoya.com

DURABLE STABLE & SUSTAINABLE

WOOD WITHOUT COMPROMISE Created from sustainably sourced wood and completely non-toxic, Accoya® is a revolution in wood technology:

- Guaranteed for 50 years above ground - Guaranteed for 25 years below ground - Exceptional dimensional stability - Outstanding coating performance for low maintenance - Consistent quality throughout - Available in FSC® and PEFC™ certified - Cradle to Cradle Gold certified

AVAILABLE FROM:

PEFC/30-31-040

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

ACCOYA® and the Trimarque Device are registered trademarks owned by Titan Wood Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Accsys Technologies PLC, and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.

Feramo Morocco www.feramo.ma

Ritikkaa India www.ritikaawood.com

Tailormade South Africa email: tmj@worldonline.co.za

Taiga Trading UAE email: info@taigawood.com

Vertex Israel www.vertex-accoya.co.il

Yew Distinct Wood Lebanon email: info@distinctwood.com

FROM THE EDITOR

Cover Photo: Vernacular Versatility Image © Yong Ju Lee

Editor’s comment The winner of the ‘eVolo Skyscraper Competition’ this year was a project that incorporates the use of wood as a structural component and opens a number of possibilities to bring an old construction and design tradition to the present day with efficiency and beauty. Designed by Yong Ju Lee, ‘Vernacular Versatility’ beat out 525 projects from 43 countries in all continents to win the top prize. It is only fiting that this stunning project graces the cover of our June issue. Inside we take a closer look at the

Issue 14 | june 2014

project and hear from Yong Ju Lee as well.

Timber Design & Technology Magazine

attempt to rein in one of the country’s highly lucrative and notoriously corrupt extractives. The new

Director Andy MacGregor publisher@citrusmediagroup.net +971 55 849 1574 Marketing Director Eric Hammond marketing@citrusmediagroup.net +971 4 455 8400 International Sales Director James Hamilton james@timberdesignandtechnology.com Editor Tony Smith editor@timberdesignandtechnology.com International Correspondent Eamonn Ennis eamonn@timberdesignandtechnology.com +91 98676 54952

Significantly, a ban on all raw timber exports from Burma came into effect in April this year, in an regulation, which criminalizes cross-border trade of unrefined wood products, is meant to stop the flow of raw resources and encourage development of value-added processing industries, though many are sceptical of the government’s ability to accomplish that outcome. Given the global demand for teak, we take a look at how this legislation will impact the timber industry in Burma and globally. This issue also features reports from Mike Jeffree and Neil Summers, two leading experts in the timber industry. Mike takes a look at how timber consumer and producer countries worldwide are joining the battle against illegal logging, and reports on the interesting direction that the battle is taking. Neil on the other hand believes that the ‘Lightbulb’ moment for the potential of thermally modified U.S. hardwood is just around the corner. The challenge, according to him, is to educate designers and specifiers with an understanding and knowledge of how and where this ‘new type’ of timber can be used. We also take a look at the Malaysian timber resource and the work of the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), which has had a presence in Dubai since 1999. In 2013, Malaysia exported in excess of RM 2 billion (USD 622 million) of timber and timber-based products to the MENA region, clearly reaffirming its position as one of the leading suppliers to the region. 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.

International Representatives Rabia Alga AntExpo Org. | Turkey +90 216 541 0390 rabia@antexpo.net Elias Aggelopoulos Med Expo | Greece +30 210 2931011 info@epipleon.gr Timber Design & Technology is published 6 times a year by Citrus Media Group (powered by WillyMac Associates FZ LLC) Level 14, Boulevard Plaza - Tower One, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, PO Box 334155, Dubai, UAE

is designed by UC Design 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.

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Contents 10 SUSTAINABILITY

Will Burma’s timber ban curb or entrench corruption?

14 MARKET REPORT FLEGT - Forging legality links

Timber consumer and producer countries worldwide are joining the battle against illegal logging, and it’s now taking interesting new directions

19 ANALYSIS

P12 P19

Modified Momentum

‘Lightbulb’ moment for the potential of thermally modified U.S. hardwood is just around the corner, says Neil Summers

22 the source Council’s 15th year in Dubai evidence of Malaysia’s commitment to the MENA market

26 design & décor

P26

OMB’s award-winning bosk restaurant

Design expresses the Shangri-La’s timeless and understated aesthetic and its subtle Asian-inspired theme

30 comment The return of the Gulf construction boom

With renewed confidence and renewed spending, there are, once again, huge opportunities for wood products in the Gulf markets

34 technology Vernacular Versatility: Contemporary adaptation of Korean traditional architecture

Spectacular wood skyscraper that can be built without a single nail wins ‘2014 eVolo Skyscraper Competition’

38 wood works ‘Accordion Cabinet’ by Elisa Strozyk and Sebastian Neeb

P38

PLUS p7 Latest News

40 Showtime Preview of upcoming exhibitions

p40 Showtime June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

The leading timber supplier in the Middle East

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.

Tel : +971 4 8809889 Fax: +971 4 8809779

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com || June February www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 20142014

www.farlindubai.com info@farlindubai.com

NEWS

‘Scale Infinite’ is a huge draw at FuoriSalone 2014

Image © Giovanni Nardi

‘Scale Infinite’, the latest iteration in the life of dRMM and the

play on perspective. Six interlocking flights of steps have been joined

American Hardwood Export Council’s award-winning tulipwood

together to create a visually arresting form offering a compositional

structure, has attracted significant attention at FuoriSalone 2014.

contrast to the classical uniformity of the surrounding Renaissance

The project is based on the Endless Stair, an intriguing structure of

building. De Rijke Marsh Morgan Architects have once again given

Escher-like interlocking staircases made from American tulipwood

importance to the element of ‘play’ within the structure, harnessing

cross-laminated timber (CLT), which has been reconfigured and is

the possibilities of user interactivity through the integration

a feature at Interni Magazine’s ‘Feeding New Ideas for the City’

of different levels, joints, and possible pathways. This game of

exhibition at the Università degli Studi in Milan. The Ca’ Granda

perspective also gives users the chance to experience the elegant

building, one of main venues in the FuoriSalone event, was the new

courtyard of the Ca’ Granda from a unique viewpoint. As such, the

setting for Scale Infinite.

project is a deliberate contrast in material, scale and composition to

“Scale Infinite is not just an exciting wood sculpture, it is also

its harmonious new backdrop in Milan. It is an aesthetic provocation

part of a unique research project that is advancing the knowledge

and, as ever, adds a new dimension to the context in which it stands.

of timber construction and sustainability. This project is the first

“The latest reincarnation - Scale Infinite - pushes the design of the

ever use of hardwood for CLT, which is usually made from softwood.

CLT elements even further by using performance data gathered from

American tulipwood is an abundant and relatively inexpensive

the London installation. Experimenting with the re-arrangement of

American hardwood, and crucially for this project, it is incredibly

landings and extending the cantilevering top flight to its limit has

strong and stiff for its weight. Testing carried out in Italy last year

lifted the engineering design to a new level. To protect the paving

during the production of the original Endless Stair structure, has

of the courtyard, Scale Infinite sits on a platform with thermally

shown that tulipwood is up to 3 times stronger in rolling shear than

modified American ash decking, which contrasts beautifully with

typical construction softwood, such as spruce. Therefore the three ply

the pale tulipwood. The thermal modification process uses a high

CLT panels that make up the treads and balustrades only need to be

temperature in a controlled environment, permanently altering the

60mm thick,” said Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle

wood’s chemical and physical properties. The process increases

East, South Asia and Oceania.

dimensional stability and decay resistance and thus significantly

Maintaining the initial influence of Escher, Scale Infinite is a further

extends the service life of the material,” concluded Wiles.

New timber expo in Bahrain set to make its debut in 2015 With the value of construction projects planned or underway in

of The Big 5, the Middle East’s largest event for the building and

the GCC totaling USD 1.67 trillion, the region has become a prime

construction industry and the organisers of Medwood, the leading

destination for many global suppliers looking to grow their business.

wood products and woodworking event in Greece and the Balkans,

Manufacturers and distributors are seeing significant demand for

have announced the launch of Gulf Wood 2015. Hosted at the

timber as construction projects continue to be awarded across the

Bahrain International Exhibition Centre from October 27 - 29,

GCC. As such, the region’s appetite for wood and wood products

2015, Bahrain is the perfect location to stage this event, with a

including hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, decking, plastic lumber,

flourishing domestic construction market valued at USD 44 billion

finished or semi-finished and architectural products is on the rise.

and a venue that regularly attracts thousands of visitors from

Aiming to offer a platform for professionals from across the wood production chain to do business, network and learn, the organisers

neighboring Saudi Arabia, the Middle East’s largest construction and interiors market.

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

NEWS

Six orders in the first quarter of 2014: Successful start for Siempelkamp with a 9’ x 38.7 m ContiRoll®. The Brazilian customer already operates three Siempelkamp MDF lines at the same location. With the acquisition of the new plant, Fibraplac’s production location in Glorinha will become the largest one in the world. The connection with the other lines opens up synergies in the area of raw material usage and therefore allows economic production of standard boards. Another order from Brazil was placed by Asperbras, a new customer. This order for a MDF plant includes, next to the engineering and steel construction, the fiber preparation system, the forming and press line with a 9’ x 27.1 m ContiRoll®, the finishing equipment, an energy plant, a short-cycle line as well as an evaporation facility for the water treatment. Image © Siempelkamp

In February 2014, Siempelkamp achieved two sales successes with the orders for a thin MDF/HDF production plant each from Luoding

Siempelkamp’s Machine and Plant Engineering business unit starts

Luyuan Wood Based Panel Co., Ltd., China and another Western

the 2014 business year with six orders placed in the first quarter

Asian customer. Luyuan is a long-standing customer of Siempelkamp

from the wood-based materials sector. All plant operators requested

and already owns two 8’ thin board plants as well as a standard

Siempelkamp’s competence as a complete solutions provider and

4’ MDF plant made by Siempelkamp. This time the plant operator

ordered plants for the production of particleboard, MDF and thin

ordered a complete MDF line for the production of boards with a

MDF. Leading the way, Rauch Spanplattenwerk (Germany) placed

thickness ranging from 2 to 12 mm. The order includes a fiber dryer,

an order for a particleboard plant with Siempelkamp. Next to

fiber sifters, the resin preparation and dosing system, the fiber-

the forming and press line including a 7’ x 52 m Generation 8

mat forming system, the forming and press line with an 8’ x 25.5 m

ContiRoll® press, the order scope also includes the resin preparation

ContiRoll® press as well as a cooling and stacking line. In addition,

and dosing system, the forming station and the board handling.

Vietnam Rubber Group ordered a MDF plant which will be built in

Furthermore, Siempelkamp will deliver three new products to Rauch

Kien Giang - 200 km south of Saigon. Siempelkamp will supply a

Spanplattenwerk: the innovative Ecoresinator resin blending system

complete plant from the debarking equipment to the stacking of the

for particles, the SicoFormer and the EcoFormer SL wind former do

finished boards. A 4‘ x 33.3 m Generation 8 ContiRoll® press is the

not only optimize material use but also energy consumption.

centerpiece of this order. The boards produced on this press will have

Siempelkamp received two new orders from Brazil: Fibraplac ordered a particleboard plant including a forming and press line

a dimension of 4‘ x 8‘ and therefore be placed on the market without the need for a saw system.

Accsys Technologies announces distributor in South Africa Accsys Technologies has recently appointed Freedom Wood as a distributor of Accoya in South Africa, launching the industry leading modified wood product’s presence in the country. The agreement expands the wood’s availability across the African continent and continues Accoya’s phenomenal growth and success throughout the world. Manufactured using Accsys Technologies’ patented process, Accoya is one of the most advanced modified wood products on the market, using the latest in wood acetylation technology to deliver outstanding levels of performance, stability and durability. Accoya also boasts excellent environmental credentials by using wood sourced from FSC certified and sustainable forests, while being 100 percent non-toxic. Bryan Crennell, Director of Sales and Marketing, Accsys Technologies said: “We’re pleased to be able to announce the appointment of Freedom Wood as a distributor of Accoya in South Africa, which marks the continued growth and success of Accoya in different markets across the continent. Accoya’s outstanding

Image © Accsys Technologies

durability, exceptional stability and aesthetic qualities have proved a popular choice with architects and joinery manufacturers alike and, with impeccable environmental credentials, Accoya is establishing

to work with. Its durability, strength and stability make it particularly

itself as the industry’s gold standard and world-wide market leader.”

well suited to the range of joinery applications for which we will use

Peter Gooderson, Director at Freedom Wood, said: “Accoya is a fantastic wood material, boasting excellent properties that are ideal

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

it, and we expect to see its increased use in the South African market over the coming months.”

NEWS

Three exciting business days for the flooring industry at DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2014 The second largest international flooring show in the world, based at

presented this year for the first time in Asia, brought to the surface

the heart of one of the most active and exciting markets, Asia, once

most of the sustainable flooring ideas realized in Asia and displayed

again gathered the industry for three appealing days at the Shanghai

at the show by exhibitors committed to the healthy development

New International Exhibition Center on March 25 - 27, 2014.

of the industry. At DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2014, 6 main

According to the organizers, in step with the industry and leading

green initiatives were officially awarded by an authoritative jury of

the trends, DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR brought excitement, quality

experts.

and new ideas to high-profile attendees. 1,177 exhibitors, of which 253 came from outside China and including 9 country pavilions from Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, India, Iran, Netherlands, Pakistan, Turkey, USA and 42,386 professional visitors made this year’s event the biggest in its history (140,000 sqm gross). Of the total 2014 visitors’ number, 31,598 came from China and 10,788 from 102 countries. Even more significant are the numbers regarding the booths’ space wherein exhibitors rebooked on the spot for the 2015 show: 58.3 percent of the space was already confirmed by the exhibitors during the 3-day event, an increase of 35.6 percent in comparison to last year. Some of the most interesting products presented at DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR were highlighted and brought to the spotlight thanks to special promotion campaigns launched or hosted by the show organizers. The InnovAction flooring campaign performed an impressive InnovAction centre, a well-designed area where 10 innovative ideas received the interest of media, experts and a big number of visitors. GreenStep Asia, the awards program in co-operation with Image © DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR

Floor Covering Weekly for green flooring solutions which was lso

Timber Talks: bigger and better for 2014 After an excellent reception last year, TRADA has worked even

through people: training and apprenticeships’ will look at why

harder to pull the seminar programme for 2014, drawing together

knowledge is vital to adding value to product and service and why

an unrivalled collection of high calibre speakers who will cover the

methodical training and mentoring is the only way to address falling

entire supply chain - everything from niche areas to leading trends.

knowledge levels.

The 2014 content has largely been informed by feedback from

New for this year is the theme of ‘Directors’ briefings’. Aimed

previous shows and research among TRADA members about the

mainly at timber industry leaders, these short, concise updates will

topics and themes they most wanted to hear.

cover some key topics. Opportunities for timber are also covered

Taking place over a morning or afternoon at this year’s Timber

in ‘From blueprint to building: a client and contractor perspective’,

Expo, which runs from October 7 - 8, Timber Focus will be

a chance to hear from some of the bigger contractors and clients

characterised by key industry topics, major names, excellent projects

on what they have been doing with timber. Speakers from Willmott

and big issues. The subjects are designed to appeal to all, but

Dixon, Sir Robert McAlpine and BAM will share some case studies and

particularly clients, contractors, architects and engineers, on whom

thoughts on where timber is doing well and where it can improve.

the timber construction industry relies. Over two days, nearly 50 presentations will be arranged into eight

Timber is also central to the theme of ‘Creating great places to work, rest and play’. Timber has much to offer with its tactile

core themes that will be case study-based to offer real life examples

surfaces, many shades, colours and finishes, warm ambience -

on how and why timber is performing across a wide range of sectors

arguably more so than any other material. An interesting mix of

and applications. The 25-minute sessions, which will be delivered in

architects will look at different building types and the role that

two purpose-built timber-based theatres, will cover topics such as

timber is playing in enhancing the experience of the building

engineered wood, innovation in timber and its use, while speakers

occupant.

will be drawn from the best industry insiders and those working with timber including architects. ‘Pushing boundaries: stretching imaginations’ will examine the

Other themes include ‘Engineers and timber: ingenious designs’ and ‘Architects and timber: striking designs’ which will look at the shortlisted entries into this year’s Wood Awards; and ‘Innovation:

opportunities for innovation in wood around the world - and

designing timber for the future’ which will include sessions from the

the possibilities in this country. Speakers from some of the top

winners of the two categories in this year’s TTJ Innovation Awards.

engineering companies like Arup, Ramboll UK and Buro Happold will

With a Q&A session at the end of each talk, visitors will be able to

focus on boundary-pushing initiatives like speed of erection, more

glean as much information as possible on a broad range of timber-

efficient connections and taller buildings. ‘Growing the business

related topics.

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

SUSTAINABILITY

Will Burma’s timber ban curb or entrench corruption? A

The government has not put forth

ban on all raw timber exports from Burma came into effect in April this year, in an attempt

to rein in one of the country’s highly lucrative and notoriously corrupt extractives. The new regulation, which criminalises cross-border trade of unrefined wood products, is meant to stop the flow of raw resources

Much of the unauthorised trade occurred in areas controlled by the central government

any plans to increase processing industries, which according to researchers opens two possibilities: if in-country processing remains unsupported and undeveloped, illegal trade could actually increase in richly forested border areas; if the industry is concertedly developed, what is already known to be a state-owned

and encourage development of

monopoly could simply expand into

value-added processing industries,

even more businesses.

though many are sceptical of the

said Kevin Woods, a researcher

government’s ability to accomplish

for the environmental rights group

that outcome.

Forest Trends. Woods is one of many

paperwork outlining the ban,” said

“No one has seen any official

resource experts concerned that the

Faith Doherty, Forest Team Leader at

export ban at this stage is the lack

ban could reinforce corruption in

Environmental Investigation Agency

of state and private-sector support

one of the country’s most opaque

(EIA), a UK-based environmental rights

in establishing a more robust wood

industries while doing nothing to

group that accused the government of

processing sector in the country,”

moderate exploitation.

complicity in illegal trade of timber.

“The main issue with the log

10 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

SUSTAINABILITY

“The Government’s official data on

The inquiry had, in fact, been

with recorded materials; much of the

forestry and timber exports reveals

initially directed to both Burma’s

massive count of illicit timber was

endemic illegal logging and timber

Ministry of Environmental

traded under the supervision of the

smuggling - crimes only possible

Conservation and Forestry (MOECAF)

MTE, which is a state-owned company

through institutional corruption

and the managing director of

established in 1989 to oversee all

on a huge scale,” read a statement

the Myanmar Timber Enterprise

logging concessions and manage trade.

accompanying a report that examined

(MTE), neither of whom offered

government export records against

any explanation. The Ministry of

unauthorised trade occurred in areas

imports documented by other nations.

Commerce also declined to comment.

controlled by the central government,

The data indicated a fiscal “black hole”

The extent of corruption in Burma

This means that much of the

and the numbers don’t even begin to

amounting to USD 6 billion worth of

is “really quite stunning”, said Sam

account for logs traded in Burma’s

wood.

Zarifi, Regional Director of the

many ethnically manned border

International Commission of Jurists.

regions, which frequently act as

transparency within the sector,” said

Literally every sector, he said, is and

a conduit for illicit cross-border

Doherty, upon DVB’s inquiry as to

will for some time remain dominated

movement to China. In the Kachin

where the money could possibly be.

by government cronies, especially in

State, for instance, the illegal export

“With USD 6 billion unaccounted for,

the booming extractive sector, where

of logs via the Burma-China land

your question should be addressed to

profit margins are high.

border has been estimated to bring

“Burma has absolutely no

the government. We don’t know.”

Figures reported by EIA dealt only

in more than USD 200 million per

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 11

SUSTAINABILITY

While the raw timber export ban is one step towards avoiding a regrettable transformation in one of Burma’s major industries, it may only work in tandem with additional reforms meant to tackle the country’s deepseated corruption

year, much of which is thought to

put Burma’s current forested area

the disappearance of both trees and

fund rebel army operations. A recent

at around 47 percent, though some

vital non-timber forest products

visitor to the Sino-Burmese border

officials have offered lower estimates.

(NTFPs) can lead to all manner of

said he observed a “constant stream

“The log export ban doesn’t mean

consequences, for instance, scarcity

of trucks” carrying logs from Sagaing

much for actual logging, but rather

of firewood and coal means that

Division to China via Kachin State,

what you do with the logs after you

women travel longer distances to

noting that “there’s very little old

have them,” said Woods, explaining

collect. In Burma’s extreme but real

growth left in the Kachin hills thanks

that while the ban could lead to

circumstances, “there is increased

to the massive levels of logging that

decreased demand - if implementation

chance of rape, especially in conflict-

took place over the past decade.”

stalls deliveries, for example - it is

prone areas.”

Deforestation is an added

not, as some think, going to preserve

While the raw timber export

complexity to Burma’s logging

Burma’s forests. The Burmese

ban is one step towards avoiding

problem; the new rules target

government has, however, committed

a regrettable transformation in

commerce, but they don’t directly

to lowering its annual allowable cut

one of Burma’s major industries,

curb the rapid decline in forested

(AAC) for teak and other hardwoods,

it may only work in tandem with

lands. Estimates vary, but most

which could bring some wins for

additional reforms meant to tackle

environmentalists agree that during

preservationists.

the country’s deep-seated corruption.

British colonial times some 80

Those successes could be very

The Burmese government has, at

percent of the country was wooded,

meaningful in Burma, where many

least, acknowledged the problem

diving to 60 percent in the 1960s.

still rely on the forest for basic

by committing to measures like the

Deforestation accelerated under

needs like food, shelter and safety.

Extractive Industries Transparency

military rule, and government figures

Moreover, Woods suggested that

Initiative and forthcoming preparations to join the EU’s Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) initiative, but has not yet proved the ability or the will to enforce violations. “That’s, of course, the billion dollar question,” said Zarifi, emphasising that new media freedoms offer Burma’s strongest anti-corruption tool. Monitoring the logging and timber industries will largely be a task for journalists, activists and citizens, because information that incriminates cronies is unlikely to come from the government. * This article was written by Feliz Solomon, a contributing editor for the English-language news site Democratic Voice of Burma. She lives in Thailand and writes about development and human rights in a changing Burma, also known as Myanmar.

12 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 13

MARKET REPORT

FLEGT Forging legality links Timber consumer and producer countries worldwide are joining the battle against illegal logging, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now taking interesting new directions

World map showing the geographic spread of FLEGT VPA signatory countries

oncern over deforestation has

journalist and commentator Mike

timber, which can access the EU

risen sharply over the last

Jeffree reports on the interesting

market without undergoing further

decade as the environmental

direction that the battle is taking.

risk assessment and mitigation

and social impacts have become

At the same time, a growing body

under the EU Timber Regulation, the

more widely understood. As a result,

of producer countries has signed up

demand side anti-illegal timber aspect

combating the trade in illegal timber

to Voluntary Partnership Agreements

of FLEGT introduced last year.

has moved ever higher up the agenda

(VPAs) under the EUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Forest Law

for governments, NGOs and the

Enforcement, Governance and Trade

for consumer country timber legality

legitimate timber industry worldwide.

(FLEGT) Action Plan. These bilateral

regulation and the supplier country

The outcome in an increasing number

accords provide a framework for

following of FLEGT can only now

of timber consuming countries and

suppliers to improve forest products

grow. This, in turn, is fuelling another

regions, from the U.S. to Australia,

sector governance and develop

conversation; that, as they develop,

Japan to the EU, is legislation to

timber legality assurance systems.

the two have increasing potential to

eradicate illegal wood from their

Once operational these systems

interrelate worldwide. While FLEGT

supply chains. Timber sector

enable them to export FLEGT-licensed

licensing was conceived to work

14 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

The consensus is that both impetus

MARKET REPORT

in tandem with the EUTR, there

the pioneering Lacey Act, might be

system,” she said. “This has provided

is growing liaison between EUTR

diluted.

a wealth of data, including evidence

enforcement authorities and their

“After the Lacey prosecution of

of timber imported in non compliance

counterparts behind anti-illegal

Gibson Guitars, it became an over-

timber legislation in other countries,

regulation poster child and bills were

and also between the latter and VPA-

launched to weaken it,” said Kate

is the investigation into Lumber

signatories. The result is the view

Horner of the U.S. Environmental

Liquidators’ imports of Chinese

that the FLEGT initiative could inform

Investigation Agency. However,

hardwood flooring. “This shows Lacey

these other regimes too, or contribute

she added, a unique alliance of

can tackle mass market products, as

to the proof of legality they demand.

environmentalists, politicians and

well as low volume, high value items

industry, defeated these moves, and

featured in Gibson,” added Horner.

Evidence that anti-illegal timber

with log bans.” Another key Lacey development

regulation is set to become a still

enforcement has since increased.

more important factor in international

“There’s greater investment behind

supplier Northland Forest Products

trade is clear. At one stage there were

it, including in developing the

is a long-time backer of Lacey, both

concerns that America’s legislation,

online import declaration processing

for environmental reasons and the

Jamey French of hardwood

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 15

MARKET REPORT

requirements,” said Stephen Mitchell of the Australian Timber Development Association. Japan’s Goho-Wood system, which requires proof of timber legality, is well established, but only obligatory for public project suppliers. However, at the last report 8,554 companies were certified under the system, accounting for 7.7 million m3 annually of processed wood and 921,000 m3 of imported logs. According to industry expert Shizuka Yasui of UGAS Ehime University, there is also a lobby for Goho to become a wider national system. “A forestry agency

Indonesian logs shipping for processing

representative publically raised the possibility of Japan developing similar legislation to the EU and U.S.,”

legislation’s capacity to prevent illegal imports from tarnishing and undercutting U.S. domestic timber producers. He’s also heartened by the Lumber Liquidators probe. “The budget behind Lacey remains too low, but this case shows enforcement will happen,” says French. Questions have also been raised over the EUTR’s effectiveness to date. There have been no prosecutions

The consensus is that both impetus for consumer country timber legality regulation and the supplier country following of FLEGT can only now grow

she said. Meanwhile China has been working with the EU on forest law enforcement and governance issues under a ‘Bilateral Coordination Mechanism’, and its State Forest Administration has also been studying the option of a national legality verification scheme. South Korea introduced rules on sustainable use of timber last year, and its Forest

yet, and wide disparity is reported

Service will consider anti-illegal

between the capabilities of national enforcement agencies, or Competent

November 2012, importers won’t

logging and trade measures after

Authorities (CAs), in different

start undertaking risk assessment due

researching U.S., EU and Australian

states. But the picture seems to be

diligence and providing declarations

regulations. And Switzerland looks

improving. More CAs are undertaking

to the Department of Agriculture,

set to develop its Environmental

EUTR inspections. The German

Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)

Protection Act into a “Swiss EUTR”.

authority, BLE, has seized Wenge logs

until this November. However the

during investigations into a suspected

enforcement framework is falling into

also building. Fifteen supplier

breach, and its UK counterpart, the

place.

countries are now engaged with the

National Measurement Office (NMO),

“And DAFF says it intends to

Momentum around FLEGT is

VPA process, which entails broad

has pledged “to show the EUTR has

encourage those with obligations

civil, private and NGO stakeholder

teeth”.

under the Regulation to voluntarily

engagement as well as the

comply with the due diligence

establishment of rigorous governance

“We’re also increasing liaison across Europe to share information and expertise,” said NMO Head of Enforcement Michael Kearney. CAs have also had training sessions with Interpol’s anti-illegal timber operation Project Leaf. And underlining the growing international exchange in this field, meetings between the European bodies and the police agency have also been attended by representatives of U.S., Australian, Norwegian and Swiss bodies. “Our goal is to develop a global illegal timber tip off service,” said Project Leaf leader Davyth Stewart. Australia’s Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation is less developed. Although passed in

16 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

A tree marked in Indonesia’s monitoring system

MARKET REPORT

and enforcement regimes. In fact six

reviews to ensure domestic market

momentum. It will be at this stage

have now signed their Agreements

demand for legal timber.”

too, that the initiative’s relevance to

and are at final implementation

Indonesia has also made strides,

other markets with anti-illegal timber

stage; Cameroon, Indonesia, Republic

including the audit of 18 million ha

regulation will become clearer. Both

of Congo, Ghana, Central African

of forest, and 700 timber companies

Indonesia and Ghana are optimistic

Republic and Liberia. And Ghana

under its SVLK legality assurance

FLEGT licences will help them export

and Indonesia say they expect to

system. According to Andy Roby, a

elsewhere, with an Indonesian

issue their first FLEGT licences soon,

VPA facilitator in Indonesia, its VPA

delegation reportedly visiting the U.S.

with both recently holding events in

process has also “empowered civil

to discuss the relationship between

Brussels and London to publicise their

society and simplified a multiplicity

FLEGT and Lacey.

achievements under the initiative and

of forest laws. The police like it

promote FLEGT-licensed material’s

because the rules are now easy to

the initiative having potentially wider

market value to buyers.

understand and enforce.”

currency. “Importers will have to

One major FLEGT milestone for

Once the first licences are issued

More impartial observers also see

assess other information, but under

Ghana has been the development of

and their EU market access value

the Australian Regulation, FLEGT-

its highly regarded national timber

proven (Indonesia predicts they will

licensed timber will be recognized as

tracking software system. “In March

give it a 6 percent export boost),

low risk,” said Mitchell. “So no green

the system rolled out across all

FLEGT is expected to gain added

light, but an easier pathway.”

companies and forest reserves,” said Nurudeen Idrissu of the Ghanaian Forestry Commission. “We’ve also achieved broad stakeholder participation and introduced policy

One major FLEGT milestone for Ghana has been the development of its highly regarded national timber tracking software system

Dr Dwi Sudharto, Director of Forest Product Process and Marketing Management at the Directorate General of Forest Management of the Indonesian Forestry Ministry, leads SVLK checks at a sawmill

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 17

MARKET REPORT

without a licence would definitely be non-compliant.”

Once the first licences are issued and their EU market access value proven, FLEGT is expected to gain added momentum

About the author

Following talks between EU, Australian, U.S. and Swiss agencies, Svetla Atanasova of the European Commission thought international views on FLEGT’s relevance would also evolve. “As the system’s robustness is proved, other countries may give greater consideration to FLEGT licences in their due diligence or due care exercise,” she said. “Another mutual challenge is helping

Switzerland’s Timber Industry

importers find out about applicable

Federation also expects FLEGT

legislation in the place of harvest

licences to have similar value under

and FLEGT’s ambitious architecture

its prospective legislation and

here could also be useful for U.S. and

in China, the initiative has been

Australian importers.”

evaluated from both anti-illegal

Further evidence of belief in

timber and commercial perspectives,

FLEGT’s broader value comes

in terms of importing licensed timber

from Guyana and Honduras, both

to produce EU-destined manufactured

negotiating VPAs, despite exporting

goods. “When EU customers request

more elsewhere than to the EU,

additional legality proof, (using)

notably the U.S. Ramon Alvarez

FLEGT licenced timber should help

Lazzaroni, Head of the Honduras

our manufacturers,” said Gao Ya

Lumbermen’s Association, said his

of the Chinese Timber and Wood

industry believed FLEGT licensing

Products Distribution Association.

would help it meet the requirements

Japanese officials said FLEGT-licensed

of other countries’ legality systems -

material would have to undergo

and boost EU exports. Interestingly,

further scrutiny under Goho-Wood,

he also raised a wider attraction of

but did not rule out it passing the

FLEGT for VPA countries other than

test.

its capacity to support overseas trade;

According to Horner, FLEGT’s status under Lacey was not clear-cut either, but also not without potential

its value in ensuring forest products sector legality as an end in itself. “The driving force behind our VPA

relevance. “No document can ensure

is improving governance to reduce

Lacey compliance, it’s not written that

deforestation and support our legal,

way. But where FLEGT is embedded in

sustainable forest operations,” added

a country’s law, any timber it exports

Lazzaroni.

18 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 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.

ANALYSIS

Modified Momentum ‘Lightbulb’ moment for the potential of thermally modified U.S. hardwood is just around the corner, says Neil Summers

Image © Giovani Nardi

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 19

ANALYSIS

hermally modified timber (TMT) is increasingly being used for many outdoor applications such

as cladding and decking and garden furniture. Thermal modification is not a new concept. The ancient Vikings knew that when building defensive fencing for fortifications, poles that had a charred surface lasted longer than those that hadn’t. More modern studies on the possible benefits of TMT began in the 1930’s and 40’s in Europe and the USA but it never reached commercialization. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that Scandinavia first introduced the commercial method of thermal modification that we recognize today, as a way of improving the durability and stability of native softwoods. This technology is now being applied increasingly to North American hardwoods too, with impressive results. Small innovative projects supported by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) like the Infinity bench designed by Martino Gamper using thermally modified Ash, Tulipwood, Soft Maple and Red Oak demonstrate how these species can be used to

home and workplace concepts. The

Architect Carl Turner was to get away

great effect. And while there is always

structure used the contrasting light

from the traditional concept of a bar

a degree of scepticism and caution

color of the tulipwood in its natural

as a solid barrier. Working with Adam

over the performance of anything

state against the rich dark color it

Kershaw, the wide boards were cut

new, I now believe the ‘lightbulb’

becomes after it has been thermally

down to slats and glued and slotted

project highlighting its value is just

modified to great effect. The structure

together in an open frame. The natural

around the corner.

went on to form the AHEC and Wood

and the thermally modified slats

Awards exhibition stand at various

were then mixed to create a striking

highlight the versatility and aesthetics

exhibitions around Europe where

camouflage effect. The project won

of thermally modified Tulipwood

the color contrast lead to interesting

over the architect to the possibilities

has more than proved its point.

conversations as to how the timber

of working with thermally modified

The initiative originated at design

could be the same species.

U.S. hardwoods again in the future.

Another AHEC project designed to

magazine Wallpaper’s Workspace

The most recent reinvention came

The focus of Timber Dimension’s

Exhibition last year, where the striking

in April this year when the Octopus

work with AHEC this year is very

Octopus structure, designed by

was remodelled to form the juice

much on development and helping to

architect Adam Khan and fabricated

bar for Wallpaper’s Handmade show

dispel any remaining doubts with a

by joiner/maker Adam Kershaw,

as part of the Milan Design Week.

range of testing programmes planned

formed the backdrop for different

The design idea by London based

so specifiers can be confident that

And while there is always a degree of scepticism and caution over the performance of anything new, I now believe the ‘lightbulb’ project highlighting its value is just around the corner Image © Petr Krejci

20 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

ANALYSIS

Testing is also on the agenda to confirm thermally treated hardwoods’ strength properties and how the treatment process reduces bending strength

and promote thermally modified ash cladding and decking, which group marketing and product manager Neale Brewster said was designed not only to provide the customer with something that performed, but that would stand out and be different. In addition, AHEC has also joined the Timber Decking and Cladding Association in order to widen knowledge of U.S. thermally modified hardwoods for this type of application and to play an active role in the

will also conduct exploratory trials with their products to see how they

Image © AHEC

thermally modified U.S. hardwoods

organization. Thermally modified wood is now a

perform on what is a new timber

global product with producers all over

substrate to them. We also know that

the world. The challenge is to educate

thermally modified tulipwood can be

designers and specifiers with an

successfully engineered into laminated

understanding and knowledge of how

sections with the use of MUF and

and where this ‘new type’ of timber

PU glues, making it an ideal material

can be used. AHEC have recently

for high quality window scantlings.

teamed up with young Australian

At the recent Fensterbau exhibition

designer Ben Percy to showcase just

in Germany, several manufacturers

how it can be used in an outdoor

expressed interest in producing and in

environment, and later this year will

using the product. Emphasis may shift

be working with leading Gulf furniture

to focus on high-end quality windows

designer Khalid Shafar to produce a

on the continent rather than in the UK

design piece as part of its initiative

market.

to develop awareness of this exciting

Testing is also on the agenda to

timber product amongst the design

will meet the highest performance

confirm thermally treated hardwoods’

and specifying fraternity in the

specifications. We have already

strength properties and how the

Arabian Gulf.

established the key issue of durability,

treatment process reduces bending

which is the key to the longevity of a

strength. Evidence suggests around

species used externally. Independent

20 percent, but this is very much

testing at CATAS laboratories in Italy

a generalization and not species

showed that a durability rating of

specific. There is also the property of

class 1 (very durable) can be achieved

surface hardness to consider. There

for ash, tulipwood, red oak and soft

are many examples of high quality

maple when processed at 2120C.

thermally modified timber flooring

Initial coating trials with Teknos

About the Author

on the market too, demonstrating

also show that a thermally treated

how the process improves hardness

substrate provides a dimensionally

properties, and our aim is also to

stable surface for coatings and

evaluate this.

more work will be done this year

Market acceptance in the UK

to confirm these findings. Leading

is further underlined by Howarth

supplier of penetrating oils, Owatrol,

Timber deciding this year to stock

Image © Giovani Nardi

Neil Summers graduated from Buckinghamshire College in 1983 with a BSc degree in Timber Technology and then went to the well renowned Department of Pure & Applied Biology at Imperial College in London for three years as a laboratory research technician in the timber preservation research section. In 1986, Neil joined Timber preservative manufacturer Protim (now Osmose) before fulfilling various technical and commercial roles for the next 25 years. Today, he acts as an independent consultant to the timber industry and in an advisory role on technical issues to American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC).

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 21

the source

The Park Villa, Park Hyatt Hadahaa in the Maldives

22 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

Image ÂŠ MTC

the source

Council’s 15th year in Dubai evidence of Malaysia’s commitment to the MENA market M

alaysia has been one of the

Malaysia has been one of the major exporters of timber-based products to the Middle Eastern and Northern African (MENA) region

major exporters of timberbased products to the Middle

Eastern and Northern African (MENA) region. In 2013, Malaysia exported in excess of RM 2 billion (USD 622 million) of timber and timber-based products to this region. Malaysia’s progressive policies support not only sustainable forestry but also manufacturing and trade of high quality timber products. Its long-

sustainable forest management

standing relationship with the MENA

practices began in as early as

timber-based importers is evidenced

1901, with the appointment of its

by the presence of the Malaysian

first forestry officer. Sustainability

Timber Council (MTC) office in Dubai

and legality of raw materials

since 1999. Malaysia is a global leader in

are important to Malaysia. The Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang

Image © MTC

tropical forest management. Its

Malaysian Government, through the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities, strongly pushed for the implementation of the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) (as evidence of sustainability and legality) in 1998. Today, Malaysia still has 56 percent of her land area covered with natural forests. The MTCS is also accredited by the globally-recognized Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). The country has also successfully balanced economic progress with environment conservation. Malaysia has been exporting timber-based products for at least 50 years, from just sawntimber in the 1960’s to more and more value-added products like plywood, BCJ and timber-based furniture today. Coupled with its customer-oriented service, global

Batutaa Restaurant, Park Hyatt Hadahaa in the Maldives

Image © MTC

buyers continue to have confidence in Malaysian timber-based products.

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 23

the source

Malaysia is a global leader in tropical forest management. Its sustainable forest management practices began in as early as 1901, with the appointment of its first forestry officer MTC at Dubai WoodShow

Policies like tax breaks and capital allowances support the manufacturing industry towards strong and sustainable growth. In March 2014, global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield ranked Malaysia the top manufacturing location in Asia in its comprehensive

MTC Dubai is located at Suite 12A-02, 13th Floor, HDS Tower, F Cluster, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE. For further information, please contact Mr. Khairul Anwar at +971 4 4279 823 or mtcdubai@emirates.net.ae

assessment of the most suitable

Image © MTC

exports to the MENA region in 2013, together registering over USD 295 million (RM 950 million) in value terms. The council’s presence in Dubai, now entering its fifteenth year, affirms the importance of the countries in the MENA market to Malaysia. In 2014, apart from the Dubai WoodShow in April and Libya Build in Tripoli in May,

locations to expand or relocate. The

MTC will also be servicing Malaysia’s

index analyzes three principal areas -

been a strong importer of Malaysian

customers through its participation

costs, risks and conditions - and these

sawntimber, plywood, fibreboard and

in Project Iraq in October. There will

are then broken down into more than

wooden furniture, which altogether

also be marketing missions organized

30 sub-categories to include factors

make up almost 98 percent of all

to the MENA region from time to time

like logistics, the likelihood of natural

timber-based exports from Malaysia to

to match Malaysian suppliers with

disasters, economic risk, and energy

the MENA region.

buyers and importers of high quality

and labour costs.

Malaysian timbers are valued for

Malaysian timber products. At other

their excellent technical properties

times, the MTC Dubai office also

solid Malaysian policies that support

and beautiful grains. Usually specified

regularly participates in exhibitions

a healthy enabling environment for

for decking, flooring, pergolas and

such as Saudi Build, Project Qatar and

the manufacture and trade of its

other applications, both structural and

gulfBID Bahrain to maintain the good

timber and timber-based products,

aesthetic, Malaysian timbers have

rapport with local timber importers,

particularly wooden furniture,

often been used to up the luxury quota

architects, builders and specifiers.

sawntimber, plywood and fibreboard

in high-end resorts and hotels. Species

that altogether make up over USD

like Balau, Kapur, Kempas, Merbau and

as a whole is committed to the MENA

622 million (RM 2 billion) of made-in-

Red Meranti have become household

region. For timber and timber-based

Malaysia timber-based exports to the

names in countries like Bahrain, Qatar,

products, this is evidenced through

MENA region,” said Datuk Aaron Ago

Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

MTC’s continued presence in Dubai

“This ranking is also a reflection of

Dagang, Chairman of MTC. Traditionally, the MENA region has

Malaysia’s plywood and medium density fibreboard are also major

Datuk Aaron affirmed that Malaysia

to service the countries in the MENA region efficiently and effectively.

Image © MTC

24 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

A leading manufacturer of high pressure laminates www.laminates.me info@laminates.me

Phone: +971 2 5511546 Fax : +971 2 55 10509 P.O. Box: 35030 Abu Dhabi - UAE

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 25

design & dĂŠcor

26 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

design & décor

OMB’s award-winning bosk restaurant Design expresses the Shangri-La’s timeless and understated aesthetic and its subtle Asian-inspired theme

Image © Ema Peter

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 27

design & décor

pened in the summer of 2012, the bosk restaurant in the base of Toronto’s Shangri-La

Hotel was conceived as a luxurious and elegant space to complement the hotel lobby while also establishing its own identity as the hotel restaurant and bar. Its design expresses the Shangri-La’s timeless and understated aesthetic and its subtle Asian-inspired theme. The project’s scope extended beyond the interior design to also include bosk’s branding and graphics, as well as custom furniture and commissioned art selection. The designers conceived ‘bosk’, meaning ‘a small wooded area’, as the restaurant name to establish the design direction. Their conceptual interpretation of the theme is manifested by the oak panels and screens that envelope the space, ensuring a harmonious aesthetic throughout. The panels and sliders define dining, lounge and bar areas, offering flexibility in the room configurations. Each panel features a repeated graphic pattern used in an array of forms - embossed, impressed

green and amber, and commissioned

and perforated, highlighting the

large-scale photographs of local forest

remarkable and transformative

areas, bring the interior to life.

qualities of the space. Perforated panels create translucent

“We conceived ‘bosk’, meaning ‘a small wooded area’, to establish the

screens to give privacy while also

design direction for this luxurious

filtering light. Further, impressed

yet modest restaurant. We enveloped

ceiling panels add texture while hiding

the space in a family of oak wood

mechanical and electrical features. An

panels and screens defining areas

embossed feature wall in the lounge

and providing flexibility while the

explodes the pattern in extreme

restrained palette ensures a timeless

relief. The density of the wood is

and elegant dining space,” said

complemented by cream travertine

Michelle Biggar, Principal, OMB.

walls and floors, white solid surfaces,

Some of bosk’s palette is shared

bronze detailing, and tones of warm

with the hotel lobby to establish

taupes and deep purples in the

the continuity required as the hotel

furniture. A sea of hand-blown glass

restaurant. However the proportions

pendant lights in varying shades of

and applications of the materials

The designers conceived ‘bosk’, meaning ‘a small wooded area’, as the restaurant name to establish the design direction were adjusted to allow bosk to also maintain its own brand. While the lobby heavily features the travertine stone on all surfaces with only accents of the oak wood, bosk uses the wood to define the restaurant with a dramatic and dense application. The restaurant bar was positioned at the entry to bosk to service both the lobby and the restaurant and adjacent

Image © Ema Peter

to the full height glazing to display animated views of the interior to the

28 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

design & décor

Image © Bob Gundu

street. As the restaurant is open from

for the annual ‘Wood Design Awards’,

breakfast through to dinner there was

a program of the Canadian Wood

a desire to downplay the bar during

Council and the only North American

the morning sittings.

awards program to publicly recognize

Testament to the unique design, OMB has been awarded a 2013 North

Image © OMB

and award excellence and innovation in wood architecture.

American Wood Design Award by

“We are very proud bosk won a

Wood Design & Building magazine

North American Wood Design Award.

and the Canadian Wood Council for

It is fantastic to have our project

its work on bosk. Sixteen projects

recognized as an innovative space that

were selected from over 125 entries

demonstrates the beauty and versatility

by an esteemed architectural jury

of wood,” concluded Biggar.

Project Details Project: bosk restaurant + Shangri-La Hotel lobby Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Project Size: 13,000 SF Completion: 2012 Team: Michelle Biggar, Steve McFarlane, Seng Tsoi Services: Interior Design, Branding, Art Commissioning

Image © Ema Peter

Photo Credit: Bob Gundu, Ema Peter & OMB

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 29

comment

The return of the Gulf construction boom With renewed confidence and renewed spending, there are, once again, huge opportunities for wood products in the Gulf markets

he six members of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) did not suffer unscathed during

the global financial crisis and the UAE (Dubai, in particular) faced a major credit squeeze, which, among other things, led to a massive slowdown in the construction sector. However, from the start of last year,

The opportunities for wood product suppliers in the Gulf are already substantial and the situation is only set to develop further

new construction activity. While it is most marked in Dubai, this renewed buoyancy is echoed all around the Gulf region. Among the forecasts for the GCC in 2014 is 19 percent growth in the number of completed projects, 17 percent growth in the number of projects awarded and 18 percent growth in the interiors sector, with the majority

the situation began to take a more positive turn. The credit crunch began

mothballed being re-started. Then, in

of this focused on the residential and

to ease, investor confidence returned

November last year, Dubai won its bid

hospitality sectors in the UAE, Saudi

and this led to a significant number

to host the World Expo in 2020, which

Arabia and Qatar. In Dubai alone,

of new projects being launched, as

served to underpin that renewed

plans are now being put in motion

well as some of those that had been

confidence, with a resultant surge in

for the development of 40,000 new

30 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

comment

hotel rooms to add to the 60,000 that already exist. The potential that this renewed construction boom offers for wood products is substantial. Accurate GCC imports of wood products are not easy to come by, but it is possible to estimate that around EUR 1.5 billion of wood products were imported by the six GCC members countries in 2013, of which around EUR 600 million were accounted for by softwood lumber alone. It is widely anticipated that these numbers will be far higher by the end of this year, with softwood lumber and plywood being the primary wood products imported, particularly for concrete formwork. In addition, demand for

Image © Meydan Sobha

hardwood lumber is also expected to increase significantly in the coming years, with the much of it destined for the furniture, doors and flooring, which are manufactured by the Gulf’s 350 or so joinery and furniture factories. Timber is also being used more and more in external applications in the region, such as shade structures, cladding, decking and street furniture. While these applications are most often catered for by tropical hardwoods, there is growing awareness of, and interest in, treated and modified temperate hardwoods and softwoods. There is also an increase in environmental sensitivity across the Gulf, with exacting green building rating systems being put in place. As a result, demand for certified wood products is also on the rise.

Image © HESS Timber

The GCC and, notably, the UAE, is also a significant timber trading and wood processing hub, with a concentration of importers and joinery/furniture factories in Dubai and Sharjah. Many of these companies trade timber all over the Middle East and North Africa region and far beyond as well, while a large proportion of the manufacturers cater to interior fit-out projects outside the Gulf in Europe, the United States, Russia, Central Asia, Africa and India. The opportunities for wood product suppliers in the Gulf are already substantial and the situation is only set to develop further over the coming years. Of course, the competition for market share will be high as well, with imports already coming in to the region from just about every supplying region

Image © TDIC

there is.

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 31

comment

About the Author

Image ÂŠ Meydan Sobha

Roderick Wiles has been analyzing the MENA markets for wood products for the past 15 years. He travels regularly and extensively throughout the region, developing a wealth of contacts and expertise, which he shares through providing consultancy services to a range of government and industry clients on a long term or one-off basis. For more information, see www.broadleafconsulting.com

Completed GCC construction projects forecasted to jump 92.06 percent in value Construction projects across all building sectors worth USD 128.46 billion are expected to be completed by end of this year, rising by a massive 92.06 percent compared to 2013 (USD 66.89 billion). Forecast expenditure on interiors and fit-outs is USD 9.57 billion, 29.63 percent more than in 2013. These findings are part of a bi-annual study conducted by Ventures ME, which were revealed by dmg events at the INDEX exhibition, the leading MENA interior design trade show. The research analyses both the building construction and the fit-out and interiors markets, focusing on six main sectors - residential, commercial, hospitality, retail, education and medical - in each of the GCC countries.

2014 Forecast for GCC Building Construction Market Out of a total value of USD 128.46 billion, the medical, residential and hospitality sectors will account for over half of the market, with shares of 24.43 percent, 23.34 percent and 22.64 percent respectively. The three sectors leading the way will be followed by commercial (12.51 percent), education (5.86 percent) and retail (1.09 percent). Compared to the previous year, the hospitality and medical sectors will register the biggest growth; the value of completed hospitality building projects is forecast to jump from USD 3.68 billion to USD 29.08 billion (+690.03 percent), while the value of completed buildings for medical use will jump by 725.19 percent to USD 31.38 billion (from USD 3.80 billion in 2013). The vast majority of completed projects will be in KSA, particularly in the residential (USD 34.39 billion), hospitality (USD 3.85 billion), commercial (USD 7.97 billion) and education (USD 4.38 billion) sectors. Qatar will register USD 522 million worth of retail projects to be completed, taking the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ranking from fifth in 2013 to number one. The United Arab Emirates will lead the way in healthcare projects and, out of a total forecast market value of USD 31.38 billion, the UAE will account for USD 3.13 billion - a remarkable increase when compared to the value of completed projects in 2013 (USD 227 million).

2014 Forecast for GCC Interiors & Fit-out Markets Out of an overall estimated market value of USD 9.57 billion, the residential sector will account for the majority of expenditure, at USD 3.30 billion or 34.47 percent of the total. This will be followed by the hospitality sector, with 20.24 per cent (USD 1.94 billion) of the market and the commercial sector with 18.48 percent or USD 1.77 billion of the total. When compared to 2013, the sectors that are expected to register the highest growth are hospitality, up 133.88 percent to USD 1.94 billion and the medical sector, which will almost double in value from USD 304 million to USD 607 million. KSA will rank in top position for interiors and fit-outs in the hospitality (USD 866 million), commercial (USD 876 million) and education (USD 350 million) sectors. In healthcare and residential, the UAE will be in first position, with USD 251 million and USD 1.31 billion spent respectively. Of the estimated total of USD 315 million invested in retail interiors and fit-outs, Qatar will be the major spender, at USD 117 million.

32 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

17 - 20 NOVEMBER 2014 Dubai World Trade Centre 11:00 - 19:00 Daily www.thebig5.ae/tbt141

KNOW.

GROW. BUILD. Expand your business in the $1.5 trillion GCC construction market Find new distributors in the Middle East region Learn how to operate within the local legal framework Network with 74,000+ engineers, architects, contractors and product specifiers 8 DEDICATED PRODUCT ZONES BUILDING INTERIORS

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT EXHIBITING? Contact Patrick Gedeon to request a tailor-made package that will meet your business objectives and your budget. P: +971 4 4380 355 E: info@thebig5.ae W: www.thebig5.ae Platinum Sponsor

Free Zone Partner

Real time updates on:

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 33

technology

Vernacular Versatility: Contemporary adaptation of Korean traditional architecture Spectacular wood skyscraper that can be built without a single nail wins â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;2014 eVolo Skyscraper Competitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

34 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

technology

Image ÂŠ Yong Ju Lee

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 35

technology

he winner of the ‘2014 eVolo Skyscraper Competition’, Yong Ju Lee’s ‘Vernacular Versatility’

reinterprets traditional Korean architecture in a contemporary mixed-use high-rise. Hanok Tower is a complex wooden skyscraper that was inspired by traditional Korean houses. The project modifies a traditional building technique to suit one of the today’s most demanding architectural typologies - the skyscraper. As

While people use this building in their routines, Lee believes its exceptional vision will attract people’s attention and stimulate their interest in traditional architecture

western housing and is synonymous with Korean housing styles, and is characterized by its own wooden structure system and tiled roofs. The edge of Hanok’s curvy roofs accomplishes its strong formal gesture. The lengths of the roof edge can be adjusted to control the amount of sunlight that enters the house. The form and structure consisted of wood is exposed in exterior and interior of this system. The core

such, its unique combination of

applied to a high-rise design, and

structural element is the wooden

vernacular forms and advanced

it controls the amount of available

connection - Gagu - right under the

building technology brought it first

sunlight. Wooden connections called

roof where the column meets beam

prize at this year’s eVolo Skyscraper

Gagu are used below the main rod

and girder without additional fastener

Competition.

system where the column meets the

such as nail. And this connection is

beam and girder, eliminating the

also a defining aesthetic of Korean

inspiration from traditional

need for additional parts such as

traditional architecture.

Korean houses and the versatility

nails. According to Lee, the design

of vernacular architecture while

was developed using contemporary

has been developed and applied

designing Hanok Tower. The exposed

software, which optimizes traditional

only to one-storey residences,

wooden structural system, generally

building techniques.

with the exception of a few taller

Architect Yong Ju Lee drew

used for one-storey residences, was

Hanok is defined as the antonym of

Historically this structure system

unoccupiable structures, which were primarily religious symbols. However, as various modeling softwares have

TOP OF BUILDING EL +39500.00

developed, Lee believes that there are more opportunities to apply this traditional system to a complex high-rise structure so as to meet contemporary purposes and programs. As such, Vernacular Versatility can open a new chapter of possibility to bring this ancient tradition to present

TOP OF ROOF EL +30000.00

day with high-resolution intelligence and beauty.

Following the massive urban development and construction of

FLOOR 7 EL +24500.00

modern apartments in the 1970’s, Hanok virtually disappeared from the Korean built environment. However,

FLOOR 6 EL +20500.00

the importance of Hanok has surfaced

in the past decade on account of its eco-friendly function and healing FLOOR 5 EL +16500.00

properties. Today, the number of people who try to move in Hanok is growing rapidly to cure the diseases

such as atopy or asthma, which is

FLOOR 4 EL +12500.00

mainly caused by environment. According to official reports, Hanok

FLOOR 3 EL +8500.00

comprised only 0.77 percent of the

entire built area in Korea as of 2008. Lee’s proposal is located in one of the busiest districts in Korea, surrounded

FLOOR 2 EL +4500.00

by commercial and residential 5

buildings. While people use this building in their routines, Lee believes its exceptional vision will attract

G.L. EL +0.00

people’s attention and stimulate their interest in traditional architecture. Ultimately, he hopes that it will

CELLAR EL -4000.00

BUILDING SECTION

36 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

everyday lives.

technology

GIWA CONNECTOR 마루 PARALLEL END BEAM 종도리 SHORT JOIST 단연 GIWA (TILE-ROOF) 기와

PARALLEL END-MID BEAM 종중도리 PARALLEL MIDDLE BEAM 중도리 FLOATING BEAM 뜬도리 LONG JOIST 장연 COLUMN SUPPORTING BEAM 주심도리

ROOF EDGE 서까래 ADDITIONAL EDGE 부연

CONNECTING GIRDER 충보 BACK GIRDER 퇴보 MAIN SUPPORINTG GIRDER 대들보 CORE GIRDER 종보

OUTER COLUMN 평주 STANDARD SYSTEM

INNER COLUMN 고주

NEW CONFIGURATION

Project Details Title: Vernacular Versatility Architect: Yong Ju Lee Location: Shinchon, Seoul Use: Mixed use Site Area: 380 m2 Building Area: 2000 m2 Building Scale: 7 storeys above ground, 1 storey below ground Structure: Wood Max. Height: 39,500 mm Image © Yong Ju Lee

eVolo Skyscraper Competition 2014 eVolo Magazine announced the winners of its 2014 Skyscraper Competition earlier this year. The first place was awarded to Yong Ju Lee from the United States for his project ‘Vernacular Versatility’, which reinterprets traditional Korean architecture in a contemporary mixed-use high-rise. The second place was awarded to Mark Talbot and Daniel Markiewicz from the United States for their project ‘Car and Shell: or Marinetti’s Monster’, which proposes a city in the sky for Detroit. In addition, the recipients of the third place were YuHao Liu and Rui Wu from Canada for their project ‘Propagate Skyscraper’ that investigates the structural use of carbon dioxide in skyscrapers. The 2014 edition marks the ninth anniversary of the competition established in 2006 to recognize outstanding ideas for vertical living through the novel use of technology, materials, programs, aesthetics, and spatial organizations. eVolo Magazine received 525 projects from 43 countries in all continents and the jury, formed by leaders of the architecture and design fields, selected 3 winners and 20 honorable mentions. Some of the honorable mentions include a skyscraper that filters the air of polluted cities, a sky village for Los Angeles, a 3D printed tower in the desert, and a vertical transportation hub among other innovative projects.

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 37

wood works

C ‘Accordion Cabinet’ by Elisa Strozyk and Sebastian Neeb

ontinuing her exploration of wooden textiles, German designer Elisa Strozyk in

collaboration with artist Sebastian Neeb has created the ‘Accordion Cabinet’, a unique piece of storage furniture, which is composed of an exterior layer of wooden layer, made from lamellas of various veneers that have been folded in a manner similar to that of an accordion. The ‘Accordion Cabinet’ changes it’s appearance and volume depending on being opened or closed. Combining slim legs with a voluminous body the two designers

38 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

wood works

have created a piece of furniture with

wood, are fixed to a textile base (such

processes to design a flexible wooden

it’s very own character, something

as lycra) by hand. The combination of

surface are its deconstruction into

you can emotionally relate to. With

materials presents the wood as having

pieces, which are then attached to

this they aim for a longer lasting

a flexibility similar to that of a piece

a textile base. I am using different

relationship between object and user.

of fabric. In essence, the accordion

textiles like silk, Lycra or micro fibre

wraps around a rectangular base, and

as backings. Depending on the weight

Cabinet’ consists of a shelf on long

hides shelves within when pulled

and stiffness each surface shows a

legs, which is surrounded by a flexible

shut.

different behaviour. Lycra for example

According to Strozyk, the ‘Accordion

skin. This is made of a combination

In creating her masterpiece

of veneer wood and textile, which

out of wood veneer and flexible

textile into a highly flexible surface.

can be opened and closed by folding

wood textile, Strozyk has shown a

The wood is then cut by hand or laser

similarly to an accordion. Strozyk

remarkable ability to skillfully adapt

cut, and all tiles are stuck by hand to

believes the use of this wooden

common materials in a challenging,

compose a textile-like surface. I am

textile allows a free and sculptural

meticulous yet stunning finished

working with veneer wood leftovers

form. Each of the laser cut pieces of

piece of furniture. Says Storzyk: “The

from wood workshops.”

is very fluid and turns the wooden

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 39

SHOWTIME

Top Industry

Exhibitions coming up This season

Timber & Woodworking 2014 The 12th edition of ‘Timber & Woodworking’ is being organized by Kazakhstan’s leading exhibition company - Atakent Expo - in conjunction with the Association of Furniture and Woodworking Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan and with the official support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Kazakhstan and akimat of Almaty. The event is a part of a bigger event - ‘The Week of Furniture Salon in Almaty’ - taking place from June 11 -

China Furniture & Woodworks 2014

14, 2014 and which also includes two other exhibitions ‘Furniture & Interior’ and ‘Architecture & Design’. Previous editions have attracted more than 160 companies and enterprises from 12 CIS countries including Russia, Austria, Azerbaijan, the Republic of Belarus, China, Germany, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Turkey, Estonia, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. Acording to the organizers, these exhibitions contribute to strengthen the position of the domestic furniture manufacturers in both domestic and foreign markets enabling them to expand the horizon of business cooperation. It also allows companies from Kazakhstan an excellent opportunity to establish new and strengthen existing contacts as well as to solve the problem of investment. One of the main objectives of the exhibition is a demonstration of advanced technologies and achievements in the field of furniture and woodworking industry. As such, the event showcases a choice of furniture of different versions, the style and direction, a variety of upholstery materials, accessories and decorative elements of interior.

Now in its 19th edition, the China International Furniture (Dalian) Exhibition is now recognized as the most comprehensive trade fair for the furniture industry in North China and the most important trade platform for suppliers, manufacturers and buyers both at home and overseas. Slated to take place from June 6 - 9, 2014 at the Dalian Star-Sea Convention & Exhibition Center, China, the event will continue to serve all vertical sectors of furniture and wood products manufacturing industry with better service and high quality business opportunities. The show will primarily display products and services pertaining to woodworking and the furniture industry with a special focus on products and services from North China. As a leading platform for suppliers, manufacturers and buyers both at home and overseas, the show will provide an excellent trading opportunity and gateway into China. The show is expected to attract a large number of visitors including wholesalers, manufacturers, importers, distributors, exporters, processors; and machinery and auxiliary industries. Some of the exhibit products include woodworking machinery & tools; flooring; kitchen and bathroom furniture; porcelain handicrafts sculptures and painting frames. Date: 6 - 9 June Venue: Dalian Star-Sea Convention & Exhibition Center Location: Dalian, China WEBSITE: www.sinoexhibition.com/furniture/index_e.asp

40 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

Date: 12 - 15 June Venue: Atakent Exhibition Center Location: Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan WEBSITE: http://eng.atakentexpo.kz/news/detail.php?ID=117

SHOWTIME

INTERFORST

The 12th edition of the International Key Trade Fair for

schools, universities and advanced technical colleges,

Forestry and Forest Technology with Scientific Conferences

universities of applied sciences, professional associations

and Special shows (INTERFORST) will take place on the

and organizations from forestry, the timber industry and

grounds of the New Munich Trade Fair Center from July

agriculture, as well as public agencies and institutions in

16 - 20, 2014. It will be accompanied once again by top-

Germany and abroad.

class scientific conferences and special shows. Besides

Forward-looking technologies and solutions - and all

the traditional areas presented at INTERFORST, the future-

important fields of the economic factor that constitute

oriented wood-energy segment is expected to play an

forests and timber - will be represented at INTERFORST

even more important role in 2014. The topics that will be

this year. State-of-the-art products such as vehicles for

developed in this area include energy-wood exploitation

timber transport, machinery and technology for wood

and technology, storing and transporting energy wood as

processing and round timber storage as well as equipment

well as wood-heating technology.

for afforestation, forest care and forest protection will be on

According to the organizers, approximately 450 exhibitors

display. Emphasis will be cropping and harvesting, wherein

are expected to occupy the more than 70,000 sqm of gross

both small and large machines will be exhibited, thereby

exhibition space at INTERFORST 2014. Organized every

appealing to forest owners, no matter whether small- or

four years, the show promotes a range of products and

large-scale, whether professional or semi-professional.

services intended for forest contractors, forest owners and

INTERFORST 2014 will also present IT solutions for the

forest operators, forest administrations and forest offices,

forestry sector: software and hardware for data processing,

forestry enterprises and forestry associations, agricultural

measurement, management and telecommunication.

enterprises, timber transport companies, shops for agricultural machinery and devices, forest worker’s training

The organizers aim to further develop INTERFORST as a platform for major investment decisions and networking among representatives from the worlds of business, science and politics. Against the backdrop of the turnaround in energy policy, wood as a renewable resource is the central theme of the show this year. The forest with its rapidly growing trees for energy generation as well as the technology required for energy wood processing and combustion will be the topics under discussion. According to the Bavarian State Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Forestry, wood is the major bioenergy carrier in Bavaria, with approximately 40 percent of the bioenergy being generated from wood. In the process, wood is predominantly used for heat generation. Date: 16 - 20 July Venue: Munich Trade Fair Center Location: Munich, Germany WEBSITE: www.interforst.de/en

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 41

SHOWTIME

FURNITEX

effective branding platform to jumpstart their furniture product lines and sales. The exhibitors gathering at the exhibition will showcase a wide range of products and services such as bathroom furniture, decorative items, design and renovation, door and windows, flooring and ceramics, home appliances, home furniture, kitchen furniture, landscaping, lighting solutions, office furniture, security & safety, soft furnishings, doors & windows, curtains, wallpaper, ceramics, flooring, decorative items and more. With the best package deals as the main attraction, MF3 promises to be the premier furniture exhibition in Malaysia, inspiring creativity and innovation for home owners and exhibitors alike.

Australia’s largest furniture and furnishings trade Fair FURNITEX, and the co-located DECORATION + DESIGN, are set to return to the Melbourne Exhibition Center from July 10 - 13, 2014. Featuring hundreds of exhibitors, FURNITEX is the leading event for the Australian furniture and furnishings industry and is expected to attract thousands of local and international visitors. After celebrating 10 inspiring years, the organizers have announced that they will be unveiling a new look DECOR + DESIGN show at FURNITEX this year. Showcasing a select range of the latest high-end designs in interiors and soft furnishings, DECOR + DESIGN will offer the industry an exciting glimpse into the future of design. According to the organizers, one of the biggest highlights this year is VIVID - Vibrant Visions in Design. This leading

Date: 19 - 21 July Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia WEBSITE: www.mf3.my

design competition offers aspiring designers a unique launching pad into the furniture industry. Emerging designers will present work in Commercial, Concept,

Decorex Joburg

Student and Green categories, with awards announced on opening day. In addition, the International Industry Seminar Series also returns this year with a world-class line up of

Decorex Joburg takes place from August 6 - 10, 2014 and is

international and Australian presenters set to headline the

a must-visit for anyone with plans on the home décor and

2014 program.

design front. This year, Decorex Joburg is themed ‘Design your Life’ and with the widest variety of exhibitors of all

Date: 10 - 13 July Venue: Melbourne Exhibition Center, Southbank Location: Melbourne, Australia WEBSITE: www.furnitex.com.au

South African lifestyle exhibitions, it promises ideas and information to inspire. South Africa’s most comprehensive décor, design and lifestyle exhibition, Decorex Joburg will include everything from fine home finishes to beautiful décor accessories, bathroom, appliance, garden and kitchen findings

Malaysian Furniture & Furnishings Fair (MF3 2014)

all under one roof. This year’s exhibition features some exciting additions, including the world-renowned international design exhibition 100% Design South Africa, which will take place alongside Decorex Joburg for the first time this year, plus the Design

Organized by the Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Furniture

and Trend Forecast, presented by Dion Chang and sponsored

Entrepreneur Association (KLSFEA), the Malaysian Furniture

by Caesarstone. A line up which includes interactive demo’s,

& Furnishings Fair (MF3) celebrates the best of the furniture

designer pop up restaurants and bars plus the ever popular

industry with the biggest home furniture fair in Malaysia.

2015 Plascon Colour Forecast, all mean a visit to Decorex

Inspiring homeowners with the best furniture from the

Joburg will arm visitors with all they need to design their life.

industry, MF3 provides a wellspring of information and tips on transforming your homestyles, and improving your home furniture and furnishing needs. With a consumer-oriented approach and free admission, the fair enjoys a huge turnout every year, prompting nearly all of the participating exhibitors to agree that the MF3 is the best and most

42 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

Date: 6 - 10 August Venue: Gallagher Convention Center, Midrand Location: Johannesburg, South Africa WEBSITE: www.decorex.co.za

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 43

SHOWTIME INTERVIEW

MC China celebrates its 20th

from 82 countries. Moreover, 22,976

Co. Ltd., Qingdao Woodtron Co. Ltd.,

anniversary in 2014 and

decision-makers attended ‘FMC

Anderson Industrial Corp. Tongxing

expectations are high for the

Premium 2013’, a show for high-end

Technology Development Co. Ltd.,

show this year. Ever since its move to

suppliers of furniture components

Roctech Machinery Co. Ltd. and Yuhuan

the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition

and raw materials. In addition, we

Shenghongfa NC Engraving Equipment

& Convention Center (SWEECC)

held 40 professional conferences

Co. Ltd. have also all confirmed their

in 2011, the increased exhibition

and showcases, and invited more

participation to celebrate the twentieth

area and visitor numbers have

than 60 industry experts to deliver

anniversary of FMC China.

made FMC one of the most famous

presentations at the event.

02. How is this year’s edition positioned?

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

domestic and overseas exhibitors.

FMC China will once again be staged

Our main objective is that we connect

Showcasing cabinets, doors,

at the SWEECC and held concurrently

suppliers with buyers. As such, we

architectural design, engineering

with FMC Premium 2014. This year,

plan to expand our visitor base

contracting and decoration, and

the total floor area will be 59,000 sqm

bringing many opportunities for

and we expect to host 850 exhibitors.

furniture manufacturers, decoration

With associations and pavilions at

manufacturers while attracting

home and abroad expanding, FMC

the best, most comprehensive and

China 2014 will inaugurate a new

professional trade buyers, the show

look with a special area for exhibits.

organizers are confident of exceeding

This will contain the following

all previous editions. Timber Design

areas: woodworking machinery,CNC

& Technology talks to Helena Gao

machinery, upholstered furniture

(pictured), Senior Group Director, FMC

machinery, coating machinery,

China, ahead of the event.

furniture adhesives and coating

furniture manufacturing industry exhibitions in the world. This year, FMC China 2014 will cover 59,000 sqm, and is expected to attract 850

01. In retrospect, what were the major achievements of the 2013 edition?

machinery, office furniture accessories and components, furniture hardware and fittings, wood and surface décor, furniture fabric and upholstery components.

The 2013 edition of FMC China

To date, over 80 percent of FMC

was the biggest to date with 790

Premium 2014 booths have been sold

exhibitors from over 43 countries

with France, the United States, Canada,

taking up 59,000 sqm of the SWEECC.

Germany, Malaysia and other countries

Held concurrently with FMC Premium

pavilions all having been confirmed.

2013, the show attracted 33,834

The leading enterprises in CNC

trade buyers including 28,812 local

machinery including Jinan Singhui CNC

visitors and 5,022 overseas buyers

Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai ULI CNC

44 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

SHOWTIME INTERVIEW

by targeting decision makers and buyers in the fields of decoration and engineering. In addition, the show this year will include industryrelated products for the first time. The woodworking machinery area will include surface processing machinery, floor machinery, door manufacturing machinery, while the material area will include glass furniture machinery, injection molding machinery and bender. The new related products will provide the best woodworking machinery and furniture raw materials for the furniture production, decoration and engineering sectors.

04. Are there any events such as awards, seminars and workshops this year? Coinciding with our 20th anniversary, the 2014 China Upholstery Industry Development Forum will be specially held at FMC China 2014. The upholstery market is just getting started in China, and its huge development potential has attracted numerous manufacturers. In order

to develop the upholstery market in China so as to meet the needs of the international market and to enhance

between upstream and downstream

machinery and furniture raw materials.

the innovative competitiveness of

businesses, encourage cross-border

With a view to maintain our leading

the enterprises involved, we decided

co-operation and position FMC China

position, we will be hosting the second

to host the 2014 China Upholstery

as the most influential industry

Leading Brand Collection of the global

Industry Development Forum, wherein

exhibition in China.

furniture manufacturing industry

industry leaders and experts will be

In addition, we will also be hosting

this year. Following on from the first

invited to share their views. This is

a conference focusing on the issues

Leading Brand Collection, which

part of our vision to build a bridge

of VOCs in the furniture industry

brought together nearly 100 furniture

and water-oil transfer technology.

manufacturing new products and new

The conference will highlight policy

technologies, along with excellent

variations and invite experts and

high-tech support, FMC China 2014

CEOs of famous furniture enterprises

will provide a solid foundation to

to share their successful experiences

allow China to become the foremost

of VOC emissions. In addition, it will

furniture manufacturing nation.

also clarify the mission of energy-

The China Furniture Association

saving and analyze the feasibility

advocated in 2012 that if they were

of environmental aqueous furniture.

‘to develop China from a major

The aim is to raise awareness of VOC

furniture manufacturing country to a

emissions and aqueous paint for the

great powerful country’, it could not

furniture enterprises, as well as help

be accomplished without talented

furniture enterprises become more

furniture designers, sophisticated

involved in environmentally-friendly

production equipment and raw

production.

material support. As such, FMC China

05. How does FMC China aim to be different from other industry fairs?

2014, as the most professional furniture manufacturing supply platform, is responding positively to the China Furniture Association. Relying on the successful experience of

FMC China aims to be the leading

its first event, FMC China has specially

platform for the furniture production,

organized the second Leading Brand

decoration and engineering sectors by

Collection of the global furniture

showcasing the latest woodworking

manufacturing industry.

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 45

SHOWTIME

EXPO Calendar Woodworking

FURNITEX

TECNO MUEBLE INTERNACIONAL

www.expokazan.ru/eng

www.furnitex.com.au

www.tecnomueble.com.mx/site/indexing.html

3rd - 5th June Kazanskaya Yarmarka Exhibition Center Kazan, Russia

Intermebel

3rd - 6th June Kazanskaya Yarmarka Exhibition Center Kazan, Russia

www.intermebelexpo.ru/eng

WoodEX for Africa

3rd - 7th June Gallagher Convention Center, Midrand Johannesburg, South Africa

www.woodexforafrica.com

Carrefour Du Bois 4th - 6th June La Beaujoire Exhibition Center Nantes, France

www.timbershow.com

China Furniture & Woodworks

6th - 9th June Dalian Star-Sea Convention & Exhibition Center (DSCEC) Dalian, China

www.sinoexhibition.com/furniture/index_e.asp Timber & Woodworking 2014 12th - 15th June Atakent Exhibition Center Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan

http://eng.atakentexpo.kz/news/detail. php?ID=117 Furniture Show 2014

14th - 22nd June Impact Exhibition Center (Halls 5 - 8) Bangkok, Thailand

Iraq FurnExpo

18th - 21st June Erbil International Fair Ground Erbil, Iraq

www.iraqfurnexpo.com/2014/index.html ARCHIDEX ‘14

25th - 28th June Kuala Lumpur Convention Center Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

http://archidex.com.my

Manchester Furniture Show 13th - 16th July Manchester Central Manchester, UK

www.manchesterfurnitureshow.com INTERFORST

16th - 20th July Munich Trade Fair Center Munich, Germany

www.interforst.de/en

46 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014

10th - 13th July Melbourne Exhibition Center, Southbank Melbourne, Australia

Malaysian Furniture & Furnishings Fair (MF3 2014) 19th - 21st July Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

www.mf3.my

ForMóbile 2014

29th July - 1st August Anhembi Exhibition Pavilion São Paulo, Brazil

www.feiraformobile.com.br/en Decorex Joburg

6th - 10th August Gallagher Convention Center, Midrand Johannesburg, South Africa

www.decorex.co.zaphp?id=465&L=1

13th - 16th August Expo Guadalajara Guadalajara, Mexico

Woodpro Africa 20th - 23rd August Expo Center, Nasrec Johannesburg, South Africa

www.interbuild.co.za/EN/Content/Pages/Home Int’l Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair (IWF) 20th - 23rd August Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, USA

www.iwfatlanta.com

WOODTECH India

23rd - 25th August Chennai Trade Center (Halls 1 - 3) Chennai, India

www.woodtechindia.in

59,000 SQM 35,000 Buyers 850 Exhibitors Provide Best Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Raw Materials for Furniture Production, Decoration and Engineering Fields

FMC CHINA 2014

10-13 Sep 2014

Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center

20 th

Scan for Mobile Pre-registration Online:

www.fmcchina.com.cn Tel: +86-21-64371178 Fax: +86-21-61154988 Email: fmc@ubmsinoexpo.com

Highlights: Expanding the field of exhibits to decoration, engineering applications Expanding the field of visitors to the hotel project, decoration Upholstery furniture is moved in SWEECC Eight domestic and overseas associations has participated

FMC Premium 2014 Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center

Furniture China 2014 Shanghai New Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Expo Center

June 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 47

Want to know the difference between certified timber and sustainable timber?

Log on to our website for the latest news, technologies and trends affecting the industry.

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 48 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | June 2014