Timber iQ August / September 2014 | Issue: 15 by Trademax Publications

Timber iQ Design & Construction

August - September 2014 // Issue: 15 // Price: R40,00 incl. ISSN 2305-9648

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CONTACT DETAILS

Supplier of Timber Log Wall Systems, Solid and Half Logs, Decking, Poles, Pickets, Timber Balustrades, Flooring and Laminated Posts

Solid Log

T&G Half Logs

Contact details: Head Office & Factory Physical: 8 Fechter Street Knysna Industria Postal: PO Box 2385 Knysna, 6570

Email: timbaclad@telkomsa.net Web: www.timbaclad.com

Cell Francois: 082 411 0513 Cell Brett: 082 553 2822 Cell Kobus: 082 535 3397 Cell Dean: 083 671 4999 Fax: 044 382 6358

CONTENTS

CONTENTS 26

ED'S NOTE

CONTRIBUTORS

EVENTS - WOODEX FOR AFRICA 2014

PROJECT FEATURE - OBSERVE

COVER STORY - RHINO MODIFIED WOOD

SOFTWARE - MITEK速 SOFTWARE

DECKING - STACKING THE DECK

MACHINERY - CMC GROUP

COMPANY PROFILE - KNYSNA TIMBER HOMES

PROJECT FEATURE - 'BOOMSLANG' CONTINUED ON PAGE: 7

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

CONTENTS

NEWS - GEERLINGS

PRODUCT PROFILE - OUDE KRAAL

COMPANY PROFILE - NKANYEZI TIMBERS

COMPANY PROFILE - CUTTING EDGE

NEWS - BIESSE POISED TO GROW

Dร COR - DESIGN IS IN THE DETAIL

COMPANY PROFILE - OVERBERG JOINERY WORKS

MACHINERY - TAYLOR-MADE MACHINERY

SUSTAINABILITY - STAND 47

PROJECT FEATURE - CALL IT MAGIC

NEWS - NMMU GEORGE CAMPUS

EXPOSED ROOFING FROM PITCH 45 Why have plain ceilings when you can add size, light and luxury to any space and enhance the value of your property with exposed roof rafters?

Exposed roof rafters are in vogue and represent the latest trend in interior home design.

YOUR RAFTERS CAN DO MORE THAN JUST HOLD UP YOUR ROOF! CONTACT: Klaus Kรถrber 074 - 1044 113 / 021-851 8801 klaus@pitch45.co.za www.pitch45.co.za

Certified German Roof Carpenter Certified ITC Member COC/575/ERE B-BBEE Contributor: Level 4 B-BBEE Procurement Recognition Level: 100%

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

ED'S NOTE

When in Rome Never underestimate the power of the bucket list. It represents what's most important to us, what we just must do before we die, and has a way of keeping us hinged to what we need to do to get what we really want in life.

magine my sheer delight at being presented with an opportunity to scratch off the number one item on my bucket list. In my world, excitement is not well-contained and must out in waves of squeaks, air-punching, and, of course, my signature arm-flapping. Number one on my bucket list? Italy. Stuff to pack? Comfy clothing (bah), about 20 scarves (naturally), sunnies, new husband, and a love for timber which, even if I tried, I could not extricate from my very person. Timber iQ follows me wherever I go, even if it’s halfway across the world. I was moved by the grand cathedrals, stirred by intricate timber detail signing off various masterpieces, and humbled by iconic religious artwork that has seen more than six centuries of this world, still beautifully preserved in all its goldleafed, timber-backed splendour. But I felt myself more drawn to the everyday, the personal, the point at which wood meets man in his day-to-day life; old wooden doors, heavy with age, picture-book shutters that have weathered so much, stoic timber beams that have borne the burden of roofs overhead for centuries, and even a city carried on the back of age-old timber foundations that, deep down, ceased to breathe many years ago. I am haunted by the age of these things, by the many people they have served and long outlasted, and weave myself stories of the pock-marked door bolted to protect a family, shutters turned in

against the rain, the full, deep thud-thud of centuries-old footsteps on heavy wooden floors, and a once-thriving merchant city coming up for air like a noble leviathan. What other material soaks up history so well, can tell a thousandyear-old story quite so gracefully in grandiose carvings, humble nicks and scrapes, layers of paint, and a suspended air of knowing? Timber iQ follows me wherever I go. And it’s good to be back home. Here’s to your bucket list. Jen

TIMBER • BUILDING • PAINTING • GARDENING Wood specialists and the biggest single stockists of CCA treated poles in South Africa. In the timber and building supply business since 1992, Noag’s Market has expanded its client base through service excellence to become South Africa’s leading stockists in treated and untreated timber poles

OUR COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF TIMBER INCLUDES: Tel: (+27) 11 396 2300/1/2/3 Fax: (+27) 11 396 1047 Email: admin@noags.co.za Web: www.noags.co.za TIMBER DECKING IN PINE AND SALIGNA

TIMBER CLADDING USED IN LOG HOMES

PINE AND SALIGNA FLOORING

POST AND RAIL FENCING

TREATED AND UNTREATED STRUCTURAL SAP

THATCHING USED FOR THATCH ROOFS

WOODEN WINDOWS AND DOORS

ALL HARDWARE AND BUILDING MATERIAL

Visit us at our premises: 19 Pomona Road, Kempton Park.

CENTURION SHOWROOM & HQ 21 Kwartsiet Crescent Centurion Pretoria 0157 Tel: 012 643 0515 Fax: 086 650 9328 DURBAN SHOWROOM Unit 4 & 5 Pecanwood Industrial Park 3 Woodlands Road Brackenhill Industrial Area Waterfall Trevor Densham: 081 883 9260

www.rem-sa.co.za

CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTORS THE TEAM

BRUCE BREEDT Bruce is the Executive Director of SAWPA (The South African Wood Preservers Association), an industry body that promotes wood preservation and the use of preservative treated timber. He studied at the University of the Northwest Province, where he qualified as a civil technology teacher, an occupation he held for five years. Following a brief period in the private sector, he joined the SABS Timber Department in 1996, where he held positions as timber standards writer and project coordinator for fibre technology in the Standards division until 2004 and then took positions as principal auditor and technical specialist in forestry and timber products in the certification division. During his time at the SABS Bruce also represented South Africa on various ISO technical Committees. He is still involved on all the SABS Technical committees related to timber products and currently holds the position of chairman for SABS TC 218 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Timber Preservation.

Werner began his working career as a broadcast engineer at the SABC, and after a very successful career in the television industry, he changed direction after his personal holiday home fell into the hands of an unscroupulous timber frame builder. This encouranged him to try his hand at timber construction and to do it correctly. This ignited his passion for timber frame construction, and so began his journery into the industry. Werner joined the ITFB in 2006 and served as the chairman of the Gauteng Regional Commitee for a number of years. He serves as the Chairman of the SANS 10-082 advisory committee within the SABS technical committee, is a Director on the ITC board, and presents lectures to architectural students at Wits University, Bank Valuators and Insurance Assessors. Werner was elected President of the ITFB in 2012 and continues to hold this position, through which he hopes to see the timber construction industry regulated in South Africa.

Connect with us Timber iQ

PUBLISHER: Billy Perrin billy@trademax.co.za 0861 727 663

ADVERTISING: Angeline Martin angie@trademax.co.za 0861 727 663

LAYOUT & DESIGN:

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Belinda Thwesha belinda@trademax.co.za 021 595 3422

TRADEMAX PUBLICATIONS Tel: 0861 727 663 Cell: 082 266 6976 Fax: 0866 991 346 www.trademax.co.za Postnet Suite 241 Private Bag X103 N1 City 7463

DISCLAIMER The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of Trademax Publications. Although we have done our best to ensure the accuracy of our content, neither Trademax Publications nor Timber iQ magazine will be held liable for any views expressed or information disseminated in this issue.

GET IN TOUCH Like us Timber iQ

Jennifer Rees 0861 727 663 076 119 8819 editor@trademax.co.za

Craig Patterson craig@trademax.co.za

WERNER SLABBERT

EDITOR:

Visit us www.trademax.co.za

UPCOMING EVENTS CAPE CONSTRUCTION EXPO 13-14 AUGUST CTICC, CAPE TOWN

INTERBUILD AFRICA 2014 20-23 AUGUST EXPO CENTRE, NASREC, JHB

SACPCMP: 2ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE 20-22 OCTOBER 2014 GALLAGHER ESTATE, MIDRAND

www.cape-construction.co.za

www.interbuild.co.za

www.events.sacpcmp.org.za

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

EVENTS

WoodEX for Africa 2014 another great success A word from Stephan Jooste, Director of WoodEX for Africa

eedback on WoodEX for Africa 2014 has been very positive, with most of our exhibitors reporting positive feedback in terms of the quality of visitors, the great networking opportunities, market exposure and business conducted. Our visitors indicated that they were specifically impressed with the outstanding quality of our exhibitors' displays and the professional appearance of the event. Prior to WoodEX this year, we launched an intensive promotional visitor campaign aimed at personal invitations to targeted VIP guests, both local and from various African countries. More than 1 000 VIP invitations were sent out, and we were pleasantly surprised with the excellent response and with the many visitors from African countries. We believe that the strong support from the African timber industry will be a key feature in future WoodEX for Africa events. After three years of presenting WoodEX for Africa, we now know that there is a huge demand for a dedicated timber trade show in southern Africa, and that our industry has embraced WoodEX for Africa. WoodEX has grown annually and there is a bright future for the show. The increasing awareness of wood locally makes WoodEX hugely relevant as a platform to showcase what wood has to offer, and with most of our exhibitors indicating that they would like to see the event grow and continue to be held annually, we look forward to representing the entire timber industry at the event and to growing the industry through WoodEX for Africa.

EXHIBITOR FEEDBACK: "This year's show saw a great deal of high-value attendees. We networked and built relationships with many high-value customers. Another thing that was great about this year's show was the positive way in which the various suppliers in the industry came together to promote their products and services under one roof. Spirits were high and stakeholders seemed confident and motivated in their businesses and the market. Beyond the promotion and sales of products, each supplier seemed to be there with a mission statement in mind, to prove this is who we are, what we are doing and what we take pride in. A great environment indeed." â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cobus JJ Viljoen, Marketing and Sales, GFP Machines

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

EVENTS

"The furniture industry was one of our first markets and has remained our mainstay ever since. The response in visitor terms at WoodEX this year was very good, with top quality leads. The show was a lot more professional this year and tastefully laid out. We were pleasantly surprised and will come again next year." – Mike Draper, Head of Sales Operations, Techni Paint "We are very satisfied with the results of WoodEX for Africa 2014. We got good leads and would have taken more space if we could, to display more machines." – Arnold Geerlings, Director, Geerlings "Universal Plywood is recognised as a plywood specialist in South Africa. We had a good show and are very happy. The quality of visitors was very good and we have many leads to follow up. We are still getting calls from show visitors for quotations. We will take the same spot in 2015." – Brad Anderson, Managing Director, Universal Plywoods "WoodEX was generally good this year. Thursday morning, especially, was very busy, with good quality visitors who were specific to our business." – Scott Myles, Allwood Technology "The show has been good for us. The quality of visitors was very impressive. We did a big marketing campaign of our own to get our customers here, and they were here! We really enjoyed the show and thought it was good for business." – David Dennis, REM "The show was better than last year, and the timing was much better. We got more industry-related visitors than last year. Good leads, lots of foreign visitors, as well as visitors from KZN." – Yunus Bhyat, FX Group "We are looking for quality leads and we have been impressed with the number of quality leads we received at WoodEX. Our six American agents were specifically impressed with the WoodEX staff and the organisation of the event. We are all looking forward to returning next year to an even bigger show." – Richard Kleiner, American Softwoods "The quality of visitors was 100% and the networking opportunities were very good. It was definitely worth our while to exhibit at this show. We gathered very good leads – I would think about 20% more leads than we expected." – Dimitri le Grange, Main Hardware – Bosch Agent "We had a lot of interest in our products. Good leads and hopefully good clients. Generally, it has been very successful for us." – Milica Jovancic, Rubio Monocoat SA "For us it was awesome (again). We don't always get to visit all the customers we want to see and those are the ones that attend shows. So, it has been great for us. Thanks to the organisers." – George McPhail, Planetary Consultants Group for IMA "Perfect. The show has been everything we were looking for in terms of our timber business. We made a lot of good contacts and got great business ideas." – Kagiso Motsumi, Woodom, Botswana (Visitor)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: (t) 021 856 4334 (e) info@woodexforafrica.com (w) www.woodexforafrica.com

FIND A DEALER www.skillcraft.co.za // AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

Vermont Plank Timber Frame Home

House Teixeira

WISA® Plywood - Efficiency Made Easy™ Sustainable WISA plywood backed by professional service to advance your business. From UPM’s WISA plywood product range you will find a suitable wood panel for your needs. WISA plywood with constant good quality offer superior performance and value to every project. WISA-Birch is a superb plywood panel with excellent strength properties and beautiful surface. The light, smooth and even surface offers an optimal base for various finishing. WISA-Spruce is a true multipurpose construction panel with high quality. The outstanding technical properties, strength and stability, combined with light weight make it easy to use and handle. WISA products have all relevant construction and environmental certificates making them a reliable choice to satisfy various demands. Panels are available in many sizes and thicknesses.

www.wisaplywood.com

Represented by Nordic Paper and Packaging Tel: +27 (0) 21 700 2800 • www.npp.co.za

PROJECT FEATURE

Observe Commissioned by the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Foundation, SnĂ¸hetta has designed an observation and information pavilion at Hjerkinn in Dovre, Norway.

PROJECT FEATURE

Dovrefjell also holds significant importance in the consciousness of Norway, and today, modern tourism and recreation continue to shape the cultural landscape of this place.

The primary purpose of the 75m2 Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion is to provide shelter for school groups and visitors as mountain guides lecture on the unique wildlife and history of the Dovre Mountain plateau.

National legends, myths, poetry, music, and pilgrimages celebrate the mystic, eternal, and grounded qualities of this robust place. Natural, cultural and mythical landscapes form the basis of the architectural concept.

Dovrefjell is home to wild reindeer herds, musk oxen, arctic foxes and a variety of endemic botanical species.

The building design is based on a contrast between a rigid outer shell and a soft organically shaped inner core. A wooden core is placed within a rectangular frame of raw steel and glass. Shaped like rock or ice that has been eroded by natural forces like wind and water, its shape creates a protected and warm gathering place, while still preserving visitors' access to the spectacular views.

he spectacular site is located on the outskirts of Dovrefjell National Park at around 1 250m above sea level, overlooking the SnĂ¸hetta mountain massif.

A long history filled with travellers, hunting traditions, mining and military activities, has left its mark on this land.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

PROJECT FEATURE

A wooden core is placed within a rectangular frame of raw steel and glass. Shaped like rock or ice that has been eroded by natural forces like wind and water, its shape creates a protected and warm gathering place, while still preserving visitors' access to the spectacular views.

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

PROJECT FEATURE

Considerable emphasis has been placed on the quality and durability of materials so that the building can withstand the harsh climate. The shelterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simple form and use of natural building materials reference local building traditions. At the same time, new technologies were utilized to bring modern efficiency to the fabrication process: the wood core was manufactured using a large-scale robot-controlled milling machine based on digital 3D models.

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

We bring you a wide range of spruce construction materials: Sawmill timber, Finger Join Beams, Glue laminated beams, Oriented solid board, Ceiling and flooring HWZ International SA (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town Email: capetown@hwzinternational.com

www.hwzinternational.com

PROJECT FEATURE

This is a robust building that refines local building traditions, provides a protected gathering place for the visitors and enriches the unique landscape of Dovrefjell.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

SnĂ¸hetta is an international architecture, landscape architecture, interior design and brand design office based in Oslo, Norway and New York City.

COVER STORY

Rhino Modified Wood The environmental, social and economical solution to the longterm future of wood and its application in our world

bout five years ago, two young entrepreneurs discovered a waste material destined for landfill that, when re-engineered, could be used to impregnate South African pine in order to improve its properties. After setting up a small pilot plant, they were pleasantly surprised to find incredible increases in strength and water absorption resistance of the wood, and further testing showed that the wood gained extreme durability in the face of the harsh South African elements. Investigation into existing technologies proved that there was a rare opportunity to capitalise on a unique resource, and subsequently Rhino Modified Wood (RMW) was born. Rhino Modified Wood, a home grown modified timber product, is the environmental, social and economical solution to the long-term future of wood and its application in our world.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

To produce Rhino Modified Wood, sustainably sourced South African grown pine is subjected to a pioneering and patented two-step process. The first process involves thermal heat treatment and the second process is a vacuum/ pressure impregnation of the timber with a patented waxbased compound. The compound is non-toxic, human- and pet-friendly, highly aquaphobic and upcycled from waste material. The result of the modification process is that it transforms a locally grown softwood lumber and improves its qualities such that it can suit applications previously only thought appropriate for forest and tropical hardwood timbers. The combination of increased legislative, environmental and social pressure on the sourcing of tropical and forest hardwood timbers and the use of traditional biocide-based wood preservatives has created opportunities for timber modification processes that were previously thought economically unviable.

COVER STORY

The purpose of timber modification is to improve the biological durability, dimensional stability, hardness and UV-stability of sustainably farmed softwoods, so that they can be used in similar applications to naturally occurring tropical and forest hardwoods. Timber modification is a process that typically aims at altering the performance of softwoods. In practice this is done with three different methods, namely thermal treatment, chemical modification and hydrophobation. Thermal treatment involves carefully subjecting the timber to extreme temperatures and various humidity conditions. The result is that it significantly reduces the equilibrium moisture content, and purges the timber of its nutrients that may cause natural rot. The downside is that the timber becomes brittle and is limited in its applications. Chemical modification relates to chemical reactions with hydrophylic hydroxyl groups naturally occurring in the timber to make them hydrophobic, hence reducing the equilibrium moisture content and natural decay. These technologies are currently utilised by a handful of producers in Europe, but are typically very expensive and add little strength and load-bearing capability. Hydrophobation involves filling the cell voids with hydrophobic material that will improve the density and strength, and reduce the equilibrium moisture content. The purpose of timber modification is to improve the biological durability, dimensional stability, hardness and UV-stability of sustainably farmed softwoods, so that they can be used in similar applications to naturally occurring tropical and forest hardwoods. Rhino Modified Wood is therefore characterised as a product that is modified twice by using the methods of thermal treatment and hydrophobation, thus making the product truly pioneering and uniquely South African.

EXTENSIVE LABORATORY AND FIELD TESTING HAS SHOWN THAT RHINO MODIFIED WOOD (RMW) HAS THE FOLLOWING IMPROVEMENTS

• Reduction in fungal decay: RMW was tested in accordance with EN350-1 against a collection of common wood-destroying fungi, and found to be classified as extremely durable in Use Class 3 (exposure to outdoor elements out of ground contact). RMW is currently pursuing UC4 ratings in accordance with EN252. • Resistance against termite and insect attack: Continued tests with the SABS show that RMW has a biocide-like effect without being a biocide, because wooddestroying organisms do not recognise the long-chained molecules of the impregnating compound as a food source. • Improved density, surface strength and structural strength: RMW was found to have results in MOE, MOR, Compression Perpendicular and Parallel to Grain and Janka testing, which show it truly can rival commonly used species of tropical hardwoods. • Thermal conductivity: RMW was tested with AAAMSA and was found to be an excellent material for the construction of energy efficient doors and windows.

THE RESULT IS THAT RHINO MODIFIED WOOD (RMW) HAS THE FOLLOWING MARKETABLE PROPERTIES: • High density of roughly 900kgs per cubic metre. • Increased dimensional stability, durability and strength. • Low equilibrium moisture content of less than 5%. • Non-toxicity and ease of disposal. • An attractive dark, rich coffee colour as a result of the thermal treatment. • Ease of workability, and a vast array of sizes. • Local availability and short production lead times. Foremost, Rhino Modified Wood is a truly environmentally friendly product, which may be used as a true replacement for unsustainable and illegal tropical and forest hardwood imports. We all have a duty towards reducing the damage currently being inflicted on our environment and in particular our tropical rainforests. By adopting Rhino Modified Wood and similar technologies, we have the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 22 500 000 tonnes per year by 2024 by replacing tropical hardwood. Furthermore, the product is estimated to save up to 95% greenhouse gas emissions when compared to unsustainably sourced red Meranti, for example.

(EXTENSIVE RESULTS ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST): • Water absorption: RMW shows slower rates of water absorption and a lower equilibrium moisture content than some hardwoods currently used in South African applications.

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

COVER STORY

Rhino Modified Wood was recently awarded the esteemed title of Climate Solver速 for 2014 by the WWF速 for its potential contribution towards carbon emissions reduction. Rhino Modified Wood is situated and operating out of the East Rand in Gauteng. Rough sawn boards are created for finishing in various sizes ranging from 76x25mm up to 228x76mm; however, the greatest volume uptake has been in the popular decking board sizes of 114x25 and 152x25. Various projects have been completed to date across many applications, such as decking, substructure, windows and doors, outdoor furniture, screens and joinery.

PLEASE CONTACT RHINO MODIFIED WOOD FOR MORE INFORMATION, PHOTOGRAPHS AND DETAILS OF WORK TO DATE. (t) 011 892 5306 (e) scott@rhinowood.co.za or stuart@rhinowood.co.za (w) www.rhinowood.co.za

Rhino Modified Wood won a Climate Solver Award through the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 2014.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

SOFTWARE

MiTek software provides 速

solutions for great structures The MiTek 20/20 Roof Design package is the market-leading software of its kind. The software is the product of 15 years' market-driven development and it continues to evolve in this rapidly changing industry and hardware platforms.

rom design concept to the completed structure, the MiTek 20/20 suite of programmes caters for all aspects.

Above: Boardwalk Casino Hotel, Port Elizabeth

By utilizing the immense flexibility and power of the 20/20 layout component of the software, the designer enters the building parameters and then uses the comprehensive plane and frame solving tools to detail the trusses, using 2D input accompanied by real-time 3D visualization.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

Prefabricated timber roof trusses

STRONG TIMBER CONNECTION MiTek Industries* is the leading Roof Truss System supplier in South Africa and the world. No need to go anywhere else! We are the world leaders in the industry, with 9 Engineers totalling 170 years’ experience (combined), we are also ISO 9001 accredited and backed with an international P.I.Insurance. We also offer full size prototype truss testing as an alternative truss design method. With a network of over 190 licensed truss manufacturers utilizing MiTek’s state-ofthe-art software we can provide a competitive and economic solution to even the most complex of roofs. With all our products and designs warranted, we offer total peace of mind.

Inventors of the Nail-Plate System (Gang-Nail) 1956. MiTek Park,754 16th Road, Randjespark, Ext. 34, Halfway House,1685. Midrand (Head Office) Tel: + 27(0) 11 237 8700 Cape Town Tel: 021 905 0244 • Durban Tel: 031 700 6332 • Port Elizabeth Tel: 041 581 7525 email: marketing@mitek.co.za • www.mii.com/southafrica *MiTek

Industries South Africa (Pty)Ltd, a division of the worldwide MiTek Group.

creating the advantage

SOFTWARE

The Engineering program component analyses the individual truss profiles, applying the correct loads and load case combinations. This also provides the user the power to create or modify the most intricate structures to suit special requirements or loads.

Above: Attic roof structure

Form-work truss for bridge construction

MITEK 20/20 OFFERS THE TRUSS MANUFACTURER A COMPLETE ROOFING SOLUTION WHICH INCLUDES: • Project Management • Comprehensive Truss Design • Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Output • Complex & Flexible Roof Input • Project Costing

Comprehensive manufacturing details generated for printing (job cards) or CAM output generated for automated saws and jigging – ensures high accuracy and efficiency in the final assembly/manufacturing process.

Indoor stand for arena

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

SOFTWARE

INVENTORS OF THE NAIL-PLATE SYSTEM (GANG-NAIL) 1956.

Wanderer’s Club House To ensure you get the best possible roof structure, insist on a MiTek roof structure.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: (t) 011 237 8700 (e) marketing@mitek.co.za (w) www.mii.com/southafrica

handles • cabinet hardware • knobs • ironmongery • bathroom accessories • metal signage • locks • hinges

CT. 021 422 2322 • JHB. 011 325 2555 • KZN. 031 584 6649 • Somerset West. 021 850 0047 • www.handlesinc.co.za

DECKING

Stacking the deck With great weather conditions and a culture of appreciating nature, the deck is South Africa's ultimate gateway to outdoor living. And once again timber lives up to the challenge to make sure that we can, quite literally, be decked out in style. 34

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

DECKING SPECIFICATION STANDARDS: A deck can be a versatile addition to, and even a feature of, any construction project, and design possibilities for both domestic and commercial applications are truly limitless. But aesthetics aside, some fundamental specification standards must be adhered to if a deck is to yield the maximum years of service life. For example, the design must be structurally sound, safe, and specifically drafted to fit the intended purpose of the deck. Moreover, care must be taken to select the most appropriate timber for the specific deck – not only taking into account the climatic region as far as the boards themselves go, but also the timber grade for the structural components like posts and beams. There are, in fact, numerous facets to good decking practice. In this, one of a series of related articles, we take a closer look at timber choices and why treatment is necessary. In future editions of Timber iQ we will be covering aspects including planning, design and building regulations, structural components and fastening systems, composite decking options, preservation and proper deck maintenance, and DIY solutions.

Image: EasyClip

Words: Celéste Perrin – Staff Writer With input from: Werner Slabbert, ITFB (good decking practice) and Bruce Breedt, SAWPA (specifically, timber preservation)

deck is an attractive and tactile option to take any indoor patio living environment to the outside and into the sunshine. Decks are popular around entertainment areas and swimming pools, underneath trees, and even as creative walkways through sensitive areas like forests, or sand dunes, preventing damage to these environments without limiting our ability to enjoy them. A beautiful, well-built deck quite literally paves the way to the outdoors in a way that, if executed correctly, can be environmentally responsible.

Upfront, it is important to note that there are various different processes that can be viewed as ‘treatment’ when it comes to wood. For instance, treatment may refer to primary preservation against biological wood-destroying organisms, i.e. fungal decay (rot) or insects (wood borers, beetles, or termites – subterranean or drywood). Treatment can also mean surface treatments or finishes that protect against weathering factors. And these may or may not contain active ingredients to add a dual purpose of supplemental and/or remedial preservation against wooddestroying organisms.

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

DECKING

Image: EasyClip

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TIMBER: Investment in a timber deck can come at a considerable expense. Needless to say, one would expect a ‘return’ in the form of many, many years of enjoyment or functionality from the deck. Plainly speaking, that’s asking a lot from your timber deck, which faces continuous exposure to the elements. It is therefore nothing short of common sense to take the necessary steps to ensure its durability; ergo, the wood used must be resistant to insect attack, i.e. wood borer beetles and termites, and be able to withstand persistent weathering factors, such as sun, wind, rain and other surrounding influences that can cause an unhealthy moisture content, leading to incipient fungal activity and ultimately decay and rot. You can either select a timber that is naturally resistant and durable (mainly hardwoods), or an alternative (softwoods) that can be put through the correct treatment process to afford it the required resistance qualities. When choosing hardwoods it is important to understand that the natural durability ranges from low to very high natural durability, dependant on the species chosen and the quality of the wood selected, i.e. heartwood and sapwood content.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

Simply asked, what is the perfect timber for decking? The answer is not quite that simple, because there isn’t a ‘onesize-fits-all’ solution. On top of choosing the most durable timber for the specific type of deck, influencing factors can include a paying customer’s personal preference to source locally grown versus imported timber or timber from a sustainable forest, whether the origin of the timber can be verified, whether the import is considered an invasive species, or even just stock availability and price. Both softwoods and hardwoods have a place in the decking industry, but as with most products, different applications require different solutions. It is a topic not without contention, and different professional suppliers and installers within the industry will give up different answers. For reliable guidelines, information and standards, consult industry associations like the ITFB, ITC-SA and SAWPA. While it is not feasible to list every conceivable type of wood that may make a great deck, below are some of the most popular and widely used timbers for decking in South Africa today.

DECKING

A. HARDWOODS

• A very dense and slow-drying timber to prevent extreme checking, it can be worked with hand tools with somewhat of a blunting effect.

(FROM ANGIOSPERM TREES, HAVE BROAD LEAVES) BALAU (Shorea/Dipterocarpaceae) • This well-known hardwood from Malaysia (also common in Indonesia and the Philippines), now used world-wide, is deemed to be naturally very durable.* Hard, very dense and tightly grained, it does not respond well to treatment and is often used in areas that warrant little or no maintenance. Its colour ranges from light brown to ‘yellowish’ brown, gradually turning darker brown (distinct from the paler sapwood), and over time, without being oiled, it turns to silver-grey. • Considering its density, Balau is relatively easy to machine and ply, though working it with hand tools presents challenges. It does not contain silica; however, resin pockets occur, so there may be resin build-up on cutting equipment. Contact with ferrous metals will leave black ‘ink’ markings, but these do eventually fade. Pre-drilling is advisable when nailing, and stainless steel screws are recommended. Balau can be painted and polished (staining not considered necessary), but it is not regarded suitable for steam bending. Do allow for some tolerance to combat natural shrinkage.

GARAPA (Apuleia Leiocarpa) • Another Brazilian offering with much-favoured properties that have given it a reputation as a very stable and strong timber with an exceptional lifespan, this hardwood lasts well in most climates and fits in with the natural environment. With largely a fine and straight grain with occasional wavy characteristics, its even colouring described as a yellow, honey or gold finish, takes on a red-brown hue when exposed and will turn silver-grey over time if left untreated. • Very durable and resistant to insect attack, rot, fungal decay and also fire, Garapa is not considered to require additional treatment. It has become a preferred choice among decking timbers, often favourably compared to the darker and more expensive hardwood Ipé.

IPÉ (Handroanthus/Tabebuia of family Bignoniaceae)

* The level of natural durability of Balau is totally dependent on the quality of the Balau selected. There have been many cases in South Africa where this species has performed poorly against fungal attack because of frequent wetting and poor maintenance of water-repellent wood sealer, especially for low density, young growth timber.

MASSARANDUBA (Manilkara Bidentata) • This attractive ‘red-brown’ timber from South America (mainly Brazil), offering a rich, deep brown finish, has a fairly straight grain and is available in long lengths. Its heartwood has a light red colour, changing to dark reddish-brown when exposed. It is a very hardwearing timber, suited to both coastal areas and regions with extreme climates. Its sap is used to make natural latex, an indication of its very high durability.

• This South American timber with clear all-heart, no knots and no sapwood, is acknowledged as one of the hardest and most durable species in the world. Although revered for its beauty, the wood grain can vary considerably. The heartwood can range from red-brown to dark brown to olive-brown and sometimes has almost blackish tones or stripes. • Because it is very dense, it has a high fire resistance rating. It is also naturally resistant to rot and decay, insects, weather and movement, and therefore requires no chemical preservative treatment. Although it can be sealed to maintain its natural colour and beauty, it can also be weathered to silver-grey. • Being extremely hard and dense, Ipé is considered difficult to work, with a high cutting resistance during sawing. Ipé also has a pronounced blunting effect on cutting edges, so it is advisable to use hand and machine tools that have carbide-tipped blades when cutting. The wood generally planes smoothly, but the grain can tear out on interlocked areas. It can be difficult to glue properly, so the surface must be prepared beforehand. It holds screws well, but nailing does require pre-boring. In general, Ipé dries, stains and polishes well.

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Eco-Friendly suppliers of the ﬁnest African Hardwood Timber // AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

DECKING

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SALIGNA (Eucalyptus saligna/Myrtaceae) • Originating in Australia but well-established, grown and readily available in South Africa, Saligna is of medium density and regarded as low to moderately durable, with regular maintenance required (untreated sapwood can be at risk for borer attack). Described as pinkish red or even light rose-brown or very dark honey, the heartwood stands apart from the pale yellow sapwood. The grain is typically straight but with occurring interlocking, the texture is rather coarse, and gum veins are not uncommon. • Relatively easy to dry, Saligna also works fairly well, takes nails and screws without undue difficulty, and is easy to dress and fix. It responds well to most finishes, and, in taking a good polish, it’s popular in decorative applications that call for moderate durability.

ZIMBABWEAN/RHODESIAN TEAK (Baikiaea Plurijuga) • Also known as Zambesi Redwood, this is one of the most often-used hardwoods in Southern Africa, in both decking and flooring. With a fine texture and low natural lustre, the timber has a very pronounced, straight-tointerlocked grain and a clear distinction between the paler pinkish-yellow sapwood and the heartwood of medium reddish brown colouring with common black flecks and streaks. Heavy, hard and rated as very durable, it has good resistance to decay and abrasion, with the heartwood also resistant to preservative

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

treatment. The sapwood, however, is susceptible to insect attack such as powder post beetles (freshly cut timber must be processed and finished quickly). • Zimbabwean Teak has a high silica content, gives high cutting resistance (blunting cutting edges), saws slowly, and has been reported to ride up over jointer knives. On the other hand, the wood yields great wear-resistance in service and it glues and finishes well.

MERBAU (Intsia Bijuga/Intsia Palembanica; Caesalpiniaceae family) • Held by some to be on the more expensive side, Merbau is another very dense, very stable and very durable option (also for flooring). Hailing from Malaysia, its texture is coarse but even, with interlocked grain that is mostly straight, but can occasionally be wavy and produce a ribbon striped effect. • Its yellow-to-orange brown colour when freshly cut becomes a darker red-brown upon exposure and with age. The colouring between boards has been reported to vary noticeably, and an interesting characteristic is small yellow mineral deposits present throughout, which makes it quite distinguishable. • Sawing can be a problem because of gumming, the wood is known to split during nailing – making preboring essential, and it offers resistance to shock loads. But it does hold screws satisfactorily and glues, stains, polishes and finishes well.

•

DECKING RED IRONBARK (Eucalyptus Sideroxylon) • This stable Australian native, considered ideal for our climate, is an extremely dense timber – estimated at roughly 1 130kg/m3 it is one of the few timbers that will not float. It is sought after for the exceptional outdoor lifespan its strength and durability ensure. The heartwood is a deep dark-red to red-brown, contrasting sharply to the pale yellow sapwood. The timber's texture is fine and even with an interlocked grain. It is very suitable for external applications due to its durability and hardwearing nature. • But the timber dries slowly and is very hard to work, especially with hand tools and where fine detailing may be required. One must take care to minimise surface checking. • Reports show that the tree is prone to ‘piping,’ meaning a hollow forms in the centre of the trunk. This impacts the yield and the sectional sizes of sawn timber.

MERANTI (Shorea) • Imported mostly from the Philippines, this durable light hardwood varies considerably in colour from light pink/ light brown to a dark reddish brown or even a ‘reddish purple/purplish brown’ and white resin streaks are not uncommon. (In some mixed species, colouring leans towards yellow-brown.) The sapwood is lighter and often contains a grey undertone. It has a coarse but even texture with medium to large pores and interlocked grains. • Readily available, this popular timber comes in long

lengths and in thick planks, which increases its versatility. Reported as moderately durable (or lower) in its resistance to decay, it is susceptible to insect attack such as termites. • It is mostly easy to work, with interlocked grain occasionally presenting challenges during planing. It glues, stains and finishes well. Note: Some varying species (there are differences between White Meranti, Yellow Meranti and Red Meranti) can blunt tools due to silica being present in their wood.

KARRI (Eucalyptus Diversicolor) • A slow-growing hardwood native to Australia and with distinctive red hues in an interlocked grain, Karri timber presents with an attractive golden appearance: The heartwood can vary from reddish-brown to pale pink, while the sapwood is a creamy white. Suited to areas with a stable climate, and moderately coarse in nature, it is also moderately durable with the accompanying resistance to preservatives and other treatments. The sapwood is vulnerable to borer and termite attack, but Karri is naturally resistant to decay. • Patience and care is needed in the drying process to prevent surface checking, cracking and warping. • It is reported to be difficult to work with hand tools. Karri finishes fairly well and accepts stains and polish without undue problems; however, it does not accept paint well. In addition, machining and surface preparation must be done right before gluing occurs.

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DECKING

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B. SOFTWOODS (FROM GYMNOSPERM, OR

STRENGTH CLASS AND PRESERVATIVE TREATMENT:

"GOOD OLÂ´" PINE

Choosing the correct stress-graded timber while making sure it has been appropriately treated (H Class) is a responsible, vital part of the planning that goes into a deck. Timber, unlike other construction materials, is a living thing and does, to varying degrees, need to be taken care of in order to perform optimally and to retain its beauty. Even the more durable hardwoods are not completely immune to cracking and splitting under all circumstances and stand to benefit from protective treatment.

EVERGREEN CONIFEROUS TREES)

At face value (and as is common for most timbers grown for commercial purposes), South African plantation-grown pine is regarded as non-durable and susceptible to damage from insects and fungi. But pine is ideal for preservative treatment, and its durability only increases when correctly treated at a primary timber treatment plant using industrial impregnation processes, e.g. vacuum/pressure processes. Pine continues to be a very popular choice for decking, despite not being as intrinsically durable as comparable hardwoods, because it is very cost-effective and holds a charming appeal for many end users. When treated to the correct hazard class, pine can be utilised in both the decking and deck substructure components. Pine has a medium and relatively uniform texture. Resin canals or ducts can appear as fine, brown lines on longitudinal surfaces. Pine works well with both hand and machine tools. Nail holding is good, gluing is satisfactory, and pine also finishes well, with surfaces providing a satisfactory finish.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: Legislation stipulates that treated timber in South Africa must adhere to national and compulsory specifications and must display the hazard class. (A metal marker for treated poles and an ink stamp for sawn timber.) A rating system, similar to those used internationally, is used in South Africa. In this system, the higher the hazard number, the greater the risk the wood can be exposed to. Some products such as CCA and Creosote are effective heavy-duty preservatives and are able to protect in all classifications from H2 to H6. Others, such as LOSP preservatives and borates, have only a limited number of useful applications, associated with mainly dry interior end uses.

DECKING PRESERVATIVE TREATED TIMBER HAZARD CLASSES AND WHAT THEY MEAN: H2 – Low hazard: Dry interior and above ground H3 – Moderate hazard: Exterior above ground H4 – High hazard: Exterior in ground H5 – High hazard: Exterior in contact with heavy wet soil or in fresh water H6 – High hazard: Prolonged immersion/contact in sea water Timber preservation means treating wood in order to maximise or extend its service life, and it is done by inserting, into the wood microstructure, preservative chemicals that combat or work against wood-destroying organisms and other threats such as weathering and fire. HOW EFFECTIVE SUCH A BIOLOGICAL PRESERVATION TREATMENT IS, WILL DEPEND ON SEVERAL FACTORS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: • Which biological hazards the wood will be subjected to in service; • How toxic the preservative chemical is to the particular wood-destroying organisms the wood will be exposed to; • How enduring the preservative chemical will remain under specific hazardous conditions after the wood has been treated (e.g., indoors versus outdoors versus submerged); • How well the preservative chemical can penetrate the cross section of the timber, and the level of retention in the penetrated zone per cubic metre of the wood; and • The preservative distribution gradient. WOOD PRESERVATIVES ARE CATEGORISED INTO THREE MAIN GROUPS: 1. Water-borne (CCA, CuAz, ACQ and Borate) 2. Oil-borne (Creosote) 3. Light Organic Solvent-borne (TBTN-P and Azole Permethrin) Numerous treatment methods can be used, all with their own benefits and drawbacks: High-pressure processes (Bethell, Rueping and Lowry processes), low pressure process, hot and cold open bath (Creosote), vacuum impregnation (double vacuum) process, and dip or pressure diffusion process. Because different timbers have such wide-ranging absorption characteristics, it is imperative to use the correct methods when applying preservatives. It is good to know that the industry is required to maintain specific levels of treatment quality, as laid out in the National Standards available from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

DECKING

Image: Knysna Timber Homes, ITFB Builder Member To further ensure that different timber applications are properly treated, the National Standards prescribe both the terms for treatment as well as the chemicals used. (For example, for timber used indoors, a simple chemical like Boron to fight off wood borers will work, with penetration only in the sapwood and a low retention level. But for a higher hazard like ground contact, a heavy duty preservative such as a CCA or Creosote is called for. Penetration will have to be continuous to a significant depth and with relatively high retentions.) Depending on the commodity treated, a certain number of each piece, or bundle of small pieces, must be marked with the treatment plant identity, the Third Party Certification/ Quality Inspection Authorityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logo (SABS or SATAS), the year of treatment and the hazard classification to which the timber has been treated.

POST-INSTALLATION TREATMENT OPTIONS PAINTS, SEALERS, VARNISHES: The extent to which a deck needs to be maintained depends largely on the materials used to build the deck in the first place, and what the client wants to achieve with the deck. Regardless, once installed, it is important that adequate care is taken of the deck to keep it structurally sound and looking good. An important part of deck care is to keep the deck dry as far as possible, and because it is alive, it needs to be nourished. There are a number of plusses to various types of timber surface protecting treatments after installation. While the aforementioned primary preservatives can protect wood against insects and/or fungus attack, the level of protection against weathering will again vary. Timber can be exposed to the elements during construction and over its outdoor lifespan, putting it at risk for shrinkage, checking, splitting and cupping. Again, care needs to be taken with the application of treatments: Heavy oil treatments give high protection, but they are not suitable for decorative uses. On the other hand, the advantage of an oil-based surface treatment is that the deck neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be sanded down; it only needs to be cleaned, e.g. pressure sprayed, left to dry, and sealed again.

POLES (Metal marker) & SAWN TIMBER (Ink stamp)

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DECKING

If using varnish, a deck will need to be sanded down to the wood surface, which comes with its own challenges, including hard work, as well as potentially ending up with varying thicknesses of deck planks. CCA treated pine, with preand post-installation oil-based treatment, does well in dry areas. Hardwoods are not always ideally suited for decking in hot and dry areas like the Northern Cape and the Free State if it is installed without any postinstallation maintenance, because any oil-based timber treatment intended to protect it from the sun’s UV rays is not easily absorbed. Very specific oil-based treatments can be used to treat hardwoods and these are thinned down so as to penetrate the wood. NOTE: One should not use just any oil to treat a deck. In the old days, people used to mix diesel with raw linseed oil and used that as a deck treating option. Today, it is advisable to use one of the many vetted products on the market that are refined and well-suited for decking treatment. It is also not advisable to varnish a deck, but rather to treat it with an oil-based decking treatment. Water-borne or LOSP preservative treatments (which provide limited protection during construction) are suitable for decorative uses, but they require some additional surface protection for the long term, achieved by regularly applying a good quality paint, sealer or varnish to the exposed surfaces of the wood. Whichever product is used, it must be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. All wood preserving chemicals must, by law, be registered by the National Department of Agriculture, which lays down conditions on their sale and use. For more information, SAWPA offers a ‘Protocol for the Approval of Wood Preservatives in South Africa.’

TREATMENT FOR HARDWOODS: It is interesting to note that, while all hardwood timbers (e.g. Eucalyptus) used in structures in South Africa must be preservative treated, outdoor decking boards are exempt from the requirement. This exemption is applicable to most sawn hardwood products that contain very little or any sapwood which is susceptible to insect attack and easily permeable/treatable. There are many deck installers, contractors and even suppliers who believe that a hardwood such as Balau, for example, because of its perceived moderate to high durability, does not need to be surface treated and should be left as a raw material that, with age, will turn silvery-grey. This weathered appearance also happens to be a popular and aesthetically pleasing option for many a designer and home-owner. While UV radiation found in sunlight can’t penetrate timbers to any depth, and the silver-grey discolouration is mainly a surface effect, that degrading effect can certainly be compounded in the presence of moisture. Over time, as a result of ongoing swelling and shrinkage as timber cell walls absorb and release moisture, the bonds between wood fibres can weaken, resulting in small cracks or checks. If the constant swelling and shrinking is not kept in check, the cracks can become significantly larger and make the timber unattractive – and potentially even structurally unsound.

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

FIND A DEALER www.skillcraft.co.za

DECKING

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On top of that, a fixed presence of moisture can promote decay. Consider also that the inherent durability of hardwoods used for decking vary from moderate to high, depending not only on the species but also the quality of the timber selected. The presence or absence of sapwood is another factor that plays a role in the effectiveness of biological preservation systems. Many industry professionals, including suppliers and those who specialise in timber restoration, would recommend that, before installation, all the timber planks that go into building the deck be coated at least once on six sides: top, bottom, left, right, top edge and bottom edge. This is to ensure that all the edges that are hidden from view (and sunlight) will at the very least have received one coat of oil-based surface treatment. This recommendation stands, even in the case where a hardwood deck is intentionally left to age without any post-installation treatment or maintenance. In other words, it is advisable that its components be treated on all six sides at least once with an oil-based treatment before installation.

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TREATMENT FOR SOFTWOODS: All softwood pine used for decking must be treated by primary industrial pressure impregnation method with a suitable wood preservative. CCA is the most commonly available and widely used preservative for this purpose. CCA stands for Chromated Copper Arsenate, and has been used to pressure treat timber since the 1930s, helping to protect it against wood-destroying insect attack and decay, fungi or rot. CCA-treated pine is a more affordable option for decking than most hardwoods, and it is a durable material for this purpose. Correctly treated H3 (Hazard Class 3) CCA-treated softwood decking is a very popular product that can be used in most areas, including coastal areas. It does very well in very dry areas in conjunction with certain oil-based surface treatments (wood sealers) used specifically for decking. H3 treated softwood decking treated regularly with oil-based products has a life expectancy of 50 years against fungal and insect attack.

PROMOTING TREATED TIMBER AND THE USE OF TREATED TIMBER PRODUCTS CHOOSE THE CORRECT HAZARD (H) CLASS: H2 H3 H4 H5 H6

– – – – –

Low Hazard: Inside above ground Moderate Hazard: Outside above ground High Hazard: Outside in ground High Hazard: Outside in contact with heavy wet soil or in fresh water High Hazard: Prolonged immersion in sea water H2

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SAWPA MEMBERS AND HOW TO CONTACT THEM, CONTACT: Tel: 011 974 1061 sawpa@global.co.za www.sawpa.org.za

DECKING SUBSTRUCTURE: The substructure (the wood underneath the deck’s top planks) must not come into contact with the ground. Normally, timber used for the sub-structure is treated to H3, which is not suitable for ground contact. If the timber is to make contact with the ground, then it should be treated to H4. However, most of all treated structural timber is generally treated to H3, unless specifically requested to be treated to a higher hazard class. In less dry areas, decking sub-structures can be treated to H3, but further inland, the decking sub-structures have to be H4 treated. All treated timber used for sub-structures must be structural stress-graded timber, which means it must be graded and certified to a minimum strength grade of S5. Structural timber is marked with a red stamp bearing the name of the sawmill it comes from and an ‘S5’ denoting the strength or stress grade of the timber, as well as either the SABS or SATAS quality mark.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE: Proper decking construction falls under the purview of the National Building Inspectorate as set out in SANS 10082 and SANS 10400. In addition, the South African Wood Preservers Association (SAWPA) offers comprehensive information on timber preservation at www.sawpa.org.za. Also, the Institute of Timber Frame Builders (ITFB) is a voluntary body that promotes correct deck construction. A deck owner can insist that their deck builder is registered with the ITFB, whose mandate is to educate consumers and professionals on correct timber frame building practices, and which rewards good building practices with its prestigious annual awards.

CONCLUSION: The time and effort that should go into the planning and maintenance of a deck cannot compare to the pleasure that comes with contemplating one’s natural surrounds, or spending time with friends and family on a beautiful structure made from a natural, potentially carbon negative material. If constructed and taken care of correctly, a deck is for living – and for life. In future issues of Timber iQ we look forward to exploring the many more interesting and important facts about decking.

A WORD FROM SAWPA ON PRESERVING YOUR TIMBER DECK: There are various timber preservatives available. Some are not suitable for timber in ground contact, while others protect timber in all possible applications. Creosote and CCA preservatives are equally suitable for the support poles and bearers, and CCA treated timber is suitable for the boards. CCA treated timber has a greenish colour and Creosote colours timber dark brown or black. Timber treated with Boron or LOSP preservatives does not change its natural appearance. The latter two preservatives are, however, leachable and should therefore, once seasoned and dry, be finished with a suitable water repellent surface coating/sealer in order to be used in H3 applications. This water repellency property has to be maintained to prevent leaching of the preservative. A water repellent also protects the timber from degradation from weathering. In order to inhibit the effects of UV (ultra violet) rays at the same time, an inhibitor may be added in the form of a brown or red colourant. Remember, the use of treated timber ensures that a deck is protected against attack by termites, borers and fungal decay. Should it be necessary to paint the timber, Boron, LOSP and CCA treated timber can be painted directly once the water or solvent carrier has dried sufficiently. Creosote timber can also be painted, provided it is first coated with a bituminous-based aluminium coating. As a general rule, preservative treated timber in its natural form is the easiest and cheapest solution. Remember that support poles should never be cut. Order them in the lengths required. Only beams, boards and bearers can be cut if necessary. However, their ends should be brushed with a preservative before assembly. It is essential that all ground contact poles are treated in accordance with at least the SANS H4 Hazard Class. Beams, bearers and boards can be treated to H3 requirements. When choosing boards it may be possible in some areas to obtain boards with grooves on the underside. These grooves arrest curvature (cupping) to a degree, ensuring that the boards remain flat. Remember to round off the arrasses of boards and be sure to install them so that the timber's growth rings will be situated in a concave position. This will avoid splintering and surface degradation.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

MACHINERY

Pieter Steenberg from CMC Woodworking Machinery standing next to the Turanlar TEB-149 Edgebander.

Pegasus Shopfitters invests in machinery from the CMC Group Local woodworking machine supplier, CMC Woodworking Machinery Supplies South Africa, recently supplied a panel saw and an edgebander to Pegasus Shopfitters in Turfontein, Johannesburg.

or over 20 years Pegasus Shopfitters has been a high production factory that delivers shopfitting to more than five shops a month. Pegasus prides itself in providing quality workmanship and service. “We are a team of perfectionists. Keeping up with the latest trends and designs, we are a cut above the rest,” says owner, Stuart Shepard. In a very competitive industry Pegasus realised that in order to manufacture and supply a quality product, machinery needs to be upgraded in order to produce. With the edgebanding it is critical to be able to do solid strips and ABS impact edging up to 3mm, and in the hotel and shopfitting industries, the need for high finish veneer edging plays a critical role in client satisfaction.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

CMC installed a Robland Z-3200 panel saw and a Turanlar T-EB 149 edgebander, and according to Shepard, this machinery runs at optimal capacity and Pegasus is very pleased with both CMC’s service and products.

ROBLAND Z-3200 PANEL SAW OVERVIEW The Robland Z-3200 is a heavy-duty panel sizing saw with aluminium sliding table, running in replaceable hardened steel guides. The main saw is manually adjustable to move up and down and the machine has an independent scoring saw unit with external lateral and vertical adjustment.

MACHINERY

CMC recently installed a Robland Z-3200 panel saw at Pegasus Shopfitters in Turfontein, Johannesburg. The machine also features saw tilting with clock gauge read out. It comes standard with three speed settings, which is ideal, as various materials and blades need to operate at certain speeds to prevent materials from being burned. The Robland Z-3200 takes 300, 350 and 400 blade sizes, making it a very versatile machine. The saw weighs 1.2 tons, enabling the operator to cut more than one board without the machine tipping or vibrating. With the rigid and stable design on the Robland, accuracy is of paramount importance and improved measurement systems are installed for functional and precise readings during the cut operation. With the newly designed round bar system on the sliding table and the extension fences on the crosscut fence, this machine can comfortably handle oversized panel cuts. The safety aspects on this machine are also upgraded with newly designed dust channelling and safety guards on the blades. In addition, the Robland Z-3200 also comes standard with the mitre attachments for precise joinery cut functions with the necessary manual hold down clamps for accuracy and safety.

CMC Group senior management believes in supplying overspecified motor power and heavy-duty machinery that will stand the test of time. Proudly manufactured in Belgium, this machine has passed the most rigorous quality and performance tests in Europe and in the USA, its very name synonymous with durability, performance and value for money. • Motor-power scoring unit HP – 0.75 hp • Main blade motor power – 7.5 hp

TURANLAR T-EB 149 EDGEBANDER OVERVIEW Turanlar T-EB 149 is a newly designed edgebanding machine manufactured by Turanlar in Europe, who have been CMC Group’s flagship suppliers for over 20 years. The relationship with this supplier has produced most of the high quality edgebanding machinery currently installed in southern Africa.

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

MACHINERY

The Turanlar TEB-149 Edgebander. This compact model machine occupies little space and offers many advanced professional edgebanding machine features with competitive pricing. This compact model machine occupies little space and offers many advanced professional edgebanding machine features with competitive pricing. As a result, the T-EB 149 meets both small and industrial company requirements and provides the optimum cost at the best performance ratio. Other prominent features of T-EB 149 model include an end cutting unit with two angled saws and two high frequency motors for perfect cleaning of the panelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s front and rear side excesses. Synchronised working of the press unit and the gluing unit ensures trouble-free gluing and bonding processes. The pneumatic stop control and the sensor features ensure that the machine remains stable during end-cutting process. High frequency motors, electrical components, the pneumatic system and some other parts inside the machine are supplied from the most reputable European brands. This guarantees perfect production quality and a long service life. The machine easily operates at 12m/min and is able to apply all popular edging materials up to 3mm thick to almost any kind of board product.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

This machine is also now standard with digital touch screen operation and all settings, like the reheating speed, for example, are now controlled from the panel. This machine also has a pre-heating element on the infeed fence to allow the panel to be heated to ensure a perfect bond with the improved hot melt gluing systems. All pneumatics and switchgear are designed to allow locally based international companies to supply critical spares off the shelf.

CMC Group management would like to thank the owners of Pegasus for their investment into the CMC Group. It is certain that this is the beginning of a lasting relationship to improve and take this company to another level in the shopfitting industry.

For more information, visit www.cmcmachinery.co.za.

COMPANY PROFILE

Knysna Timber Homes Primarily a timber construction company specializing in timber design and construction, Knysna Timber Homes' projects and services include design and building of homes, resorts, convention centres, restaurants, office buildings and various other structures. Photographs: Alfred Lor Photography

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

COMPANY PROFILE

KNYSNA TIMBER HOMES PROVIDES A FULL TURNKEY SERVICE TO CLIENTS INCLUDING: • Project assessment • Architectural design and sketch plans • Cost estimates • Land surveys • Local authority building plan approval • Construction detailing • Project management • Sub-contracted items, including built-in cupboards, electrical wiring and plumbing

With Knysna Timber Homes, the need for a client to deal with a number of service providers, including architects, engineers, surveyors, local authorities and sub-contractors is eliminated, simplifying the process and making it more cost-effective. Knysna Timber Homes will, however, gladly collaborate with and assist any professional service provider the client may wish to appoint in their project. The company prides itself on having an excellent after-sales record for providing their clients with the necessary professional guidance and assistance to cope with general maintenance, renovations, extensions, etc. on their home.

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

COMPANY PROFILE

THE SYSTEM:

GUARANTEES AND COMPLIANCE:

Knysna Timber Homes uses a Timber Frame Building System, which complies with National Building Regulations, relevant SABS codes, and is approved for bond purposes by all major financial institutions in South Africa.

Knysna Timber Homes is able to guarantee its product and workmanship to a far greater extent than other timber construction companies who do not employ their own construction teams and have to rely on subcontractors to construct and complete their projects. Only highly skilled building teams are employed and provide clients with a full 12-month guarantee after handover.

The system allows for architecturally innovative designs and is often combined with masonry, steel and various other forms of construction. A timber frame project is completed, on average, in less than a third of the time that it would take to complete a similar project with bricks and mortar. All timber components used in Knysna Timber Homesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; buildings are from sustainable sources and methods of construction and choice of products are at the heart of sustainable living. The overall mass of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s timber structures is considerably less than those of conventional brick and mortar buildings. These structures are therefore an ideal choice when adding an additional storey on top of existing brick or other structures. Finishes and cladding options both internally and externally are limitless.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

All timber components are preservative treated to comply with SABS standards, to ensure a high quality and longlasting product.

IS A TIMBER HOME CHEAPER OR MORE EXPENSIVE TO BUILD THAN A CONVENTIONAL BRICK HOME? There are too many factors involved to make a simple general comparison. Each project should therefore be evaluated individually. Clients are, however, guaranteed that Knysna Timber Homes will always provide them with excellent value for money.

COMPANY PROFILE

WHY TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION? 1. Timber is the only building material derived from a renewable resource. It is considered an agricultural crop that is harvested and replanted in a continually regenerating cycle, while non-renewable resources, such as iron ore are mined on a permanently depleting basis. Knysna Timber Homes only uses timber sourced from sustainable forests. 2. Timber provides wide-ranging benefits, such as carbon sequestration. Since trees capture and store carbon, they are currently the most cost-effective and readilyexpandable means of drawing CO2 out of the atmosphere. Even if the tree is cut down, carbon dioxide is still kept out of the atmosphere if the wood is used to make long-life products, like houses. Moreover, once they are cut, if the acreage is replanted with seedlings, those seedlings will grow much faster, and store more carbon dioxide per year than the older trees that were cut down. 3. Sustainably harvested timber has a lower carbon footprint compared to other building materials, such as concrete, brick, ceramic tiles, aluminium and steel. Carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to global warming, are three times higher for steel than for a comparable quantity of wood. 4. Timber, as a building material, is energy efficient in that it needs less energy (usually sourced from finite fossil fuels) for its industrial production and transformation compared with other building materials. Steel requires three times as much energy as wood does to extract,

manufacture, transport, and construct. While wood accounts for 46% of industrial raw materials (by weight) worldwide, it uses only 4% of the energy required to process raw materials into useful products. 5. Timber is biodegradable and easily recyclable. Even the insulation Knysna Timber Homes uses is from recycled PET bottles and is completely recyclable. 6. Timber is a healthy, non-toxic, natural building material. 7. Timber is light and therefore easy to transport. 8. Gram for gram, wood is the strongest structural material commonly used in building. 9. Timber homes are energy efficient. Timber is the best insulator of all structural building materials and, when used together with fibre or foil insulation in a welldesigned building, minimal external energy is needed to heat and cool the home. 10. Timber construction is quick. 11. In the case of a fire, timber retains its mechanical properties. Moreover it transmits heat ten times slower than concrete, and 250 times slower than steel. 12. Timber homes create a relaxing living environment. It has been scientifically proven that a kind of terpene substance emitted by wood, which is used for protection against invaders, is effective in relaxing the mind and body. This is the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;forest bathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; effect. This effect does not change once the tree has been harvested. It continues to provide us with a deeply relaxing environment.

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COMPANY PROFILE

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A KNYSNA TIMBER HOMES BUILDING? There are very many advantages, but some of the most important are: • Preservation of the environment and low ecological impact • Unlimited design scope • Speed of erection • Cleanliness of building sites • The actual building process is a truly joyous experience for the client • The lasting effect of a well-designed and constructed building

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Footnote: The same principles apply for a timber home as for any other home with regard to mortgage applications and insurance.

(t) 044 382 5085 (e) theteam@knysnatimberhomes.co.za (w) www.knysnatimberhomes.co.za

Knynsa Timber Homes is a member of the Master Builders Association, National Home Builders Registration Council and the Timber Frame Builders Association. Projects are executed with the professional assistance and supervision of appointed engineers, and clients receive all necessary compliance certificates on completion of their projects.

Alfred Lor Photography: 071 557 6400

Knysna Timber Homes is based in Knysna and participates in local and international projects.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

PROJECT FEATURE

'Boomslang' takes Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden to new heights The affectionately named 'Boomslang' or Tree Canopy Walkway at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is now open to the public and offers visitors an unusual and unique view from forest floor to treetops - yet another reason to visit the Garden. Images: Adam Harrower

PROJECT FEATURE

WHY WAS IT BUILT? Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens wanted to celebrate their centenary (1913-2013) with a project that would be spectacular, unique and long lasting. The walkway, which had been on the backburner for many years, met all the criteria and was a perfect way to mark the event in Kirstenbosch with something permanent. It was built purely from bequest money which has been left to Kirstenbosch by numerous donors, but predominantly, Mary Mullins. The ‘Boomslang’ is a fantastic opportunity to take people into the treetops, a place with a unique ecology that is generally hard to get to. From here people can experience the forest from high above the ground and also see birds and other animals that are generally otherwise hard to see. One can also experience tree dynamics – how the treetops move in the wind and how the crowns of the trees interact with one another. The walkway then bursts through and above the canopy, giving the visitor an impression of what it is like to be above the forest. At this point, the walkway provides spectacular 360 degree vistas comprising Cape Town and the surrounding majestic mountain slopes.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

The assembly and shaping of the magnificent handrails, which had to match the curves and undulations of the walkway, was an exceptionally complex and timeconsuming process. Each handrail consists of about 15 slats of hard Padauk wood which had to be laminated together and molded and shaped to fit the steel railings.

PROJECT FEATURE

WHAT IS IT MADE OF? It is made entirely of galvanized steel components which have been constructed off-site by Prokon Services at their workshop in Blackheath. Each component is 6m long and painted with no less than four coats of the best quality paints available to prolong its life in the damp Kirstenbosch environment. The handrails are made of a wood called Padauk, a sustainably harvested hardwood from West Africa, and decking consists of stained treated pine slats. On site, the components were hoisted by a small crane, bolted together and mounted on top of long support columns, much like a giant Meccano set. A total of 19.6 tons of steel and 5.3km of 8mm Ă&#x2DC; round bar were used.

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PROJECT FEATURE

The 'Boomslang' is a fantastic opportunity to take people into the treetops, a place with a unique ecology that is generally hard to get to.

PROJECT FEATURE

WHAT WERE THE REASONS FOR THE DELAY IN OPENING? As with any first-time complex construction such as this, there were numerous unforeseen obstacles. Fitting the giant pieces of the skeleton together proved more difficult than anticipated, especially within a building site as sensitive as the arboretum, which is essentially a forest of tree trunks and branches. Maneuvering a mobile crane within this space was a big challenge. Both the painting and the carpentry were long and tedious jobs, all having to be conducted high above ground level. The assembly and shaping of the magnificent handrails, which had to match the curves and undulations of the walkway, was an exceptionally complex and timeconsuming process. Each handrail consists of about 15 slats of hard Padauk wood which had to be laminated together and molded and shaped to fit the steel railings.

ABOUT THE ARBORETUM: Kirstenbosch's little-known arboretum is in the heart of the garden. Nestled between famous parts of the garden, like the Protea Garden, the Dell, Mathews Rockery and the Concert Lawn, this relatively young part of the 100-year-old garden is where some of Southern Africa's remarkable tree flora is exhibited.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? Planning started seriously in late 2012. Initial casting of the column foundations commenced in June 2013. Construction of the steel framework commenced off-site in August 2013, and the on-site construction commenced in November 2013, roughly a year since the first land survey was done.

Board Edger

Kirstenbosch Interpretation Officer, Alice Notten, says that in about 2005 Kirstenbosch first envisaged some kind of elevated viewing deck, perhaps incorporating a walkway of some sort that would take visitors up into the tree canopies. The Kirstenbosch Centenary rekindled interest in this project and so the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Boomslangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was born in 2013.

SM300 smallest in the range can process up to 250kg/hour SM400 the most popular can process up to 400kg/hour SM600 single head/interchangeable can process up to 1200kg/hour

DESIGNED WITH POWER AND WASTE MINIMIZATION IN MIND

Contact Tel No: 031 700 1906 Cell: Allan 082 877 7193 Arie 083 229 6440 Email: arrepairs@mweb.co.za

www.arindustrialmachinery.co.za

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PROJECT FEATURE

The walkway encounters many interesting trees en route: some old 150-year-old trees that predate the garden, like Hard Pear (Olinia ventosa), Cape Saffron (Cassine peragua), and the 100-year-old Wild Banana (Strelitzia nicolai). Other younger trees include White Stinkwood (Celtis africana), Cape Beech (Rapanea melanophloes), Coral Tree (Erythrina caffra), Myrtle Quince (Cryptocarya myrtifolia) and the Terblanz Beech from the protea family (Faurea macnaughtonii). Technically speaking, this entire elegantly designed bridge structure is a complex three-dimensional truss spanning 12 metres between columns. Kirstenbosch is a very natural garden. We were very aware that a large structure like this could become quite obtrusive if not carefully designed and built. Utmost consideration was given to this by the architect with his objective to make the walkway as invisible in the landscape as possible. Initially there were many critics, but all who have seen the bridge have given overwhelmingly positive reports.

ARCHITECT: Mark Thomas and Christopher Bisset of Mark Thomas Architects STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: Henry Fagan of Henry Fagan Consulting Engineers and Andrew Rich of Prokon Services CONTRACTORS: Slingsby & Gaidien

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

www.

.co.za

CNC- STEP

CNC MILLING ROUTING PLASMA

HEIZ Models: High Z-S Series Benchtop CNC Platforms RaptorX SL Series Steel Frame Industrial PlasCut 1350 CNC Plasma Cutting RaptorX Plasma Cutting Systems New: GranitoGrav Granite engraving System

Benchtop

Plasma

Floor models

Now Available: Laser engraving module

Full 2D and 3D routing and milling in almost any materials. Wood working is a breeze with the Heiz CNC machines. With the PC based design program we supply, you can create incredible artworks, furniture, doors, picture frames and many more projects in your workshop. The only limit is your imagination. Use our Laser engraving module on any one of our platforms to perform full photo realistic pictures on wood or many other materials. Conventional routing allows you to cut out shapes or 3D models on any of our CNC machines. Sizes available for every workshop big or small.

Laser Engraving

The laser engraving module fits on all our CNC machines and allows awsome picture engraving on wood and other materials. Accuracy repeatable to 0.03mm, full 3D milling. 4th axis capability. Almost any materials can be cut or milled. Affordable machines with unequaled accuracy and precision. Complete systems. Easy programming PLUG and PLAY, all models delivered ready to work

HEIZ CNC-Technik CNC Milling/Routing Machines

Excellent Quality and Prices, Call us NOW!

Milling Routing l Engraving l Vinyl cutting l PCB prototyping l Circuit board drilling l 2D and 3D work l 4th axis 3D work l 3D scanning l Plasma Cutting l Granite engraving l l

The CNC Platforms are easy to use. Non machinists will become pro’s in a few days. Our software makes creating complex projects a breeze. For the not-soarty folks there are thousands of designs ready to mill in 3D or engraving with a few mouse clicks. The same applies to the large scale cutting platforms. You can make fantastic wood art work in minutes. A little practice and you will be a master craftsman in your workshop.

Agents: CNC Instruments CC Contact: 073 277 6582 or 079 884 8453 Email: info@cnc-step.co.za www.cnc-step.co.za German Quality and Engineering

Homes | Roof Rooms | Loft Conversions | Attic Conversions since 1979

WE OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES: BEFORE

New timber homes From one bedroom to complete top floors Loft rooms Parental suites Penthouses on apartment building roofs Granny flats Studios and offices Export containerised homes in kit form Timbercraft have built free-standing homes in all sizes, ranging from granny flats to multi-storey luxury homes.

AFTER OFFICE: We work throughout the Cape Peninsula and although we specialise in roof room (second storey) conversions, we pride ourselves in building structure too.

Tel: +27 21 988 2268 Fax: +27 86 699 4647 Cell: 083 252 2268 Email: jim@timbercraft.co.za

www.timbercraft.co.za DENVIN Cell: 076 074 0763 Email: denvin@timbercraft.co.za

T S U INS t G s A U a G A AR the E B

om r F

T S

U S L G A I U A PEC Italy S

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NEWS

WoodEX for Africa 2014 a

great success for Geerlings Local machine supplier, Geerlings showed several of its highend products at WoodEX for Africa 2014, displaying impressive products from Italian machine manufacturer, the SCM Group.

Geerlings at WoodEX for Africa 2014 showcasing their product offering from their 50m-long stand.

he SCM Pratix nesting CNC, drew the most attention, being very well priced and having the ability to have auto loading and offloading combined with a heavy construction. The SCM Cyflex 900 CNC boring machine attracted attention due to its verticality, and thus its use of very little factory space, as well as its zero set-up time made possible with auto clamping instead of suction cups.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

Geerlings also displayed the newest Tech Z1 CNC and the SCM Sandya 600 wide-belt sander. There were also entrylevel solutions on display, like the Minimax S315 elite panel saw, a Minimax ME 25 edgebander, as well as many others from the SCM Group.

NEWS

The new SCM Pratix nesting.

HEAVY-DUTY RELIABILITY WITH AN UNBELIEVABLE PRICE TAG: Geerlings Machinery also had products from Holytek for the solid wood industry on display:

Top & Bottom Planer

Multirip Saw 40HP

Laminating Carousel

Geerlings’ eastern import range, Geertech, was also on display and the extremely heavy-duty 5 & 6 head moulders were found to fascinate visitors to the exhibition with their capacity for heavy-duty tasks, quick set-up and great price tags. Many more models, like horizontal band saws, rotary shapers, morticers, spindles, etc., were also on display.

On the Holytek display as well was a range of traditional machines:

Bandsaws

Panelsaws

Thicknessers and many more

The Geerlings Team wishes to thank their loyal clients for their interest and business.

For more information, visit www.geerlings.co.za. Arnold Geerlings, Managing Director of Geerlings says, “Both WoodEX for Africa 2014 and the Geerlings stand were very well attended. It was great to see such a positive response from clients.” He adds, “The show was an improvement on last year with many high quality exhibitors displaying their products and many existing and potential customers visiting the stands.” Geerlings has been a major supplier in the machinery industry since 1965 and have diversified over the years to offer their clients a comprehensive product range, whilst always striving to be the market leader in service quality and technical knowledge in their field.

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PRODUCT PROFILE

Oude Kraal A new range of wide plank, rustic, hand-scraped engineered flooring from Wood4Africa

ood4Africa has interpreted the current hardwood flooring trends and décor demands in the luxurious and exclusive top end of the market, and have produced the new Oude Kraal range of ‘honest’ timber engineered flooring. The range consists of French Oak and Kiaat with the unique features of wide planks, as well as a rustic hand scraped surface. Planks range from 180mm to 260mm wide, and have a hardwood top layer of a minimum of 4mm on a 16 or 18mm moisture-resistant multi-layer hardwood cross ply.

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PRODUCT PROFILE

Wood4Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s showroom in Strand.

The finish ranges from water-based dead flat to polywaxed satin, from brown to grey, and from smoked to rustic. Wood4Africa has installed more than a thousand square metres of their Oude Kraal range in exclusive homes over the last eight months. All these floors were prescribed and selected by top architectural firms demanding a unique finish for discerning clients. For more information, visit Wood4Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premises at 40 Chilwan Crescent, Helderberg Industrial Park, Strand, or visit www.wood4africa.co.za.

NEW!

OUDE KRAAL FLOORING RANGE FROM WOOD4AFRICA Finish ranges from water-based dead flat to polywaxed satin, from brown to grey, and from smoked to rustic.

Wide planks from 180mm to 260mm wide Rustic, hand-scraped surface Hardwood top layer of a minimum of 4mm 16mm to 18mm moisture-resistant multi-layer hardwood cross ply

TEL: +27 (0)21 845 6083 | EMAIL: sales@wood4africa.co.za | WEB: www.wood4africa.co.za // AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

COMPANY PROFILE

Nkanyezi Timbers An independent agent and wholesaler offering a comprehensive service supplying SABS-graded structural lumber and nonstructural lumber, Nkanyezi Timbers operates throughout South Africa and neighbouring countries.

Naledi Phalo, Managing Director of Nkanyezi Timbers.

arket segments catered for are the construction industry, pallet, crate, cable drum, and furniture manufacturers. Nkanyezi Timbers works for all parties equally and simultaneously, negotiating and administrating transactions on behalf of buyers and sellers, and acting with integrity at all times. Naledi Phalo, Managing Director of Nkanyezi Timbers says, “We have long-established links with mills in South Africa and the rest of the SADC region and we are committed to sourcing materials from legal, well-managed, sustainable sources. All mills and contacts with which we do business have excellent environmental credentials.” He adds, “As a business we believe our success is based on the strength of our relationships and we place great emphasis on flow of information and communication, so that our clients are kept fully informed from enquiry to delivery.” Nkanyezi Timbers’ business model is such that 10% of its sales are used to fund youth entrepreneurs in South Africa in their endeavours to start their own businesses and become actively involved in the economy.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

Once these funds, which are facilitated by a non-profit organization, are paid back by the entrepreneur, they are then used to fund other entrepreneurs, creating a sustainable entrepreneurial cycle.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: (t) 012 998 9638 (c) 082 857 7453 (e) naledi@nkanyezi-timbers.co.za or info@nkanyezi-timbers.co.za (w) www.nkanyezi-timbers.co.za

QUALITY TIMBERS WITH A DIFFERENCE

SPECIALISTS IN BULK STRUCTURAL AND NON-STRUCTURAL PINE Tel: 012 998 9638 Fax: 086 552 4097 Cell: 082 857 7453 Email: naledi@nkanyezi-timbers.co.za Website: www.nkanyezi-timbers.co.za

Lehlohonolo Naledi Phalo Managing Director PO Box 99524 Garsfontein 0060 Pretoria

COMPANY PROFILE

Giving you the cutting edge With SJM Distributors and UK manufacturer, Dakin-Flathers SJM Distributors of Germiston, South Africa has been the leader in cutting edge technologies for the wood and metal industries for over 20 years. To complement their extensive knowledge of and experience in the industry they have now partnered with UK manufacturer, Dakin-Flathers, to bring you the very best in primary and secondary processing bandsaw blades in the world.

akin-Flathers are the largest manufacturer of carbon bandsaw and bandknife blades in Europe, with over 125 years of saw-manufacturing experience. Their purpose-built 24-hour production facilities are combined with state-of-the-art machinery to enable world-leading precision manufacture of bandsaw and bandknife blades.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

Their focus on quality and performance has enabled them to grow from being the leading supplier in the UK to one of the leading suppliers in the world, exporting to over 90 countries worldwide (including South Africa) with an unrivalled reputation for quality, performance and great service.

COMPANY PROFILE

Dakin-Flathers' head office in the UK. Dakin-Flathers manufacture product for a wide range of cutting applications, from wood, plastics, metals, foam, textiles and food applications. Their latest development is a unique primary wood processing and ripping bandsaw blade, RipperS, for use on most portable and fixed multihead sawmills, such as Wood-Mizer, Baker, Forestor, TimberKing, Logmaster, plus many more.

RIPPERS SAWMILL BLADES OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF INDUSTRY BEATING BENEFITS: • Greater durability than its leading rivals – the best material with the ultimate processes gives the best fatigue life, which means reduced spend on blades, more time cutting and less downtime. • Up to 100% more re-grinds – tight control of the hardening process ensures the optimum depth of hardness, and therefore the most regrinds, and the best value for money from the blade compared to other market-leading blades. • Unparalleled ‘out-of-the-box’ performance and reliability – full profile ground teeth means fantastic cutting from the first cut and sawmillers can really hit the ground running. • Minimal waste and maximum cutting power – computer controlled balanced and consistent set on the blade gives the smoothest cut and the least waste. • Improved quality of finish on sawn timber – digitally controlled quality assurance program ensures you get the same superior blade each and every time.

Customers have seen a huge benefit in productivity the world over. One UK sawmill owner sums it up:

"Absolutely fantastic blade, cuts like a dream straight out of the box. I've been waiting 20 years for a blade like this. The sawn surface is so good it's like planed timber!" Dakin-Flathers’ range of carbon bandsaw blades has been developed to cover a wide variety of cutting applications, and is the most extensive in the industry. Predominantly used for secondary wood processing, such as furniture manufacture and general joinery work, they also have solutions for cutting non-ferrous metals, plastics, fibreglass and food applications, such as butchery and carcass splitting. Each and every Dakin-Flathers bandsaw blade offers a stronger, straighter cut, unrivalled fatigue resistance, and tougher, harder teeth, and is manufactured from an exclusively developed high carbon steel strip with unique characteristics and metallurgical properties. This allows the user to cut more raw product in less time than has ever been possible before. For many secondary wood processing bandsaws, DakinFlathers offer a range of specialist blades with a unique combination of special edge, tooth profile, set, heat treatment and backing strip such as:

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

COMPANY PROFILE

EXTRA SET: A specialist carbon bandsaw with a heavier set on the teeth. This creates extra clearance and allows radii to be cut more easily. The extra set also means that problems caused by resin are reduced or eliminated and that the blade life is extended. With a variety of set amounts available, these blades are ideal for furniture manufacture or contour cutting in a production environment. Available in Xset or XXset and in widths from 10mm to 25mm.

FURNISAW: A specialist thicker gauge carbon bandsaw used in furniture production and any other application where high feed rates and output are crucial. The thicker gauge steel, special tooth configurations and set patterns enable contours to be cut in a high output production environment. Available in widths from 6mm to 13mm.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

For more information on all products visit www.dakin-flathers.com or contact SJM Distributors directly for availability and advice on 011 873 3243.

timber home architectural design tel: 021 702 2968 | www.timberdesign.co.za

CALL 0861 727 663 TO BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIED ADVERT

NEWS

Biesse Sektor

Biesse poised to grow in SA market through Austro Roberto Vitri, Regional Sales Manager for Italian woodworking machine manufacturer, Biesse, highlights recent developments and future plans along the company's growth path.

iesse has a large and growing footprint in Southern Africa, and has been distributed through Austro since 2001. Roberto Vitri explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our market was slightly limited at first, but the local

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

market soon realised the high quality of Biesse technologies, and today, a wide range of Biesse products are shipped to South Africa for distribution throughout the region.â&#x20AC;?

NEWS

He adds that the clients do not only benefit from trusted Biesse innovations, but also enjoy the competitive prices achieved as a result of Austro’s position to ship several machines per container. Further, Vitri explains that Biesse machines are ideally suited for the Southern African market and strategically distributed component manufacturing ensures that products are accessible to various markets at prices that suit those sectors. “Biesse machines are not only produced in Italy. We also have large manufacturing facilities in India and China. The medium to high production machines are manufactured in Italy, while some of the entry-level machines are produced in India and China. These facilities cater for the Far-East and African markets, but most of South Africa’s machines are produced in Italy, as the country requires a high level of technology,” explains Vitri. Meanwhile, Biesse is continuously developing and improving its product offering. Vitri says the company presented its new bSolid software at the Xyexpo in Milan in May this year.

The new user-friendly software makes the programming of computer aided design software easier. The software is ideal for managing machines used in the production of windows and edged panels. The new software will be introduced in South Africa early next year. Vitri adds that he is interested in looking at the wooden window production market in South Africa to determine if the company’s UniLine and UniWin computer numerical control window manufacturing system will be a suitable solution for the region. “In Europe, wooden windows are very popular and are incentivised by the government. For South Africa the use of wooden windows can increase the thermal efficacy and aesthetic value of the house or building,” notes Vitri. Biesse machinery is distributed in South Africa by Austro, South Africa’s largest distributor of premium machines and tools, including blades, cutters, edging and glue. For more information, visit www.austro.co.za.

Wow your clients with 3D colour renderings. • Drawing Capabilities • 3D Rendering • Cutlists and Reports • Pricing and Quoting • Full Part Control • Exploded Assembly Views • Output Nested Patterns Sketch 5638/13

• Output directly to your CNC Machine • Output directly to your Beamsaw

www.stillam.com Ryan Scott: Cell: +27 (82) 852 6371 Tel: +27 (11) 663 2600 Fax: 086 657 8920

DÉCOR

Design is in the detail Virtually any home can be enhanced by the inclusion of architectural detailing achieved through the installation of decorative mouldings. Dylan Miller from Swartland, a leading manufacturer of wooden windows and doors, and the Col Timbers range of decorative mouldings, offers some insight into how mouldings can add character and style to any space they grace.

ecorative mouldings can be used to great effect to create a sense of grandeur or simply to add a subtle decorative touch to any home. Says Dylan Miller from Swartland, a leading manufacturer of wooden windows and doors, and the Col Timbers range of decorative mouldings, “The impact that well-chosen and professionally installed mouldings can have on a space is often underestimated – if well executed, they can really transform a space from mundane and boring, into a truly finished space that exudes elegance and class.”

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

He says that today, decorative mouldings are made from a variety of materials, including Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and polystyrene, but that the best quality ones are made from genuine solid wood. Says Dylan, “Solid timber decorative mouldings may be on the upper end of the price spectrum, but they are the best quality that you can get, which will ensure their longevity and supreme good looks.”

DÉCOR

• The cornice Otherwise known as crown mouldings, cornices are used to fill the gap between the wall and the ceiling. It is one of the most commonly used mouldings, and the width of a cornice can vary, depending on the size of the room, the height of the ceiling and the grandeur of the décor. • The picture rail Running horizontally along the wall, parallel to the cornice, a picture rail should be installed at the same height as the top of the door. A narrow moulding, a picture rail was traditionally used to hang pictures from it using string and hooks – this way, the masonry wasn’t disturbed by any nails or screws. Today, however, picture rails tend to be valued more for their decorative aesthetic than their traditional function.

Genuine hardwood is a must if you want to stain or varnish the wood so that you see the natural grain. “Hardwood mouldings are great for a pure warm timber finish for a classic look. They offer longevity of use due to the inherent density of timber, and Swartland’s hardwood mouldings also offer colour consistency for an overall streamlined effect,” explains Dylan. If, however, you intend to paint the mouldings with a solid colour, then he says that the more affordable solid Pine timber mouldings are a better choice, as they are less expensive and you can’t tell the difference once they are painted: “Pine is ideal for a paint finish, as the opaque colour will inevitably hide the knots in the wood.”

• The dado rail A dado rail is a moulding that is fixed horizontally along a wall about 75cm from the floor. Aesthetically, it divides the wall into two parts – the top and the bottom – which can be useful with regards to décor as you can decorate the two parts in two different, yet complementary styles. Usually at a height of around 75cm, the dado rail was traditionally used to protect the wall from chairs and other furniture bumping into it. • The architrave This is essentially a moulded frame used to surround a doorway, window, arch or fireplace. Also known as casing, architraves can go a long way to dress up a window or a door to truly complete the picture. A frame around your fireplace can turn it into a focal point of the room. Here, architraves will be used to form the vertical sides of the surrounds, while a simple or dramatic horizontal mantle affords an area on which to display framed pictures or objets d’art.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOULDINGS Dylan offers an overview on the most common types of standard mouldings:

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

DÉCOR

• The plinth block This is a decorative rectangular block of wood on which an architrave will stand for added stability and good looks. • The skirting Also known as baseboards, skirtings are another incredibly popular moulding. They are installed where the wall meets the floor, and help protect the wall from scuffs caused by shoes, furniture, brooms or vacuum cleaners.

THINGS TO CONSIDER When investing in timber mouldings, Dylan offers the following top tips on things that should be considered: • How is the wood dried? To minimise natural movement, Swartland kiln-dries all the wood used for its Col Timbers range of wooden mouldings so that it has a moisture content of 8%. This is directly aligned with our local climes, and ensures that the timber remains within perfect balance with atmospheric conditions to guarantee the perfect combination of performance and craftsmanship. • Decide on a complementary style It is imperative that the style of the mouldings you choose complements the architectural and décor style of your home. For example, Col Timbers’ range of premium mouldings complement both Victorian or

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

modern styles. The range comprises classic profiles that will suit more traditional homes. Alternatively, you can choose super simple profiles for more contemporary homes.

DÉCOR Combine mouldings for added drama You can make impressive trim features by combining various moulding profiles. Combine smaller mouldings to create larger, more imposing profiles. This allows for endless possibilities for customisation, and smaller mouldings have the added benefit of being easier to work with, as they are easier to cut and allow for more flexibility on irregular walls. The easiest way to add your personal touch and value to your home is by replacing your skirtings. Try increasing the height of the moulding from 44mm to 140mm or 220mm in a style of your choice to give your home a more luxurious and glamorous look and feel. • Examine mouldings before you buy them Mouldings can vary dramatically with regards to aesthetics and quality, so it imperative that you examine them closely when selecting them. If you intend to stain the mouldings so that you see the natural grain of the timber, ensure that the mouldings you choose have a similar grain pattern, and that the wood is a similar tone. Swartland’s hardwood mouldings, for example, boast colour and grain consistency for an even aesthetic throughout. • For DIY installation There are two very useful tools if you are installing your own mouldings. The first is mitre clamps, which are special clamps that will hold mouldings in place until the glue dries. These handy little clamps are basically bent spring steel with sharp points that grab the mouldings and squeeze them together. They are perfect for holding small pieces of mitred moulding together while the glue dries and for clamping cornices while you pin them together. A micro pinner is another incredibly useful tool. It is a finish nail gun that shoots super thin pins. The small diameter of the pins leaves smaller holes than traditional nails, which are almost invisible after you fill them. The tiny pins also allow you to nail very small parts without splitting the mouldings, like thicker nails may do. • Always buy a little more than you need Moulding is usually sold in standard 3m and 3.6m lengths. Before you buy any moulding, it is important to carefully measure the area in question and determine the perfect lengths you will need in order to minimise waste. However, add on a little extra to take into consideration the wastage caused by joints and mitre corner cuts. • Treat the mouldings before installation You will save lots of time and effort if you prime, stain or paint the strips of moulding after cutting them to size and before you install them. Be sure to paint both the top and bottom sides of the mouldings in order to prevent warping, and let them dry thoroughly before installing. Once installed, you will probably have to do some touch-ups, but the majority of work will be done. • Measure twice and cut once Measure the walls carefully, mark the proper length on the moulding, then measure the wall again, and measure the moulding profiles again. Only then cut the moulding with the proper mitre angle. • Fill in the gaps For a truly polished finish, be sure to fill in all the small gaps between mouldings and the wall with filler. Use a wood filler compound to fill any indentations made in the surface of the mouldings by nails, between the different lengths of moulding, and between the floor and the mouldings. Wait for the various fillers to dry, sand down until smooth and seal with your choice of sealant.

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

FIND A DEALER www.skillcraft.co.za

COMPANY PROFILE

Overberg Joinery Works Established in 2009, OJW offers a highly skilled and specialised work force in post-and-beam design, manufacture and construction, and operate under the management of the owner, Simon Smith, who has 30 years' experience in the trade.

riginally, a post-and-beam dwelling would have been built using the available trees on site and turned into a crafted building that stood the test of time. The trees were felled and used as green timber to make these buildings. The joints were then cut and a dried peg would have been driven through the joints. As the skeletal frame of the building dried out over time, it would shrink and the joint around the original dry peg would get tighter and tighter, and therefore stronger and stronger.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

The age-old skills of hand-cut and chopped carpentry joints like mortise and tenons are used in these structures. These skills are kept alive today by a few dedicated craftsmen. 1 000-year-old timber structures still stand today in parts of the world, proving the structural integrity of a timber building. Overberg Joinery Works is one of the few companies in South Africa that still carry out this age-old skill.

COMPANY PROFILE

The skeletal timber structure is machined and assembled loosely and all joints and junctions are checked prior to leaving the factory, a method that enables the structure to be erected on site. The complete building frame can be assembled and the roof finished far quicker than with standard building practices. The post-and-beam frame forms part of the design of the building and stands as a feature showing off the handcrafted elements.

TIMBER IS A NATURAL, RENEWABLE, SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL For a completely sustainable experience, Overberg Joinery Works can use alien invasive eucalyptus (gum) trees and turn them into a magnificent traditional or contemporary building. Other timbers, including kiln-dried timbers, can also be used, employing the same methods of construction, or even a more modern approach, using interlocking stainless steel plates and tie wires. The choice is a personal one, but not an impossible one.

Overberg Joinery Works offers assistance with the entire building process, from foundations to fitted kitchens in a complete turnkey package, or they can supply the skeletal frame for the client or main contractor to complete with glazing and wall cladding thereafter. Overberg Joinery Works work alongside several professions, including architects, structural engineers and tradespeople alike, enabling a successful build, and a smooth, memorable client experience from start to finish.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT SIMON: (c) 082 339 4998 (e) simon@ojw.co.za (w) www.ojw.co.za

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

MACHINERY

Taylor-made machinery With more than 100 years' experience in the business of gluing wood together, Taylor have developed a range of edge and face gluing equipment to suit anyone's pocket and needs, from the smallest DIY application to the largest automated high volume production facility.

ew people realize the extent to which James L Taylor can be a meaningful partner in their business. Over the years many thousands of Taylor machines and solutions have been provided all over the world to manufacturers of wood products using every conceivable wood species. At the heart of the success of Taylor machinery is the design of the clamp.

FEATURES INCLUDE: • Clamps don’t bend. • Clamps are relatively light in weight. • Strong in construction. • Clamps are built by a robot according to precise specifications. • Wearing parts are reduced and easily replaceable. • Clamps can be tightened manually or automatically, pneumatically or hydraulically. • Jaws are toed in by 1 degree at the top to prevent bucking. • Jaws are designed to take rocker plates to enable even pressure for face gluing. • Believe it or not, clamps can stretch, if necessary, by virtue of a clever design in the draw bar. This helps to prevent overtightening. • Clamps have a roller bearing in their design to enable effortless movement and rearrangement of the clamps within a carrier. • Since the design of the clamp is universal to all the machines in the Taylor range, the same clamp you bought when you were a one-man shop can be used in the automated machine you might have grown into. • The design of the clamp allows any glue residue to drip through the clamp, thus minimizing glue build up.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

The Taylor Clamp Rack allows for four to six clamps to be mounted in a row, making working, loading, and storage easier.

The Taylor Panel Clamp allows for easy storage of clamps when not in use.

MACHINERY

Various products can be glued in the Taylor Panel Clamp.

The small one-man carpentry shop could start by buying two single clamps with butterfly tightening handles and slowly build up a number of clamps as his production increases. The next step would be to acquire a Clamp Rack, so that he could, for example, mount four to six clamps in a row for ease of working or loading and storage. As the business grows and he accumulates more clamps he can move to the next step, which is a Panel Clamp. This is a stronger type of clamp rack, which can handle four rows of clamps and speed up production. As the demand for edge glue panels increases and faster production is required, the carpenter can buy a six-section clamp carrier for rotary control of the clamps. The system is constantly upgradeable using the original clamps. The clamp carrier can now be semi-automated by retrofitting a pneumatic panel flattener/tightener and later an air-driven motor for rotation. Once production starts growing again, and he finds that the six-section is not allowing enough closed assembly time, then he can add another module to the machine to increase it to 12 sections. For example, if his closed assembly time is 30min and his loading cycle (time it takes to apply glue to the wood strips, lay up the panel, flatten and tighten it) is 10min, then (10 x 6 = 60min CAT) he would need more rows of clamps.

The use of rocker plates allows for even spread of pressure when face gluing thick stock.

TAYLOR HAS CLAMPING MACHINES FOR OTHER TYPES OF PRODUCTION AS WELL, FOR EXAMPLE: • Pneumatic door clamp for the assembly of cupboard doors • A robust assembly machine for solid doors • Machines for gluing up large solid wood components (table pedestal) • Machines for face gluing beams

THERE ARE ALSO NUMEROUS WAYS AND MEANS OF APPLYING GLUE EFFICIENTLY: • Simple plate spreaders • Desktop roller spreaders • Powered roller spreaders • Automated Conveyorised Glue Applicator Wiese Woodworking Machinery have been Taylor distributors in Africa for more than 20 years and carry a wide range of clamps, components, and machines, and can assist in providing solutions for most gluing challenges.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: (t) 044 889 0171 (e) info@wiese.co.za (w) www.wiese.co.za

By adding to the clamp carrier he can now add more clamps at his leisure. Depending on what he is producing, he could have six to twelve clamps in each row, and because the clamps are so mobile, he can optimize the arrangement of the clamps to best suit his production.

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

SUSTAINABILITY

Stand 47 re-imagines an ideal South African home Located on Monaghan Farm in Gauteng, Stand 47 is now a completed high-end concept home – and it is no ordinary home.

t challenges every aspect of existing South African residential architecture, taking the status quo, examining it from all angles, and giving every facet of the traditional domestic home a fresh interpretation to make it work better than before.

“A key aspect in developing the Stand 47 Case Study was to select a diverse team of curious and innovative people who would rise to the challenge of designing and building a highend luxury concept home using an unconventional creative process,” comments land owner and developer, Gavin Rooke.

It's an evolutionary step. In the broadest sense, Stand 47 has employed an innovative process that begins with questioning what a South African home has the potential to be, and moves on to explore how the traditional materials, components, functions and processes to which we are accustomed, can be used or executed differently to fully explore their potential. Combine this approach with modern design principles, state-of-the-art materials and technology, apply them to the local context and contemporary needs and the result is something extraordinary.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

This team included Saint-Gobain as the primary materials partner, Thomashoff + Partner Architects, and Style Projects as the main contractor. Monaghan Farm is the showhouse partner, while Rhino Modified Wood, Amoretti and Ample Power were selected as specialists in their particular field. Ebony was chosen to provide the interior design and soft furnishing for the home.

SUSTAINABILITY

“Our purpose,” adds Rooke, “was to demonstrate, through a physical example, how considered design and state-of-the-art building materials can add significant value to the personal living experience within a contemporary home.” And one of Stand 47’s most notable achievements is the seamless balance it creates between a comfortable, aesthetically beautiful living experience, high-tech building solutions and an efficient house design and build that will meet the ongoing and changing needs of its owners. “Much of this,” he says, “has been shown to be possible through the use of building products supplied by our partners, most importantly, Saint-Gobain.” Established more than 350 years ago, Saint-Gobain is globally recognised as the world leader in the sustainable habitat and construction markets, and was recently lauded as one of Thomson Reuters’ Top 100 Global Innovators for the third year running. Working with the Stand 47 Case Study – as part of its ongoing global research and development commitment – was an ideal opportunity for Saint-Gobain South Africa to showcase their products and materials in innovative ways, while at the same time, demonstrating their efficiency, robustness and highperformance qualities. “By partnering with Gavin in the creation of Stand 47, we have shown that our products can create an efficient, healthy and safe home that is still luxurious and comfortable. The easy integration of Saint-Gobain’s lightweight building products with more traditional organic materials that we know and love – such as natural stone and wood – has made for an experience that changes our idea of the way we can live,” says Evan LockhartBarker, General Manager: Marketing at Saint-Gobain Gyproc. Saint-Gobain’s various lightweight systems that provide comforts, such as acoustic and thermal insulation, improved indoor air quality, moisture resistant properties, are highly durable and slow down the spread of fire for up to 120 minutes. These performance walls are also easily adaptable to the changing needs of each stage of life. Hence Stand 47’s unobstructed open plan design, which allows for easy alterations to the interior walls of the house to double up or strip down rooms, without compromising the external structure. This is visible in features such as the single floor and single ceiling that run throughout the home, and the flexible configuration of the second bathroom, sections of which can be isolated according to the day-to-day needs of the occupants. “We have broken new ground with Stand 47 through a combination of innovation and efficiency that has guided every aspect of the case study from the very beginning,” says Rooke. “We’ve achieved this through the integration of organic and hitech lightweight materials in a way that no-one in South Africa has done before, our streamlined building process, and most importantly, the design of the home have been guided by the particularities of the South African context.”

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

PROJECT FEATURE

Call it magic Children with special needs inspired by timber-infused day-care play garden Words: Brandon Perkus

had the privilege of being a part of a project that took timber to the heart of a playground that serves as a tactile, interactive playground feature for the children of the Sterreweg Day Care Centre in Plettenberg Bay. These are children with special needs, and with the help of their carers and therapists, as well as the members and donors of the Sabrina Love Foundation (one of the main donors to the day care centre), The Magical Garden took shape. Being involved in the design and construction of this play garden was an incredible privilege and pleasure for the Rare Earth Woodwork Team, including me, Bruce Krige (assistant carpenter), and Jackie Palmer (pro-finisher, painter and sealer). Being immersed in the dayto-day love that surrounds the centre was a true inspiration in performing our art and woodwork. The Magical Garden is primarily a wonderful space for kids to play, learn, have fun and relax â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with an emphasis on the therapeutic elements of interactive play, which is a vast topic and aspect of development with endless possibilities for the benefit of all children.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

PROJECT FEATURE In this particular Magical Garden there is an interactive ‘wall of sound’ comprising all sorts of musical instruments, chimes and gongs that support ‘cause and effect’ (with lots of noise and fun). There is a ‘nest swing’ (heavenly bliss for kids) and swings (obviously). And of course, there is a huge sandpit filled with soft plastic balls under a gazebo with plants and creepers growing around the rooftop perimeter. There are vegetable planter boxes for the growing of veggies for the kids’ daily nourishment. Last, but not least, there is a carefully designed obstacle course with jungle gyms. ‘The Magical Tree of Love’ – my personal somewhat exuberant creation – resembles our unique Baobab trees. Life-size in scale, one can enter into the ‘heartwood’ interior space and sanctuary of the trunk, which is made entirely out of SA Pine that we shaped, curved and twisted into various forms. The ‘canopy’ as seen from inside, consists of 10 heart-shaped timber structures in suspension, from which the branches stem. From the initial vision as shared by Tony & Suzy Lubner of The Sabrina Love Foundation, to the expertise and foresight of Tyrone Yates Landscapes and the generosity of local suppliers, The Magical Garden has materialised into a meaningful addition to the Sterreweg children’s daily lives. It has been heart-warming to witness the happiness of the children at play.

For more information about the Sabrina Love Foundation, visit www.sabrinalove.co.za and to find out more about Rare Earth Woodwork, visit www.rareearthwoodwork.co.za.

Brandon Perkus

Cell 083 311 7780 Tel 044 532 7599 Fax 086 565 6828 Four Oaks Farm - Plettenberg Bay brandon@rareearthwoodwork.co.za

Personally Built, Fine-Crafted Precision Timber Construction

www.rarewoodwork.co.za

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

NEWS

Proud Madibaz: The 2014 Executive Team of the NMMU George Student Forestry Association consists of third-year Forestry students, (from left) Athini Mthi (Vice-Chairman), Ullrich Hechter (Chairman), and Nothando Dlozi (Secretary).

Destination Vancouver for NMMU George Campus Forestry students It's off to Canada soon for four NMMU George Campus Forestry students.

he team – all executive members of the George Campus Student Forestry Association (SFA) – will represent this award-winning student association at the highest executive levels of the International Forestry Student Association (IFSA) when they attend and spearhead the association’s annual international symposium, scheduled to take place in Vancouver, Canada, in August.

They will be accompanied by Kutelani Tshivhase, an NMMU George Campus Masters student in Forestry who is also the current president of the International Forestry Student Association.

Ullrich Hechter (Chairperson of SFA), Athini Mthi (ViceChairperson of SFA) and Tatenda Mapeto (Southern African regional representative of IFSA) are proud and excited to have been selected to attend the IFSS in Canada.

The SFA team has developed a set of initiatives to raise funds for their participation in the event, as their participation is self-funded. Any contributions or sponsorships that could assist them in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014 //

The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Our roots, our future.’ The event is set to again attract students from across the world.

NEWS

THERE ARE KITCHENS. AND THEN THERE ARE SUPER HMR GRADE KITCHENS.

WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE?

International clout: NMMU George Campus students play a leading role on various international platforms. This group of Forestry students who serve on the executive structures of the International Forestry Student Association (IFSA) are set to attend the association’s international symposium in Canada during August. They are, (from left) Ullrich Hechter, Kutelani Tshivhase, Tatenda Mapeto and Athini Mthi. The SFA, which was established to represent Forestry and Wood Technology students from the NMMU George Campus academically and socially at a local, national and international level, currently has a membership of 200 Forestry, and 30 Wood Technology students. Their cutting-edge work has ensured them the accolade of being named the NMMU George ‘Best Association’ for the past three consecutive years. The SFA committee comprises three executive committee members that serve the affiliated students. This year’s executive committee is made up of a Chairperson, Ullrich Hechter, Vice-Chairperson, Athini Mthi, and Nothando Dlozi (Secretary). All of them are third-year Forestry students. Other people who also serve on the committee are Honorary President, Prof Josua Louw (Director: School of Natural Resource Management), Liaison lecturer, Barry Muller (Lecturer in the Wood Technology programme), International Forestry Student Association (IFSA) President, Kutelani Tshivhase (Masters student in Forestry), IFSA Vice-President, Sikhumbuzo Nxumalo (Masters student in Forestry), and IFSA South African Regional Representative, Tatenda Mapeto (Masters student in Forestry). SFA enjoys an outstanding relationship with other local forestry committees, such as the Fort Cox College’s Forestry Student Association in King William’s Town, as well as the Forestry Student Association at Stellenbosch University. One of the main aims of SFA is to assist first-year Forestry and Wood Technology students to obtain drivers licences, as it is a requirement from industry before the students start with their experiential training in their second year of studies. Many students are not able to obtain drivers licences because of financial circumstances. SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) has made finances available for these students to obtain their drivers licences.

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The SFA team is also responsible for planning a range of activities throughout the year, including various community projects, such as planting trees as part of a community project during Arbor Week, a photo competition, visiting and assisting in charity events with the aim of giving back to the community, and various fundraising initiatives. SFA members will also be attending the Southern African Regional Meeting (SARM) at the University of Venda, where students of different universities will come together and discuss certain forestry and wood technology related topics.

// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2014

growth | development | transformation Towards growth, development and transformation of the Project & Construction Management Professions

Gallagher Estate Midrand, Johannesburg 20-22 October 2014

Book your seat at this pre-eminent learning event aimed at creating collaborative and working relationships for infrastructure development in South Africa and the continent. It is an ideal platform to network and to get in-depth knowledge of stakeholders' view on growth, development and transformation of the construction sector. Through strategic interventions and partnerships that intend to advance growth, development and transformation of the Project and Construction Management Professions the envisaged outcomes of the Conference are to: • Expose industry players and potential new entrants to the huge government opportunities for infrastructure development; • Facilitate knowledge management and skills transfer in the sector; • Contribute to improvement of standards and benefits to registered persons; • Create a platform for government to engage industry on key infrastructure projects and PPPs for in the SADC region and the continent as a whole and • Create a platform for all stakeholders to discuss ways and means to roll-out a seamless mentorship programme in support of new entrants in the industry.

NEW! NEW! NEW! The 2014 conference will be preceded by Master Classes on 20 October 2014 in the following areas: • Designing Construction Procurement and Contract Management Strategies; • Mentorship and Upgrading from Candidate to Professional Status; and • Construction Health and Safety: ISO 31000, Risk and Hazard Management Standards For early bird registration discounts and more information about the Conference, visit www.sacpcmp.org.za Media Partners:

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