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Issue 03 | February 2014
American white oak brings serenity to the Chapel of Saint Albert the Great From the forest and for the forest: The Södra Group Putting the credibility back into ‘sustainability’ Timber! Are We Out on a Limb? What’s In A Name? PLUS Timber industry news, new products, exhibition previews and listings and more
A N A L Y S I S | I N T E R V I E W S | D E S I G N | S U S T A I N A B I February L I T Y2014|| www.timberdesignandtechnology.com TECHNOLOGY
1
modified wood by Accsys Technologies
www.accoya.com
DURABLE STABLE & SUSTAINABLE
Villa Bie, Denmark
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 as FSC® and PEFC™ certified wood - Cradle to Cradle Gold certified
Louis Vuitton facade, Cancun, Mexico
AVAILABLE FROM: Private residence, France
Maritime Harbour Office, Vilanova de Arousa, Spain
PEFC/30-31-040
2
www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 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
Taigawood UAE Email: tom.day@taigawood.com
Vertex Israel www.vertex-accoya.co.il
Yew Distinct Wood Lebanon www.yewdistinctwood-accoya.com
Waitrose Supermarket, Bracknell, UK
FROM THE EDITOR
Editor’s comment Cover Image: Chapel of Saint Albert the Great Image © Chris Humphreys
Welcome to the first issue of 2014 and we start the year as we mean to go on. We have added a new section - Wood Works - to the magazine where we plan to feature unique and quirky everyday products that feature the beautiful use of timber. It was only fitting that we covered the ‘iTree’ possibly the world’s biggest iPhone dock in this issue. With special speakers hidden at the back for a minimal look, the iTree uses a hollowed-out tree trunk as a resonant body and the wall as a
Issue 03 | february 2014 Timber Design & Technology Magazine Director Andy MacGregor publisher@citrusmediagroup.net +971 55 849 1574 Marketing Director Eric Hammond marketing@citrusmediagroup.net +971 4 455 8400
reflector. Our February issue will be distributed at INDIAWOOD 2014 and we hope to connect with you through the magazine and our stand at the show. The word ‘sustainability’ has become one of the great buzzwords of the new millennium. The word has become so universal that in 2009 a report on contemporary newspeak by the Center for Policy Studies claimed it had become ‘heavily used and abused’ and branded it ‘potentially dangerous and vacuous’. Our sustainability feature provided courtesy of the American Hardwood Export Council aims to put the credibility back into sustainability. This is all the more relevant especially in light of the fact that many schools of thought point towards the forestry sector as the force behind the very idea of sustainability. Given the global nature of the timber trade, it is not uncommon for issues to arise on account of the fact that one species of timber can often have multiple names, while others may have been
International Sales Director James Hamilton james@timberdesignandtechnology.com
prescribed names, which actually belong to an entirely different species. As such, we take a look at
Editor Tony Smith editor@timberdesignandtechnology.com
and seller have a mutual understanding. Similarly, perhaps there is no real harm in prescribing
International Correspondent Eamonn Ennis eamonn@timberdesignandtechnology.com +91 98676 54952
both fully aware.
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
some examples and ask whether this really matters or not. The conclusion that one can draw is that the naming of timber species for commercial purposes is not that important, as long as both buyer alternative names to timber species as a means of bolstering their marketability - provided they are not too far-fetched. Whatever the consensus, what is most important is that the buyer and seller are The upcoming Dubai WoodShow will feature, for the first time, a Swedish Wood pavilion. In this issue, we profile the Södra Group, an economic association with a membership base of 51,000 forest owners in southern Sweden. With an aim to secure markets for its members’ forest products and contribute to the profitability of their forestry, the Södra Group today has four business areas, which collectively purchase and process the members’ forest raw materials into pulp, sawn timber, interior wood products and energy. As always, I would like to encourage you to log on to the website - www.timberdesignandtechnology.com - for the latest updates and please get in touch if you have any suggestions for subjects we should consider covering.
Timber Design & Technology is published 6 times a year by Citrus Media Group (powered by WillyMac Associates FZ LLC) Level 14, Boulevard Plaza - Tower One, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, PO Box 334155, Dubai, UAE
is designed by UC Design Pvt. Ltd. and is printed by Prashuma Art Printers Great care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of Timber Design & Technology but the publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All contents are © 2013 Citrus Media Group and may not be reproduced in any form without prior consent. Letters and readers’ contributions may be edited at our discretion.
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
3
The leading supplier of logs in India
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
4
www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
www.farlindubai.com info@farlindubai.com
IN THIS ISSUE
Contents 12 SUSTAINABILITY
Putting the credibility back into ‘sustainability’
16 MARKET REPORT Forest Products Annual Market Review 2012 - 2013 highlights the importance of forests
Wood - the basis for a third industrial revolution
P12
22 ANALYSIS Timber! Are we out on a limb?
A forest-management primer for building responsibly with wood
26 the source From the forest and for the forest: The Södra Group
P16
32 design & décor American white oak brings serenity to the Chapel of Saint Albert the Great
New chapel is a peaceful and warm structure that brings students, staff and local residents together
38 comment What’s in a name?
42 TECHNOLOGY GlaxoSmithKline building wins award for ‘Innovation in Architecture’
A wooden building with an unparalleled signature in Québec
46 wood works The iTree by KMKG Studio: Nature’s soothing music
P32 PLUS p7 Latest News
The iTree is possibly the world’s biggest iPhone dock
p48 Showtime February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
5
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NEWS
Emaar unveils Korean sculptor Jaeyho Lee’s 15m high ‘Chorus’ on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard the world meet. It is the process of collating the work that makes Chorus exceptional and awe-inspiring. Lee portrays the unique characteristics of each individual element in the group and how they integrate into the shape of the whole structure, while upholding their individual, original qualities. Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties, said: “One of the fast-evolving cultural hubs of the region, Downtown Dubai is enhancing the artistic identity of the city with compelling works of art by accomplished artists from around the world. Chorus is a perfect testament to the multicultural identity of Dubai and the community, and will be another aesthetic attraction on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.” Jaeyho Lee said: “I am honored to present Chorus in Downtown Dubai, where people from all over the world gather. My work reflects the spirit of togetherness and the emotions behind this Image © Emaar
great assembly of cultures. Ultimately, it exudes a unique form of solidarity.”
At a majestic height of 15 meters, Jaeyho Lee’s ‘Chorus’, is the newest
Primarily using wood, nails, steel and stone in his works,
masterpiece sculpture introduced by Emaar Properties in Downtown
Lee aspires to create art that allows people to draw their own
Dubai, the mega-development described as ‘The Centre of Now.’
interpretations of what they see, while connecting their inferences
Standing tall in front of the Vida Downtown Dubai, the flagship
to their emotions. Having spent his childhood in the neighbourhood
property of Emaar Hospitality Group’s newly-launched brand, Vida
of Haeinsa, Hapcheon in South Korea, Lee also uses natural materials
Hotels and Resorts, on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, one of the
like branches and leaves when creating works with steel and stone.
world’s vibrant boulevards stretching along 3.5 km, Chorus has been
With over 22 years of experience in visual arts, Lee creates works out
sculpted using 3.4 tonnes of steel and 7.6 tonnes of wood.
in irregular geometric forms, with the materials that he uses finding
The sculpture, essentially, draws inspiration from the flow,
the optimum shape of the final structure. An award-winning artist,
movement and rhythm of a group of people gathering in one of
his works are displayed in the National Museum of Contemporary
the main districts in South Korea, the Gwanghwamun Square. Lee
Art in South Korea, Osaka Contemporary Art Centre of Japan, and
assembled the sculpture over five months, taking cues from the
Cornell University Herbert F Johnson Museum in the USA, as well
inherent dynamism of the people’s coming together - which is an
as prestigious hotels and commercial developments in the UK, USA,
artistic homage to Downtown Dubai too, where people from all over
China, Switzerland and Australia, among others.
Wood factories in Burma to beat 2014 log export ban With a ban on log exports set for this year, foreign buyers of Burmese teak and other rare woods are looking to open timber processing
are believed to be much higher, say international environment NGOs. The export ban on raw timber is supposed to help protect Burma’s
facilities inside Burma. A new law coming into force on April 1, 2014
declining forests and conserve sought-after hardwoods such as teak.
will prohibit the export of all raw tree logs, but it will not stop firms
The 2014 export halt is also a response to excessive legal harvesting
from processing timber in the country and then exporting it.
of timber, made worse by illegal logging, Naypyidaw’s parliamentary
According to reports, an Indian company and a Singapore-based
Natural Resources and Environment Conservation Committee said
business were both given licenses by the Myanmar Investment
earlier this year. However, it’s hard to quantify how much timber is
Commission (MIC) to build wood-processing factories in the country.
actually leaving Burma and how much deforestation has taken place,
The names of the firms have not yet been announced. In addition, two
said the European Forest Institute (EFI) in a study.
other Indian firms, Greenply Industries and Century Plyboards, have
Teak grows naturally in only a handful of countries in Asia and
reportedly been seeking permits to build factories in an industrial
nearly 50 percent of the world’s remaining natural teak forest is
zone in Dagon, Rangoon. Century Plyboards plans to invest about USD
in Burma, according to the website East by Southeast. Up to 2005,
10 million in a factory capable of producing 25,000 square meters of
Burma was estimated to be more than 50 percent covered by
plywood a day, according to a newspaper report.
forest. But recent studies by the United Nations and other major
Burmese hardwoods, especially increasingly rare teak, are sought
international bodies say it’s now down to 46 percent or lower.
in Western countries and India and China in particular for furniture,
Until April, all unprocessed tree logs legally designated for export
house flooring and yacht decking. Teak timber is particularly valued
must bear a stamp from the state-owned Myanmar Timber Enterprise,
in the boating industry for its durability, especially its resistance to
but some environmental NGOs believe the monitoring system is so
water and rot. As such, it is a lucrative business for Burmese traders.
lax that it’s easy for illegal logs to be legalized with a stamp. After
Legal exporters earned about USD 600 million in the 2010-2011
April, policing of borders with India, China and Thailand will need
financial year, according to government figures. However, cross-
strengthening if the illegal logging trade is not to increase, say the
border illegal sales of raw felled timber to China, India and Thailand
NGOs.
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
7
NEWS
Accoya receives extra LEED certification credits Accoya, the world-leading modified wood product from Accsys Technologies now contributes to three direct LEED certification credits following a recent update of the LEED certification system by the U.S. Green Building Council, which is driving the adoption of high performance, eco-friendly materials in sustainable building projects. The substantially reworked materials and resources section of the design and construction schemes of the new LEED version 4 released at Greenbuild 2013 now specifically recognizes Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certified and other independently assessed products in a move to incorporate environmental consideration of a product’s entire life cycle. Under the latest version of the LEED system, C2C certified products Image © Accsys Technologies
are listed as a path to compliance with materials ingredient reporting, which rewards the use of products for which chemical ingredients are inventoried using an accepted methodology. Accoya - a C2C
product now earns more credits for architects and specifiers looking
Gold certified product - is rewarded with additional LEED points for
to achieve LEED certification. The new LEED accreditation system
the use of products verified to minimize the use and generation of
presents a rounded approach to materials and products, enabling
harmful substances. Accoya receives further LEED credits under the
project teams to make better informed decisions that will have
new scheme for being environmentally assessed using Environmental
greater overall benefit for their projects and our environment.
Product Declarations (EPD) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). These
With sustainable design becoming synonymous with high quality
new credits come on top of existing LEED points awarded for the
performance, accessible key product information is vital. Thanks
responsible sourcing of raw materials.
to our C2C gold certification, architects and specifiers can know at
Bryan Crennell, Sales and Marketing Director for Accsys Technologies, said: “We’re delighted that our C2C gold certified
a glance that Accoya wood is a high quality and environmentally friendly product, verified by an external third party.”
London CLT apartment block is a PEFC world first be valuable in moving Project Certification forward everywhere. The majority of solid wood solutions such as CLT and glulam are from PEFC-certified origin and schemes using these materials find PEFC Project Certification readily achievable.” Main contractor Willmott Dixon received its Project Certificate for Kingsgate House from Alasdair McGregor of auditor BM TRADA at a special presentation in the Building Center in London. Underlining its significance, the event was attended by more than 100 delegates from the timber, construction and architectural sectors. PEFC predicts that the breakthrough, combined with the growing use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in the UK and the rest of Europe, will lead to more such awards in the future. “CLT has brought many benefits to this project which is based in a densely populated and busy part of London,” said Julie Brooks, Image © Willmott Dixon
Environmental and Sustainability Manager for Willmott Dixon. “As a form of construction, CLT has saved time and money and reduced the
Willmott Dixon has delivered the first major construction project in
amount of embodied carbon on the scheme. Willmott Dixon wanted
the world to achieve PEFC Project Certification. The seven-storey
to demonstrate that our processes and supply chain can deliver in
Kingsgate House on the King’s Road in West London provides 43
line with our sustainable procurement policy. At Kingsgate House
affordable residential units and it is the use of cross-laminated timber
100 percent of wood products supplied are certified as ‘legal and
(CLT) that has made it a world first. The CLT at Kingsgate House is the
sustainable’ and we achieved 96.3 percent PEFC-certified timber by
first to be PEFC-certified to acknowledge it came from sustainable
volume, which posed no difficulties in material sourcing at all.”
sources, with the solid wood also acting as a natural, low carbon and renewable alternative to steel and concrete. Project Chain of Custody certification recognizes that not all parties
8
“As firm believers that timber is the one truly renewable construction material but also a viable alternative to traditional methods of construction, KLH were delighted to be involved in
involved in specific projects are certified and has been developed in
such a prestigious project and help the team achieve PEFC Project
recognition that the standard Chain of Custody model does not work
Certification,” said Toby Reynolds, Commercial Director for KLH UK.
with one-off activities such as construction projects. “The Project
“The whole supply chain had to follow strict guidelines and KLH learnt
Certification of Kingsgate House is a global first for PEFC,” said Alun
a lot along the journey. This is a massive step for the industry and is
Watkins, who heads up PEFC in the UK. “We are very excited about
invaluable for the future of timber construction and we will definitely
it and feel the lessons learned and the promotion of the project will
be promoting Project Certification in the future.”
www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
NEWS
Global trade of softwood lumber in 2013 to reach its highest level in five years traded lumber is still more than double that of logs. Softwood lumber is, by far the most commonly shipped wood product worldwide and the U.S. continues to be the major destination for internationally traded lumber, with Canada currently supplying almost 96 percent of all imports to the country. Lumber shipped by breakbulk vessels or by container ships accounted for more than half of the total volume of lumber traded in the world in 2013. The largest overseas trade flows were between Canada and Asia, followed by shipments from Sweden to the United Kingdom and Northern Africa. The biggest changes in overseas lumber trade in 2013 have been a continued increase in exports from the Nordic countries to Asia (mainly Japan) and from North America (mainly Canada) to Image © AMSO
China, while there has been a decline in trade within Europe and in shipments from most supplying countries to Northern Africa,
With demand for lumber being in recovery mode in a number of
according to WRQ. The unrest and uncertain political situation in
countries in the world in 2013, the global trade of both lumber
Egypt has left supplying sawmills searching for alternative markets
and logs were on track to reach their highest levels since before
and many lumber companies in Europe and Russia have found new
the global financial crisis in 2008, according to the Wood Resource
opportunities for increased sales in Asia over the past 12 months.
Quarterly. The biggest increases in overseas lumber trade have been from Canada to China and from the Nordic countries to Japan. Global trade of both logs and softwood lumber was higher in 2013
There has been an unprecedented increase in demand for softwood lumber in Asia the past few years, with the three major importing countries - Japan, China and South Korea - importing more than
than it was in 2012 with both products reaching their highest levels
twice as much lumber in 2013 as compared to five years ago. With
traded since before the global financial crises in 2008, as reported
a strengthening lumber market in the U.S. it is likely that Canadian
in the Wood Resource Quarterly. The total value that was traded in
sawmills in the western provinces may redirect some of their current
2013 was estimated to be over USD 50 billion (based on data for the
shipments that are currently going to Asia into the American market
period January-October), with almost two-thirds of the value being
in the coming year. As a consequence, opportunities would rise for
that of softwood products. Although shipments of logs have increased
European and Latin American lumber producers to expand their
faster than shipments of lumber the past five years, the total value of
exports to both Japan and China.
Glulam sector frustration at specifier steel bias Architects, specifiers and construction companies are still ‘value engineering’ glulam out from leisure contracts because they either don’t understand the material or are just taking the easy option of steel. Despite the increasing use of glulam across UK commercial and leisure projects, several glulam construction specialists have expressed their frustration at getting large numbers of knockbacks at the tender stage - especially in leisure centre/swimming pool projects - according to a story published in Timber Trades Journal (TTJ). John Spittle, UK Sales Director for Austrian glulam specialist Wiehag, said he didn’t mind losing a contract as long as he could easily understand the client’s decision-making process and he had an opportunity to counter any arguments against using glulam. Often he has been told glulam had been ‘value engineered’ out at the first stage of tendering in favor of a ‘cheaper’ steel option and that was the end of the matter. Spittle feels that steel obviously has a large position in the construction industry and the glulam industry was smaller with a smaller marketing budget to promote itself. “But if the beams are longer than 9m clear span, steel has to be
comparison of just the structural material costs - glulam vs. steel and not enough focus on the project cost implications of the chosen
more expensive when you consider corrosion and fire protection
material. According to Birnie, ‘value engineering’ was nearly always
measures and factoring in something to visually hide the steel,”
synonymous with steel replacing glulam, but rarely represented value
added Spittle. “Curved steel beams are also more expensive.”
for money in the long run.
Syd Birnie of Glulam Solutions, a new member of the Structural
“We find that ignorance on price is a challenge on a daily basis,”
Timber Association, believes there is a lack of education among
said Birnie. “The successes we have are because people are willing to
many construction professionals, with too much emphasis on a
get into the detail.”
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
9
NEWS
Exports of American hardwoods to India reach USD 7.33 million in 2013 According to the latest information from the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), U.S. hardwood exports to India reached a total value of USD 7.33 million, rising by 8 percent on the previous year. This total included the value of shipments of American hardwood logs, lumber (sawn timber), veneers, plywood and flooring. In addition, the United States also exported some USD 1.13 million worth of white oak barrels and barrel staves to India last year, but these were directly shipped to wine and whisky producers, as opposed to the timber trade and wood processors. Shipments of American hardwood logs accounted for 31 percent or USD 2.28 million of the USD 7.33 million total exported to India last year. This equated to 5,609 cubic meters and marked a 24 percent rise in value and a 47 percent rise in volume over 2012. The bulk of Image © AHEC
the volume of logs shipped was made up by tulipwood, which was recently embraced by Indian plywood manufacturers as an alternative face veneer peeler species to traditional species from Myanmar, such as gurjan (also traded as keruing). With effect from 1 April 2014, the
and flooring. In hardwood veneers, some USD 1.30 million worth were shipped
Government of Myanmar is looking to impose a total ban on the export
directly to India from the United States last year, marking a 19 percent
of raw timber (round logs). The impact of this ban is also likely to be
decrease on 2012. However, this does not take in to account American
felt very deeply by Indian importers and users of natural forest teak,
hardwood veneers shipped to India from Europe or Asia. Significant
who will be forced to import processed lumber from Myanmar (when
quantities of hardwood veneer logs are shipped from the United
available) or plantation teak and alternatives.
States to Europe and the Far East every year and much of the veneer
U.S. hardwood lumber exports to India reached a total value of USD 2.12 million last year, marking an increase of 7 percent on 2012. This
production is destined for markets outside those regions, including India. “The acceptance of American hardwoods in India has increased
equated to a volume of 2,667 cubic meters. Of this total, the main
significantly in recent years. As India’s joinery, furniture and flooring
species shipped was hickory, which was destined for India’s large tool
manufacturing base grows and as disposable incomes increase, AHEC
and tool handle industry. However, increases were also seen in the
anticipates that demand for U.S. hardwoods will continue to rise for the
volumes of other species shipped, such as white oak, walnut, maple and
foreseeable future,” said Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, India,
ash, which would have been used in furniture, doors, interior joinery
Middle East and Oceania.
C.F. Møller and DinellJohansson’s wooden skyscraper wins international competition Only one of these proposals will actually be built, including the world’s tallest wooden skyscraper. Completion of the chosen tower is set for 2023, the 100th anniversary of the competition organizer and Sweden‘s largest housing association - HSB. The residential skyscraper, which will reach 34 stories and be built from a wooden structure with stabilizing concrete cores, will make the building the tallest wooden skyscraper in the world. Each apartment will have a glass-fronted balcony and the roof will be home to an array of solar panels. In including a café, nursery, gym, bicycle storage and a winter garden for shared allotments in the scheme, the ‘social sustainability’ of the project is made clear. According to the architects, “pillars and beams will be constructed using solid and cross-laminated timber and inside the apartments Image © Berg | C.F. Møller
floors.” “Ceilings and window frames will be made from wood, allowing the material to also be visible from the outside through the large windows.” For C.F. Møller, wood was the natural choice when it came
Scandinavian practice C.F. Møller Architects, in collaboration with
to selecting a material for innovative residential development: “it is
DinellJohansson, has been announced as winner of the HSB Stockholm
an environmentally friendly and durable material which creates a
architectural competition. The winning scheme includes three ‘ultra-
comfortable and healthy indoor climate and also constitutes a very
modern residential high-rises’ planned for Stockholm’s city center.
efficient protection against fire.”
10 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
NEWS
RitikaaWood technical seminars attract significant interest in Delhi and Bangalore
Image © Ritikaawood
Image © Ritikaawood
Image © Ritikaawood
Image © Ritikaawood
RitikaaWood, India’s largest timber engineering company, has
occupy as a building material and how modern technology, design and
successfully hosted two seminars in Delhi and Bangalore in January
manufacturing are helping overcome the challenges associated with
this year. The technical seminars were an opportunity for RitikaaWood
using wood.
and architects to connect with each other and share some valuable
Alexander has been working to ensure that Accoya can meet and
insights, and were attended by leading architects, interior designers,
exceed what is typically expected of wood products. As such, the
furniture manufacturers and importers. Organized in conjunction with
focus of his presentation was the unique properties of Accoya and
Accsys Technologies, the theme of the seminar was - ‘The future is
the results of various field trials conducted worldwide that prove the
wood - Exploring new opportunities in India. The theme was selected
product meets the extremely high expectations it is set to achieve.
on the firm belief that wood is a building material that will continue to
Hubbert has over 3 decades of experience in the timber industry
play a major role, especially since it is the only building material that
and has recently conducted a detailed analysis of RitikaaWood’s first
is renewable (when harvested responsibly). In a growing market like
project in India, which continues to perform just as new even in the
India, RitikaaWood feels that there is a strong need to diversify the
fourth year of exposure to Pune’s challenging climate. Mark based his
basket of building materials and wood will occupy a prominent share.
presentation on the factors underlying the outstanding performance of
The seminars featured regional and international speakers who presented on a variety of different yet relevant topics. The four
coatings on RitikaaWood products. Ikegami, an architect by qualification specialized in designing
speakers included Anuj Divanji, the Founder and Managing Director
timber-framed houses in US and Canada using traditional joinery
of RitikaaWood; John Alexander, Director of Product Development at
work. He then returned to Japan and became the CEO of his family
Accsys Technologies, UK; Mark Hubbert, Technical Director at Teknos
business. His insights on use of wood, particularly Accoya, in
UK; and Tomoshige (Gami) Ikegami, C.E.O. of Ikegami and Co. Ltd.
Japanese architecture added a fresh perspective to the gathering.
Japan. Divanji, who has been involved in the construction materials
The Bangalore seminar was organized in association with the Indian
trade since the late eighties and has a tremendous passion for wood,
Institute of Architects, Karnataka Chapter, and was attended by over
spoke about why he believe in the prominent position wood will
220 architects.
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 11
SUSTAINABILITY
Putting the credibility back into ‘sustainability’
Image © AHEC
12 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
SUSTAINABILITY
S
ustainability has become one of the great buzzwords of the new millennium. The word has
become so universal that in 2009 a report on contemporary newspeak by the Center for Policy Studies claimed it had become ‘heavily used and abused’ and branded it ‘potentially dangerous and vacuous’. According to the author of the report, ‘sustainability’ is now linked to anything from development to transport, housing or communities and is ‘a word whose very looseness and lack of clarity makes it a perfect prefix for any activity where approval is being sought’. Image © AHEC
There is truth in these assertions. But sustainability remains a hugely
One key lesson from this experience
useful concept. It is a complex idea
sustainability (which he referred to
about meeting needs - for food,
as ‘Nachhaltigkeitsprinzip’) in the
is that managing human interventions
materials, and social welfare -
following way: “Every wise forest
with nature involves trade-offs. If you
without damaging the capacity of
director has to have evaluated the
set aside all your forest for wildlife,
the planet to satisfy these needs
forest stands to utilize them to the
you reduce availability of land for
over the long-term. The problem is
greatest possible extent, but still in a
food or building materials. If too
not so much in the word itself, but
way that future generations will have
much timber is taken from a forest,
in the fact that sustainability is so
at least as much benefit as the living
you damage soils, waterways and
often poorly understood and rarely
generation”. Since then, foresters
biodiversity.
applied with rigor. Policy makers and
have gained a deep understanding of
practitioners have also often lacked
natural eco-systems garnered from
depends on context. Nature is
the tools necessary to put genuine
experience of active management
enormously variable and managers
sustainability into practice.
- both good and bad - over many
have to work with this variability
generations.
and not against it. Some forests and
However, there is a growing band
soils are resilient and lend themselves
of people determined to change that. Many of these people are involved with wood. That is no coincidence. It’s no overstatement to say that the forestry sector invented the very idea of sustainability. The concept originates in forest management methods pioneered in Germany over two hundred years ago. In 1804, the German forestry lecturer Hartig described
Another lesson is that everything
Looking ahead, AHEC plans to build on what has been learnt in the ‘Out of the Woods’ project to help refine sustainability tools for the design community
to intensive management. Others are fragile and may be better left untouched. Many of the greatest environmental disasters (the U.S. dust bowl, cattle farms in the Amazon) have come about from attempts to apply practices successful in one region in a different environment elsewhere. The final lesson is that managing this complexity requires information - a combination of accurate data (on forest dynamics, soil types, human needs etc.) and appropriate tools to ensure this is readily accessible to managers and practitioners. So for wood professionals, sustainability is a concept which is ripe with meaning, supported by increasingly clear definitions and standards, information and decision making tools. It’s a concept that needs to be nurtured, developed and explained. It’s also a concept that can be usefully applied to other sectors and industries, always remembering the three lessons of trade-offs, context, and information systems. In recent
Image © AHEC
years, great strides have been made
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 13
SUSTAINABILITY
in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the scientific analysis of the full environmental impact of products and materials from cradle to grave. More comprehensive LCA data is coming available on a widening range of industries. Computer modeling tools are being developed that can make this data readily available at critical points in the decision-making process. One area where the sustainability concept has particular power is in design. Designers are some of the most influential people on the planet – shaping the materials and products that we all consume. As such, the significance of the AHEC/RCA ‘Out of Image © AHEC
the woods’ project is in the fact that it brings the knowledge of sustainability
Then they manufactured a prototype
inherent to the wood sector together with the latest scientific understanding of environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) and the skills of the design community. It makes use of innovative new information systems so that a vast amount of data relating to the environmental impact of design decisions can be assessed even before a product makes it to market. It begins to show how genuine sustainability can be assessed in real time. Achieving this requires
Many of the greatest environmental disasters (the U.S. dust bowl, cattle farms in the Amazon) have come about from attempts to apply practices successful in one region in a different environment elsewhere
at the Benchmark facility recording precisely the amount of material and energy used. This data was entered into a computer modeling system and combined with a vast amount of other data systematically gathered by PE and AHEC on the environmental impact of all the materials and energy required. Finally the computer modeling system generated a comprehensive environmental profile of each chair measuring environmental effects across a range of ‘impact categories’.
collaboration across a range of disciplines not often seen working
Royal College of Art (RCA), and the
The most familiar of these is Global
together. The AHEC/RCA project
knowledge of environmental LCA and
Warming Potential, often referred to
brought together the sustainable
computer modeling inherent to the PE
as carbon footprint. But the model
forestry and technical knowledge of
International. The RCA students were
also measures the potential of each
wood products inherent to AHEC and
set the task of designing a chair with
chair design to increase damaging
Benchmark, the knowledge of art,
‘sustainability’ established as a key
acidification in the environment,
culture and design inherent to the
design requirement at the very start.
eutrophication (excess run-off of
Image © AHEC
14 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
SUSTAINABILITY
fertilizers which degrades rivers and streams), and levels of so-called ‘photochemical smog’, which blights many urban areas. The RCA students came to the project with a lot of assumptions about the best way of incorporating ‘sustainability’ into their designs. Normally these assumptions would have to be accepted at face value by manufacturers and consumers. However the computer modeling system allowed for a more rigorous assessment of the validity of the sustainability claims. It showed how designers in the future would be able to amend designs so that they Image © AHEC
produce genuine sustainability gains before they go into mass production. generated for each design suggest that
weight bearing or around for many
of the students sought to revert back
none of these strategies is perfect.
years.
to nature, using unprocessed wood to
As with sustainable forestry, there
The AHEC/RCA project deliberately
reduce energy inputs. Some increased
are always trade-offs and the most
did not set out to make environmental
their reliance on recycled materials or
appropriate balance depends entirely
comparisons with products from other
the waste products of other processes,
on context. Recycling may be best if
materials. Comparing environmental
such as woodchips and offcuts. Some
there is a reliable and good supply of
performance will come later as more
focused on creating classic relatively
recycled material close to hand, but
industries create LCA tools in response
simple and durable products with a
not if huge amounts of energy are
to ‘green’ policy development. But we
‘timeless’ feel. They reasoned that
required to separate out and transport
have been able confirm the potential
these are more likely to be kept for a
this material to the manufacturer.
for wood to play a very positive role
long time, even as tastes and fashions
Dematerialization may be suitable for
and to specifically inform the debate
change, thereby reducing disposal
light-weight fashion items or cheaper
about how to measure accurate
and the need for regular replacement.
furniture, but is hardly appropriate for
environmental profiles for designs in
Others took an opposing view and
products like benches that need to be
American hardwoods. This valuable
In approaching sustainability, some
information will now be taken forward
worked towards ‘dematerialization’, creating products, which contain more air than matter. While not necessarily durable, these products can be disposed of regularly without creating much waste. The environmental profiles
It’s no overstatement to say that the forestry sector invented the very idea of sustainability
to the wider industry as an indicator of just what can be achieved with relatively simple modeling, provided accurate LCA data exists for the primary raw material. Looking ahead, AHEC plans to build on what has been learnt in the ‘Out of the Woods’ project to help refine sustainability tools for the design community. The project has provided a valuable starting point and put hardwood at the front edge of the emerging debate on ‘green’ design to deliver products with a positive environmental profile. The journey has begun in a most creative and exciting way and there is no doubt it has informed and benefitted all the designers and partners involved. What happens now will depend on the will of the design community and their manufacturers to embrace the challenge and start to deliver environmentally positive products that consumers can have confidence in while retaining the need for them to be attractive, functional and cost
Image © AHEC
effective.
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 15
MARKET REPORT
Forest Products Annual Market Review 20122013 highlights the importance of forests Wood - the basis for a third industrial revolution
T
he Forest Products Annual
sustainable forest products in the
Commonwealth of Independent States
Market Review 2012-2013
international markets, policies
(CIS). It stretches from Canada and
offers a comprehensive analysis
concerning forest and forest products
the United States of America in the
of markets across the UNECE region,
are broadly discussed, as well as
west through Europe to the Russian
including North America, Europe, the
the main drivers and trends. It also
Federation, the Caucasus and Central
Russian Federation and the Central
analyzes the general economic
Asian republics in the east. It covers
Asian republics, as well as market
situation and the general uncertainty
almost the entirety of boreal and
influences from outside the UNECE
on forest products markets in the
temperate forests in the northern
region. It covers the range of products
difficult economic environment.
hemisphere - about 1.7 billion
from the forest to the final end-
Timber Design & Technology takes
hectares - just under half of the
user: from roundwood and primary
a closer look at the findings of the
world’s forest area. Almost 38 percent
processed products to value-added
Forest Products Annual Market Review
of the land area of the UNECE region
and innovative wood products. The
2012-2013.
is covered by forest.
raw materials, sawn softwood, sawn
Overview
background document for the joint
hardwood, wood-based panels, paper,
The UNECE/FAO Forest Products
session of the UNECE Committee
paperboard and wood pulp and also
Annual Market Review provides
on Forests and the Forest Industry
looks at policies, innovative wood
the first published comprehensive
and the FAO European Forestry
products, markets of wood energy,
analysis of forest products market
Commission, which took place from
value-added wood products and
developments in the UNECE region
December 9 - 13, 2013 in Rovaniemi,
housing.
in 2012, as well as the policies and
Finland. The event was called
trends that are driving them. The
Metsä2013 (Metsä means forest in
comprehensive collection of data.
UNECE region has three subregions:
Finnish). In addition, a European
The review highlights the role of
Europe, North America and the
Forest Week was also organized
report analyzes markets of wood
Underlying the analysis is the
16 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
The review served as the
MARKET REPORT
during Metsä2013, which focused on how forests and forest products can and already do contribute to a green economy. According to UNECE/FAO, 2013 witnessed two major milestones. Firstly, the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) came into effect on March 3. This regulation is intended to prevent the circulation of wood from illegal sources across the EU Member States. Secondly, certified forest areas increased by 8 percent, and the percentage of world forest area has topped the 10 percent mark for the first time. Significantly, 23 percent of the forest area in the UNECE region is now certified. The review states that the forest
rapid and broad upscaling of clean
Union in the first quarter of 2013
sector has the capacity to play a more
technologies, infrastructure, and a
was still 3 percent below the level
significant role in economic terms if
fundamental shift to sustainable
five years earlier; in the Eurozone it
governments and stakeholders seize
production and consumption.”
was 4 percent lower. The economic
the opportunity to use wood for green
situation in several countries of the
to a low-carbon, bio-based economy.
Economic developments with implications for the forest sector
Forests, when managed sustainably,
The review shows that global growth
25 percent, youth unemployment is
can provide an infinite supply of raw
has been moderate for the last two
over 50 percent, and social safety
materials to support the full range
years (mid 2011 to mid 2013) and
nets and pensions have been greatly
of essential human needs for food,
is expected to increase only slightly
scaled back. According to the report,
shelter and energy. At the same time,
in 2014, remaining below the level
world recovery should persist and
the high-tech revolution in forest
attained in the five years before
Europe’s contraction should bottom
products, such as nanotech, bioplastics
the 2008-2009 financial crisis.
out in the second half of 2013, with
and bioengineering, has the potential
Since mid-2009, both emerging
a slow recovery beginning in early
to transform the way wood is used.
and developing economies have
2014. Although global growth is likely
grown solidly, although below recent
to be only moderate over the next
Director-General, Forestry
trend levels, while North America
two years compared with the years
Department, Food and Agricultural
has grown moderately but not fast
immediately before the crisis, it is still
Organization of the United Nations,
enough to eliminate the large pool of
likely to be above the average global
states: “Thanks to sustainable
unemployed that developed during
growth rate during the last 30 years.
management, forest area and growing
the crisis. Western Europe, however,
stock in the UNECE region are
has stagnated with consistently
economies have been growing and are
increasing and our forests can easily
increasing unemployment that has
expected to continue to grow at about
respond to the growing demand for
reached levels not seen in decades.
the same rate as the global economy
construction wherever possible and to take measures towards transitioning
Eduardo Rojas-Briales, Assistant
biomass. However, we will need a
Total employment in the European
Eurozone is quite poor. In Greece and Spain in particular, GDP has collapsed, unemployment is over
The Eastern European emerging
(i.e. at about 3 percent in 2013 and 4 percent in 2014). Employment trends in this region have been mostly positive, with unemployment generally falling while labor force participation has been increasing. These employment trends are forecast to continue over the next two years. Employment conditions have been especially positive in the resource-rich countries. In the Russian Federation, unemployment fell to a record low in 2012 before increasing slightly in 2013 (although youth unemployment remained high). However, in SouthEast Europe, unemployment remains extremely high. The very high overall unemployment has resulted in particularly high youth unemployment
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 17
MARKET REPORT
at about twice the general level. Meanwhile the improving economic situation in the United States is both a result and a cause of the stabilizing U.S. housing market. Prices have begun to increase, inventories and foreclosures have fallen significantly, and construction has picked up. A potential downside risk in the coming two years will be whether this market will be able to withstand the inevitable increase in interest rates that will occur as the economy strengthens. Canada, too, is subject to potential downside risks as its housing prices did not fall over the last five years but, on the contrary, increased significantly and by some measures appear to be currently overvalued. In short, while official forecasts indicate a continuing, slow recovery during 2013 and 2014, at the same time; there are still significant risks for the economy, employment and consumption. In addition, subregional economic conditions vary considerably. So, while the outlook for the next two years is, overall, cautiously optimistic, a constant monitoring of systemic risks is necessary.
Policy and Regulatory developments affecting the forest products sector
Thanks to sustainable management, forest area and growing stock in the UNECE region are increasing and our forests can easily respond to the growing demand for biomass
High Level Working Group on Jobs and Growth, 2013). Likely economic impacts of changes in non-tariff barriers for the wood and paper products sector illustrate the potential and appreciable trade benefits that such an agreement could bring to both the EU and the U.S. The European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR), which came into effect on March 3, 2013, is intended to prevent illegally logged wood in all the EU Member States. The Regulation
Trade
also negotiating a Comprehensive
prohibits placing on the EU market
In 2013, the European Union and the
Economic & Trade Agreement (CETA)
wood and wood products derived
United States began negotiations on
with Canada. Many opportunities for
from wood harvested in contravention
a Transatlantic Free Trade Area in
expansion exist through reducing
of the applicable legislation in the
the hope of increasing overall trade
or eliminating tariffs and non-tariff
country of origin.
between the two trading blocs, which
barriers (NTBs), as well as through
today accounts for about 30 percent
improving the compatibility of
for promulgating effective and
of world trade. Similarly, the EU is
regulations and standards (EU-US
dissuasive penalties and for enforcing
The Member States are responsible
the Regulation. Operators must exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of introducing illegal wood and can develop their own system or use one developed by a monitoring organization. Private entities, to be authorized by the European Commission, will be able to function as monitoring organizations and can provide EU operators with operational due diligence systems. Complete implementation of the Regulation will still take some time, as not all of the necessary measures are yet in place. The Lacey Act in the United States, which was first introduced and made into law in 1900, addresses trafficking in illegal wildlife, fish and plants.
18 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
MARKET REPORT
Building codes are gradually moving away from prescriptive to performance-based parameters. With this shift comes greater opportunity to include wood in nontraditional structures, including mid-rise and high-rise commercial constructions
Environment According to UNECE/FAO, the global area of certified forest in May 2013, as endorsed by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), amounted to 417 million hectares, up 8.5 percent (32.8 million hectares) since May 2012. The world’s total certified forest area has, for the first time, topped the 10 percent mark in terms of the proportion of total forest area. In the 12 months prior to May 2013, some 3,766 more certificates of conformity were issued, representing an annual relative growth rate of 11.8 percent.
renewing an agreement between
Carbon trading volume and pricing
industry, indigenous communities
has suffered from the prolonged
and environmental groups, as there’s
financial and economic crises in
a strong need for certainty and
Europe, political obstacles in the U.S.,
sustainability for the forest industry,
slow progress in the negotiations
the local people and the ecosystem.
on the United Nations Framework
Following a series of amendments
Several developments in 2012
in 2008, the Act now requires that
and early 2013 could also have a
the absence of full operational details
certain plants and plant products,
major impact on forest policy in the
for REDD+. On a more positive note,
including a wide range of wood and
Russian Federation. These include
more countries are establishing
forest products, be accompanied
the country’s accession to the World
national emission trading schemes
by import declarations. Across the
Trade Organization, the regulation
(ETS), including China and several
border, a dispute arose in December
of roundwood export quotas, and
other large emerging economies. Also,
2013 wherein Greenpeace accused the
the approved State Programme on
large corporate offset buyers are
Resolute Forest Products of violating
the Development of Forestry for
active in the Voluntary Carbon Market
the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement
2013-2020. The Russian Federation
(VCM), where forestry projects are
(CBFA). Greenpeace withdrew from the
continues to pursue investment
common.
Agreement in protest. Following an
projects aimed at making use of its
investigation by Resolute, Greenpeace
forest resources and creating forest-
was advanced as an EU initiative
issued a statement, in March 2013,
based products with more value-
to address sustainability in the
acknowledging the inaccuracy of its
added. By the end of 2012, some 121
construction products industry in
allegations. The agreement expired
projects had been included in the
member states. This initiative aims
on 18 May 2013 and talks aimed at
Top- Priority Investment Project List,
to ensure compliance with the new
extending the agreement halted at
with total investment value of RUB
EU Construction Product Regulation
the end of May 2013. Community
403.7 billion (USD 12.5 billion) and
(CPR) and standard (EN 15804). The
leaders in the boreal areas of
for implementation across 35 Russian
standard sets mandatory information,
Canada are currently talking about
regions.
requirements and indicators to
Convention on Climate Change, and
In 2013, the ECO Platform
be used in environmental product declarations (EPD) that support sustainability in the products used in the construction industry. These common indicators should allow purchasers to compare the environmental impact of products. In the U.S., the American Wood Council (AWC) has made environmental product declarations (EPDs) available for specific wood product categories, including sawn softwood, softwood plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), and glued laminated timber. The life-cycle environmental impact information provided by an EPD is important for supporting the full potential of wood
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 19
MARKET REPORT
strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the lifecycle of the various products.
Summary of regional and subregional markets The overall situation of forest products markets in the UNECE region is mixed. European markets continue to suffer as a result of the prolonged recession and stagnation in the subregion. A notable exception to this trend in Europe has been Turkey, which has seen major growth in the consumption of most forest products. In the CIS, growth has been moderate. Investment in new plants, the Russian Federation’s accession to the WTO, and wood products within responsible trade and green building. Building codes are gradually moving away from prescriptive to performance-based parameters. With this shift comes greater opportunity to include wood in non-traditional structures, including mid-rise and high-rise commercial
The world’s total certified forest area has, for the first time, topped the 10 percent mark in terms of the proportion of total forest area
constructions. Innovations in several
stronger domestic consumption and the proximity of key export markets for most products have given the subregion grounds for optimism. North America has seen fairly strong and positive movements in most markets. This is due to the recovering housing sector, the improved economic situation in the U.S. and increased exports to Asia.
parts of the world, including Canada,
traditional industrial approach - that
However, in 2009 consumption fell
Australia, Sweden, and the UK have
of identifying market opportunities
the furthest in the North American
demonstrated the capacity for wood
and, based on these, developing a
subregion. Therefore, while there are
and engineered wood products to
product that surpasses existing ones
strong signs of improvement, in 2012
provide advantages in diverse types
in terms of cost or performance. There
the subregion consumed between
of construction.
have been a variety of innovations
5 percent and 16 percent less of
in wood-based products intended
most forest products than in 2008.
to make them more attractive as
Conversely, the CIS has grown and
replacements for existing materials,
Europe’s losses in consumption have
In the wood-based products industry,
especially in construction. Innovations
been about half as much as North
innovation tends to follow a classic
in the wood-plastic composites (WPC)
America’s during this same period.
pattern, driven by costs, legislation
industry serve as a good example. In
There are signs that things may
and product replacement. A good
2010, global WPC production reached
improve further in 2013 and thereon
example of where legislation has
1.5 million tonnes, although this
in 2014. In Europe there is strong
contributed to innovation is in the
figure represents a small fraction of
demand for wood energy and hopes
cross-laminated timber (CLT) industry.
the overall market for wood-based
are high that construction of housing
Despite the general slowdown in the
products.
and other buildings from wood will
Innovative wood-based products
increase as a result of initiatives to
construction industry, the CLT industry
Thermally modified timber (TMT)
has continued to grow, with increased
is also a good example of innovation
construct ‘greener’ buildings. All of the
numbers of showcase buildings in
to replace existing products. It uses
UNECE region could benefit from the
more cities. CLT panels are used
no dangerous chemicals, being the
‘supercycle’, whereby demand from
widely in the construction of wooden
product of a form of mild wood
a reinvigorated U.S. housing market
buildings and increasingly in the
pyrolysis. The resulting product is
and China’s need for products made of
construction of multi-storey timber
particularly well suited to outdoor
wood fiber creates very high demand
structures. CLT has many advantages
applications, with a greatly reduced
and higher prices. Several forest
over other construction materials. It
need for wood preservatives or
products analysts are forecasting that
has a high strength-to-weight ratio,
expensive and over-harvested tropical
this will take place in late 2014.
and can be produced with the final
timber. In 2012, European production
design and application in mind. The
of TMT reached 315,000 cubic meters;
* This feature contains information and
result is designer friendly, easily
North America produced about
text from the report ‘Forest Products
assembled, strong (e.g. earthquake
100,000 cubic meters of TMT.
Annual Market Review 2012-2013’
resilient), cost effective and thermally efficient buildings. The innovation process may, of course, be driven by a more
20 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
All of the above products illustrate
published in November 2013 by UNECE/
innovations in the sector, which not
FAO. The full report can be downloaded
only meet the immediate needs of the
from: http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/
consumer, but also support long-term
DAM/timber/publications/FPAMR2013.pdf
CUTTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER
Timber Design & Technology International is a bi-monthly magazine (in hard copy & online) for the buyers, end users and specifiers of wood and related machinery and products in South and South East Asia. The publication offers news, analysis and in-depth features examining all issues relating to the regional timber sector targeting a wide spectrum of readers including furniture manufacturers, joinery companies, specifiers (architects & designers), importers and distributors, woodworking professionals and flooring specialists amongst others.
www.timberdesignandtechnology.com February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 21
ANALYSIS
Timber! Are we out on a limb? A forest-management primer for building responsibly with wood
T
he forests of the world
removal pertains to forest quantity,
however, that sourcing of tropical
sequester carbon in vast
and the distinction between natural
woods and temperate hardwoods
quantities: an estimated 289
forest and plantation pertains to
warrants particular care. Conversion
forest quality.
to agriculture, notably palm oil, cattle,
gigatonnes (Gt) in their biomass alone, according to the Food and Agriculture
soy, and subsistence farming, accounts
Nations. About half of the dry weight
Deforestation vs. Wood removal
of a tree is stored carbon, which
Deforestation “implies that forests
most alarming rates in South America,
is released when the wood rots or
are cleared and the land converted
followed by Africa and many areas of
burns. Substituting wood for other
to another use, such as agriculture
South and Southeast Asia, according
structural materials in construction
or infrastructure,” according to the
to the FAO’s 2010 Global Forest
locks in forest-sequestered carbon
FAO. As forest area declines with
Resources Assessment.
while avoiding the environmental
deforestation, so does the carbon held
scars of mining for metals and
in forests - at an estimated 0.5 Gt
of wood taken from forests is cut
concrete constituents, and saving the
annually during the period from 2005
for the timber itself - primarily for
energy and greenhouse-gas emissions
to 2010, which puts greenhouse-gas
construction and, decreasingly, pulp
of their manufacture.
emissions from deforestation at about
and paper - forest area is holding
15 to 17 percent of global totals,
steady. North American forests are
cross-laminated timber, nail-lam, and
more than the entire transportation
now being managed so that they
improved glulams, enable buildings
sector. Nor is carbon release the only
recover from cuts within a relatively
to use built-up wood elements from
impact of deforestation: biodiversity,
short period, either through replanting
small trees in place of steel, concrete,
hydrocycles, water and soil quality,
(reforestation) or natural regeneration.
and even aluminum curtain wall. But
and human rights and livelihoods all
But there’s a hitch. It’s not enough
how does increasing the use of wood
suffer.
that wood removal maintains the
Organization (FAO) of the United
New wood technologies, such as
for about 80 percent of global deforestation, which occurs at its
In North America, where 90 percent
quantity of forest. Qualitative factors
in building reconcile with reducing
Conscientious practitioners in the
the pressure on global forests? The
construction industry may be relieved
key to understanding the challenge
to hear that wood use in construction
lies in two distinctions: the distinction
is not one of deforestation’s key
Natural Forest vs. Plantation
between deforestation and wood
drivers. It is important to note,
A forest plantation, as defined by
22 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
are critical to forest vitality.
ANALYSIS
the FAO, is “a forest established by planting or/and seeding in the process of afforestation or reforestation. It consists of introduced species or, in some cases, indigenous species.” Plantations and natural forests occupy a continuum from even-aged monocultures to variously aged mixed species native to a site, but the continuum is a wide one. No one would confuse an old-growth forest and a tree farm. Preventing the unsustainable conversion of natural forests into plantations is one of the primary functions of an effective forest-certification system. “Certification systems are governing systems where standards, ideas, knowledge, power and debates
report of the Yale Program on Forest
they will have made an enduring and
coincide to produce some type of
Policy and Governance.
important difference,” he says.
approach about what constitutes
To date, the United States Green
The ultimate measure of
sustainable forest management,”
Building Council (USGBC) and the
effectiveness for any forest-
says Ben Cashore, Director of Yale’s
International Living Building Institute
certification scheme is its on-the-
Program on Forest Policy and
(ILBI) have endorsed only the
ground impact on forest health and
Governance. About 30 percent of
FSC. To ensure that businesses or
related socioeconomic benefits, the
the world’s forest is designated for
organizations with a vested interest in
Yale report emphasizes. But the
production of wood and non-wood
extraction cannot capture the policy
policies and mechanisms by which
products, with a further 22 percent
process, FSC has a three-chamber
the different certification systems
designated for multiple uses, which
format: environmental, social, and
implement their objectives are
include wood production. About a
economic, each with equal weight.
nuanced and complex, and evaluations
fifth of this combined area - some
FSC Canada has a fourth chamber,
of their relative effectiveness are prey
415 million hectares - is managed
First Nations. The ATFS, CSA, SFI, and
to controversy.
according to a certification system.
many other programs internationally
“A cynic would say much of the
operate under the rubric of the
controversy is actually about market
most relevant to the North American
Programme for the Endorsement of
share,” says John Innes, Dean of
building industry include the
Forest Certification (PEFC), initiated
the University of British Columbia’s
American Tree Farm System (ATFS);
by industry and forest-owner
Faculty of Forestry and leader of
the Sustainable Forest Management
associations.
the university’s Sustainable Forest
The forest-certification systems
(SFM) system of the Canadian
Cashore sees the future promise of
Management Research Group. The
Standards Association (CSA); the
certification systems as the three-
effect of different policies can vary
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC); and
chambered format evolved to provide
significantly in response to local
the Sustainable Forestry Initiative
incentives, rather than costs, for
conditions, says Innes, so that the
(SFI). Together these account for more
forestry firms. “If architects can help
relative rigor of two certification
than 99 percent of wood used in U.S.
create the business case for these
systems may be reversed from one
construction, according to a 2008
global governing institutions, then
region to another.
New wood technologies, such as cross-laminated timber, nail-lam, and improved glulams, enable buildings to use built-up wood elements from small trees in place of steel, concrete, and even aluminum curtain wall
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 23
ANALYSIS
Many green-building practitioners rely on the USGBC and ILBI endorsements of the FSC, particularly when the credibility of their clients’ claims to environmental responsibility may depend on avoiding controversy. Some firms conduct their own reviews, making comparisons between certification systems in an effort to determine for themselves whether to transport FSC-certified wood across long distances or whether they can more responsibly and economically source certified wood in their region. Others take a note from the sustainable-food movement and find a local forester they trust, certified or not.
The Lumber Laws The Lacey Act amendments in the United States and FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade) legislation in the European Union now prohibit trade in illegally produced timber. The onus is on the purchaser to establish the wood’s legal provenance. By reinforcing baseline standards, especially in tropical forests where certification has
The ultimate measure of effectiveness for any forest-certification scheme is its on-the-ground impact on forest health and related socioeconomic benefits
not taken off, these initiatives target
meeting higher standards, so suppliers can be rewarded for implementing better forest management, instead of being inadvertently punished as sometimes happens now.
Wood for the future Ultimately, as populations and development increase, sustainably managed natural forests cannot meet the growing demand for wood
forestry’s most destructive practices
Director of the Program on Forest
products. “Natural forests alone are
and expand the area of consensus
Policy and Governance at the Yale
not able and should not be expected
in forest management. They also
School of Forestry and Environmental
to supply the world’s needs for wood
establish the tracking infrastructure
Studies, in an interview at the
and fiber,” says FSC. “More intensive
to support more extensive uptake of
Rio+20 conference. “Once you’ve got
production systems are needed for
certification in the future.
tracking in place ... all purchasers and
this.”
“If the tracking occurs, those doing
consumers are paying for the tracked
Plantations, though no substitute
legal harvesting benefit because
product through a legal verification
for natural forests in the global
the price actually goes up for their
stamp.” Under this scenario, Cashore
ecology, can offer a long-term solution
product. You weed out (supply from)
explained, consumers pay for any
for meeting the rising demand for
the worst practices,” said Ben Cashore,
increased cost that might come from
sustainably sourced wood. And plantations can be certified for responsible management of such issues as genetically modified organisms, pesticides, soil and water quality, biodiversity, and worker well-being. They can provide a fully renewable material that simultaneously sequesters carbon and reduces the greenhouse-gas emissions of construction, and they can help reconcile the need to increase the use of wood in building with the need to preserve natural forests. This article was written by Katherine Logan and originally appeared in GreenSource Magazine. The article can be found online at: http://greensource.construction.com/ features/other/2013/1303-timber-areweout-on-timber-are-weout-on.asp
24 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 25
the source
From the forest and for the forest: The Södra Group Image © Södra
26 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
THE SOURCE
S
ödra is an economic association with a membership base of 51,000 forest owners in
southern Sweden. Its key function is to secure markets for its members’ forest products and contribute to the profitability of their forestry. In Södra’s world everything starts with the forest. The forest provides a constant supply of raw materials and is the essential requirement for Södra’s many different operations. Södra members own a total of 36,000 forest estates, representing more than half the privately owned forest in the region as well as a group of companies Image © Södra
that are successful in both Swedish and international markets. This gives them a market for their raw materials
commitment and foresight have
materials for the wood-gas generators
from the forest and at the same time
together created a successful and
that propelled cars, buses and other
provides the foundation for profitable
growing industrial group. The need
vehicles in wartime. When the war
forestry.
to get a good price on the market
came to an end, oil was once again
for forest raw materials has been a
imported into Sweden. And now not
business areas: Södra Skog, Södra Cell,
major driving force ever since the
just for propelling vehicles - heating
Södra Timber and Södra Interiör. They
beginning in the 1920s. In 1926,
using oil became common and demand
purchase and process the members’
Smålands Skogsägareförening was
for firewood as a fuel reduced.
forest raw materials into pulp, sawn
formed through the merging of county
timber, interior wood products and
associations. This was to be the first
provide a sufficiently big market for
energy. As such, the group is a large
of a number of mergers and this trend
the increasing growth in the more
employer given that over 3,800 people
has continued and caused Södra to
and more professionally run forests.
work for the group companies, in areas
grow geographically. As recently as
Södra’s MD, Gösta Edström realized
that range from forestry management
on 1 January 2007, Bohuslän and
that it would be necessary to start
and environmental conservation
Dalsland became part of Södra.
their own pulp mills in order to create
Today, the Södra Group has four
to accounting, sales and product
Södra is usually seen as having its
The needs of the sawmills did not
a market for forest raw materials. He
development. In recent years Södra
beginnings in 1938, when Sydöstra
pushed through this investment in
has also become such a large producer
Sveriges Skogsägareföreningars
new industry, which is still Södra’s
of electricity that the Group now
Förbund was formed. At that
core today. For many years, he was
produces more electricity than it uses.
time Södra was also an economic
both the great visionary and the great
Timber Design & Technology learns
association, something that has been
implementer in Södra’s leadership.
more about the Södra Group.
important for its development. During
The pulp mills were located at
the Second World War, Södra played
Mönsterås, Mörrum and Värö. They
a significant role in Sweden’s energy
were inaugurated in 1959, 1962 and
supply. It was not just firewood for
1972. By then Södra had become
Södra’s history is the story of
heating houses that came from Södra’s
a successful forestry group with an
how individual forest owners with
forests. Södra also contributed raw
international market. Sales offices
A history of commitment and expansion
were built up in a number of countries. After a decline at the end of the 1970s and beginning of the 1980s, the government intervened and took over 40 percent of shares in the industrial section. By 1985, the situation had stabilized and Södra was able to redeem the government’s shareholding. Production in Södra’s industries was high in the 1990s and early 2000s, and profitability increased. Södra grew when forest owners from Skåne, Skaraborg, Bohuslän and Dalsland joined the association and a number of industries were acquired. Energy production and research began to take Image © Södra
on more importance towards the end
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 27
the source
of the 2000s. Today, Södra is facing ever-increasing competition on the market, and finding new ways of using wood will pose a major challenge for the future.
Södra Skog: Wood acquisition and forestry services Södra Skog is the link between the members and the industry. Wood is purchased from members to satisfy the needs of Södra’s mills. Work is carried out within 19 forest operations areas, offering members forestry services, such as harvesting, soil preparation, planting, pre-commercial thinning, planning, certification and advisory services. Södra Skog is one of the leading companies in the wood market and the primary area of its business operations is in wood acquisition and harvesting. In 2012, 16 million m3fub of wood was purchased, just over half of which was sourced from members,
deliveries of raw materials correspond
producers of bleached sulphate
with spruce and pine emerging as
to the industry’s demand, which is
market pulp. In Sweden, the pulp is
the dominant species. The supply of
expected to increase for the entire
produced at pulp mills in Mönsterås,
pulpwood and biomass fuels was also
timber range in the years ahead.
Mörrum and Värö, with a total annual
favorable for virtually the entire year.
Södra works actively to improve its
capacity of 1.6 million tonnes. Its
To attain balance in the supply of saw
sapling material. The aim is to produce
focus is on pulp for use in tissue
logs, temporary market adjustments
healthier trees with higher growth
and speciality products, for which
were made. However, Södra Skog’s
rates and better quality, and future
demand is increasing. Customers are
forests adapted to climate changes.
primarily European producers of fine
A hardwood initiative is under way
paper, printing paper, tissue, speciality
covering the entire processing chain.
products and board. Textile pulp
Further, certification of member forest
has been manufactured in Mörrum
properties is an important tool in the
since 2011 and new pulp grades are
environmental programme. At the end
continuously under development.
In Södra’s world everything starts with the forest. The forest provides a constant supply of raw materials and is the essential requirement for Södra’s many different operations.
of 2012, 1.4 million hectares were
The development of new pulp
certified under FSC and 1.7 million
is a priority for the company. One
hectares were certified under PEFC.
of the results of this research is
Södra Cell: World-leading and energy efficient Södra Cell is one of the world’s leading
the composite material Durapulp, manufactured at Värö. It is biodegradable and can, in certain instances, replace plastics. Södra is also working actively on new application areas for cellulose fiber. The development of future products is carried out in close cooperation with researchers and other partners, at the same time as current pulp grades are improved. Södra Cell also offers its customers a range of value-added services through ‘Pulp Services’. This includes logistics, environment, IT, fixed-price agreements, technical cooperation in customer product development and market information. Moreover, Södra Cell commands a strong position as a supplier of green energy. Deliveries of
Image © Södra
28 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
district heating, electricity and biomass
THE SOURCE
Södra Skog is one of the leading companies in the wood market and the primary area of its business operations is in wood acquisition and harvesting
and its customers are mainly found in the building materials trade, building firms, home manufacturers and timber industries. The raw material primarily comprises sawn timber, mainly of redwood. The forest raw materials from members are used in the hardwood sawmills in Traryd and Djursdala, which have an annual capacity of 50,000 cubic meters. There
in the Centre for Timber Construction
is great interest in sawn and processed
and Housing (CBBT) programme, which
Swedish hardwood in both Sweden
encompasses the development of
and abroad given that hardwood has
timber as a building material, timber in
a distinct environmental profile that is
combination with other materials and
becoming increasingly important for
building systems.
consumers.
Timber offers major advantages
The internal supply of raw
given that it is flexible, binds carbon
material combined with product
dioxide and requires relatively low
quality, delivery reliability and good
energy input. Despite the fact that
service are key components of the
economic difficulties in several
customer offering. New products
countries have slowed development,
are continuously developed and
Södra Timber has a long-term steadfast
launched. The focus on flooring
confidence in timber products as a
through acquisitions and a new surface
fuel are rising steadily. Enhancing
building material. The target is to
treatment line in Kallinge strengthens
energy efficiency and increasing
increase production to 1.7 million
sales to the building materials
energy deliveries have been assigned
cubic meters of sawn timber products,
trade and reduces the company’s
high priority and a decision was taken
while also expanding further
dependence on the mouldings market.
in 2012 to invest in a new lime kiln
processing in the form of surface
and pellet plant in Värö.
treatment, bar code labeling and
Sustainability
packaging manufacturing.
Given that its business is based on
Image © Södra
Södra Timber: Sawn timber for all construction purposes
the forest as a renewable resource,
Södra Timber produces and supplies
Södra Interiör: A broad and attractive product range
sawn timber products for the building
Södra Interiör is one of Scandinavia’s
natural part of its business model.
materials trade and the construction
leading manufacturers of interior
The commitment of members to their
industry. It is one of Sweden’s largest
wood products with production units
forests provides the foundation for the
sawmill companies, producing 1.4
in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and
industrial operations. The forest is of
million cubic meters of timber products
Lithuania. Its broad and attractive
major importance to both biological
in 2012. Production mainly comprises
range includes mouldings, panelling,
diversity and the climate. It absorbs
construction timber and other building
flooring, wood boards, poles and sawn
carbon dioxide, which counteracts
materials used in connection with
hardwood products. The company has
the greenhouse effect. More carbon
new construction projects, repairs and
a shared sales organization with Södra
dioxide is bound when forest growth
remodeling work.
Timber, enabling sales of a broader
exceeds the amount harvested, making
product range through a single channel
the forest a carbon sink. In the long
The company is customer oriented
Södra’s sustainability work is both a competitive advantage and a
and offers the market a high degree of service. Its strengths are high delivery reliability, a well-balanced finished goods inventory and a sales organization that is close to customers and shared with Södra Interiör. Customers can be found mainly in Sweden and the rest of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, USA and Japan. Research is primarily concentrated on new products and processes in cooperation with research institutes and universities, including the Linnaeus University. The R&D work encompasses timber processing, product development, design and logistics. Södra Timber participates
Image © Södra
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 29
the source
and comprehensive work mapping out Södra’s way forward, the company’s Board made a formal decision on a new group strategy - a collective way forward which will allow employees and owners together to face new challenges together and make the most of the opportunities offered by our changing world. Following a period in the early 2000s when the company achieved rapid growth and good profitability, Södra has seen a phase in which profits have been down and growth has stagnated. Changes such as a reduction in the allocation of electricity certificates and industry Image © Södra
restructuring will also affect Södra. A new collective strategy has been
Södra’s ambition is to go beyond
Södra Timber produces and supplies sawn timber products for the building materials trade and the construction industry
the demands of society in terms of reducing its impact on the
devised so that the company can adapt to new situations. The strategy entails that Södra must
environment. Emissions derive
become a more unified group - one
mainly from pulp production and
Södra. This will be done so that shared
transportation. Investments in new
resources can be used more effectively
technology and other measures have
and also to allow staff to work more
resulted in a gradual decrease in the
efficiently. A clearly unified Södra will
environmental footprint. Fossil-free
also reinforce the way in which the
production is a target for Södra’s
company is perceived by everyone
industries. Södra produces and delivers
else, thereby strengthening the Södra
term, it is best to manage the forest so
various forms of energy, including
brand. The strategy also focuses
that it grows well and to replace fossil
electricity, district heating and biomass
on growth in rapidly growing Asian
materials with wood-based products.
fuel. The raw material largely consists
markets, with a particular focus on
of biomass from the forest. Electricity
leveraging strengths across the board.
describes Södra’s ambitions to
is generated from the surplus energy
Processes and working methods must
contribute to addressing global
from the pulp mills, as well by Södra’s
be reviewed, in all respects and in all
challenges, such as the scarcity of
own wind power plants. Surplus
parts of the group, and Södra has to
resources and climate change. The
energy is also supplied in the form
derive the full benefit from the huge
policy emphasizes the company’s
of hot water to the district heating
investments that have already been
role in relation to corporate social
networks of several municipalities.
made. Lastly, Södra aims to become
responsibility. Sustainability activities
Södra also delivers considerable
even better at adding value for its
are pursued with the support of the
volumes of chips, pellets and peat to
customers. Among other aims, the
management system that is based
heating plants and others.
company has to move from concept
A new Sustainability Policy
on ISO 9001 for quality, ISO 14001 for the environment and ISO 50001
Future strategy
for energy and traceability of forest
After a number of months of intensive
to new product more quickly and give customers access to both excellent products and outstanding expertise.
raw materials. Södra also promotes responsible forest management using site-adapted methods that protect the forest’s ecosystem services. Biodiversity should be preserved as should the natural functions and production capacity of the forest land and consideration must also be shown to cultural environments and outdoor life. Certification represents the backbone of sustainability activities and Södra works with both of the leading forest certification systems FSC and PEFC. According to the group, 72 percent of the member area was PEFC certified and 58 percent was FSC certified at the end of 2012.
30 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
Image © Södra
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 31
design & dĂŠcor
32 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
design & dĂŠcor
American white oak brings serenity to the Chapel of Saint Albert the Great New chapel is a peaceful and warm structure that brings students, staff and local residents together Image Š Chris Humphreys
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 33
design & décor
T
he Chapel of Saint Albert the
source ‘a beautiful looking timber that
Great, which has been serving
is stable and has an excellent color
students and staff, and the
and grain,’ according to Stuart Allan
wider community since 1931, is
from Simpson & Brown Architects.
situated on George Square at the
American white oak was chosen for
University of Edinburgh. The chapel,
the ceiling cladding over the altar and
designed by Simpson & Brown
sanctuary spaces while four tree-like
Architects was completed in late
Corten Steel columns support the
2012 and aims to provide a modern
ceiling. Moreover, the timber has a
space for worship but also to increase
natural fire resistance, which was
capacity and improve accessibility. A
significantly important given that
new access was created from Middle
the entire interior of the church is
Meadow Walk so the chapel is now a
white oak. It also meets acoustics
feature for the many people that walk
requirements as the oak linings
along this popular route.
prevent any issues with reverberation.
The choice of materials was an
The timber not only meets all the
important factor in the design of the
aesthetic and technical requirements
building. Joinery manufacturer Sandy
but it has also created a distinct
Bruce from SK Bruce Joinery helped
atmosphere. “The smell of oak
Image © Chris Humphreys
34 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
American white oak was chosen for the ceiling cladding over the altar and sanctuary spaces while four tree-like Corten Steel columns support the ceiling American white oak (Quercus spp.)` American white oak has a creamy colored sapwood and a light to dark brown heartwood. White oak is mostly straight grained with a medium to coarse texture, with longer rays than red oak, producing a distinctive and attractive grain pattern. American white oak is widely available and is a popular choice in export markets around the world for many furniture, flooring and joinery manufacturers due to its color consistency and the high volume of square edged lumber production, and veneer availability. The wood is hard and heavy, with medium bending and crushing strength. It is low in stiffness, but very good in steam bending. To be used externally without preservation a timber has to have a minimum durability rating of Class 3, moderately durable. American white oak meets these requirements. As with all timber, if sapwood is present then preservative treatment will be required.
design & décor
Image © Chris Humphreys
as you enter the chapel was not something envisaged during design stages but is actually now considered very important to the experience,” says Stuart Allan. Deep, angled window reveals allow natural light to gently enter the space, which is
Image © Chris Humphreys
characterized by the warmth of the timber pews and the beautifully crafted timber ceiling, which extends
are formed within this wall to allow
outdoors, beyond the west window. A
light in and also to maintain the focus
sedum roof further melds the building
towards the sanctuary, providing
to the garden.
oblique views of the garden. A
A thick masonry wall, constructed
combination of clerestory glazing,
out of large clay blocks clad with
ventilator windows and a light well
sandstone, interprets the historic
with opening roof lights provide both
boundary between the townhouses
natural light and ventilation. Daylight
and provides a solid mass and weight
is accentuated by mirrors and filtered
to the building form. Angled windows
through continuous oak slats along
The smell of oak as you enter the chapel was not something envisaged during design stages but is actually now considered very important to the experience the length of the chapel. The west wall behind the sanctuary is glazed and connects the chapel with the garden and its changing seasons, playing an important part in the worship calendar. The external finish on the roof is sedum, again connecting the building to its garden setting, and minimizing its visual impact from above. The new chapel provides a unique and beautifully designed space for peace, reflection and worship. The project won a RIAS Award for Best Gathering Place 2013, a RIBA Award and was shortlisted for the 2013 RIAS Andrew Doolan Awards. The chapel is open all day and can be accessed from George Square Lane, which runs
Image © Chris Humphreys
parallel to Middle Meadow Walk.
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 35
profile
Baillie Lumber: A leading manufacturer, distributor and exporter of hardwood lumber Leading player supplies a comprehensive range of North American and Tropical hardwoods
B
aillie Lumber is one of North
mills and suppliers in the U.S. and
America’s largest hardwood
internationally, which supplement
lumber manufacturers,
its own hardwood manufacturing
distributors and exporters. Founded
capabilities thereby giving the
in 1923, the company has grown from
company a breadth of specie
a regional supplier of North American
availability unmatched by other
hardwoods to an international
hardwood manufacturers.
hardwood manufacturer that can
Participating in all of the major
representatives, some of whom have
ship hardwood lumber to any region
markets around the world and
over 25 years of experience in the
of the world. Today, Baillie is a
serving customers in various
industry. Timber Design & Technology
leading provider of hardwood logs,
countries throughout Europe, the
takes a closer look at Baillie Lumber.
hardwood lumber and proprietary
Middle East and Asia, Baillie is able
grade hardwood lumber products
to offer customers a range of North
Baillie Solutions
with hardwood manufacturing
American and Tropical hardwoods.
As one of North America’s premier
facilities that are spread north to
The main species that the company
hardwood lumber suppliers,
south in the eastern United States.
currently supplies includes white
Baillie is a full-service lumber
The company owns and operates
oak, red oak, hard maple, soft maple,
supplier involved in manufacturing,
several sawmills and concentration
walnut, cherry, ash, poplar, African
distribution, importing and exporting
yards, which are conveniently located
mahogany, genuine mahogany, and
of hardwood logs, lumber or lumber
near the principal North American
sapele. In addition, the company has
products. Aiming to offer value-added
shipping routes and seaports. In
established relationships with local
services, the company provides
addition, Baillie also maintains
and regional importers and agents,
customers not only with the lumber
relationships with several partner
which have been driven by its sales
strips they require sorted by length,
36 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
profile
The main species that the company currently supplies includes white oak, red oak, hard maple, soft maple, walnut, cherry, ash, poplar, African mahogany, genuine mahogany, and sapele solutions that help its customers’ business succeed. The company is able to offer special width, length, color or grade sorts; tailored delivery schedules; and volumes of hardwood lumber in standard grades. The objective is to provide solutions that target two goals: increasing yields and decreasing costs for customers.
Environmental Credentials Baillie Lumber is FSC Certified. Moreover, Baillie conducts its business in accordance with sound environmental practices that emphasize sustainable forest management. Currently, Baillie and its partners rely primarily on private landowners who own 57 percent of the timberland in the United States to supply its facilities with raw materials. Most of these lands are intensively managed by professional foresters who practice sustainable forest management. As such, in all of Image © Baillie Lumber
Baillie’s hardwood forests, sustainable forest management has resulted in
across the U.S. in addition to all the
nearly twice as much new hardwood
major species from Africa, Asia and
growth than is removed through
South America. The company has an
harvesting.
international procurement team that
Baillie’s commitment to sustainable
has expertise in locating and selecting
forest management also means that
the best hardwoods from around
harvest levels should not exceed
the world, which are then available
what the forest grows and should
width, grade or color but also the
for shipment directly from their
not degrade future growth capability.
option to rip and surface lumber and
country of origin, or through Baillie’s
Each of its sawmill locations has a
strips to their exact specifications.
U.S. manufacturing and distribution
Certified Forester® as part of its staff
In addition, Baillie Lumber’s ‘Custom
locations. Baillie also purchases
who is board certified by the Society
Lumber Solutions’ program is a no
hardwood veneer logs and saw logs
of American Foresters. In addition,
obligation review of a customers’
from loggers and landowners. The
much of Baillie’s lumber comes
existing production process. The
company has developed lumber and
from the Appalachian Hardwood
company utilizes a 5-step evaluation
log markets throughout the United
Forest, a region that the U.S. Forest
process designed to create a unique
States and is able to offer loggers and
Service has verified as benefiting
and customized lumber solution
landowners the best possible price for
from sustainable forest management.
to meet the customers’ specific
their logs.
Baillie also actively supports many
Image © Baillie Lumber
production needs.
Hardwood Lumber and Logs
Why Baillie?
state and national forestry trade associations, forestry groups, colleges
As one of America’s premier
and universities, and forest landowner
Baillie is able to supply both
hardwood lumber companies, Baillie
groups dedicated to the advancement
domestic species from the forests
aims to provide hardwood lumber
of sustainable forest management.
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 37
comment
What’s in a name? O
ne species of timber can
widely available native hardwoods
Pearce said the “Pacific Jarrah” title
often have multiple names,
are traded as Tasmanian oak (also
is misleading: “Our objection really is
while others may have been
mountain ash) and Victorian ash,
the use of the name; jarrah’s a West
prescribed names, which actually
while neither of these is even
Australian word, a West Australian
belong to entirely different species.
remotely related to its namesake and
timber, you don’t find jarrah
We take a look at some examples and
both are eucalypts (Eucalyptus spp.).
anywhere but in Western Australia,”
ask whether this really matters or not.
There is some irony here, as in an
he said. “By calling it Pacific Jarrah
ABC News article posted on 13th July
the people who are promoting it
tulipwood (Liriodendron tulipifera) is
2010, the Western Australian timber
are trying to pretend it’s like a
known almost exclusively as yellow
industry warned consumers to be
jarrah that’s grown on the eastern
poplar, while botanically, it bears no
wary of a South American hardwood
seaboard.” So, while quick to defend
relation to poplar (Populus spp.) at
being falsely sold as a type of jarrah
the uniqueness of a native Australia
all. It was a new species to the first
(Eucalyptus marginata). The Forest
hardwood on the one hand, the
European settlers and so, rather than
Industries Federation of Western
Australian timber industry is happy to
invent something new, they decided
Australia said the Queensland based
go on selling other eucalypts as “oak”
to name it after a European tree to
company in question was selling
and “ash”. However, like in America,
which it bore some resemblance. In a
red-coloured hardwood as “Pacific
it is understandable why these trade
similar way, two of Australia’s most
Jarrah”. The Executive Director Bob
names have developed, as, in both
In the United States, American
38 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
comment
This issue is not unique to America and Australia and there are many instances of misnaming of hardwood species all over the world of “Malaysian oak� a little over a decade ago, which was to become the new marketing name for rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) in Europe. A more successful example of an adopted marketing name is South American cherry, which is actually a Nothofagus or Antarctic beech species, commonly known as lenga. Then there are the African species, some of which have five or six local names, depending on which country or area they are sourced from. These are not marketing names, but merely names by which they have come to be known in the local language. A good example of this is wawa from Ghana (Triplochiton scleroxylon), which is also known as obeche in Nigeria, samba in Ivory Coast and ayous in Cameroon. There are also tree genera, which include numerous important and similar commercial timber species. One such example is the genus Shorea, which comprises some 196 or so mainly rainforest trees native to Southeast Asia. Many economically important species belong to the genus and these are sold under numerous names, including meranti, lauan or luan, seraya, balau, bangkirai and Image Š DANZER
Philippine mahogany. However, a
cases, the appearance of the tree or the wood has some resemblance to its adopted name. The first sawmills in America and Australia would have found it easier (and more commercially-savvy) to prescribe familiar and widely accepted names to these timbers than to create entirely new ones. This issue is not unique to America and Australia and there are many instances of misnaming of hardwood species all over the world. Some of these names have stuck and are commonly accepted, while some attempts at re-branding have stretched the imagination a little too far. One such case was the emergence
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 39
comment
Image © AHEC
Image © AHEC
Issues do arise, however, when the timber supplier quotes for a particular species and then tries to dupe his buyer by supplying something altogether different (and inferior), yet broadly similar in appearance number of Shorea species are often sold together as, simply, “meranti” or
commercial purposes. Issues do arise, however, when the
timber the same customers were used to receiving from Malaysia. Perhaps the naming of timber
“mixed light hardwood”. This is not a
timber supplier quotes for a particular
problem if the end use of the timber
species and then tries to dupe his
species for commercial purposes is
does not require precise calculations
buyer by supplying something
not that important, as long as both
based upon the timber’s physical
altogether different (and inferior),
buyer and seller have a mutual
properties. Similarly, numerous
yet broadly similar in appearance.
understanding. Similarly, perhaps
softwood species are often grouped
Recently in the UAE, okoume from
there is no real harm in prescribing
together and sold as SPF (spruce-
Gabon (Aucoumea klaineana) was
alternative names to timber species
pine-fir). Because they are similar in
supplied to a number of unsuspecting
as a means of bolstering their
appearance and structural properties
customers as “meranti”. To the
marketability - provided they are
and because they are often harvested
untrained eye okoume could pass as a
not too far-fetched. Whatever the
from the same areas, it just makes
Shorea species, but when machined it
consensus, what is most important is
sense to bundle them together for
was found to be much softer than the
that the buyer is fully aware.
40 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
Where Wood Grows Into Dreams India’s largest timber engineering company with over 250 successful projects completed around India
At Ritikaawood we believe in being your complete solution for all things timber. We provide you with European quality, factory finished products at Indian prices and our products come with a 50 year warranty on our timber and a 5 year warranty on our lacquer coatings. We ensure that our products are water and termite proof and have dimensional stability. We also believe in ensuring that our products are responsibly sourced from sustainably managed forests without any toxins added.
www.ritikaawood.com
E: info@ritikaawood.com | T: +91 22 2655 9721 | 2014 +91| www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 22 2655 9722 February
41
technology
GlaxoSmithKline building wins award for ‘Innovation in Architecture’ A wooden building with an unparalleled signature in Québec 42 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
T
he new administrative building for GlaxoSmithKline was opened in 2011 and is
located in the Quebec Metro High Tech Park, opposite the company’s vaccine production facility. Winner of the ‘Innovation in Architecture’ award at the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s annual Awards of Excellence, the project was designed by Coarchitecture. The new building, in addition to offering an innovative and contemporary office space, is also notable for its sustainable practices. The green elements of the building include an FSC-certified timber frame, geothermal heating and cooling, and a south-facing atrium with a doubleskinned facade. A multi-disciplinary team from Coarchitecture including building
technology
cooling system was also chosen for its energy performance, comfort, and ability to harmoniously integrate with the wood structure. The structure is made of a complex assembly of glulam Nordic Lam beams and columns, all of which are FSCcertified and come in various shapes and dimensions. The most spectacular columns in the atrium and along the south side have a cylindrical shape with a variable diameter - larger at the center than at the ends. Along the facade, the columns are inclined at 45 degrees and supported in an ‘A’ shape, while in the upper section they form a large ‘X, which is clearly visible from the outside through the glass wall. In order to ensure the curvature of the roof, rectangular dimension beams (137 x 457 mm) curve in one direction and then in the other. As for the main beams, they are larger with proportions of 184 x 502 mm. Inside, the most striking feature is certainly the vast atrium at the entrance of the building. Overhung by a large mezzanine, this space is open to the full height of the building. The ubiquitous presence of wood composes a sumptuous setting bathed in natural light. Work areas have no closed offices. Employees meet in an open space, installed at long tables. To isolate, they can go to one of the twelve ‘bubbles’ (closed workrooms) appointed for this purpose or avail of the meeting rooms and conference facilities. Further, the beauty of the building has been enhanced by a Image © Stéphane Groleau
landscaped garden, which surrounds the entire building. All work and relaxation areas
science professionals and a
reduce glare from the morning and
mechanical engineer worked on the
evening sun. Moreover, the north side
have natural light and views to
project right from the competition
has fewer windows, which increases
the outside. A geothermal heating
stage of the design development. As
insulation of the building and
and cooling system composed of a
such, this process has resulted in an
prevents heat loss. As a result, the
radiant heating floor and cooling
innovative building that demonstrates
building is able to reap the maximum
beams suspended without convection,
synergies between architecture,
benefits of natural light.
ensures occupant comfort while
A wood structure was chosen
providing an energy saving of about
systems and Smart Working
for its environmental and aesthetic
55 percent compared to conventional
Environment solutions.
qualities. Visible through the glass
equipment. According to the design
façade, the triangulated frame serves
team, radiant floors circulate warm
towards the east and west, with
as bracing as well as supporting
water to provide heat, while a coolant
a glass facade in the south. It
horizontal, vertical and seismic loads.
flows through chilled beams to reduce
incorporates a double-skinned
The cylindrical members are tapered
the temperature when it is too warm.
envelope, which in conjunction
for an elegant effect, a first for the
As far as Coarchitecture can tell, this
with the natural ventilation, aids in
manufacturer. The use of wood for
is the only geothermal system of its
minimizing heat gains and maintaining
almost all structural components
kind in Quebec. The overall goal of
a comfortable environment inside.
results in a building that is practically
the project was to reduce its impact
In addition, the eastern and western
carbon-neutral when sequestration
on the environment while increasing
facade of the building has been made
is taken into account. In addition,
creativity and productivity.
using translucent metal panels, which
an entirely geothermal heating and
structure, electrical-mechanical
The building has an orientation
With all energy saving measures
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 43
technology
introduced in the construction, the total energy expenditure of the building represents a gain of about 55 percent when compared to the reference building of the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings. As for fire protection, the entire structure provides a fire resistance of 45 minutes, as required by the Building Code. Certified ‘LEED Gold’, the project has been deemed carbon neutral for its implementation; the building itself is carbon neutral for the duration of its life, in large part thanks to the choice of wood. The wood has sequestered 460 tons of CO2, while the whole construction generated emissions of 545 tons. The deficit of less than 100 tons has been offset through the purchase of credits on the international carbon market. According to the jury at the 2013 Image © Stéphane Groleau
RAIC Awards of Excellence, there was a theme that connected all three projects recognized for ‘Innovation
technical strategies and excellence
in Architecture’. Each demonstrated a
in architectural design. Displaying
high level of architectural resolution that integrates thoughtful aesthetic design with technical innovations. The projects displayed innovation at all levels of the design, from poetic concepts through to technical construction details, and are built expressions of thoughtful and wellarticulated strategies of innovative design processes.
The use of wood for, almost all structural components, results in a building that is practically, carbon-neutral when sequestration, is taken into account
a bold and clear design strategy by an integrated design team utilizing the best of current building design approaches and technologies, the jury felt that the technical design solutions are both comprehensive and multifaceted. In short, the project team has created an office workplace that would be a highly desirable environment in which to work, and the building is highly readable in
In the case of the GlaxoSmithKline building, it demonstrated a high
its spatial and building-systems
level of design integration of current
expression.
Project Details Project: GlaxoSmithKline Headquarters Client: GlaxoSmithKline Inc. Location: Quebec, Canada Architects: Coarchitecture Project Area: 37,000 sqm Project Year: 2011 Photographs: Stéphane Groleau Image © Stéphane Groleau
44 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
technology
WESTERN HEMLOCK
AN AMERICAN SOFTWOOD
Visually handsome and naturally light-toned, Western Helmlock is an ideal wood for modern motifs. It has excellent fastenerholding properties: nails, screws or glue. Often used in construction, Western Hemlock is also an outstanding wood for mouldings, interior woodworking and furniture.
American Softwoods is your free connection to America’s softwood producers and distributors. For more information on Western Hemlock and America’s other softwoods, view us online at: www.americansoftwoods.com.
AMERICAN SOFTWOODS www.americansoftwoods.com
American Softwoods represents: APA–The Engineered Wood Association Southern Forest Products Association Softwood Export Council
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 45
wood works
The iTree by KMKG Studio: Nature’s soothing music T
Image © KMKG Studio
took place in Graz, Austria in 2006.
he iTree is a top-quality iPhone
believed that good design is based
and iPod docking station made
on experience - it is personal, it has
out of a simple tree trunk,
a ‘Heimat’ (‘home’) and has as little
an iPod of the 1st generation and
which is hollowed out using a special
design as possible. Moreover, the
attached some low-fi speakers to it.
technique and specialized tools,
iTree relies on one of KMKG’s design
The project aimed to highlight the
and then expertly proportioned to
principles - namely that good design
different life cycle of things. On the
produce optimum sound quality.
is also about the people behind
one hand, there was an iPod, which
Designers KMKG co-operated
the project. According to KMKG,
was considered old and outdated
with leading European speaker-
the energy and experience of the
after 2 years, and on the other hand,
builder Trenner & Friedl to produce
participating people and the right
there was this beautiful 80-year-
outstanding sound design. With
timing resulted in the development
old tree trunk. Following significant
special speakers hidden at the back
of the best possible speaker system
interest at the show, the studio got
for a minimal look, the iTree uses
made out of a simple tree trunk. The
into contact with the carpentry outfit
the hollowed-out tree as a resonant
development of the iTree can be
- Lenz - who offered to handcraft a
body and the wall as a reflector. In
traced back to an early prototype that
proper iTree. Initially, it seemed to be
short, the wood performs like a piano
was developed for an art show, which
an unreasonable project, but with the
KMKG combined a tree trunk with
or violin, creating a voluminous yet defined acoustic spatial experience. Compatible with any iPhone, iPod docking station, WLAN stream unit or CD player, it can even be fitted out with a turntable. The designers of the iTree
With special speakers hidden at the back for a minimal look, the iTree uses the hollowedout tree as a resonant body and the wall as a reflector Image © KMKG Studio
46 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
wood works
Each iTree has a story of its own. The story begins with the meticulous selection of a suitable tree trunk. involvement of Trenner & Friedl, the leading European speaker builders and sound designers, the project began to take shape. After one year of research and prototyping, the iTree was ready for the market. According to KMKG, each iTree is unique - customers choose the wood, the length and the built-in technology. Image © KMKG Studio
They can even take a ride through the forest and pick out their own tree. The iTree is then made by hand
can select from a variety of tree trunk
150 seats, for example in restaurants,
in the ‘Steirische Vulkanland’ region
lengths beginning from 250 cm up to
foyers, lounges and boutiques.
of southern Austria by carpenters
approx. 400 cm.
‘Tischlerei Lenz’, keeping the iTree
With regard to the installation
Each iTree contains a speaker
options of the iTree, KMKG offers
local. There are currently three types
system developed by Trenner & Friedl,
its clients a variety of floor stands,
of iTree - cherry, poplar and spruce -
which by default, has a 30-pin Apple
console stands and wall brackets.
however, almost any kind of wood can
docking station. A high-quality digital-
The tree trunk is configured for all 3
be used.
analog converter captures the sound
different installation options and the
coming from an iPod, iPad or iPhone
client is free to choose between the
The story begins with the meticulous
in order to obtain the best possible
options at pleasure. When choosing
selection of a suitable tree trunk. As
sound from the digital files. Moreover,
the wall brackets, consideration
such, the company attaches special
with regard to the technology, the
should be given to the fact that the
importance to the experience of the
client can choose between a built-in
tree trunk, depending on the type of
carpentry, which over the last few
and an external amplifier system.
wood and size at a length of 250 cm,
decades has concentrated on the
Both systems are optional. There is
weighs on average up to 80 kg.
building of speakers and has been
also the possibility to connect the
able to support in the development
iTree to a conventional or already
of the iTree leveraging their expertise
existing amplifier. KMKG recommends
and knowledge. Following this, the
the built-in amplifier version, which
client chooses the required length of
is equipped with a Sonos streaming
the tree trunk, as well as the type of
system, specifically for use in private
wood, the technical equipment und
rooms. The external amplifier version
the final installation option. Clients
is able to play music in rooms of up to
Each iTree has a story of its own.
Technical details Dimensions Width: 200 up to 400 cm Diameter: Starting at 35 cm Sound by Trenner & Friedl Bandwith: (-3db) 45Hz - 40.000Hz Impedance nominal: 4 ohm Sensitivity: (2.83 V /m) 88db using finest paper cones Wood: Currently available: Cherry, Poplar and Spruce Compatibility: iTree is compatible with any Apple iPod, iPhone or iPad using the Apple dock connector
Image © KMKG Studio
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 47
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The sixth edition of the ‘Wood News Seminar’ will also be held on February 22, 2014. At this seminar, a variety
Top Industry
Exhibitions coming up This season
of Indian and international speakers will enlighten the audience with presentations about new products/materials on the market, enhanced by ample networking activities. Approximately 100 to 150 delegates are expected, including manufacturers of furniture and other wood-based products, timber importers and dealers, interior designers and architects. The seminar is being organized in partnership with several major industry associations like the Association of Furniture Manufacturers and Traders (AFMT), the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), the Indian Institute of Interior Designers (IIID), and the Timber Merchant Association (TMA) amongst others.
INDIAWOOD 2014
Date: 21 - 25 February Venue: Bangalore International Exhibition Center Location: Bangalore, India WEBSITE: www.indiawood.com
WMF 2014
Image © PDA Trade Fairs
The eight edition of INDIAWOOD, the largest trade fair outside of Europe and the USA, for woodworking machinery, tools, accessories and raw materials will be held from February 21 - 25, 2014 in Bangalore, India. According to the organizers, the event is expected to attract around 600 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and approximately 40,000 visitors from all over the world. On display at the show will be woodworking solutions, machineries, materials
Launched in 1986, the 15th International Exhibition on
and components, all of which will be broadly categorized
Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Manufacturing
as either machinery or non-machinery. Held every two
Equipment (WMF) is a must-visit event for woodworking
years, the event brings together market leaders from the
machinery and furniture manufacturers. Held every
woodworking sector to participate in a unique international
two years, the show will feature more than 600 leading
display of competence.
exhibitors and will aim to attract over 30,000 buyers
INDIAWOOD is one of the world’s largest and Asia’s
from China and overseas. This year, the International
biggest sourcing platform for furniture manufacturers, wood
Exhibition on Woodworking Machinery Supplies and
based handicraft manufacturers, saw millers, craftsmen,
Accessories (WMA) will debut at WMF 2014. Also running
woodworking professionals, architects and interior designers
concurrently with WMF will be the Beijing International
in the region. Significantly, for exhibitors, the show offers
Exhibition on Green Wooden Architecture and Eco-friendly
an important platform to target furniture manufacturers;
Home Furnishing and The 3rd China (Beijing) International
interior decorators; architects & builders; saw millers; timber
Exhibition on Furniture, Home Fashion & Decorations. The
importers; timber merchants; wood workers; hardware
4 concurrent exhibitions aim to connect the entire industry
distributors / dealers / manufacturers; plywood & particle
and enhance resource integration along the chain.
board manufacturers; craftsmen; manufacturers of wood-
The only woodworking machinery fair in China
based articles; experts from research institutes; forestry
supported by EUMABOIS and VDMA, the newly launched
officials; and government officers, amongst others.
‘Automation & CNC Machinery Zone’ at WMF 2014 will
48 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
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showcase the world’s most advanced precision CNC
Export Furniture Exhibition
machining equipment and technology, providing practical solutions for manufacturing upgrade and transformation. In addition, an exciting and diverse series of events will also be held throughout the show period. Woodworking machinery experts and renowned furniture designer will present latest industry topics such as automated production, new panel board technologies, furniture trends and green building. As such, both exhibitors and quality buyers will be presented with unparalleled opportunities to foster discussions and explore business opportunities. Date: 25 - 28 February Venue: China International Exhibition Center (CIEC) Location: Beijing, China WEBSITE: www.woodworkfair.com
Malaysian International Furniture Fair The 10th edition of the Export Furniture Exhibition (EFE) The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), an
is set to make its debut at the Kuala Lumpur Convention
export-oriented furniture trade show held annually in Kuala
Center, Malaysia’s leading convention facility, from March 5
Lumpur, Malaysia, celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2014.
- 8, 2014. Following the success of last year’s edition, which
A global leading trade show approved by UFI, the Global
attracted more than 8,500 buyers from across the globe,
Association for Exhibition Industry, MIFF welcomes over
including various trade delegations and buying mission
6,000 quality buyers from over 140 countries every year.
groups, the show will offer visitors the opportunity to see
However, in recent years, the fair has drawn more and more
an array of unique design breakthroughs and the latest
influential buyers who purchase in bulk on the spot.
trends and witness firsthand the high quality of Malaysian
Held annually since 1995, MIFF has nurtured invaluable partnerships between thousands of buyers and furniture
workmanship through the products on display. A trade platform by the industry for the industry,
makers across the globe. According to the organizers, the
EFE is a unique and ideal trading place where numerous
highlights of MIFF 2014 will include the highly popular
opportunities, market expansion and business networking
Buyers’ Night, an evening of colorful entertainment and
are readily available for all. As such, more than 200
dining slated for March 5, as well as the MIFF Furniture
exhibitors and 10,000 buyers and visitors are expected
Design Competition for young talent. Also a big draw is
to converge at the venue in search of business. According
the Prize Presentation Ceremony on March 6 where the
to the organizers, the event is not only a platform to meet
winners of the MIFF Furniture Design Competition as well as
with furniture business manufacturers from all throughout
furniture excellence and best booth display awards will be
Malaysia and the region, but also a one-stop show for
honored.
furniture professionals to find new products, meet suppliers and build partnerships with leading industry players.
Date: 5 - 8 March Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia WEBSITE: http://efe.my/index.php
LAS EXPO The LAS-EXPO (Timber Industry & Forest Resources Management Fair) trade fair is a meeting place of specialists - wood processing industry insiders and foresters - given that the two sectors closely cooperate in wood material acquisition and processing. The show Date: 4 - 8 March Venue: Putra World Trade Center and MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Center Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia WEBSITE: http://2014.miff.com.my/
provides an opportunity to become familiar with the latest wood-industry developments and is a showcase for specialized companies to display tools and equipment for wood transport and processing, pesticides and insecticides dedicated to forest protection as well as advanced IT systems.
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 49
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Held under the patronage of the General Directorate of
to show the powerful woodworking industry of the nation.
the State Forests National Forest Holding in Warsaw and
As such, the four-day event will highlight the trademark of
the Association of Forest Entrepreneurs in Gołuchów, the
Vietnam’s furniture production - high quality products at
last edition of the show was complemented by a diversity
competitive prices - and also provide visitors with numerous
of dynamic presentations of equipment as well as business
opportunities to meet all their sourcing needs.
sector meetings, workshops and conferences. Given the
According to the organizers, the exhibitor profile of
positive response to the show in 2013, the organizers are
the show primarily includes furniture manufacturers (81
confident of similar success this year.
percent), wood materials (9 percent), and handicrafts & home accessories (10 percent). The show is being organized by the Handicraft & Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA), which has a mission to strengthen co-operation amongst members as well as to establish international relationships to help exports. With over 80 percent of its members engaged in the export of furniture & handicrafts, HAWA has successfully launched and organized the Vietnam International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair on an annual basis since 2008 providing a venue for both buyers and sellers to make valuable connections.
Date: 11 - 14 March Venue: Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam WEBSITE: www.vifafair.com
Date: 7 - 9 March Venue: Kielce Trade Fairs Congress Center Location: Kielce, Poland WEBSITE: www.targikielce.pl
International Famous Furniture Fair (3F)
Vietnam International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair (VIFA)
The International Famous Furniture Fair (Dongguan), commonly known as 3F, is a leading furniture fair that is held twice a year. Jointly organized by Dongguan City Government, Houjie Town Government, Dongguan Famous Furniture Association, International Furniture and The 7th Vietnam International Furniture and Home
Decoration (Hong Kong) Association and Guangdong Modern
Accessories Fair (VIFA 2014) is one of the most well-known
International Exhibition Center, the show will be held in
export furniture fairs in Vietnam and South East Asia. Held
March and September this year. Held concurrently with two
annually at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center
other exhibitions, the show attracts over 985 exhibitors
(SECC), the next edition is scheduled to run from March 11 -
from 10 countries who gather in Houjie and display their
14, 2014, and will showcase a wide selection of indoor and
latest products in 11 exhibition halls covering 250,000 sqm.
outdoor furniture as well as a vast range of handicraft and
As such, 3F along with the International Famous Furniture
home accessories. Given that Vietnam has become ASEAN’s
Woodworking Machinery & Material Fair and Dongguan
leading furniture exporter, the main focus of VIFA 2014 is
Home Furnishings Fair touch every essential category
50 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
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in the home furnishings/décor marketplace, including
Bois & Habitat
bedroom furniture, living room furniture, upholstery, wall décor, decorative accessories, lightings, textile as well as woodworking machinery and materials. Held right in the center of China’s furniture industry, 3F is the only furniture event in China supported by the Ministry of Commerce of China and Hong Kong Trade Development Council and is also the only furniture exhibition in China that has been approved by UFI. With 70 percent of the leading furniture manufacturers in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan as exhibitors, 3F is regarded as the ‘representative furniture fair’ in China. The exhibitor profile includes suppliers of furniture, woodworking machinery,
The first trade fair where the general public, professionals
furniture accessories and components, lighting, home
(manufacturers, builders, architects, engineering and design
accessories, items for the home, carpets and home textiles.
firms) and officials (local and regional) could meet and
Moreover, trade professionals involved with furniture and
discuss the subject of building and renovating in wood,
furnishing retail and wholesale trade, furniture importers
Bois & Habitat aims to set the benchmark for construction,
and exporters, interior designers, architects, joiners,
renovation and interior and exterior decoration in wood.
carpenters, and interior decorators visit the show.
With over 250 specialized exhibitors from Belgium, France, Luxembourg and elsewhere covering an area of 12,000 sqm
Date: 16 - 20 March Venue: Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Center Location: Houjie, Dongguan, China WEBSITE: www.2f.com.cn/e
and around 40,000 visitors, the show has, in the span of a decade, become Europe’s biggest fair devoted to building and renovating in wood. Though wood construction has definitely established its credentials these days, nevertheless, as with other building
ZOW Istanbul
materials, construction, renovation or interior or exterior decoration in wood should not be improvised. As such, the show focuses on addressing questions such as - which types of wood to choose and for which purposes, what are the
Building on the success of the last edition, the organizers
correct techniques to use, what is the role of the architect,
of ZOW Istanbul have listened to the majority of exhibitors
where to find specialized contractors, etc. In addition, the
and decided to align the dates of the 2014 event with the
show also focuses on new forms of energy in line with the
development cycles of the furniture and interior design
concept of sustainable construction, a cause that has been
industries. As a result, ZOW Istanbul 2014 will be held at
championed by Bois & Habitat from the outset.
the CNR Expo Center from March 20 - 23. The Annual Fair for Components and Accessories for Furniture and Interior Design is held in Turkey on account of the fact that Turkey is ranked as a top producing country for the furniture components industry and Turkish manufacturers are looking
Date: 21 - 24 March Venue: Namur Expo Location: Namur, Belgiun WEBSITE: www.bois-habitat.be/en
increasingly to exports to fuel their continued growth. As such the show has proven to be a unique, and unmatched, business platform for Turkish and regional manufacturers.
MEBEL 2014 The 40th edition of MEBEL - the International Fair for Furniture, Household and Social Buildings Equipment, Manufacturing Supplies and Furniture Industry Machinery - will be held from March 25 - 30, 2014 at the Congress Center in Skopje, Macedonia. The show, which will cover an area of 16,000 sqm, is expected to attract over 60,000 trade visitors on account of the 400 international exhibitors from 20 countries who have confirmed their participation at the event. The exhibitor profile includes leading players involved in furniture, kitchens, bath fittings, lighting, floors and wall decorations, upholstery, garden furniture and accessories for gardens, as well as the latest machinery and equipment for wood processing.
Date: 20 - 23 March Venue: CNR Expo Center Location: Istanbul, Turkey WEBSITE: www.zow.com.tr
Date: 25 - 30 March Venue: Congress Center Location: Skopje, Macedonia WEBSITE: www.eragrupa.mk
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 51
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DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR
Image © DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR
Image © DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR
Image © DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR
DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR is the largest international
retailer, franchise dealer, architect/designer, contractor/
flooring trade exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region, and the
project manager, real estate developer, owner, government
second largest in the world. According to the organizers,
official, association, and manufacturer. The show celebrates
1,122 exhibitors participated in the show last year, filling
its 16th anniversary this year and will feature new or
the Shanghai New International Exhibition Center (SNIEC)
expanded specialty venues such as the ‘World of Handmade
for a total of 130,000 sqm gross exhibit space. Increased
Carpets’ and an enhanced appointment setting feature in the
demand and interest has meant that the organizers have
InnovAction program.
had to increase the show space to 140,000 sqm this year. DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR acts as a strong industry
In addition, Floor Covering Weekly (FCW), in cooperation with DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2014, will introduce the
platform for Chinese and overseas companies to present
GreenStep Awards program in China and Asia for the first
new products and promote their brands. The leading
time in 2014. The GreenStep Asia Awards will feature four
exhibition encourages communication within the industry,
award categories: Product, Process, Promotion and Pinnacle.
brings numerous business opportunities and actively
The Awards aim to promote the sustainable development of
promotes the development of the floor covering industry
the Asian flooring industry at all levels and to support Asian
in Asia and beyond. As such, the show exhibitor profiles
manufacturers for their commitments to environmental
include: wood & laminate; carpets & rugs; flooring
initiatives.
machineries (Floortech Asia); cleaning and maintenance technologies; resilient flooring; industrial flooring. The show attracted over 42,165 professional visitors in 2013 and is visited every year by both international and domestic industry players belonging to the following business profiles: buyer, agent, distributor/wholesaler,
52 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
Date: 25 - 27 March Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) Location: Shanghai, China WEBSITE: www.domotexasiachinafloor.com
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 53
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CIFM / Interzum Guangzhou
Image © CIFM/interzum guangzhou
CIFM / interzum guangzhou 2014 is Asia’s largest and most comprehensive woodworking machinery, furniture production and interior design trade show. Set to run for five days from March 28 - April 1, the show will be held alongside the prestigious China International Furniture Fair (CIFF). According to the organizers, the show will span 130,000 sqm covering Area B and Area C of the Pazhou Complex venue and over 1,100 exhibitors from 30 countries, and more than 60,000 professional visitors from over 140 countries are expected to attend the show this year. In addition to the established international players, the 2014 edition will feature a slew of new exhibitors including Image © CIFM/interzum guangzhou
Wood-Mizer from Poland, Lion Rock Group from the U.K., Tuoch from the U.S. and ICA from Italy. The country pavilion lineup also looks strong, boasting major wood and quality furniture accessories exporting nations with the likes of Germany, USA / Canada, Italy, Turkey, Chile and Spain as well as the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC). After a year’s absence, the Canada Wood pavilion will be back this year, promising to up the ante. Making it’s maiden appearance at both interzum guangzhou and in South China, the Swedish pavilion aims to carve out a market as well. The Piazza will be the venue for a series of forwardlooking forums and seminars. Officially spearheaded by the organizers, the two forums themed ‘Material Revolution: Innovative Furniture Components & Raw Materials’ and
Image © CIFM/interzum guangzhou
‘New Usage Trends of Nature Materials’ respectively are expected to provide a platform for professional exchange and cooperation opportunities for exhibitors, trade visitors and industry bodies. Key representatives from leading companies from Belgium, Turkey and the U.S. have been identified as guest speakers to share the latest technology and products in upholstered furniture manufacturing.
54 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
Date: 28 March - 1 April Venue: Pazhou Complex Location: Guangzhou, China WEBSITE: www.interzum-guangzhou.com
SHOWTIME
Dubai WoodShow
TECHNOMEBEL TECHNOMEBEL is Bulgaria’s largest specialized exhibition for materials, woodworking machinery and equipment, and furniture manufacturing and will showcase novel technologies and techniques for woodworking and furniture production in addition to a variety of materials, fittings, accessories and improved chemical products for the surface treatment of wood. The exhibition is divided into two main categories: materials and accessories for the furniture industry; and machines and tools for woodworking, furniture production, plus technologies for the woodworking and furniture industry. The exhibition is being held in parallel with the WORLD OF FURNITURE exhibition focusing on end customers and examining new trends in interior and furniture design. As such, this will ensure both experts and the general public are able to witness everything for the furniture industry in one place. In addition, the Hosted Buyers (qualified buyers) program for business meetings, which is being organized by the Branch Chamber of Woodworking and Furniture Industry and Bulgarreklama Agency, is expected to attract more foreign visitors in 2014. Image © Dubai WoodShow
The 9th edition of the Dubai WoodShow is set to take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center from April 8 - 10 this year. With over 500 exhibitors
Date: 01 - 05 April Venue: Inter Expo Center Location: Sofia, Bulgaria WEBSITE: www.technomebel.bg
from more than 40 countries expected to take part, the show remains the leading exhibition in the region that offers a chance for the timber industry to meet wood and
Indonesia WoodShow
woodworking professionals and develop ideas for increasing the range and quality of business and learn about new techniques and sources of supply. As the biggest trade show
The second Indonesia WoodShow will take place from
for the timber industry in the Middle East region, the annual
March 14 - 17, 2014 at East Green Eco Park in Jakarta,
event is a convergence point for producers, manufacturers,
Indonesia, alongside the International furniture and Craft
importers, exporters, traders, suppliers and end-users in the
exhibition (IFFINA). The show will feature leading suppliers
wood industry chain. As such, the vast range of products
of wood products such as timber, hardwood, softwood,
showcased at the Dubai WoodShow includes wood products,
plywood, hardboards, MDF, wood and timber flooring,
woodworking machinery, blades & knives, tools, abrasives,
treatment products, spraying equipment and raw wood
industry solutions, and many more.
materials in the South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand
Being a highly specialized show, Dubai WoodShow
region. In addition, a range of wood machineries including
provides an excellent opportunity for regional and
boring and combining machines, blades and knives,
international companies and agents to showcase and learn
Edgebanders, Sanding, Finger joint, Plywood manufacturing
about wood and woodworking and to build new strategic
machinery, wood accessories and components and dust
relationships with buyers, traders and investors. A must-
control equipment and the latest technologies will be
attend event for anyone who is passionate about wood, the
presented during the Indonesia Wood Show
exhibition is the UAE’s largest convention for distributors,
As the annual event and a convergence point for
suppliers, interior designers, furniture manufacturers,
producers, manufacturers, importers, exporters, traders,
carpenters, wholesale traders and retailers, building
suppliers and end-users in the wood industry chain, the
material manufacturers, construction suppliers and project
Indonesia WoodShow is set to feature over 200 exhibitors
developers. The exhibitor profile for the event includes
from over 120 countries. Held over the space of 5,000
the latest products and innovations in MDF, plywood,
sqm, the organizers are aiming to attract over 3,500 trade
hardwood, softwood, veneers, timbers, parquet, laminates,
visitors this year, given that the show has moved to a new
finished wood merchandise, paper products, as well as wood
convenient location and is being supported by leading
machineries and related products and services.
trade associations.
Date: 8 - 10 April Venue: Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center Location: Dubai, UAE WEBSITE: www.dubaiwoodshow.com
Date: 14 - 17 March Venue: East Green Eco Park, Senyan Location: Jakarta, Indonesia WEBSITE: www.indonesiawoodshow.com
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 55
SHOWTIME INTERVIEW
Dubai WoodShow 2014 set to attract 10,000 trade visitors from across the region Image © Dubai WoodShow
T
he Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show (Dubai WoodShow), the biggest
01. In retrospect, what were the major achievements of the 2013 edition?
wood industry trade show in the
a material solution for the design and construction sectors of the GCC.
02. How is this year’s edition positioned?
Middle East Region, takes place
The 2013 edition, the largest ever and
from April 8 - 10, 2014 and will
about one third larger than in 2012,
host more than 500 companies from
recognized the positive improvement
This year’s edition is poised to
40 countries. The annual event is
in business prospects for hardwoods,
complement the industry’s continuing
a convergence point for producers,
softwoods and panel products. The
efforts to encourage the use of
manufacturers, importers, exporters,
show was able to expand and offer a
more wood, in keeping with green,
traders, suppliers and end-users
diverse range of offerings for visitors
sustainable building and construction,
in the wood industry chain and
whilst also presenting a wider range
government policies and practices. The
provides an excellent opportunity for
of potential networks for exhibitors
show will also aim to celebrate Dubai’s
regional and international companies
as well. Another realization was the
winning bid to host the coveted and
and agents to showcase and learn
seminar ‘Promoting Wood solutions in
prestigious Expo 2020, the world’s
about wood and woodworking and
the GCC’, which centered on wood as a
largest event, which is expected to
to build new strategic relationships
building material in the GCC; wood as
attract more than 25 million visitors.
with buyers, traders and investors.
a design component of architectural
The Expo 2020, a strong catalyst for
Timber Design & Technology talks
projects; the current state of wood use
further UAE growth and specifically
to Walid Farghal (pictured), Director
in the GCC; and Timber legality, all of
in Dubai, is a welcome boost for the
General, Dubai WoodShow Organizing
which stimulated discussions aimed
construction sector given the recently
Committee, ahead of the event.
at exploring and promoting timber as
announced and potential projects in preparation for the event.
03. What are the main objectives for this year’s edition? Dubai WoodShow 2014 aims to act as a strategic platform for visitors and exhibitors to establish profitable relationships. The show presents an excellent opportunity to forge longterm business relationships, and gives businesses dealing with wood products and woodworking a chance to launch and showcase their products and services. Image © Dubai WoodShow
56 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2014
This year, we have focused our efforts on attracting the latest wood
SHOWTIME INTERVIEW
Image © Dubai WoodShow
products from new markets such as
techniques in the industry and identify
UAE are some of the key players making
Indonesia, Laos, Cameroon, Gabon,
sources of supply that contribute to
their debut at the show this year.
Congo, Nicaragua, Peru, and Argentina
the expansion and quality of their
in addition to the latest European
business. Additionally, the show helps
woodworking machinery technologies,
address the growing demands and
which will help support the furniture
tackles other significant issues in the
factories and joineries in the region
region’s wood industry.
deliver the highest quality products in
08. What is the long-term plan for the WoodShow series of exhibitions in the Middle East? Our long-term strategy is to develop
04. Are there any events such as awards, seminars and workshops at this year’s edition?
06. How many visitors and exhibitors are likely to be there at the fair this year? What percentage of them are repeat exhibitors and how many of them are new?
At this year’s show, we will be
The exhibition in 2014 is being
and Sudan. In addition, we are also
organizing a series of seminars under
held in approximately 13,428
considering a new edition for North
the theme ‘Legal Timber products
square meters of exhibition space,
Africa with the possibility to develop
in Global Trading is a must’. This is
compared to 12,629 square meters
future editions in Central and West
essential given that most buyers across
in the previous edition. We have
Africa as well. The show will aim to
the globe will have to show proof
received an overwhelming response
enhance the woodworking industry
of legality and certification for the
from international players who are
and promote the use of technology
timber or timber products that they
looking to establish their regional
in these countries, which are rich in
import. Today, no timber products can
presence in Dubai, especially in light
raw materials and also have a high
enter Europe, Australia, or American
of the anticipated demand as part
consumption of timber.
without complying with legality and
of the buildup for Expo 2020. We
certification regulations. The seminars
expect to host over 500 companies
WoodShow exhibition in Indonesia, and
will aim to debate the role of the UAE as
from 40 countries, an increase of 7
the second edition of the Indonesia
a transshipment port and the measures
percent over the previous edition. To
WoodShow will kick off in March this
it should take in regards to timber trade
date, around 80 percent are repeat
year. Over 100 exhibitors representing
regulation, certification etc.
exhibitors and the remaining 20
the leading industry players from all
percent represent new players. Last
over the world will participate at the
year the show attracted 7,946 trade
show. These exhibitors will receive the
visitors and this year we expect over
extra benefit of being able to showcase
10,000 specialized visitors.
their latest products and technologies
line with the latest design trends.
the WoodShow exhibition in Egypt as well given that it is the largest furniture producer and exporter in the Middle East. The exhibition in Egypt will support the timber industries in the neighboring countries such as Libya, Tunisia, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon
05. How does Dubai WoodShow aim to be different from other timber industry trade fairs? The Dubai WoodShow is a unique event in the Middle East as it provides
07. Who are some of the new exhibitors making their debut at the show this year?
We also organized the first
to the leading furniture manufacturers participating in IFFINA, the biggest Asian furniture show, which is being held in conjunction with the Indonesia WoodShow from March 14 - 17, in
a strategic platform for decision makers, buyers, prospectors and wood
Alfred Vesely TIMBER EXPORT and
Jakarta. As such, we remain confident
professionals to build their network
MCM Musil GmbH from Austria, Accsys
of our plans and we believe that we can
and showcase their products in the
Technologies from the UK, C.A Spencer
support the timber and woodworking
region. Moreover it allows them
from Canada, Syllac S.A from Greece,
industry globally whilst delivering more
to develop ideas, learn innovative
and the Swedish Wood Council in the
value to our exhibitors and partners.
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 57
SHOWTIME
EXPO Calendar INDIAWOOD
Bois & Habitat
CIFM / Interzum Guangzhou
www.indiawood.com
www.theprimus.comwww.bois-habitat.be/en
www.interzum-guangzhou.com
21st - 25th February Bangalore International Exhibition Center Bangalore, India
21st - 24th March Namur Expo Namur, Belgiun
28th March - 1st April Pazhou Complex Guangzhou, China
WMF 2014
DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR
TECHNOMEBEL
www.woodworkfair.com
www.domotexasiachinafloor.com
www.technomebel.bg
25th - 28th February China International Exhibition Center (CIEC) Beijing, China
Malaysian International Furniture Fair 4th - 8th March Putra World Trade Center and MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Center Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
http://2014.miff.com.my
Export Furniture Exhibition 5th - 8th March Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
http://efe.my/index.php LAS EXPO
7th - 9th March Kielce Trade Fairs Congress Centre Kielce, Poland
www.targikielce.pl
MTKT Innovation 12th - 15th March Kiev ExpoPlaza Kiev, Ukraine
www.mtkt.kiev.ua Vietnam International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair (VIFA)
11th - 14th March Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) Hochiminh City, Vietnam
www.vifafair.com
Indonesia WoodShow 14th - 17th March East Green Eco Park, Senyan Jakarta, Indonesia
www.indonesiawoodshow.com IFFINA
14th - 17th March East Green Eco Park, Senayan Jakarta, Indonesia
http://iffinaindonesia.com
International Famous Furniture Fair (3F)
16th - 20th March Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Center Houjie, Dongguan, China
www.2f.com.cn/e
ZOW Istanbul 20th - 23rd March CNR Expo Center Istanbul, Turkey
www.zow.com.tr
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25th - 27th March Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) Shanghai, China
1st - 5th April Inter Expo Center Sofia, Bulgaria
MEBEL 2014
Holzhaus
www.eragrupa.mk
www.holzhaus.ru
25th - 30th March Congress Center Skopje, Macedonia
3rd - 6th April V.V.C., Pavilion 75 Moscow, Russia
LUBDREW
Dubai WoodShow
www.lubdrew.pl
www.dubaiwoodshow.com
28th - 30th March Internationale Messe Lublin Lublin, Poland
8th - 10th April Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center Dubai, UAE
February 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 59
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