Timber Design & Technology Middle East - February 2013

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Issue 06 | February 2013

Wood: The Tasmanian Way ABALON Hardwood: An American style sawmill in Europe GCC timber imports on the rise Sustainable and innovative forest products are key to the future of forests Outlook 2013: Sustainability trends in the timber market PLUS Timber industry news, new products, exhibition previews and listings and more

ANALYSIS | INTERVIEWS | DESIGN | SUSTAINABILITY | TECHNOLOGY

FROM THE EDITOR y 2013

Issue 06 | Februar ndtechnology.com

www.timberdesigna

nian Way Wood: The Tasma sawmill in Europe An American style ABALON Hardwood: s on the rise GCC timber import to the future of forests products are key innovative forest Sustainable and timber market the in ability trends Outlook 2013: Sustain , news, new products PLUS Timber industry listings and more s and exhibition preview

INTERVIEWS ANALYSIS |

SUSTAINAB | DESIGN |

HNOLOG ILITY | TEC

Y

Cover photo: Cree Buildings

Editor’s comment

T

his is the first issue of the magazine for 2013 and I am glad to introduce two new sections - The Source and Species Focus - in this issue. The former will take an in-depth look at the sources of supply and companies that produce timber and timber products whilst the latter will focus on

different timber species with a view towards their working properties and applications. Looking at the year ahead, the EU Timber Regulation is perhaps the single biggest development for the timber

Issue 06 | FEBRUARY 2013

industry. In his column for the magazine, timber sustainability expert and CEO of the non-profit NEPCon Peter Feilberg talks about the EUTR and offers his bet on key trends during the coming year.

Timber Design & Technology Magazine Director Andy MacGregor publisher@citrusmediagroup.net +971 55 9199 783 Marketing Director Eric Hammond marketing@citrusmediagroup.net +971 4 455 8400

In this issue, we have covered a range of interesting topics including a feature on how Cree Buildings is pioneering an innovative timber and concrete hybrid technology that enables architects to design stunning tall wood buildings up to 30 stories. With a vision to bring wood as a primary building material into cities, the company is creating a new basis for modern, urban architecture through its LifeCycle Tower (LCT) system. We were also able to speak to Dominic McNeil from Britton Timbers on Blackwood and Tasmanian Oak, which are providing designers, architects and craftsmen with exciting new options for flooring and fine cabinetry. Confident of a market for Tasmanian hardwoods, particularly for flooring, the company is looking to make inroads into the region.

Looking at the developments within the region, this issue features an article from Broadleaf

International Sales Director James Hamilton james@timberdesignandtechnology.com

Consulting on the predicted rise in timber imports to the GCC region in 2013. As construction projects

Editor Tony Smith editor@timberdesignandtechnology.com

GCC. Significantly, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have now become key destinations for

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

which will be distributed at the show. Our plan for the year is to publish six issues and also expand our

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

gather pace across the GCC, demand for timber is reaching new heights with China, Malaysia, Romania, Germany, Indonesia and the United States emerging as the major suppliers of wood products to the many supplier countries and feature among the top ten or even five export trade partners.

As the official GCC Media Partner for the Dubai WoodShow, we are looking ahead to the April issue, online activity with updated news, features, exhibition information and technology developments. 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.

Best Wishes

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

and is printed by Masar Printing Press Great care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of Timber Design & Technology but the publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions.

All contents are © 2013 Citrus Media Group and may not be reproduced in any form without prior consent.

Letters and readers’ contributions may be edited at our discretion.

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

3

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IN THIS ISSUE

Contents 12 SUSTAINABILITY

Outlook 2013: Sustainability trends in the timber market Timber sustainability expert and CEO of the non-profit NEPCon Peter Feilberg offers his bet on key trends during the coming year

16 MARKET REPORT Sustainable and innovative forest products are key to the future of forests

P12

UNECE Timber Committee releases market statement on Forest Products Markets in 2012 and 2013

20 ANALYSIS GCC timber imports on the rise China, Malaysia, Romania, Germany, Indonesia and the United States are major suppliers of wood products to the GCC

24 THE SOURCE

Baillie Lumber expects increased demand for hardwoods in MENA region

Leading player supplies a comprehensive range of North American and Tropical hardwoods

P16

27 SPECIES FOCUS American Softwoods A look at the diverse and wide-ranging applications and working properties of American Softwoods

30 DESIGN & DéCOR The new offices of the Botín Foundation in Madrid Inspired by the building’s historic references, the architects attempt to retain the spirit of the original industrial character

34 PROFILE ABALON Hardwood

P30 PLUS

An American style sawmill in Europe

38 TECHNOLOGY Nature with Structure Cree pioneers innovative timber and concrete hybrid technology that enables architects to design stunning tall wood buildings up to 30 stories

45 SHOWTIME Preview of the upcoming exhibitions

p7 Latest News p45 Showtime February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

5

FARLIN GROUP OF COMPANIES ARE VERTICALLY INTEGRATED FARLIN GROUP OF COMPANIES ARE VERTICALLY WITH AN ESTABLISHED PRESENCE WORLDWIDE IN INTEGRATED TIMBER WITH ESTABLISHED PRESENCE WORLDWIDE IN TIMBER LOGS,AN SAWN TIMBER, PLYWOOD, PANEL PRODUCTS AND COAL LOGS, SAWN TIMBER, PLYWOOD, PANEL PRODUCTS AND COAL FOR ENERGY SECTORS. FOR ENERGY SECTORS.

Te l : 0 4 8 8 0 9 8 8 9 | Fa x : 0 4 8 8 0 9 7 7 9 | w w w. fa r l i n d u b a i . c o m

NEWS

News Strong demand seen for American timbers in the MENA region The most recent data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows that exports of American lumber to the MENA region reached a value of USD 92.7 million during the January to November period of 2012. This signals an increase of 22 percent over the same eleven months of 2011. Of the total, U.S. hardwood lumber exports accounted for USD 56.8 million, rising by 17 percent over the previous year and U.S. softwood lumber exports accounted for 35.9 million, rising by a significant 32 percent. It is anticipated that 2012 will prove to be a record year for exports of both U.S. hardwood and softwood lumber to the MENA region, when the December export figures are released by the USDA in early February.

The UAE, Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were the top destinations for American hardwood lumber during January to November last year, taking 13,531 cubic meters (USD 10.8 million), 11,748 cubic meters (USD 8.5 million), 14,716 cubic meters (USD 7.8 million) and 10,407 cubic meters (USD 7.2 million) respectively during the period. Other significant markets included Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Qatar. In terms of species, American hardwood lumber exports to the region were

southern yellow pine, with Douglas fir and other pine species making

dominated by red oak, white oak, ash, tulipwood and hickory.

up the bulk of the remainder.

Key markets for American softwood lumber during the eleven-month

Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, India and Oceania

period of last year were Pakistan, Libya and Egypt, taking 46,227 cubic

comments: “I am really buoyed by the significant uptake in U.S. hardwood

meters (USD 11.0 million), 13,392 cubic meters (USD 5.9 million) and

lumber across the region last year and I anticipate that 2013 will prove to

12,550 cubic meters respectively. Other significant markets included

be even better. The Middle East is fast becoming a key destination for U.S.

the UAE, Jordan, Algeria, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Shipments of U.S.

hardwood exporters and they are committed to supplying high quality

softwood lumber to the region during the period were dominated by

and sustainable hardwoods for the foreseeable future.”

Mathis wins first timber project in Qatar Mathis SA, the European leader in glulam timber construction, has secured its first laminated project in Qatar. Having completed several projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, such as the extension to King Khaled Airport, and a 35,000 square meter storage building for ADNOC, the company has secured the glulam elements of a project in the military parade zone of the new international airport at Doha.

The 80m x 20m structure, a mixture of timber and steel elements and a fabric covering, was the obvious and natural choice because of technical, aesthetic, and ecological reasons.

Mathis has provided all the structural calculations and drawings, carried out the fabrication of the structure, arranged the transportation from the factory to the site, and monitored the erection of the frame. The timber elements were shipped by sea, and then delivered to site by lorries. Further, the structure was erected in one week without any difficulty. The contractor responsible for the erection was pleasantly surprised by the ease of installing the 23-meter long beams.

“Our philosophy is simple: we aid and assist the architects to realize their projects with our timber structures,” said Alan Dolléans, International Project Manager at Mathis SA. “Our trump card is to integrate the engineering design with the digitally controlled CNC fabrication machinery so that when the elements arrive on site they can rapidly and accurately be assembled in record time.”

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

7

NEWS

Australia joins global fight against illegal logging Australia is stepping up its fight against the illegal logging trade with the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 having been passed by the Australian Parliament. The landmark legislation outlaws the trade of illegally harvested timber in Australia. Illegal logging costs around $60 billion globally each year and directly threatens timber jobs and businesses by undercutting the price of legally logged timber. It is operated by criminal networks and has serious environmental impacts.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said the passage of the legislation reflects Australia’s commitment to legitimate forestry industries. He added: “The illegal timber trade is a trade that benefits no one. It risks jobs, it risks the timber industry, and it risks the environment. The Gillard Government brought a commitment to the last election to outlaw the trade of illegally harvested timber. Today we delivered on it.”

Commenting on the fact that the legislation does not discriminate against timber or timber products based on country of origin, Minister Ludwig said: “The Act will make it an offence to

“The Australian Government has consulted widely with

import illegally logged timber into the Australian market and to

importers, processors, industry associations, retailers,

process timber that has been illegally harvested here in Australia.

conservation groups and our trading partners to develop this Act.

It places requirements on Australian importers and processors -

We will continue to work with each of these stakeholders as we

not on our trading partners or exporters.”

implement it,” said Minister Ludwig.

Tasmania’s first Carbon Flux Tower installed Forestry Tasmania will improve its understanding of the growth of its forests with the installation of Tasmania’s first carbon flux tower at the Warra LTER site. The 80 meter tall tower measures the exchange of carbon and water between the forest and atmosphere and will provide readings every 30 minutes to enable scientists to monitor carbon movement in forests. According to Tim Wardlaw, Principal Research Officer, the tower is set to play a vital role in contributing new knowledge to understanding how the forest is responding to climate as well as improving climate knowledge.

“We are able to see if the forest is absorbing carbon or losing it. It’s really important for understanding how well our forest is acting as a sink and how quickly they will change from a sink to a source,” said Wardlaw. “It’s a bit like taking the pulse of the forest and telling you how the forest is functioning and how it responds to extreme wet climate events such as drought and heatwaves. The beauty is we’re seeing it happen in real time.”

It is the first carbon flux tower to be built in Tasmania and the 14th in Australia. The flux tower is the most recent piece of research infrastructure at the Warra site, which is a key part of Tasmania’s ecological monitoring program.

Interestingly, the tower is located within a proposed reserve arising from the Tasmanian Forest Agreement 2012. The Warra LTER site of 15,900 hectares was designated in 1995 to encourage long-term ecological research and monitoring in wet forests in Tasmania. As of today, the site is supported by eight LTER site partners from Tasmanian and national research agencies. Whatever the final tenure outcome, it is important that the internationally significant monitoring program at Warra continues to be supported.

8

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

NEWS

WEINIG WORKS WOOD

Laminate flooring industry going from strength to strength with quality and innovation

All innovations for LIGNA in Hall 12.

For further information,

Machines and systems visit www.weinig.com for solid wood processing in WEINIG quality

According to a recent statement by the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF), the outlook for 2013 amongst EPLF members is quite varied. The stable situation in Germany is good news. However, looking at foreign markets, the EPLF is hoping that the situation in southern Europe will improve and

S4S and profiling Automation Tool / grinding systems

the association has great expectations of the expanding markets in Turkey and South America. Exports to China, especially in the premium sector, are also increasing significantly again, showing that European quality and innovation are in demand the world over. Total sales by EPLF members in 2012 amounted to approximately 460 million square meters.

“Laminate is and remains a success story. But we view the

Ripping / cross cutting Scanner technology Optimization

individual markets very differently,” says EPLF President Ludger Schindler with regard to current developments. “The situation in Germany is stable. Debt crises and economic fluctuations in southern Europe continue to affect laminate sales. But overall the Euro zone is slowly recovering. Turkey is the second largest market by volume in Europe. Exports to South America are showing a positive trend. We

Windows and doors Furniture Surface sections

are even selling more to China.”

According to the EPLF, overall economic trends in Germany are being partly shaped by the middle class who continue to invest in lasting values, such as their own property. Replacing flooring is at the top of the list when it comes to medium- and large-scale modernization work. This is where the EPLF believes the laminate industry has the solid foothold it needs in order to invest in the long term in further

Finger-jointing Tenoning Coping

development of its ranges. Clearly, the German market demands a lot of the quality and look of products.

“The EPLF members will continue to set standards for the development of the entire industry,” says Schindler, “as innovations always produce their own economic cycles. This will also be noticeable at Domotex.” Examples of the distinct innovation of European manufacturers are product features such as experimental pine looks, dyed or altered surfaces, the used look, dark oak decors or particularly

Your expert www.weinig.com

long rustic boards with all-over prints.

Volkmar Halbe, Chairman of the Market and Image Committee of the EPLF, says: “Laminate’s market share has continued to grow over other types of flooring for a number of years. This is due to its unique product characteristics: laminate is durable, easy to care for, easy to lay and offers infinite design options. It is the last of these

WEINIG OFFERS MORE

characteristics that many architects are now becoming aware of.”

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

9

NEWS

Researchers to develop high-quality forestry products using Irish timber A new research initiative has begun at NUI Galway to develop highquality forestry products in Ireland using innovative engineering technologies. One of the first activities of the EUR 0.5 million project is the creation of the first database to contain details of all the known properties of Irish-grown timber. Secondly, the research will attempt to re-engineer timber to produce products with enhanced strength and durability.

The demand for increased use of sustainable materials in areas such as construction has led to a demand for innovative timber products, which can replace more traditional materials that have poor environmental performance. Dr Annette Harte, a senior lecturer in Civil Engineering and member of the Ryan Institute at NUI Galway, will lead the research into methods for engineering Irish timber to produce highperformance construction products.

The project will utilize the latest technologies at the University’s timber research laboratory, which is the primary timber and engineered wood products testing facility in Ireland. Dr Harte will test the feasibility of using novel technologies such as cross-lamination and internal reinforcement of the timber components with fibre-reinforced polymer rods and plates to manufacture advanced construction products from Irish timber. The project is funded by the Department of Agriculture,

added: “In the context of pressures on resources and the environment,

Fisheries and Marine under the FIRM/RSF/COFORD scheme, and Queens

innovation and resource efficiencies can go hand-in-hand with steady

University Belfast is a collaborating partner in the research, giving the

economic growth. Dr Harte’s work is helping to create better conditions

results all-island impact.

for timber products and services that should have lower impacts across

“This funding will help us to develop a world-class competence to exploit Ireland’s natural resource of wood. We aim to identify the

their life-cycles, and are durable, repairable and recyclable.”

According to Dr Martina Prendergast, Strategic Development Manager

potential for producing added-value timber products for construction

of the Ryan Institute: “As a result of securing the significant grant from

applications from Irish timber resources. These products will allow Irish

the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine, we are in a much

timber to be used in more demanding applications than before, such as

better position to attract European funding from the EU Horizon 2020

long-span and multi-storey construction,” explains Dr Harte.

programme to develop high quality forestry products which will be

Professor Colin Brown, Director of the Ryan Institute at NUI Galway

recognized around the world.”

Myanmar government plans log export ban The Myanmar Ministry of Forestry has announced that it will scale back logging and ban the export of raw teak and hardwood from 2014 in a bid to increase exports of higher-earning finished products.

Under the project, the timber export is scheduled to reduce year by year. The government has also expressed readiness to completely stop exporting wood logs.

“The project is focusing to save the remaining one-fifth of the country’s total area and also to manufacture high quality wood products to export,” said Thein Lwin, Secretary of the Parliament’s Natural Resources and Environment Conservation Committee.

Myanmar’s forest coverage was down to 24 percent in 2008 from 51 percent in 2005, and 57 percent in 1962. The main causes of deforestation are excessive harvesting of trees, rampant illegal logging, increasing use of firewood, as well as shifting cultivation system.

Myanmar produces about 283,000 cubic meters of teak and 1.98 million cubic meters of hardwood annually. In addition, the country is also a major exporter of teak in the world, taking up 75 percent

“In the past, we couldn’t export finished products for various

of the global market. It ships teak to China, India and other regional

reasons. But now we will try to export finished products and we will

countries. In 2011-2012, the country exported 371,000 metric tonnes

halt logs exports. That’s a serious aim we will carry out in the future,”

of teak and 1,789,400 metric tonnes of hardwood.

said U Win Tun, Minister for Environmental Conservation and Forestry.

10 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

NEWS

www.interzum.com

EU recognizes Indonesian Timber Certification System

Furniture production Interiors Cologne

The European Union is now unconditionally accepting Indonesian timber products that come with a wood certification document based on the Timber Legality Verification System

The future starts here.

(SVLK), according to Julian Wilson, EU Ambassador.

Speaking at the press conference, Ambassador Wilson said: “If a product carries the logo V-legal, it can be ascertained that the product is legal and has clear origins so that there is no need to impose additional controls.”

Indonesia and the European Union are also working on a voluntary partnership agreement on law enforcement, management and trade of forestry goods (FLEGT VPA) that is expected to be signed in April. The FLEGT VPA will provide unequivocal legal recognition of Indonesia’s SVLK certification system. Wilson said that although the partnership is only expected to come into force later this year, he believed that there would be no hindrance to the importation of legal timber and wood products from Indonesia.

Wilson also promised to work together with the Indonesian government and other concerned parties to promote the recognition of the SVLK among EU consumers.

interzum

13 – 16. 05. 2013

New: Monday to Thursday !

UNECE, FAO and partners announce plans for European Forest Week 2013

World’s Leading Event

Suppliers primarily deliver one thing: new ideas.

Visionary technologies and innovative design – at interzum

The European Forest Week (December 9-13, 2013) will be

you’ll find concentrated innovative power for your future sales success. The best ideas and sector innovations for the furni-

joint meeting of the UNECE Timber Committee and the FAO

celebrated with events in Rovaniemi Finland at Metsä2013 (the European Forestry Commission), and throughout Europe via a

ture industry and the home interiors business celebrate their premieres here. As the leading global trade fair for the sector,

variety of events. The week will highlight the contribution of

interzum opens a window into the future. interzum is the meeting place for all of the key players. Gain an innovative edge – and let yourself be inspired.

provide a unique communication and outreach opportunity to

forests and forest products to a green economy and will also raise the visibility of the forest sector and the multiple services wood contributes to our daily lives. The European Forest Week will provide an umbrella for forest related celebrations

Save time and money !

Register and buy your tickets online. www.interzum.com

organized by different public and private organizations throughout Europe.

Many events will be held on-site, at the Metsä2013 venue in Northern Finland, while other activities will take place throughout Europe with countries’ contributions at national and

Koelnmesse GmbH, Messeplatz 1, 50679 Köln, Germany Phone +49 180 5 077 050, Fax +49 221 821-99 1210 interzum@visitor.koelnmesse.de

local levels. Celebrations outside of Metsä2013 may include: celebrations of forests at the national and local levels; specific events by private or public organizations; competitions, exhibits, fairs, school activities; videos and publications. In addition, the organizers encourage wide participation of government officials from forestry and non-forest sectors as well as representatives of international, regional and sub-regional organizations that deal with forest-related issues in the region, including NGOs, the private sector, schools and academic institutions.

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 11 88x273-iz13_M1_INT-Timber Design.indd 1

05.12.12 13:07

SUSTAINABILITY

Outlook 2013:

Sustainability trends in the timber market Corporate responsibility without greenwash is the future, and thirdparty verification will further cement its stronghold. Timber sustainability expert and CEO of the non-profit NEPCon Peter Feilberg offers his bet on key trends during the coming year.

G

et a green makeover. Or order a greenwash screening. The fact that such offerings have

become commonplace testifies to the significance of sustainability in today’s business environment.

In these times of economic crisis, many companies are bolstering their business through enhanced corporate responsibility. A wise choice: trend reports show that companies which strongly embrace sustainability are often the most successful. For example, a recent analysis showed that the top four financial performers in France all belong to a select group of ‘sustainability visionaries’ that use innovation to go beyond laws and

considerable push for responsible

voluntary schemes.

paper became even stronger in 2012,

Responsible timber sourcing becomes mainstream

when the Disney Group committed to sustainable sourcing of paper and packaging, following examples

The trend spills over into the

set by other iconic brands such as

timber sector in many ways. Most

McDonalds, Gucci and LEGO.

significantly, responsible timber

Within the timber sector itself,

sourcing is on the fast track to

leading companies are setting

mainstream business, addressing

new standards for sustainability.

two interrelated issues: growing

Spectacular highlights from 2012

resources scarcity and public

include the launch of IKEA’s

concern over deforestation that

ambitious strategy ‘People and Planet

leads to biodiversity loss and climate

Positive’ and home improvement

change. For example, the already

retailer Kingfisher’s ‘Net Positive’

12 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

An Ernst & Young survey of 272 mainly US-based companies found that 65 percent of CFOs are now involved in sustainability initiatives. One of the underlying reasons given for this trend is the growing scarcity of natural resources

SUSTAINABILITY

achived full FSC project certification.

These projects exemplify an ambitious array of eco-innovative designs and thoughtful procurement policies. M&S explains their approach to sustainability, ‘Plan A’, in this way: “We’re calling it Plan A because we believe it’s now the only way to do business. There is no Plan B”.

Natural resources scarcity is a core factor An Ernst & Young survey of 272 mainly US-based companies found that 65 percent of CFOs are now involved in sustainability initiatives.

One of the underlying reasons given for this trend is the growing scarcity of natural resources. As many as 76 percent ‘anticipate natural resource shortages will affect their core business objectives over the next 3-5 years’. The report also found that ‘66 percent have seen an increase in inquiries about sustainability-related issues in the past 12 months from investors and shareholders’.

In a world of diminishing forests and steep growth of affluent populations, timber is set to become a scarce natural commodity. In order to stay in business, timber-based enterprises need to focus strongly on supply chain management.

Timber certification is part and parcel of the solution and this is part of the reason for the steep growth seen in certification. Between 2010 and 2012, the area of FSC certified forest grew by over 22 percent, while FSC chain of custody certification grew by 28.6 percent.

According to the latest FSC Global Market Survey, 64 percent of FSC certificate holders are seeking to increase their certified supplies in order to meet demands. approach. Kingfisher’s ambition is to ‘go beyond neutrality and seek to make a positive contribution to the world’s future’. The strategies mark an emerging trend: timber sourcing is increasingly recognized as a key sustainability aspect alongside water consumption, recycling and greenhouse gas emissions.

The year 2012 also saw the inauguration of the world’s first FSC and PEFC certified olympic stadium in London and the opening of UK retailer Marks & Spencer’s giant Cheshire Oaks Eco-Store, which has

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 13

SUSTAINABILITY

Image Š Marks & Spencer

A diminishing market for forest crime Marketplaces around the world are tightening the nuts and bolts of fences created to exclude illegal timber. Laws that ban illegal timber trade are now in place in the EU, the U.S. and Australia.

The ink is hardly dry on the Australian legislation and the EU Timber Regulation will only come into force in March 2013, so their impact is yet to be seen; but doubtlessly these legal frameworks will cause a ripple effect across the global trade. They will also spur growth in timber verification schemes that offer

Timber certification is part and parcel of the solution and this is part of the reason for the steep growth seen in certification. Between 2010 and 2012, the area of FSC certified forest grew by over 22 percent, while FSC chain of custody certification grew by 28.6 percent.

solutions for companies seeking to ensure their legal compliance.

At the same time, forest criminals are facing tougher times.

for supplies of legal and sustainable timber is likely to intensify.

In the future, the gates to

Together with the United Nations

attractive markets will be wide

Environmental Programme (UNEP),

open for suppliers who have put

INTERPOL has launched a major

their house well in order and

project to crack down on the white-

are able to meet demands for

collar mafias that often orchestrate

documenting legal or sustainable

illegal logging.

origin. Those who fail to deliver the

Although the combat against illegal

right assurance are likely to be left

Image Š NEPCon

About the author

As Executive Director, Peter provides leadership of NEPCon with visionary thinking, drawing on more than fifteen years of active involvement in developing the global forest certification world. His experience and thought-leadership has positioned him as a respected voice within the forest certification arena. He is a frequent speaker at global sustainability events and also contributes behindthe-scenes in numerous ways. Peter is NEPCon’s FSC delegate and a former member of the assurance committee of the ISEAL Alliance, the global association for sustainability standards.

permitting smaller forest operations

NEPCon is an international, non-profit organization that works to promote the responsible use of natural resources and to safeguard sustainable livelihoods. The organization helps transform business practices and consumer behavior through innovation projects and delivery of certification services. Learn more at

Put together, these developments are

and companies to jump on the

www.nepcon.net

profoundly game-changing. The race

green bandwagon.

logging is a long haul, I hope that

behind. This begs the question of

2013 will see the emerging contours

whether the development favours

of a marketplace without unfair

the larger and more resourceful

competition from illegal timber.

operations. There is a great need

Changing with the game

14 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

for incentives and special schemes

MARKET REPORT

Sustainable and innovative forest products are key to the future of forests UNECE Timber Committee releases market statement on Forest Products Markets in 2012 and 2013

16 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

MARKET REPORT

A

ccording to the market

forecasts of production and trade

statement released by the

for over 30 countries in the UNECE

UNECE Timber Committee on

region in 2012 and 2013. Some of the

the forest products market in 2012 and 2013, the movement towards

key findings are outlined below.

North Africa and the Middle East continue to remain important consumers of European wood products, despite the effects of the ‘Arab Spring’ whilst North America has become an increasingly important supplier of wood pellets for Europe

represents a bright spot for the

Overview of forest products markets in 2012 and 2013

future of forests. The report states

Sustainable forest products have

that the trend towards increased use

and will continue to play an

of wood for construction and other

increasingly significant role in the

uses of wood through innovation

green economy. Their renewability,

of new and improved products,

recyclability and versatility make

the potential of wood energy, the

them a natural choice for a low

sustainability of wood and its low

carbon future. Further, the future

carbon footprint are all causes for

movement towards a sustainable

optimism. However current market

economy is a bright spot in the

conditions remain challenging, as

future of forests, however current

the UNECE region emerges from the

market conditions are challenging as

global economic crisis.

the UNECE region emerges from the

Economic and construction developments

global economic crisis.

Global economic growth has been

creating a sustainable economy

The UNECE region is made up of three sub-regions: Europe, North

Following the improvements seen

only moderate since economic

America and the Commonwealth of

in 2010 and early 2011, recovery

recovery started in 2009 with growth

Independent States (CIS). It stretches

in the UNECE region within forest

in the European and North American

from Canada and the United States of

products markets stalled. The

sub-regions expected to further

America in the west through Europe

exception was the CIS region, where

weaken in 2012. In the developing

to the Russian Federation and to the

many markets have improved to

regions, however, growth has

Caucasus and Central Asian republics

pre-crisis (2007) levels. Consumption

continued, though at variable rates.

in the east. It covers almost the

of forest products in 2011 remained

Further, a significant turnaround in

entire boreal and temperate forests

flat in most of the UNECE region -

the sluggish recoveries in Europe and

of the northern hemisphere - about

10 percent lower than before the

North America seems unlikely.

1.7 billion hectares - just under half

global financial crisis. However, in

of the world’s forest area and almost

the Russian Federation, consumption

sector has been the primary catalyst

38 percent of the land area of the

grew by 9 percent. In spite of

for the demand for forest products.

UNECE region.

the continuing uncertainty and

Overall, in Europe and North America,

the difficult economic conditions,

the housing market has not yet

discussions during the annual

the consumption of some forest

shown any strong recovery from the

meeting of the UNECE Timber

products showed slight growth in

recession. New housing starts and

Committee, national delegations

2011. Forecasts of consumption are

sales in the U.S. are at their lowest

forecast for 2012 a decline in

for further weakness in 2012 (-0.9

levels since modern records began

regional forest product markets,

percent) with a slight uptick in 2013

to be kept in 1963 but are showing

particularly in Europe, with a slight

(0.5 percent), led by North America.

signs of recovery. The market in

As part of the annual market

uptick in 2013 for each of the

China continues to be an

Historically, the construction

Canada has seen a much smaller

three sub-regions. Other issues of

important forest products market

decline and has improved in 2012 but

importance discussed during the

for the UNECE region. Rising

a slowdown is anticipated in 2013

meetings included how the EU Timber

Chinese domestic demand is

as tighter mortgage qualification

Regulation will help in assuring the

partly responsible, as is increasing

standards are introduced.

legality and sustainability of forest

manufacturing and exports back

products along with the United States

into the UNECE region. In addition, a

Statistics Service (2012) reported

Lacey Act. However, concerns exist

shortage of raw materials amid rising

that total dwelling floor space

over the cost implications and the

domestic consumption (increasing

increased from 3,229 million square

regulatory burden.

faster than GDP) will continue the

meters in 2010 to 3,272 million

trend of increased imports. North

square meters in 2011. Further,

developments in forest products

Africa and the Middle East continue

the country’s 2011-2015 Housing

markets as reported in the Forest

to remain important consumers of

Programme projects an increase in

Products Annual Market Review,

European wood products, despite

annual construction levels. These

2011-2012, as well as experts’

the effects of the ‘Arab Spring’

figures are representative of the

presentations, country market

whilst North America has become an

considerable potential for wood to

statements and forecasts for

increasingly important supplier of

take an increasing market share in

2012 and 2013. The Committee’s

wood pellets for Europe. In addition,

construction. There are signs that

officially adopted Market Statement

South America is producing many

this is already happening in many

summarizes the latest market

products that directly or indirectly

countries, particularly in the case of

information on forest products market

compete with products from the

buildings that have been constructed

developments, along with detailed

UNECE region.

primarily out of wood.

The Committee also reviewed

The Russian Federal State

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 17

MARKET REPORT

Policy and regulatory framework development The development of policies that address and promote sustainable forest management, including measures to combat illegal logging, climate- and energy-related policies continues to gain momentum, in particular those that promote the use of renewable energy and ‘green building’. Most recently, the Russian Federation has cleared the final hurdle to becoming a WTO member.

As such, log exports are likely to increase if, as expected, export duties fall. Further, import duties to the Russian Federation are also expected to fall. Significantly, the Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) between Canada and the U.S. which regulates sawnwood exports from Canada to the U.S. was renewed in January 2012, as both countries saw value in extending the agreement for an additional two years.

The biggest development for the timber industry is the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), which will come into effect from March 3 this year.

Its objective is to prevent illegally sourced wood and products derived from such wood from entering the European market by prohibiting the placing of such products on the EU market; requiring ‘due diligence’ by operators and ‘traceability’ throughout the supply chain. Monitoring organizations to assist market operators meet the new obligations will also have been recognized by the European Commission. The EUTR is part of the EU Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan, which has several measures for banning illegal timber from markets, to advance the supply of legally sourced wood products and to increase the demand for responsibly sourced timber.

In 2011, the Russian Federal Forestry Agency published the first version of the State ‘Forestry Development Programme 20122020’ and drafted a legal text, the ‘State regulation on the movement of roundwood’, aimed at improving sustainable forest management, taking measures against illegal logging, improving the transparency and legality of timber trade and reforestation. This is seen as a

The development of policies that address and promote sustainable forest management, including measures to combat illegal logging, climateand energy-related policies continues to gain momentum

that Russian forest product exports are able to comply with the EU Timber Regulation and the U.S. Lacey Act. In addition, for the first time in modern Russian history, a draft ‘National Forest Policy’ has been formulated by the Federal Forestry Agency. This policy aims to increase the emphasis on sustainable forest management, the strengthening of the wood-processing sector and the active participation of citizens in management of forest resources.

necessary step in the development of

The U.S. Congress proposed

forest law enforcement and to ensure

amendments to the Lacey Act in

18 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

MARKET REPORT

About UNECE/FAO Forestry & Timber Section The UNECE/FAO Forestry & Timber Section has served as a trusted source of information, data and analysis about the forest sector in the UNECE region for more than 60 years. The section is unique in that it is a joint UNECE/ FAO secretariat, servicing the UNECE Timber Committee and FAO European Forestry Commission and working closely with other members of the United Nations family and with country stakeholders. It operates to a mandate agreed by the 56 countries, which together comprise the UNECE region, stretching from North America to the Russian Federation and Central Asia.

Working with FAO, the Section plays a pivotal role in the regular assessment of the state of forests in the pan-European region and contributes to the periodic global Forest Resources Assessment. In addition, the section’s work with Forest Europe allows a regular critical assessment of the health and sustainability of Europe’s forests, using criteria and indicators drawn up by the countries active in the Forest Europe process. The results are published in the State of Europe’s Forests report.

2011, called the ‘Retailers and Entertainers Lacey Implementation and Enforcement Fairness Act’. The amendments provide limitations on applications, reduced penalties, changes to reviewing and reporting, and establish standard certification processes. Further, North American timber supply will be affected by the reductions of the annual allowable cut foreseen in British

The continuing development of green building codes should help to reinforce wood’s position as the environmentally sound construction material of choice

Columbia as a result of the mountain pine beetle epidemic and in eastern Canada due to planned harvest

Europe and the CIS. The remaining

reduction. These effects will be more

13 percent is across the southern

visible in the future, as demand

hemisphere. Chain-of-custody (CoC)

increases and the salvaging of

certification has continued to grow

beetle-killed trees runs its course.

but more slowly. China is, by a

Certified forest products markets

By May 2012, the global area of

The Section is also active in the field of forest policies and institutions, recognized as an integral part of sustainable forest management.

These activities include information collection, analysis and dissemination, monitoring of developments, analysis of trends and capacity building. The Section addresses important crosssectoral aspects of relevance to the forest sector, notably related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, bioenergy, biodiversity, land use, water and agriculture.

The Section’s work compiling market and, to a lesser extent, price data for forest products throughout the region, feeds into the prestigious Forest Products Annual Market Review, which appears every autumn and forms the basis for market discussions during the annual Timber Committee session. As well as providing an overview of the changing state of markets, the review sets out to understand the forces that are shaping the timber market and to examine future directions. Underlying all of this is a comprehensive database that provides a unique historical perspective.

significant margin, the largest user

examples of areas where government

of CoC certificates and the EU Timber

standards may provide better

Regulation is likely to expand this.

tools for ensuring sustainability.

The continuing development of

Significantly, it seems likely

certified forest was 394 million

green building codes should help

that existing timber certification

hectares, which represents a 4

to reinforce wood’s position as the

programmes will be challenged to

percent increase over May 2011.

environmentally sound construction

define their niche in the light of

Globally, the certified area is not

material of choice, particularly

the continued development of more

evenly distributed as more than

the March 2012 release of the

targeted standards that address

half (51 percent) of the certified

International Green Construction

specific market issues, such as

forest area is in North America, one

Code (IgCC). Further, key indicators,

climate change policies, illegal-

quarter (25 percent) in the EU/EFTA

including legality, responsible

logging controls, and bio-based

region and 12 percent is in other

bioenergy and fuel efficiency are

material assurances.

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 19

ANALYSIS

GCC timber imports on the rise China, Malaysia, Romania, Germany, Indonesia and the United States are major suppliers of wood products to the GCC

A

s construction projects gather pace across the GCC, demand for timber is reaching new heights. Whether it is

softwood lumber and plywood for concrete forming and general building works or hardwood lumber and wood-based panels for interiors and furniture, the region’s appetite for wood products is certainly growing. The GCC, and most particularly, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, have now become key destinations for many supplier countries and feature among the top ten or even five export trade partners.

Not too many years ago, timber exporters to the GCC were limited to a handful of pioneering companies from a few countries.

The range of products sold in to the market was far from expansive and their availability was sporadic. Today, however, the region attracts wood product suppliers from every corner of the globe and just about every conceivable wood or wood-based product is represented on the ground and is readily available. Additionally, numerous partnerships have been formed between GCC-based agents and importers and overseas suppliers. Some of these have since developed in to large-scale enterprises with representation across the Middle East and beyond. Various national wood promotion and marketing bodies have also now become very active in the region - some with many years of representation in the Gulf already chalked up, such as the Malaysian Timber Council and the American Hardwood Export Council. Their recognition of the GCC as a major and developing destination for their products has driven them to include the region as a key part of their global promotional strategies.

Although reliable complete trade data is

20 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

ANALYSIS

Not too many years ago, timber exporters to the GCC were limited to a handful of pioneering companies from a few countries.The range of products sold in to the market was far from expansive and their availability was sporadic.

unavailable, it can be estimated that imports of all wood products by the six GCC member states reached a total value of USD 1.7 billion during the first nine months of 2012, rising by around 16 percent from the same period in the previous year. The leading suppliers of wood products were China, Malaysia, Romania, Germany, Indonesia and the United States and shipments from these six nations accounted for around two thirds of all exports to the GCC. The main product shipped to the region was softwood lumber, which accounted for as much as 17 to 20 percent of total imports by value. Hardwood plywood, medium density fibreboard (MDF) and other wood-based panels and hardwood lumber made up the bulk of the remainder, while other products included flooring, doors and door sets, semi-finished panels and components and hardwood veneers.

Just taking figures from the top six suppliers to the GCC - China, Malaysia, Romania, Germany, Indonesia and the United States - wood product imports reached a total value of USD 1.3 billion during the January to September period of last year, rising by 16.2 percent from the same three quarters of 2011. Saudi Arabia stood out as the leading destination for exports from these six supplying countries, with total shipments reaching USD 574.3 million and increasing by 18.2 percent from the same period in the previous year. At the same time, the UAE’s imports from these six countries reached USD 496.4 million, rising from USD 439.9 million during the first nine months of 2011.

China’s exports of all wood products to the GCC member states grew by 17.5 percent year-on-year in January to September of 2012 and reached a total value of USD

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 21

ANALYSIS

Not only has the GCC become an important destination for wood products, but it has also become a vital trading hub for a wider region.

This is particularly true for the UAE, where re-exports of wood products account for as much as 30 percent of total imports. Some of this is intra-GCC trade, but major destination markets also include Iran, Somalia, Rwanda and India.

GCC TIMBER IMPORTS FROM TOP SIX SUPPLIERS Jan - Sept 2012 (US$ thousands) 600,000 550,000 500,000 450,000 400,000

USA

350,000

Germany

300,000

Romania

250,000

Indonesia

200,000

Malaysia

150,000

China

100,000 50,000 0 UAE

KSA

Qatar

Kuwait

Bahrain

Oman

Source: Broadleaf Consulting

568.5 million. A significant proportion

three quarters of 2012 reached USD 186.6

set to continue its recovery through this

was accounted for by hardwood plywood,

million, rising by 21.2 percent from the same

year from the downturn seen in 2009 and,

but many other items also made up the

period in the previous year.

as a result, it is widely anticipated that

product mix. The number two supplier to

Not only has the GCC become an important

demand for wood products will continue to

the region was Indonesia, with shipments of

destination for wood products, but it has

rise across the region. More suppliers from

all wood products attaining a value of USD

also become a vital trading hub for a wider

even more countries will choose the Gulf as

217.3 million during the period and rising

region. This is particularly true for the

a key destination for their products over the

by 18.6 percent on the same nine months

UAE, where re-exports of wood products

next twelve months and competition is likely

of 2011. Plywood and MDF were the key

account for as much as 30 percent of total

to be tough. However, with declining wood

products imported from Indonesia, while

imports. Some of this is intra-GCC trade, but

consumption in many European markets and

these also came from Malaysia, in addition

major destination markets also include Iran,

just the beginnings of an uncertain recovery

to large volumes of hardwood lumber. Total

Somalia, Rwanda and India.

being seen in the United States, the battle for

shipments from Malaysia during the first

The construction sector in the GCC looks

market share is likely to be worth the effort.

About the author

Roderick Wiles has been analysing the Middle East’s markets for wood products for the past 14 years. He has travelled extensively throughout the MENA region, developing a wealth of contacts and experience and providing consultancy services to a range of government and industry clients on a long term or one-off basis. For more information, see www.broadleafconsulting.com

22 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

20 - 23 May 2013

Dubai World Trade Centre

www.indexexhibition.com

For more information about exhibiting at the INDEX International Design Exhibition 2013, contact us: Tel: +971 (0)4 438 0355 Fax: +971 (0)4 438 0357 Email: info@indexexhibition.com

THE SOURCE

Baillie Lumber expects increased demand for hardwoods in MENA region Leading player supplies a comprehensive range of North American and Tropical hardwoods

B

aillie Lumber is one of North

several partner mills and suppliers

America’s largest hardwood

in the U.S. and internationally, which

lumber manufacturers,

supplement its own hardwood

distributors and exporters. Founded

manufacturing capabilities thereby

in 1923, the company has grown from

giving the company a breadth of

a regional supplier of North American

specie availability unmatched by other

hardwoods to an international

hardwood manufacturers.

hardwood manufacturer that can

Participating in all of the major

ship hardwood lumber to any region

markets around the world and

which have been driven by its sales

of the world. Today, Baillie is a

serving customers in various

representatives, some of whom have

leading provider of hardwood logs,

countries throughout Europe, the

over 25 years of experience in the

hardwood lumber and proprietary

Middle East and Asia, Baillie is able

industry. Timber Design & Technology

grade hardwood lumber products with

to offer customers a range of North

takes a closer look at Baillie Lumber.

hardwood manufacturing facilities

American and Tropical hardwoods.

that are spread north to south in the

The main species that the company

Baillie solutions

eastern United States. The company

currently supplies includes white

As one of North America’s premier

owns and operates several sawmills

oak, red oak, hard maple, soft maple,

hardwood lumber suppliers, Baillie is

and concentration yards, which

walnut, cherry, ash, poplar, African

a full-service lumber supplier involved

are conveniently located near the

mahogany, genuine mahogany, and

in manufacturing, distribution,

principal North American shipping

sapele. In addition, the company has

importing and exporting of hardwood

routes and seaports. In addition, Baillie

established relationships with local

logs, lumber or lumber products.

also maintains relationships with

and regional importers and agents,

Aiming to offer value-added services,

24 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

THE SOURCE

lumber companies, Baillie aims to provide hardwood lumber 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 Baillie’s hardwood forests, sustainable forest management has resulted in nearly twice as much new hardwood growth than is removed through harvesting.

Baillie’s commitment to sustainable forest management also means that harvest levels should not exceed what the forest grows and should not degrade future growth capability. Each of its sawmill locations has a Certified Forester® as part of its staff who is board certified by the Society of American Image © Baillie Lumber

Hardwood Lumber and Logs

Foresters. In addition, much of Baillie’s lumber comes from the Appalachian Hardwood Forest, a region that the U.S.

Baillie is able to supply both domestic

Forest Service has verified as benefiting

species from the forests across the

from sustainable forest management.

U.S. in addition to all the major species

Baillie also actively supports many

from Africa, Asia and South America.

state and national forestry trade

The company has an international

associations, forestry groups, colleges

procurement team that has expertise in

and universities, and forest landowner

locating and selecting the best hardwoods

groups dedicated to the advancement of

the company provides customers

from around the world, which are then

sustainable forest management.

not only with the lumber strips they

available for shipment directly from their

require sorted by length, width, grade

country of origin, or through Baillie’s U.S.

Baillie in the Middle East

or color but also the option to rip and

manufacturing and distribution locations.

Baillie Lumber has been active in the

surface lumber and strips to their

Baillie also purchases hardwood veneer

MENA marketplace since the 1980’s.

exact specifications. In addition, Baillie

logs and saw logs from loggers and

Since first entering the region with

Lumber’s ‘Custom Lumber Solutions’

landowners. The company has developed

sales to Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, the

program is a no obligation review

lumber and log markets throughout the

company has expanded its operations

of a customers’ existing production

United States and is able to offer loggers

to virtually all countries. Confident of

process. The company utilizes a 5-step

and landowners the best possible price

the demand in the region, the company

evaluation process designed to create

for their logs.

is actively looking for ways to serve

Image © Baillie Lumber

a unique and customized lumber solution to meet the customers’

Why Baillie?

specific production needs.

As one of America’s premier hardwood

existing and new potential customers in the region through their existing sales teams.

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 25

SPECIES FOCUS

American Softwoods Image © American Softwood

A

merican softwoods are grown in

Application

Outdoors

the western, southeastern and

The diverse and wide-ranging applications

When pressure preservative treated, timber can

northeastern states of the United

of American Softwoods fall into three main

provide decades of reliable service exposed to

categories: Joinery, Structural and Outdoors.

the harshest of climates. Southern Yellow Pine is

States. Renowned for their strength, flexibility, versatility and beauty, they have been exported for almost 200 years.

Harvested from sustainably managed

Joinery

the preferred species when pressure treatment with wood preservatives is required. The unique

The quality grains and textures of American

cellular structure of Southern Yellow Pine permits

forests in the USA, the success of forest

softwoods have long proved popular for many

deep and uniform penetration of preservatives,

management and conservation in the USA

internal uses. Finished naturally, stained or

rendering the wood useless as a food source for

means that the area of forested land is

painted, they will enhance the interior of both

fungi, termites and micro-organisms.

now greater than it was 75 years ago.

traditional and modern homes.

Today, the forests occupy an area equal in

Common outdoors applications for

size to Germany and France combined and

American softwoods are also growing in

preservative treated timber include:

more than 4.5 million trees are planted or

demand for furniture manufacture but are

• Boardwalks

seeded naturally every day.

ideal for:

• Bridges

• Bed frames

• Cladding

America is recognized worldwide as a

• Cabinetry

• Decks

sustainable source of top quality timber. This

• Fenestration

• Marinas and piers

popularity is based on:

• Flooring

• Playground equipment

• Standardization of sizes and stress ratings

• Moulding

• Quality control through the enforcement of

• Panelling

American softwood timber is marketed by

• Staircases

members of the Southern Forest Products

a single unified grading system • Strength and durability • Suitability for preservative and fireretardant treatments

Structural

Association (SFPA) and the Softwood Export Council (SEC), known jointly as American

Structural timber is graded for its load-bearing

Softwoods. The various species of softwoods

and load-carrying capacity in framing systems

from southern and western America provide

and in heavy construction, light commercial

a wide range of choices, including industrial,

and residential applications. The dominant

commercial, structural and domestic

The simple cell structure of softwoods’

American structural framing species are

applications. Much of the U.S. softwood

long, uniformly packed fibres gives them

Douglas Fir and Southern Yellow Pine.

exported is for interior applications, such as

• Construction standardization and systemization.

a high strength-to-weight ratio, making

doors, windows, picture frames, mouldings,

them flexible and capable of bearing

Typical structural construction applications

flooring, panelling, and other millwork - a prime

heavy loads. American softwoods have

include:

destination for Southern Yellow Pine, Eastern

the strength to sustain longer spans

• Churches

white pine and fir species. Further, furniture

for trusses and joists, as well as the

• Retail developments

components and edge-glued panels are also

clear, fine-grained timber that is in

• Schools

key uses for softwood lumber whilst western

demand for joinery applications, such

• Sports venues

species, such as Douglas fir and hemlock in

as panelling, door frames, windows,

• Swimming pools

clear grades, are prized for wood window and

flooring and furniture.

• Theatres

door stock as well as for window frames.

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 27

SPECIES FOCUS

Ponderosa Pine Pinus ponderosa

Western red cedar Thuja plicata

Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii

General description

General description

General description

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is light in

Western Red Cedar is a slow-growing, long-

Straight-grained and moderately heavy, with

color, with large amounts of creamy white to

lived tree, whose aromatic wood is highly

limited resin, this is one of the most attractive

straw-colored sapwood and minimal amounts

decay-resistant. The sapwood, usually less

and strongest of the Western softwood

of light reddish-brown heartwood. Along with

than 2.5 centimetres wide is almost pure

species. The wood has a slight rosy cast; the

Sugar, Idaho White and Lodgepole pine, it

white, while the heartwood varies from a dark

sapwood generally a light straw color and the

forms a commercially important group called

reddish brown to light yellow.

heartwood a deep russet brown.

Main uses

Main uses

Primarily used in cladding, shingles and other

Its appearance is prized for joinery, panelling,

Ponderosa pine is valued primarily for its

exterior applications, such as greenhouses.

cabinets, flooring, windows and cladding. Its

appearance and is suitable for any application

Also useful in boatbuilding and marine

strength, straightness and ease of fabrication

that requires a light to moderately strong,

structure as well as interior panelling, window

make it the perfect high-performance timber

splinter-free, stable wood, such as jointed

sashes and built-in furniture.

for structural uses, such as metal plate-

the Western pines (Pinus spp.).

Main uses

drawers, windows, shutters and stairs.

Distribution and availability

Distribution and availability Found in the Pacific Northwest and inland to

connected trusses, framing, bridges and large heavy members.

Ponderosa has a range that extends from

the Rocky Mountains in stands totaling 48.7

Distribution and availability

Canada to Mexico and from the Pacific Ocean

million cubic metres. Exceptional coastal area

One of the tallest on the continent, this species

to South Dakota and is widely available.

trees reach a height of 60 metres, a diameter

accounts for a fifth of North America’s total

of 4.9 metres and an age of 1,000 years or

softwood reserves and is grown on 14 million

more. Readily available.

hectares of forest in the Western Woods

Physical and mechanical properties Ponderosa is light and soft-textured, with a

region. Readily available.

uniform, close, straight grain that is delicately

Physical and mechanical properties

figured after dressing. It seasons well, with a

A coarse-textured softwood, weighing 376 kg

minimum of warping and cupping.

per cubic metre, with a close, uniform, straight

Physical and mechanical properties

grain and an extreme resistance to decay.

Medium texture, with a weight of 540 kg per

Dimensionally stable, it takes paint, stains or

cubic metre, and a high density, specific gravity

varnishes easily. When untreated, it weathers

and strength-to-weight ratio. Very stiff, with high

to a silvery-grey.

strength values in bending, tension, horizontal

Working properties Machining

Screwing

Nailing

Gluing

Durability Slightly durable and moderately easy to treat with preservative.

sheer and compression. High shrinkage when

Working properties

seasoned from a green state, but minimal

Machining

Screwing

Nailing

Gluing

Durability

Very durable. Difficult to treat with preservative.

shrinkage and swelling once seasoned.

Working properties Machining

Screwing

Nailing

Gluing

Durability Moderately durable. Difficult to treat incising is recommended for maximum penetration of preservative.

28 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

SPECIES FOCUS

Southern Yellow Pine Pinus palustris, Pinus elliotti Pinus echinata and Pinus taeda

Hem-fir Tsuga heterophylla and Abies spp

Among the harder, stronger western softwoods,

General description

it is marketed and sold separately as well as in

The four main species of Southern Yellow Pine

the Hem-fir species combination. Springwood

are Longleaf (Pinus palustris), Slash (Pinus

is whitish to light yellow-brown; summerwood

elliotti), Shortleaf (Pinus echinada) and Loblolly

frequently has a purplish or reddish-brown

pine (Pinus taeda). The wood has a distinctive

tinge; heartwood not distinct. Small black

color and grain - its sapwood ranges from

streaks often appear in the wood.

white to yellowish and heartwood from yellow

A species combination of Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and five of the true firs: California Red fir (Abies magnifica), Grand fir (Abies grandis), White fir (Abies concolor), Noble fir (Abies procera) and Pacific Silver fir (Abies amabilis). Fine-grained and with interchangeable structural performance, these trees are marketed together as an elegant softwood, classified as a White Wood, combining beauty and strength. A very light colour, from creamy white spring wood to a light strawbrown (hemlock) or reddish-brown (firs).

Western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla General description

to reddish-brown. It combines looks, strength,

Main uses

and extreme ease of treatment with the

It is used for framing and architectural members and is a prime species for mouldings, millwork and panelling.

Distribution and availability

highest nail-holding ability.

Main uses Most is used structurally, for floor and roof trusses, joists, rafters and carcassing. Ease

Grows best in the Pacific Northwest between

of treatment makes it particularly good for

sea level and 1850 metres. Readily available.

decking and outdoor use. Character and

Physical and mechanical properties Straight grain and fine texture with a weight of 465 kg per cubic metre.

impact resistance make it suitable for flooring, panelling and joinery.

Distribution and availability Grows on 78 million hectares of forest land in

Working properties

Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana,

Machining

Screwing

Mississippi, North and South Carolina,

Nailing

Gluing

Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

Durability

Slightly durable. Difficult to treat with preservative.

Widely available.

Physical and mechanical properties Medium texture. Weight ranges from 537 to 626 kg per cubic metre. High density gives it natural strength, weight, and impact and wearing resistance. It has a higher specific gravity than European Redwood and, although easy to work with, stands up well to rough treatment.

General description

Main uses

Joinery that requires precision machining, a pale color and excellent gluing, such as mouldings, exposed ceilings, doors, louvres, windows, furniture, flooring and laminated structural and non-structural products.

Structural products, such as framing and engineered systems.

Physical and mechanical properties Straight grain and fine texture sands to a silky smoothness with virtually no tendency to split. Weight ranges from 537 to 626 kg per cubic metre. Knotty appearance grades for joinery; lower knotty grades for general construction. Good strength and stiffness.

Good insulating properties. Holds its original color well.

Working properties Machining

Working properties

Nailing

Machining

Screwing

Nailing

Gluing

Durability

Screwing Gluing

Durability

Slightly durable. Difficult to treat with preservative.

Slightly durable. Extremely easy to treat with preservative.

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 29

DESIGN & DéCOR

The new offices of the Botín Foundation in Madrid Inspired by the building’s historic references, the architects attempt to retain the spirit of the original industrial character

30 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

DESIGN & DéCOR

PROJECT Particulars Architects: Diego Varela de Ugarte and Emilio Medina García MVN Arquitectos (www.mvn-arquitectos.com) Client: Fundación Botín Collaborators: Alfonso García del Rey, Laura Sánchez, María Pascual and Alicia Castilla, arquitectos Technical Architect: María Lamela Martín Interior design consultant: Juan Luis Líbano Consultants: Ingenor, Structural and Service engineers; Luis Vallejo Estudio de Paisajismo, Landscape designer Project Manager: Santander Global Facilities Contractor: Ferrovial Wooden joinery Ground floor ceiling: Moinsa Flooring: Parquets Román S.L. Doors and wall panels: Teisa Final completion date: 2012 Gross floor area: 1.541,95 square meters Final contract sum: EUR 1.784 million

Image © Fundación Botín

T

he Botín Foundation originated

Architects Diego Varela de Ugarte and

in Spain in 1964 to ‘mitigate

Emilio Medina García were inspired

the needs and promote the

by the building’s historic references,

social development’ of Cantabria.

which led to their design attempts

Today, nearly 50 years later the

to retain the spirit of the original

Foundation continues to contribute

industrial character. Exposure of the

to the development of the society on

original steel and brickwork depicts

all levels, detecting and promoting

the buildings’ past life and effectively

creative talent and exploring new

contrasts with the new construction

ways to generate cultural, social and

work whose finishes are mainly oak,

economic wealth.

steel and glass.

After a stunning renovation project

A key objective was to create an

executed by MVN Arquitectos, the

open plan, warm space allowing

Foundation has recently opened its

natural light to fill the whole building.

new offices in Madrid. Originally built

The biggest structural change to the

in the 1920s, the building previously

building and one of the most attractive

served as a Silversmith workshop

features of the development is a

before more recently being taken on as

two-storey high atrium for the main

the Vinçon department store. Project

lobby. One of the roof trusses was

Photographer: Alfonso Quiroga

The direct daylight and plants in the lobby bring a great character to this meeting place.The ceiling is made up of longitudinal solid slats of American red oak and acoustic absorbent felt.The red oak slats have a subtle color variation, which adds great character and warmth to the open space. Further, the ground floor is intended for public activities with a flexible but modular, clear open space.

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 31

DESIGN & DéCOR

removed and replaced with a metal structure, creating an opening for the skylight over the atrium area.

The direct daylight and plants in the lobby bring a great character to this meeting place. The ceiling is made up Image © Fundación Botín

of longitudinal solid slats of American red oak and acoustic absorbent felt.

The red oak slats have a subtle color variation, which adds great character and warmth to the open space. Further, the ground floor is intended for public activities with a flexible but modular, clear open space.

MVN Arquitectos’ choice to use timber for the floor, walls and ceiling adds warmth to this area. Diego Varela says “the use of oak has been essential to emphasize the contrast between old and new, and the wood looks great next to the worn brickwork.”

He adds, “After looking at several species options, we chose oak because it combines the warm tone and hardwearing characteristics we were looking for in this unique project.” All of the oak in the building has been treated with colorless oil to show the grain of the timber without altering its natural tone.

The first floor is office space for the senior management team of the Foundation with a private area for meetings. The doors and wall paneling as well have been veneered with European oak, which is also used for the flooring throughout.

The Botín Foundation are delighted with the new office space. The highlight is without doubt the stunning lobby with striking tones of red oak set against the old brickwork of the

Image © Fundación Botín

32 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

Silversmith workshop.

DESIGN & DéCOR

American Red Oak The sapwood of red oak is white to light brown and the heartwood is a pinkish reddish brown. The wood is similar in general appearance to white oak, but with a slightly less pronounced figure.

The wood is mostly straight grained, with a coarse texture and is widely available as lumber and veneer in a range of grades and specifications.

The wood is hard and heavy, with medium bending strength and stiffness and high crushing strength. It is very good for steam bending. Red oak also machines well; nailing and screwing is good and it can be stained and polished to a very good finish. This attractive looking oak, that is widely available, is increasingly being chosen by designers and architects for furniture, joinery and flooring in export markets around the world.

Image © Fundación Botín

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 33

PROFILE

ABALON Hardwood: An American style sawmill in Europe

T

he success story that is ABALON Hardwood today can be traced back to the year 2004 when an existing sawmill

in south-east Austria was transformed to follow the set up of the best U.S. hardwood mills, which comprise of a headrig and resaw system. Given that markets were excellent, ABALON reached its capacity within 12 months following the start of production.

Further, as the global appetite for hardwoods was growing, it became necessary after only two years of its inauguration to think about a second production site. Different options in Slovakia, Hungary and Switzerland were evaluated. However, the decision was made for a location in Germany. Interestingly, Germany is in a region that the Latin author Tacitus named ‘Buchonia’, which best can be translated as ‘the land of Beech’.

Today, the company is one of the largest European hardwood companies with mills in Schwalmstadt (Germany) and Heiligenkreuz (Austria). ABALON has an annual cutting potential of approximately 250,000 cubic meters and a specialization in European Beech. One of the key reasons for the success of the company has been its focus on a highquality production process, which follows the innovative and well-known standards of key American mills, both in terms of the grading concept (minimum guaranteed yields for every board) and in terms of equipment and processing. In an interview with Timber Design & Technology, Roland Feit, Sales Director at ABALON tells us about the company.

According to Feit, in order to become successful with the single most important hardwood species produced in Europe - Beech - ABALON had to set a few fundamental foundations for their quality. Firstly, an extremely uniform color is obtained using combined steaming and kiln-drying chambers with indirect steaming, from a single manufacturer (Mühlböck). This uniformity of the color saves a lot of time during production at its customers’ factories due to a massively reduced need to sort and match the lamellas. In addition, the company also aims for extremely uniform moisture content (9±1) throughout the entire thickness of every

34 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

Image © ABALON Hardwood

PROFILE

board. Testament to their precision in this area, some of their customers produce 3-ply panels from ABALON beech, without having to recondition the cuttings. This means that ABALON’s timber can be used right away when it arrives, which results in a lower necessary inventory level.

Feit points out that by pre-planning the majority of the production, which allows for a precise and integral vision of all defects and color characteristics of each board, ABALON is able to take these characteristics into consideration during the grading and thereby avoid surprises for the end user. As a result, the customer receives a calculable, reliable and consistent raw material.

Moreover, ABALON has also established precise grading criteria by guaranteeing fixed and well-defined standards, where yield forecasting and yield consistency become important values for each customer.

This allows the customer to select the most suitable grade based on the final product and also helps them avoid buying expensive grades or grades where many by-products arise during production.

By ensuring that its log supply originates from sustainable forest sources, which further guarantees longevity both for the forest resource and for future log supply, ABALON is able to provide customers with PEFC-certified material from the mill in Germany. In addition, the mill in Austria is FSC-certified. Feit goes on to explain that for the mill in Austria, the company sources most of its volume in Hungary given the proximity to the mill. In the case of the mill in Germany, ABALON sources most of its volume from HessenForst, which is the local state forest authority.

Significantly, given that ABALON is perhaps the biggest FSC-certified hardwood mill in Image © ABALON Hardwood

Europe, the company is still able to give its

Today, the company is one of the largest European hardwood companies with mills in Schwalmstadt (Germany) and Heiligenkreuz (Austria). ABALON has an annual cutting potential of approximately 250,000 cubic meters and a specialization in European Beech.

Image © ABALON Hardwood

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 35

PROFILE

Image © ABALON Hardwood

Given ABALON’s production capacity and the ability to cope with rather short lead times, the company is positive of catering to bigger projects in the GCC. Aiming to increase its presence in the region, ABALON partnered with INTERHOLCO a few years ago - the partnership being driven by shared values and principles between both companies.

36 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

customers the usual short-term delivery

of products ready for prompt delivery in an

possibilities with the same high quality

attempt to offer customers greater buying

standards for certified timber as well as for

flexibility and reduced inventory costs.

its non-certified timber.

Feit and the team at ABALON are perfectly

With an absolutely transparent sales strategy and support for their key partners

aware that they work with a natural resource

in distribution, ABALON puts great value and

that has a lot of variation. By specializing

attention on the partners they work with. As a

in one specie, the company is thereby able

result, the company has created a network of

to focus on a higher production volume and

highly respected partners for the worldwide

also offer a more extensive product range in

distribution of their products, thereby ensuring

the same specie. According to Feit, whereas

that their lumber is being sold in more than 50

traditional sawmills mostly offer three grades

countries today. More importantly, increased

(A,B,C), ABALON aims to standardize and

revenue and market penetration are proving

industrialize its production and products.

that the products and the relationships are

Currently, the company offers 7 thicknesses

both of exceptional quality.

in 8 lengths and up to 13 different grades. As

Given ABALON’s production capacity and

such, the customer is able to buy more specific

the ability to cope with rather short lead

grades/products than would be possible if

times, the company is positive of catering to

the company focused on several species.

bigger projects in the GCC. Aiming to increase

Given that ABALON puts a lot of attention

its presence in the region, ABALON partnered

on consistent quality in terms of moisture

with INTERHOLCO a few years ago - the

content, steaming color and most importantly

partnership being driven by shared values

yield and production cost, Feit is confident of

and principles between both companies.

repeat business from customers. In essence,

Feit is positive that the partnership with

Feit believe that ABALON are transforming the

INTERHOLCO has helped open many doors for

natural resource into a calculable raw material.

ABALON since customers in the region already

Quality control at ABALON starts right

trusted the former and were therefore open to

from sourcing through to delivery of the

trying products from the latter. Today, the two

finished lumber. In order to keep the logs

are well established in the region - ABALON

in excellent quality until the time they are

for its European Beech and INTERHOLCO for

cut, they are stored in a yard and are being

its African and North American products.

constantly sprinkled with water. In addition,

Confident of even more growth in the

the impeccable single-length packaging (per

region, ABALON will be participating at the

unit or per full truck), with planed edges

upcoming Dubai WoodShow in conjunction with

for improved presentation and to display

INTERHOLCO. When questioned about future

the true color of the product, ensures that

growth, Feit remains positive that there is still a

agents and local importers are easily able to

lot of room for growth with Beech. He concludes

resell products purchased from ABALON. The

by stating that we will therefore continue to be

company also maintains a sizeable inventory

‘the Beech boys’ for the time being!

PASSION FOR HARDWOOD

i

a e Dub h t n us o Meet

ABALON HARDWOOD Hessen GmbH www.abalon-hardwood.com In the GCC we are partnering with:

Please contact Benoit Moreau for all inquiries you may have: +973-39.71.06.30, Benoit.Moreau@interholco.ch

l , Hal 1 O Booth

8

TECHNOLOGY

Nature with Structure Cree pioneers innovative timber and concrete hybrid technology that enables architects to design stunning tall wood buildings up to 30 stories

T

o take new paths, you have

Borrowing the philosophy and

on the premise that building better

to rethink. As part of the

lifestyle of the North American natives

naturally means using more renewable

internationally renowned

of the same name, which in its modern

raw materials. On the one hand,

Rhomberg Group, Cree is the logical

interpretation means Creative Resource

countless prestigious and architecturally

outcome of four generations of

& Energy Efficiency, Cree is also a source

sophisticated buildings are constructed

experience in construction. Not just

of ideas and initiator of new strategies

all around the world on a daily basis

a construction company, Cree is an

of sustainable treatment of and co-

and this urban development is based

innovative company, pioneering tall

existence with nature and its resources.

primarily on conventionally produced

timber building architecture, and

Certified ISO 9001 (quality) und ISO

prototypes. However, the complex

new building strategies involving

14001 (environment), the company’s

construction work that this involves

the sustainable handling of natural

LCT system offers a wealth of benefits

goes hand-in-hand with high building

resources. With a vision to bring wood

including energy and resource efficiency,

costs, long construction times and high

as a primary building material into

an extremely reduced carbon footprint,

planning risks.

cities, the company is creating a new

completion time almost halved, low

A closer look at the facts reveals that

basis for modern, urban architecture

lifecycle costs and the latest safety

the construction industry’s conventional

by enabling reduced life cycle costs,

standards, to name but a few.

construction methods today accounts

higher conservation of building value, art safety requirements through its

Why the future is about doing more with less

LifeCycle Tower (LCT) system.

Cree’s building philosophy is based

best possible comfort and state-of-the-

38 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

for some 40 percent of energy and resource consumption as well as 40 percent of waste generation and CO2 emissions. The construction industry is

TECHNOLOGY

THE LCT System A hybrid-timber construction system: - 3 to 30 stories - 90 percent improved CO2-balance - Reduced input of resources Innovative System building: - Construction period cut by half - Cost certainty - Reduced sources of errors Best quality of life: - Individual design - Passive house standard (if desired) - Pleasurable atmospheric environment

Image © Cree

also responsible for 60 percent of the

main component. The company’s vision

world’s transportation emissions. Given

can be summarized as: We build in

that over 50 percent of the world’s

wood - and we do it in a system.

current population lives in urban areas and with this trend increasing,

Nature as a role model

resources are becoming ever scarcer

According to the experts at Cree, if

and CO2 emissions from the global

you want to build economically and

construction industry even higher. As

sustainably, you should work with a

such, it is hardly surprising that the

system. The fewer the detail solutions

global debate focuses on sustainability

to be implemented, the shorter the

when considering the future.

construction period and the less dust,

Given that cities today account for over three quarters of world energy consumption, Cree aims to construct large hybrid buildings that are based on a sustainable, natural main component.

noise and waste will be generated on

construction of the LCT system

of today’s climate and global living

the site. Further, implementation of

components - slab, columns, facade

conditions, Cree’s vision stems from

complex details, which are hard to

and building services - is fast, efficient

the realization that new strategies are

control on site under normal building

and standardized. This saves resources,

imperative. Given that cities today

conditions, is completely eliminated

time and money but leaves plenty of

account for over three quarters of

by series prefabrication. However,

scope for visionary design ideas.

world energy consumption, Cree aims

meticulously planned standard

to construct large hybrid buildings that

solutions do not necessarily mean the

system is that an innovative system

are based on a sustainable, natural

end of all individuality. The modular

can grow better than individual

Having a deeper understanding

The rationale behind the LCT

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 39

TECHNOLOGY

projects. In essence, the LCT system is ‘individual industrialization’. Based on a sustainable wood-hybrid system for mid and tall buildings that has been thought-out down to the last detail, the LCT can be designed individually and constructed off-site in short order, to guarantee the minimal use of resources and energy over its whole Image © Cree

lifecycle. A LifeCycle Tower can also be converted to another use at any time in its lifecycle, and its modular design makes renovation much easier.

When a building has reached its full useful life, urban mining of the LCT system can be employed, extracting materials to reuse, recycle or convert into bioenergy, thus protecting landfills from unnecessary waste.

Image © Cree

LCT: The wood-hybrid high-rise The LCT system can simply be defined as a hybrid timber construction system for large buildings that guarantees minimized use of resources and energy over its full lifecycle. The result of this concept of individual industrialization is the world’s first LifeCycle Tower in Austria - LCT ONE. Whilst essential elements of the building services are Image © Cree

already contained in a LifeCycle Tower, the various system components (core, slab, façade columns) are prefabricated

allows individual division of space. The

on an industrial scale and are therefore

building can be converted throughout

suitable for modular installation. The LCT

its lifecycle - and the materials

system therefore is suitable for a variety

installed hold their value significantly

of commercial uses including offices,

from a deconstruction standpoint,

hotels, restaurants, and public buildings

even viewed over many decades.

(museum, library, town hall, etc).

Moreover, the LCT system components

The LCT building system

can be produced by many different

uses prefabricated components

enterprises and provide excellent

manufactured to an architect’s exact

opportunities for regional craftsmen

specifications. The wall facades are

and the timber industry. Significantly,

made from glue-laminate posts, while

in contrast to other timber construction

the floor slabs are constructed from

projects, Cree takes a top-down

a hybrid of glue-laminate posts and

approach, whereby all components are

concrete. While these components are

planned in such a way that they can be

manufactured off-site, the foundation

easily adapted to the requirements and

of a building is laid and the structural

regulations of different countries.

elevator shaft core is erected. This

When a building has reached its full useful life, urban mining of the LCT system can be employed, extracting materials to reuse, recycle or convert into bioenergy, thus protecting landfills from unnecessary waste.

the ceiling. The building services can be integrated in other places, which

concrete or wood, stiffens the building

LCR: Indoor environment quality that only nature can provide

and provides a frame from which

Building on the success of the LCT

company is positive that living in

the walls and floors can hang. The

system, Cree is working on creating

harmony with nature and using global

slabs and posts are then assembled

LifeCycle Residential (LCR): a

resources responsibly can be achieved

by interconnecting the preset pins

system specifically adapted to the

in the city center in future.

and holes of the components. With

requirements of residential and hotel

this skeleton structure, architects can

buildings, which incorporates many

the LCT system, so that multiple-use

design a wide variety of layouts and

of the well-known advantages found

buildings such as apartment and

exterior skins, to create dramatic and

in every LifeCycle Tower. The main

office towers are possible without any

sustainable buildings.

difference contributing to an even

problems. And the system allows for

better indoor environment quality and

much shorter construction periods -

comfort is found in the LCR system on

particularly compared with conventional

core, made out of either steel and

With no structural dividing walls, the system is highly flexible and

40 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

allows for ceilings with a solid visible timber underside. Through LCR, the

The LCR system is compatible with

TECHNOLOGY

Vision becomes Reality: The LCT One

Image © Cree

Image © Cree

Image © Cree

reinforced concrete and masonry

Cree’s first building is its global headquarters in Dornbirn, Austria called the LCT ONE. Built to a passive house standard, the eight-storey pilot project was erected in eight days after the foundation was finished. More importantly, the LCT ONE serves as inspiration to see the bigger picture: as a ‘LifeCycle Hub’ that is open for visitors as a showroom for sustainable solutions.

Cree’s vision was of a hybrid wood high-rise building up to 328 feet high and with up to 30 stories. The reality is the LCT ONE with up to 90 percent improved carbon footprint, drastically reduced use of resources, and an exceptionally pleasant indoor climate - thanks to plenty of visible, exposed wood.

The company’s second building is the Illwerke Center Montafon (IZM) building in Montafon, Austria. Currently under construction, this is Cree’s first commissioned project and is set to be one of the largest tall wood commercial buildings in Europe. A hydropower competence center with a staff restaurant and visitors’ center, the IZM will be the first green building of its size in Vorarlberg, as well as a milestone for resource-efficient and sustainable construction. The features that convinced the client to choose the design were primarily the technological, ecological and economic advantages of the LCT system - as well as its proven high fire safety standard.

Image © Cree

lower CO2 emissions.

to conventional buildings made of

Some might argue that building

reinforced concrete where the steel,

with the LCT system, individuality does

with wood is not sustainable. The

can collapse very quickly at certain

not have to be sacrificed when using

truth is that constructing buildings

temperatures. A number of large-scale

the LCR system. Flexible division of

with conventional designs requires

fire tests have been carried out in

space, optional comfort solutions in the

resources in abundance - wood

Europe for the floor slab elements of

package and variable façade design, and

on the other hand grows back.

the LCT system. These tests show the

a much wider variety of configurations

Nature supplies us with the building

technology is able to withstand up to a

can be achieved than would be

material of the future that offers

two-hour fire test. Based on the results

expected with a pre-specified system.

all the characteristics demanded by

of these tests, the Cree components

innovative urban architecture. It is

have been optimized leading to a

naturally resistant, of high structural

reduction in the amount of concrete

Cree’s innovative timber and concrete

quality and has indeed the very

used, and the granting of the required

hybrid technology enables architects

best fire prevention properties,

REI 120 certificate.

to design stunning tall wood buildings

which makes it perfectly suited for

up to 30 stories, that can be erected

system building and prefabrication

is not durable. Wood is extremely

as quickly as a storey a day. An

of complete building sections. As a

durable if used properly. Wood is not

environmentally feasible option, the

natural raw material, wood can also be

only durable outside, but inside as

innovative LCT system is a slab and post

found in many parts of the world and

well, where it requires no chemical

wood design method that requires up

has a positive impact on the world’s

protection. Thanks to its natural

to 50 percent shorter construction time

carbon footprint. According to Cree,

resilience, the world is surrounded

compared to reinforced concrete and

the wood used as building material in

by wooden structures that have

steel construction. The LCT system also

the LCT system can grow in the world’s

stood the test of time. In fact, one

requires 39 percent fewer resources, over

forests, normally within a few hours,

of the oldest wooden buildings in

the life of a building and takes advantage

depending on the size of the project.

the world is the five-storey pagoda

apartment buildings. As in the case

Building a future with wood

of engineered timber products. By

One major concern is the fact that

Another misconception is that wood

at the Horyu-ji Buddhist temple in

combining wood and concrete together,

wood burns. However, it is important

Ikaruga, Japan. It is important to

the LCT system substantially reduces the

to note that wood burns safely,

note that even if a timber building is

amount of concrete used in the building,

because through science we can

demolished after several decades of

resulting in a lighter structure, with a

predict how long wood will withstand

use, it still produces usable materials

smaller foundation and up to 90 percent

the flames. This is in striking contrast

in reclaimed wood and bioenergy.

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 41

FLOORING

Wood: The Tasmanian Way Blackwood and Tasmanian Oak from the deep south (42 degrees South to be exact) are providing designers, architects and craftsmen with exciting new options for flooring and fine cabinetry

T

asmania - Australia’s island State,

state’s temperate northwest that it thrives,

has been quietly producing quality

and that’s where the Britton Timbers’ story

timbers for two centuries and through

begins.

Britton Timbers, these iconic species

Britton’s Tasmanian operation and it is from

something of an air of mystery surrounding

here that the generally light, golden- brown

Tasmania - it is an exotic island that lays at

timber begins its journey to world markets

the edge of the great southern ocean - just

via Britton’s international distribution

an ice-breaker trip away from Antarctica.

network. Blackwood is a fine timber for

And the timbers that grow there are highly

bespoke flooring where highlights and a

prized - hence the almost unheard of levels

‘designer’ feel is called-for. The timber can

of protection by world standards. The

exhibit a reddish tint and occasional black

timber that is allowed out courtesy of strict

streaks which add to its individuality.

environmental controls and compliance

The grain of the wood also has designers

with international regulatory systems is

excited. Whether it’s used for flooring,

simply stunning.

high-quality furniture or modern large-scale

One of Tasmania’s best kept secrets

commercial fit outs, Blackwood’s distinctive

is Blackwood: Acacia Melanoxylon to be

and sometimes wavy grain provides a

precise. Also known as Black Wattle, it is, as

welcome addition to the architect’s and

the name suggests, a member of the wattle

craftsman’s design palette.

family and a hardwood. It grows throughout

42 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

Blackwood lies at the heart of the

are now available to the world. There’s

“Blackwood is a very versatile timber,

Tasmania’s native forests from sea level to

available in set widths and defect free, easy

about one thousand meters, but it is in the

to use and with a magnificent grain, color

FLOORING

Blackwood flooring

Image © Britton Timbers

Blackwood

Tasmanian Oak

Image © Britton Timbers

Image © Britton Timbers

Blackwood

Image © Britton Timbers

Image © Britton Timbers

Blackwood is a fine timber for bespoke flooring where highlights and a ‘designer’ feel is called-for. The timber can exhibit a reddish tint and occasional black streaks which add to its individuality.

Tasmanian Oak

Image © Britton Timbers

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 43

FLOORING

Image © Britton Timbers

One of the reasons Britton’s Blackwood,Tasmanian Oak and its range of imported timbers are increasingly being featured in major building and design projects, is the fact that the company takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously.Tasmania’s timber supply is regulated and the highest environmental standards must be observed - that’s the way it works in Tasmania.

Image © Britton Timbers

Blackwood

Image © Britton Timbers

and luster, specifiers will find Tasmanian

the spectrum from residential to large-scale

Blackwood will make their next project

commercial fit-outs. Britton Timbers has

unique & special,” says Dominic McNeil,

embarked on a significant expansion in its

Britton Timbers. “Tasmanian Blackwood is

warehousing and distribution facilities in

available in all thicknesses and widths plus

Australia with centers in Melbourne, Sydney

we can supply the matching veneer which

and ever-expanding Brisbane, to meet the

makes this species ideal for any application

rising domestic and international demands

especially commercial furniture and joinery

of its customers.

fit outs.”

At the harder edge of things, Tasmanian

One of the reasons Britton’s Blackwood, Tasmanian Oak and its range of imported

Oak: Eucalyptus Obliqua in this case, caught

timbers are increasingly being featured

the attention of European timber workers

in major building and design projects,

early in Tasmania’s settlement, who named

is the fact that the company takes its

it after the timber they thought it most

environmental responsibilities very

resembled, English Oak.

seriously. Tasmania’s timber supply is

Tasmanian Oak is a warm, dense and

regulated and the highest environmental

resilient timber that lends itself to a variety

standards must be observed - that’s the

of applications- always with a superb

way it works in Tasmania.

finish. It’s a lightly colored timber with

Britton Timbers sources all of its

variations from straw to reddish brown

Tasmanian timber from the sustainably-

with intermediate shades of cream to pink.

managed and PEFC certified temperate

It holds stain particularly well which allows

forests of the north-west region of the

ready matching with other timbers, finishes

state. Sustainability is also achieved

or furnishings. In Tasmania, eucalypts may

through compliance with the provisions

live for four hundred years and attain a

of the Forest Practices Code and the

height of seventy meters; indeed, some

Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement.

have reached one hundred meters with a

From the lush Tasmanian forests to the

three to four meter girth. Tasmanian oak is

Middle East and beyond, Britton Timbers

by nature, robust and perfect for flooring,

international export division has been

furniture manufacture and paneling.

structured to ensure the timely delivery

“Tasmanian Oak is a hard and very stable

of timbers guaranteed to put the stamp

species which makes it ideal for flooring

of creativity and individuality into design

applications. The blonde color and character

projects and major developments.

gives any flooring or furniture project a clean and modern look,” adds McNeil.

Britton Timbers imports and exports

44 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

Blackwood

“Tasmanian Blackwood and Oak are new to the Middle East and will bring a fresh feel and look to the timber selection in new

more than fifty special species timbers

projects. Our dedicated export team has

internationally and sees itself as partnering

decades of experience to ensure all orders

with architects and building and design

are delivered on time anywhere in the

professionals to enhance projects across

world,” concludes McNeil.

SHOWTIME

Top Industry

Exhibitions coming up This season WoodMac China 2013 Held once every two years, WoodMac China (The International Forestry & Woodworking Machinery and Supplies Exhibition) is the leading specialized exhibition in China targeted at manufacturers and suppliers to the timber industry. As the only specialist trade show in China that offers a complete platform for the ‘total woodworking technology sector’, the event is celebrating its 12th edition this year. Along with FurniTek China (The International Exhibition of Machinery and Accessories for Furniture Production, Upholstery and Furnishings) and WoodBuild China (The International Exhibition of Timber and Wood Products for Furniture and Building Industries), the event is an unparalleled showcase of

Eurobois 2013

technology and components for the timber industry in China.

Everything from forestry to logging machines; saws to wood processing; wood panel and veneer technology; machinery for furniture, wood flooring, window and door

Eurobois is being organized at the heart of the second

production; wood products and hardware will be on display.

biggest forestry region in France and is the only exhibition

Apart from machinery, WoodMac also includes a large section

that showcases wood as the basic resource for all activities

for the suppliers of tools, saw blades, abrasives, routers

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

and other components used in woodworking machines. As

all stakeholders in this industry, enhances across-the-

such, the visitor profile at the event includes architecture

board communication for more efficiency and mobilizes

& design institutes; building developers; building & interior

production capacities. Given that the wood processing

decoration materials trading enterprises; furniture accessories

industry is still looking to improve production efficiency

& components trading enterprises; furniture manufacturers;

and that Europe still remains the leading manufacturer

wood products manufacturers; wooden building & interior

of wood processing machines (60 percent of worldwide

decoration materials manufacturers; timber processing

production), a key priority at the show this year will be

machinery trading enterprises; and woodworking machinery &

to showcase European machinery performance levels. As

supplies trading enterprises.

such, 65 percent of the floor space has been dedicated to wood processing machines and tools.

Other highlights at the exhibition include a Forestry Conference where more than 400 forest owners will discuss the theme of forest resource mobilization; a dedicated area for forest management equipment; an

Date: 5 - 8 March Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Center Location: Shanghai, China Expected Attendees: 17,000+ WEBSITE: www.woodmacchina.net/en/index.asp

outdoor demonstration area dedicated to wood fuel; seminars and workshops on equipment and performance; a focus on interior design; and a full scale production line within the show. The product range on display at Eurobois will include 1st and 2nd stage processing machines; vacuuming; tooling; sharpening; waste treatment; production equipment; and equipment and appliances for wood treatment and finishing.

Date: 19 - 22 February Venue: Eurexpo Location: Lyon, France WEBSITE: www.eurobois.net

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 45

SHOWTIME

FIMMA Brasil 2013 The International Fair of Machines, Raw Materials and Accessories for the Furniture Industry (FIMMA Brasil) is the largest trade fair in Latin America for the wood and furniture production chain and showcases leading edge technology for this sector. Every two years, in Bento Gonçalves, in Serra Gaúcha, the entire production chain comes together to get to know new products and to do business at one of the world’s six largest trade fairs in this segment. Having completed twenty years, FIMMA Brasil has consolidated its position as the only fair held by and for the furniture sector itself. This unique feature ensures that the event is committed to the real needs of the wood and furniture production chain from Brazil and abroad.

According to the organizers, FIMMA Brasil is being strategically hosted at the leading national furniture production center in the country. Data from the Socioeconomic Overview of Bento Gonçalves revealed that the turnover of the furniture industry grew by 16.7 percent in 2010. Moreover, the sector is the second largest in number of companies registered in the city.

WoodEX for Africa

There are 300 furniture companies (35.4 percent), according to the Furniture Industry Association of Bento Gonçalves (Sindmóveis), which is a further indication of

Following the success of the inaugural WoodEX for

the strength of the furniture and woodworking segment

Africa Exhibition at Gallagher Convention Center

in the city.

in Midrand in March last year, WoodEX for Africa

In addition to exhibiting cutting-edge equipment and

promises to be bigger and better in 2013. The show

inputs for the furniture sector, FIMMA Brasil hosts projects

is the biggest event in Africa focusing exclusively on

that are held concurrently with the fair, bringing those

the timber industry and creates the ideal platform

who sell closer to the buyers. The Buyer’s Project aims to

for wood and woodworking enthusiasts to be at

put importers of machinery, raw materials and accessories

the frontier of the timber industry and to network

for furniture and Brazilian exporters face-to-face and

with key players in the industry. The show will

negotiate during simultaneous 20-minute meetings. The

feature exhibitors showcasing innovative timber

Innovation Award encourages manufacturers of machines,

and woodworking products and services such as

raw materials and accessories for the furniture industry,

woodworking machinery, decking, flooring, structured

exhibiting at FIMMA Brasil, to display their innovations

timber, timber treating, saw milling and logging, pulp

during the fair. Further, the FIMMA Joiner Project aims to

and paper manufacturing and wood material and

encourage the participation of small companies in FIMMA

veneer production.

Brasil, promoting the development and the dissemination of an entrepreneurial culture.

As the leading event of its kind, the exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to view a range of products, technologies and equipment related to the

Date: 12 - 18 March Venue: Parque De Eventos - Bento Gonçalves Location: Bento Gonçalves, Brazil TIMINGS: 10:00 - 18:00 WEBSITE: www.fimma.com.br/en

woodworking industry. The range of exhibits include - forestry industry and forestry technology; wood materials, machinery and veneer production; furniture machinery and production; solid woodworking, machinery and production; industrial surface and preservative treatment technologies; timber construction; wooden arts and crafts; and related services in the timber industry. WoodEX for Africa 2013 will also feature Timber Talks, a number of short seminars, which will provide a dynamic and interactive learning experience enabling visitors to share knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry.

Date: 21 - 23 March Venue: Gallagher Convention Center Location: Midrand, South Africa WEBSITE: www.woodexforafrica.com

46 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

SHOWTIME

DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR 2013 DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR is the largest floor covering

With over 80 percent of the show sold out, the organizers

trade show in the Asia Pacific region, and the second

have singled out enthusiasm for the new programs including

largest in the world. Held every March at the Shanghai New

forums on heated flooring technology, green building

International Expo Centre, this event attracts 40,000 visitors

practices, and building materials distribution; the addition of

from around the world and hosts more than 1,100 Chinese

a new segment to the show; and recognition that DOMOTEX

and international exhibitors. Held since 1999, DOMOTEX

Asia/CHINAFLOOR sits at the epicenter of one of the world’s

Asia/CHINAFLOOR will be back for its 15th installment

fastest growing flooring markets as being factors that

from March 26-28 at the Shanghai New International Expo

have fueled exhibitor bookings this year. In recognition of

(SNIEC) in Shanghai. According to the organizers, around 50

the growth potential, the show floor space has also been

percent of the total show floor in 2013 will be dedicated to

increased to 130,000 square meters and based upon early

wood and laminates including solid and engineered woods,

figures the organizers believe that turnout could increase to

laminate, cork and bamboo flooring.

around 45,000 in 2013.

In 2013, for the first time, DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR

The success of the show can be largely attributed to the

will add ceramic tiles and stone floorings to the show

fact that China and the greater Asia Pacific region offers

focusing on high end products. Asia is the largest consumer

unparalleled emerging opportunities for the floor covering

of ceramic in the world and demand for fashion oriented,

industry. The Chinese Government has shifted its focus from

innovative products is on the rise. As such DOMOTEX Asia/

an export led economy to increasing domestic consumption

CHINAFLOOR gives Western manufacturers an opportunity

making China among the fastest growing economies in the

to reach that market with the new CER Tiles & Stones venue.

globe and the world’s second largest luxury market. As such

Like other segments, the new ceramic/stone sector broadly

60 percent of China’s citizens are expected to migrate to

includes ceramic tiles and stones in both finished slabs

urban settings by 2020, generating the largest migration

and unprocessed natural stone, floor laying materials and

and the largest demand for new urban construction

supplies, machinery and tools, cleaning and maintenance

the world has ever seen. This booming urban growth is

and associations.

producing an unprecedented domestic demand for floor covering with around 1.6 to 1.9 billion square meters of new floor space due to be built by the end of this decade in China. The show is perfectly positioned to allow exhibitors a platform from which to reach these emerging opportunities.

Date: 26 - 28 March Venue: Shanghai New International Expo (SNIEC) Location: Shanghai, China Expected Attendees: 40,000+ WEBSITE: www.domotexasiachinafloor.com/en

48 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

SHOWTIME

CIFM / interzum guangzhou CIFM / interzum guangzhou is the most comprehensive

machines for woodworking and furniture production;

trade fair in woodworking machinery, furniture

and trade associations.

production and interior design industry in Asia and

Located in Area C, the Raw Materials & Components

the definitive one-stop platform for participants

Zone will be represented by four distinct product

to meet buyers, manufacturers and suppliers from

segments with hardware and components as well

all vertical sectors of the furniture manufacturing,

as Turkish and Spanish pavilions. The zone will

production and design industries. Celebrating its 10th

feature materials and equipment for upholstery and

anniversary this year, the 130,000 square meter

bedding, wood products and adhesives, materials

showcase spanning areas B and C of the China Import

and equipment for interior design in addition to

and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex) is expected

participation from Turkey, Germany, the U.S./Canada,

to host over 1,000 top furniture manufacturers,

Italy, Chile and the American Hardwood Export Council

8 national pavilions and draw more than 56,000

(AHEC). In addition, the Machinery Zone in Area B

professional buyers from across the globe.

will highlight bedding and upholstery machinery,

With a focus on design, raw materials and components, woodworking process, or manufacturing and finishing technology, the show, being held

woodworking machinery, tools and other machinery and a German pavilion.

According to the organizers, senior executives,

concurrently with the China International Furniture

industry veterans and representatives from trade

Fair (CIFF), provides an international avenue of

associations will be sharing new concepts and

business opportunities for buyers and manufacturers.

trends at themed seminars centering on innovative

The exhibitor profile includes companies involved

technology and furniture materials to be held at the

with materials and components for furniture

Piazza on the second and third day of the show. The

production; machines, materials and components for

‘Original Technology & Innovative Product Forum’

upholstery and bedding; machines, materials and

and the ‘Furniture Material Trends & Furniture Design

components for interior works; machines and auxiliary

Forum’ will allow well-known industry players from China and across the globe to throw the spotlight on the latest products and technologies as well as on overseas exports in an attempt to reveal what the trending furniture materials are.

Date: 27 - 30 March Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex) Location: Guangzhou, China Timings: 09:30 - 17:30 Expected Attendees: 56,000+ WEBSITE: www.interzum-guangzhou.com

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 49

SHOWTIME

World Teak Conference 2013 The World Teak Conference aims to examine the multiple aspects of teak cultivation and management in the context of sustainable development with social, ecological and economic implications. Organized by The Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG), TEAKNET and FAO, the conference will cover a wide range of topics, including Genetics, Silviculture and Utilization; Environments & Climate Change and Carbon Trading; Economic & Investments; and Rural Development. Besides the participation in the excellent symposia and discussion sessions which encourage exchange of ideas and sharing experiences, the participants will also have the opportunity to meet high-level industry leaders, academicians, developers and decision makers from the region and various parts of the world.

The theme of the conference is - Sharing our Planet: Teak Model Development towards the Improvement of Mankind. In addition to the main conference, several other activities including a teak project site visit, plantation field trip, exhibition, business/investment matching session and a ‘Songkran’ - a Thai new year social event have been planned for delegates. The

UMIDS 2013

conference will host teak growers, traders, researchers and other players such as investment agencies, bankers and government officials associated with teak providing

UMIDS, the International Exhibition of Equipment,

them with a platform to interact and mutually benefit out

Technologies and Products for the Woodworking and

of the deliberations. It also serves as a forum to present

Furniture Industries, is one of the biggest exhibitions

innovations, discuss problems and seek solutions,

for the furniture and woodworking industry in Russia.

suggest regulatory changes, make development plans and

The exhibition gathers the leading Russian and foreign

above all to develop and strengthen relations.

suppliers and producers of industrial equipment, furniture and components for furniture production,

Date: 25 - 30 March Venue: Centara Grand Bangkok Convention and Exhibition Location: Bangkok, Thailand WEBSITE: www.worldteak2013.org

timber merchants, business owners and representatives of authorities serving as an effective business platform to discuss professional issues, conduct negotiations, and establish new business contacts.

The exhibition is important to the region as it attracts interest from large Russian and foreign companies, which further helps to bring advanced equipment and technologies to woodworking industry in the south of Russia, to realize investment projects, and to strengthen new forms of mutually profitable cooperation. As an internationally established event, the exhibition attracts exhibitors from Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, China, Latvia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, the USA, Turkey, Ukraine, Finland, France, Sweden and Russia. In addition, a number of seminars and workshops are held on the sidelines of the exhibition for the furniture business.

Date: 3 - 6 April Venue: Kuban Expo Center Location: Krasnodar, Russia Timings: 3 - 5 April (Wednesday - Friday), 10:00 - 17:30 and 6 April (Saturday), 10:00 - 15:00 Expected Attendees: 12,000+ WEBSITE: www.umids.ru/home.aspx

50 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

SHOWTIME

Dubai WoodShow The Dubai WoodShow returns in April as the

manpower, and offers convenient air connections,

foremost exhibition in the Gulf that offers a

making it an extremely well connected and business-

chance for the timber industry to meet wood and

friendly destination.

woodworking professionals and develop ideas

With 16,000 square meters of space available,

for increasing the range and quality of business

the organizers expect exhibitors from over 40

and learn about new techniques and sources of

countries at the show this year, displaying products

supply. According to the organizers, the show

such as timber, hardwood, softwood, plywood,

is a prestigious platform for creative ideas and

panels, MDF, wood flooring, treatment products,

new technologies, as well as innovative resources

spraying equipment and raw wood materials for the

that can initiate new transactions. The show’s

Middle East region. In addition, the woodworking

development has mirrored the growth of the UAE

machinery zone will include highlight a range of

as an important wood processing hub, particularly

wood machinery, such as boring and combining

Dubai, which has developed a world-class

machines, blades and knives, edgebanders, sanding,

infrastructure, provides easy access to qualified

finger jointing equipment, plywood manufacturing machinery, wood accessories and components and dust control equipment. As a must-attend event for a wide range of wood industry players, the event provides a platform for visitors to meet with potential business partners and suppliers and learn from industry leaders at the WoodShow Conference.

Date: 9 - 11 April Venue: Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center Location: Dubai, UAE Timings: 10:00 - 18:00 Expected Attendees: 7,000+ WEBSITE: www.dubaiwoodshow.com

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 51

SHOWTIME INTERVIEW

8th edition of Dubai WoodShow set for April 2013

T

he 8th edition of the Dubai WoodShow is set to take place at the Dubai International

Convention and Exhibition Center from April 9 - 11 this year. With over 500 exhibitors 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 woodworking professionals and develop ideas for increasing the range and quality of business and learn about new techniques and sources of supply. Timber Design & Technology

a conference, which aims to explore

At this year’s show, we will be

talks to Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO of

and promote wood solutions in the

organizing a seminar centered on the

Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions,

design and construction sectors of

various possibilities of building with

ahead of the show.

the GCC. This underlines the Dubai

wood. The four main topics that will

WoodShow’s commitment to involve

be covered are: Wood as a building

more construction-related sectors,

material for interiors and exteriors in

thus involving professionals who are

the GCC; wood as a design component

directly involved in projects where the

of architectural projects; the current

The show was able to expand and

use of wood, both as a building and

state of wood use in the GCC; and

bring a diverse range of offerings

decorative material, can be explored

timber legality. The timber legality

for visitors whilst also presenting a

and maximized.

seminar, which is being hosted for

1. In retrospect, what were the major achievements of the Dubai WoodShow 2012?

wider range of potential networks

the second year running, will talk

new exhibitors from countries like

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

Mozambique, Cameroon and Taiwan.

The show will offer a chance for

exporting to Europe and also

In addition, the exhibitors were

timber industry professionals to

highlight the benefits and challenges

successful in expanding their business

interact and develop ideas for

of this mandatory certification.

to new markets, such as Pakistan

increasing the range and quality of

and Iraq. Another major achievement

business. The main objective is to

was the first edition of the seminar

involve more sectors in the show and

on timber legality, which opened the

increase the range of suppliers and

discussion for the growing need for

products being showcased. Evolution,

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

producers to certify their products.

divergence, and additional growth

Dubai WoodShow is a unique and

opportunities are the objectives set

specialized wood and woodworking

for this year’s show, with the main

exhibition in Middle East as it

intention being to facilitate the show

provides a business platform

Our focus this year has been on

in helping this year’s wood machinery

for buyers and sellers to build

attracting the latest products from

exhibitors meet new contacts and

their network and showcase their

new markets in an attempt to support

generate key opportunities in the

products in the region. The show

the show’s position as a business

Middle East region.

hosts specialized trade visitors who

for exhibitors as well. There were

2. How is this year’s edition positioned?

platform and thereby increase the product range for visitors. We have also strived to involve more entities from across the industry by organizing

52 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

4. Are there any events such as awards, seminars and workshops at this year’s edition?

about the need for certification for timber-producing companies

are knowledgeable and are serious buyers from all over the world.

Significantly, exhibitors can forge ties with new customers and catch up on

SHOWTIME INTERVIEW

success for our exhibitors if not more this year.

9. What - in your opinion - are the major trends for the timber market at the moment?

The EU Timber Regulation will change the timber market. In June 2012, the EU released detailed information about the requirements of the EU Timber Regulation. From that point onwards, importers and their suppliers located outside of the EU have been busy adapting to the new requirements before they come into effect in March this year. This process is likely to influence the entire timber industry and move it in the direction of enhanced focus on both legal and sustainable timber.

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

The long-term plan is to establish the Dubai WoodShow as the Middle Image © Dubai WoodShow

East hub for wood products and

Image © Dubai WoodShow

the latest trends and technological developments in the industry.

6. 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?

Image © Dubai WoodShow

Accumech Trading Machinery &

wood machinery trading. We aim to

Equipment (UAE), Pfeifer Holz GmbH

accomplish this with a new formula

The exhibition is being held in

& Co KG (Austria), Royal Trade Links

for the event, which includes a

approximately 16,000 square

Inc.(Canada), Tridel International

conference and business roundtables.

meters of exhibition space and will

Building Materials Trading LLC (UAE),

The show should ideally allow

showcase more than 500 brands and

GiZiR Ahsap Insaat Turizm San Tic

businesses to launch their regional

exhibitors from over 40 countries.

A.S.(Turkey), Starwood Veneers Private

operation strategy and connect

To date, around 90 percent are

Ltd (India), El Tawheed For Modern

with the worldwide network in

repeat exhibitors and the remaining

Wood Paint (Egypt)and Fein (Metallic

the wood industry. To address this

10 percent are new exhibitors from

Building Materials) (UAE).

objective, as an initial action, the

Latin America and Africa. Last year the show attracted a little over 7,000 trade visitors and we expect an even greater turnout this year.

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

To mention some of them, we have

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

show will hold a conference to discuss the use of wood in the GCC. Architects, engineers, developers and contractors will also be invited to the seminar to participate in

According to the survey filled

the discussion and to look into

by exhibitors, Dubai WoodShow

UAE projects, which are already

2012 reported sales of 100 million

incorporating wood solutions in their

dollars. We anticipate similar

building activities.

February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 53

SHOWTIME

EXPO Calendar Lumber and Building Material Expo 6th - 8th February John B. Hynes Memorial Convention Center Boston, United States of America

DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR 2013 26th - 28th March Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) Shanghai, China

www.domotexasiachinafloor.com/en

www.nrla.org/content.aspx?id=3030 World Teak Conference Eurobois 19th - 22nd February Eurexpo Lyon, France

25th - 30th March Centara Grand Bangkok Convention and Exhibition Bangkok, Thailand

www.worldteak2013.org

www.eurobois.net CIFM / interzum guangzhou ABCFP Forestry Conference and AGM 20th - 22nd February Prince George Civic Center Prince George, Canada

www.expofor.ca Drevostavby 2013 21st - 24th February Incheba Prague Exhibition Center Prague, Czech Republic

www.idrevostavby.cz WoodMac China 5th - 8th March Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) Shanghai, China

www.woodmacchina.net/en/index.asp HYTTE 2013 7th - 10th March Norway Trade Fairs Lillestrom, Norway

www.hytte2011.no Las-Expo 8th - 10th March Targi Kielce Kielce, Poland

www.las-expo.pl FIMMA Brasil 2013 18th - 22nd March Parque De Eventos - Bento Gonรงalves Bento Gonรงalves, Brazil

www.fimma.com.br/en WoodEX for Africa 21st - 23rd March Gallagher Convention Center Midrand, South Africa

www.woodexforafrica.com Holzhaus 21st - 24th March VVC Moscow, Russia

www.holzhaus.ru OUTDOOR DESIGN BUILD & SUPPLY SHOW 25th - 27th March Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center Dubai, UAE

www.theoutdoorshow.ae

54 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013

Dubai WoodShow 9th - 11th April Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center Dubai, UAE

www.dubaiwoodshow.com Residue to Revenues 2013 10th - 11th April Auckland, New Zealand

www.woodresiduesevents.com

27th - 30th March China Import and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex) Guangzhou, China

BWS

www.interzum-guangzhou.com

www.bwsmesse.at/en/index.html

UMIDS 2013 3rd - 6th April Kuban Expo Centre Krasnodar, Russia

www.umids.ru/home.aspx

10th - 13th April Messezentrum Salzburg Salzburg, Austria

DREMA 16th - 19th April Poznan International Fairground Poznan, Poland

www.drema.pl

American red oak Hakkasan Dubai, Dubai, UAE

Keeping carbon out of the atmosphere.

Naturally.

American hardwood.

Each kilogram of U.S. hardwood product stores the equivalent of 1.835 kilograms of CO2 for as long as it remains in use

For more information visit: www.americanhardwood.org Follow us on Twitter