Timber iQ December 2012 | Issue: 5

ISSN 2305-9648

CONTENTS

CONTENTS 12

16

2

ED'S NOTE

4

contributors

6

feature - Makana House

12

lighting - minima(lism)

16

feature - Beefed up

18

feature - Schooled

26

furniture - Liam Mooney

30

feature - Coastal comfort

34

feature - eco-PERCH

40

feature - Sitting pretty

42

ADvertorial - SAWPA

44

Award - William Duk

48

windows - 10 reasons

50

cifor - Cutting through

54

woodex - 2013

56

news - Lonza's Tanapole

TM

44

// DECEMBER 2012

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ED'S NOTE

Local love affair As a child, the dry flora and bordering-on-harsh landscapes of the Western Cape used to incite a strange discomfort in me; I always thought that things should be wetter, more colourful, kinder and more forgiving.

B

ut over time, long drives through the platteland and holidays on the coast developed in me a taste, a special familiarity, for the Cape. The dry fynbos, upon inspection, turned out to be multitudes of tiny flowers, bursting with colour, some of their seeds only opening to germinate after heavy smoke from wild fires. Mountains, craggy, or swirly, sometimes capped in snow or emanating heat waves under the oppressive rule of a heavy summer, turned out to be the giant cradling arms, brought about by long-ago geological shifts, which, finally, I saw as markers for my place in the world.

The Cape might be harsh at times, but it breeds tenacity and innovation and oftentimes, as a result, breathtaking beauty that is underlined with substance.

I am proud to present to you a locally inspired issue of Timber iQ that showcases just a sample of the world-class excellence that the Cape has to offer the timber design scene.

Kritzinger Architects, an award-winning Cape Town based architectural firm, are responsible for the stunning Makana House, featured on page 6, overlooking the Bushman’s River in the Eastern Cape, which pays tribute to a brave chief of the same name and employs timber elements that complement the landscape.

Liam Mooney, award-winning Cape Town furniture, lighting and accessories designer, talks to Timber iQ about some of his favourite timber designs and we feature Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants, who offer free range, ethically sourced meats (and much more) from a store that not only pays tribute to timber, but incorporates the material into the fibre of its trendy branding.

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We also showcase the new minima lighting range, from Jacques Cronje Timber Design, also a Cape Town based design entity. The range elegantly encapsulates the drive for innovation and the passion for timber of the designer himself.

With that, I leave you to soak up the December issue of Timber iQ that I hope leaves you (even more) proudly South African and taken with timber. May your copy of this issue be sprinkled with holiday sand from the places you love and leave you inspired for a bigger, better, 2013.

Happy holidays!

Jen PS: Don’t forget to participate in our SA Timber Building Poll, held in association with Jacques Cronje Timber Design, where you can win one of his exquisite minima Flute lights, plus a year’s subscription to Timber iQ, to the value of R2400!

contributors

Contributors

THE TEAM Editor:

Jacques Cronje Jacques is a registered Professional Senior Architectural Technologist (Pr.S.Arch.T). While his architectural training is informal, having learnt by onthe-job experience, mentorship and self-study, he has degrees in building management and economics, a post-grad certificate in energy economics and has done several courses in energy efficiency and sustainable development.

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

Editorial Assistant Alex Struck alex@trademax.co.za 0861 727 663

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

Daniel Conradie Daniel is a Candidate Senior Architectural Technologist and freelance writer based in Cape Town. He is passionate about the design process and how the technology and materials employed are composed to express it. Jason Bakery lattĂŠs, sci-fi novels and Cape Town summers assist him in retaining his sanity and fervour.

Get in touch

Advertising: Zahida Mahomed zahida@trademax.co.za 0861 727 663 Benita Allers benita@trademax.co.za 0861 727 663

Layout & design: Craig Patterson craig@trademax.co.za

SUBSCRIPTIONS & DATA: Follow us @Timber_iQ

Like us Timber iQ

www.trademax.co.za

Celeste Perrin celeste@trademax.co.za 0861 727 663

Trademax Publications

Correction This driftwood ship was built by Vernon Wilkinson of R & V WooDesigns and the paintings in the background were not painted by Keith Barnes, but by Lucia Earle Higgins.

R & V WooDesigns do not manufacture toys, but have a large selection of wooden products and other items all manufactured from driftwood and recycled materials.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this omission.

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DECEMBER 2012 //

Tel: 0861 727 663 Cell: 082 266 6976 Fax: 0866 991 346 www.trademax.co.za P.O. Box 37053 Chempet 7442

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.

feature

Makana House A three bedroom weekend home designed to suit the specific needs of a young Cape Town family on their 600 hectare farm in the Eastern Cape, Makana House was designed as a bold architectural statement reflecting the heroic nature of Chief Makana.

T

he house is situated high on a ridge, overlooking the Bushman’s River and its valley beyond and is named after the legendary Xhosa Chief Makana who is credited with attempting to unite the Xhosa people in their struggle against the British Empire in the late 1800s. It was the client’s wish that Makana House be designed as a bold architectural statement to reflect the heroic nature of Chief Makana.

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The brief called for a contemporary building that would reflect the name of the house and the lifestyle of the owner and his family. The brief was to: • create a transparent building that breaks down the barriers between inside and outside living; • raise the first floor to enhance the sense of arrival which begins as one approaches the building and culminates with the infinity pool as a focal point that draws the eye towards the view; • maximise the view by ensuring all rooms overlook the Bushman’s River; • introduce a palette of natural materials, colours and textures to ensure the building befits its context; • create an environmentally friendly building that functions off-grid; • employ local contractors and use local building materials for construction; • introduce contemporary fixtures and fittings to reflect the needs of the client.

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The design of Makana House enhances the sense of arrival through the creation of an 'arrival axis' which begins as one approaches the building and culminates with the dramatic impact of the infinity pool as a focal point that draws the eye towards the view.

The following environmentally friendly principals are applied: • Sustainably sourced materials and local labour will be used.

• High thermal mass materials, such as concrete and stone are used to retain the cool temperatures of the night throughout the day in summer and vice-versa in winter.

• The design allows for cross-ventilation of cool air from the Bushman’s River, pool and lily pond.

• Sliding timber screens provide solar shading to relieve heat gain in summer and can be opened to allow for heat gain in winter.

• Double glazing with low emissivity glass provides insulation to the facades.

• The stone wall and wattle covered terrace provide wind protection from the prevailing South Easterly wind in summer and the building orientation provides protection from the prevailing North Westerly wind in winter.

• Solar panels and a solar domestic hot water system are located on the garage roof to provide electrical output and hot water.

• Gas is used for cooking purposes.

• On site waste management is incorporated through the use of a Biolitix grey water system for irrigation purposes.

• Non-potable water is pumped from the Bushman’s River and stored in tanks for household use. Drinking water is brought in separately, although municipal drinking water is available on the property at the farm entrance gate.

// DECEMBER 2012

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feature

The design of Makana House enhances the sense of arrival through the creation of an ‘arrival axis’ which begins as one approaches the building and culminates with the dramatic impact of the infinity pool as a focal point that draws the eye towards the view.

The transparent and open-plan design opens up the building to the view to further enhance the sense of arrival. The first floor bedrooms and bathrooms are contained in a raised concrete envelope which is supported by shear walls on one side and a structural stair core on the other side.

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KEY:

1. Entrance 2. Living 3. Dining 4. Kitchen 5. Scullery 6. Bedroom 7. Bathroom 8. Dressing 9. Guest WC 10. Study 11. Gym 12. Pool 13. Lily pond 14. Deck 15. Outdoor seating 16. Lawn 17. Rooflight

LOWER GROUND FLOOR PLAN // DECEMBER 2012

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The raised first floor allows the ground floor living areas to open up completely to the outside, offering a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces. The lily pond and pool form key feature elements around the living areas and provide cool air flow during the hot summer months when the house is occupied most.

A large outdoor relaxing area and Balau timber deck are located next to the pool and are covered with a wattle roof to provide shade against the African sun. The gym and guest bedroom with its private deck are self-contained and located on the lower ground floor.

The façade is made up of large double glazed sliding doors and Balau timber screens which slide open to allow the building envelope to open up to the elements and enhance the idea of a transparent building. Ultimately, the design sets out to play on the senses - the smell of the indigenous vegetation, the sound of birds and the visual enjoyment of textured, natural building elements that make up the building.

Cape Town studio Kritzinger Architects have won ‘Best Architecture Single Residence Africa’ for the design of Makana House at The African Property Awards 2012 which were held in Dubai on the 18th October 2012. The project was shortlisted for the ‘World’s Best’ award at the International Property Awards 2012 which were held in London on the 7th December 2012. iQ For more information, visit www.kritzingerarchitects.com.

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Sliding timber screens provide solar shading to relieve heat gain in summer and can be opened to allow for heat gain in winter.

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GROUND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

KEY:

1. Entrance 2. Living 3. Dining 4. Kitchen 5. Scullery 6. Bedroom 7. Bathroom 8. Dressing 9. Guest WC 10. Study 11. Gym 12. Pool 13. Lily pond 14. Deck 15. Outdoor seating 16. Lawn 17. Rooflight

// DECEMBER 2012

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lighting

minima(lism) Jacques Cronje, a self-taught designer with a background in building science, recently launched his own range of bespoke and digitally crafted timber light fittings. The minima range speaks for itself.

T

en years ago, eyebrows were raised among architectural circles at the concept of timber specialisation. Fortunately, this didn’t deter Jacques Cronje, a designer who has made his mark creating beautiful timber homes across South Africa. Having learnt the ropes from specialist design-and-build companies in Knysna, he went on to establish Jacques Cronje Timber Design in Cape Town.

That was five years ago. Today, Jacques’ deep respect for nature and curiosity about structure have materialised into his latest creative endeavour, minima; bespoke and digitally crafted timber light fittings. His first range includes a series of six understated timber light shades that have caught the attention of industry specialists and interior retailers.

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lighting Each light in this range is held together by the three horizontal rings, using the opposing forces of tension and compression in each of the vertical pieces, with the flexibility of the timber enabling one to slightly bend and then clip the components into place.

When asked about his inspiration for the minima range, Jacques says, “There are several factors that have lead to the minima range. As creative as architecture is, most projects are very client focused, particularly at the residential level. And the way I work, most are a collaboration between myself and the client, so I've often sought out other creative outlets where I can design as if I were the client.” He adds, “A while back, I started getting excited about more organic design, wanting to incorporate curves and natural shapes into my work. I've also become increasingly excited about the endless possibilities that are opening up in terms of how design can be translated into product components with digital fabrication, which is opening the doors to more organic shapes; it's like a marriage of curved shapes inspired by nature and technology.”

Jacques’ passion for experimenting with timber and technology lead him to creating the minima range: “It seemed a logical place to start experimenting with this at a smaller scale, which led to my first piece of furniture (if you discount a sofa I designed for myself years ago), the minima stool. I also love working with wood and enjoy the technical aspects of design - the 'how things fit together' part of the design. My initial design intent with the lighting was to develop a light that could be made entirely of wood, and clip together without the need for any metal fixing or glue.

So I spent a lot of time on designing the structural system before working on the different curves and shapes. Each light in this range is held together by the three horizontal rings, using the opposing forces of tension and compression in each of the vertical pieces, with the flexibility of the timber enabling one to slightly bend and then clip the components into place.”

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lighting

Jacques likens the skeletal structure of the minima range to an unclad timber frame home, a stage of the project which he greatly appreciates due to its exposed honesty: “I also really enjoy being able to see the structure of a design. My favourite stage of the construction of a timber home is when all of the framing is up, but it hasn't yet been covered with cladding and internal wall linings. This is the only time you can really see the whole form of the building from any one vantage point, as it is as if it's transparent. The minima lights remain like this; semi transparent, with the structural framework not only exposed, but featured when the light is switched on.”

Jacques’ minima range is made from FSC certified 6mm birch plywood.

Prices from R1 000. iQ

For more information, visit timberdesign.co.za or follow Jacques on Twitter @JacquesCronje.

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feature

Beefed up Timber design and décor take centre stage at Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants' store in Cape Town.

F

rankie Fenner Meat Merchants in Cape Town, coowned and designed by Shaun Bond of franc., a creative consulting company, sells only free range, grass fed and ethically sourced meat. What lead Bond to employing timber as a prominent décor material in the look and feel of the store was entirely budget related.

The shopfit took approximately two months, mainly due to Bond having had a back operation during the process, and a maximum of R60 000 was spent on the entire project, including a R22 000 walk-in fridge. The treatment of the timber is a natural raw finish and soon, the counter tops will be planed down and treated with a virgin olive oil finish.

Bond says, “As a start-up business with absolutely no clue of what we were embarking upon, or what the public perception of free range, ethically sourced meat was at the time, we decided to keep overheads as low as possible.

This led to a very basic design.” Shaun adds, “We also had to take into account the walk-in fridge, which we clad in leather and named ‘The Beast.’” Space was limited, but not quite as limited as budget. Shaun used materials of which he had off-cuts in his own workshop, which consisted mainly of Oak and Kiaat, as well as reclaimed wooden shelves.

Public opinion has been highly positive, and the media has honed in on Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants to feature both the quality of the meat, as well as the simple look and feel of the store. franc., responsible for the design and décor of the store, has earned a bronze Loerie award for shop design, as well as another bronze award for brand identity. iQ

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For more information about Frankie Fennie Meat Merchants, visit www.ffmm.co.za.

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More about franc. franc. specialises in building brands from start to finish. 360 degree turnkey projects including spatial design, logo and brand identity, photography and tonal design, past projects include Vida E Café, Puma Social Club, Puma Braamfontein shopfit, Levi’s Hungry Thirsty and Levi’s Vintage pop-up shop.

For more details on franc., visit shaunfrancbond.com

// DECEMBER 2012

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Schooled Woodleigh School's science building design emphasises materials, assembly and resultant spaces, fostering independence, selfmotivation in line with the school's philosophy and inspiring students to take initiative.

Words: Daniel Conradie Photographs: Hayley Franklin

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feature

T

he issue of contextual congruity has, for many years, been a heated topic among architectural professionals. Should buildings follow an aesthetic already present in the immediate area, or is it perhaps more appropriate to contrast with the existing condition?

Viewing Australian architect, Sean Godsell's body of work, it becomes evident that his focus seems to be on neither of these conditions. Instead his work places emphasis on the materials, the building's assembly and the resultant spaces.

Woodleigh School, a private school located in Baxter, Victoria, approached the architects with a brief for a new building on the existing campus.

Its primary function would be to house classrooms for various scientific subjects, as well as additional educational facilities relevant thereto. The building should also embrace the school's philosophy of openness, independence, self motivation, inspiring the students to take initiative.

Formally, the building manifests as a linear element cut into the side of a verdant slope, with its strong horizontal roof plane contrasting with the landscape's more organic profile. The height of the building is kept low in order to reflect a visual continuation of the surrounding hills.

A deliberate biological analogy was selected to express the function of the building: a parallel series of ironbark and oxidised steel portal frames form the bones of the 'skeleton', while a more fluid arrangement of classrooms and laboratories within act as the organs.

A deliberate biological analogy was selected to express the function of the building: a parallel series of ironbark and oxidised steel portal frames form the bones of the 'skeleton', while a more fluid arrangement of classrooms and laboratories within act as the organs. The narrowly spaced portal frames succeed in creating an interesting and dynamic equilibrium between permeability and the actual definition of space.

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Even though these two elements are clearly defined as separate parts, both in terms of detailing and material composition, the permeability of the outer skin permits a more intimate relationship with its context and provides a protective environment for the students within.

The organization of the functional spaces was specifically curated to act as a 'Gallery of Science’, effectively exhibiting the activities performed within them, generating interest and encouraging interaction with the educational content and the students.

The rectangular volume's longer elevations are oriented toward East and West and assist in defining the perimeter of a newly formed outdoor space for the students. The school's existing quadrangle model layout (whereby multiple buildings define the outline of an outdoor space) is repeated through this gesture, connecting the new addition with the existing. This particular placement was chosen in order to have the positioning of the existing library as a pivotal element between the old and new buildings, reforming its importance.

The 1200m2 building includes five classrooms which are all serviced by a common preparation laboratory.

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Store rooms, a greenhouse and aquarium surround the classrooms, effectively breaking the monotony of a modular organizational methodology (an approach commonly employed in educational architecture).

Instead of arranging the various activities along a series of closed corridors, Godsell approached the building's circulation in a much more informal fashion: by placing all of the activities underneath a single roof element, he was able to pry these rooms apart and increase the likelihood of interaction with other students. This large covered space provides shelter and security, with the elongated East and West elevations providing a shaded passage throughout the largest part of the day.

"For years we tried to preserve the colour of cut timber but now we allow timber to weather to a grey colour and steel to oxidise to ochre tones," Godsell says.

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As the sun moves across the surface of the building, it filters through the perforated outer skin and casts intricate patterns of light and shadow deep into the building. As the day progresses, these shadows change and provide the building with an interesting sense of dynamism.

Separated from the primary body of the main building, a large project room is placed toward the one end of the building. The purpose of this room is to showcase the work of the students in a venue that provides a sense of achievement. A large steel pivot entry door into the space strengthens this idea.

The use of oxidised steel as a building material became a popular international trend during the 1960s. Its use discontinued soon afterwards, most notably due to the undesirable rust-coloured run-off produced. However, it has recently been revisited (and consequently popularised) after its use in several prominent architectural works, including some of Godsell's own work.

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A similar observation can be made regarding the contemporary application of timber in building construction. Instead of trying to combat the decay of the building material selected, architects are embracing its inert qualities and purposefully conducting the palette around it. "For years we tried to preserve the colour of cut timber but now we allow timber to weather to a grey colour and steel to oxidise to ochre tones," Godsell says.

"Architects are allowing nature to have its way rather than resisting it."

Being predisposed to the natural decay of materials translates into buildings that have a certain material honesty about them. Instead of relying on surface coatings to conceal a flawed or failed detail, the architect has to ensure that everything had been considered beforehand.

The beauty of the Woodleigh School science building lies in the simple and seemingly effortless approach to its assembly.

Godsell's work delightfully opposes the local aesthetic, but he manages to produce an architectural work that sits comfortably within it. iQ

Architects: Sean Godsell Architects Location: Baxter, Victoria, Australia Structural consultant: JMP Builder: Kane Constructions Pty Ltd Project year: 2003

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furniture

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Liam Mooney Passionate about creating products for the now, Liam Mooney shares with Timber iQ some of his favourite designs employing wood.

JR: Who is Liam Mooney?

LM: I’m a stickler for originality, innovation and quality.

There is no joy greater than seeing what was once just a simple sketch evolve into a real product.

JR: What is Liam Mooney?

LM: Started in 2006, Liam Mooney is a South African design and manufacturing company of furniture, lighting and accessories. We are passionate about creating quality products that are simple, innovative and that we feel are relevant ‘at the time, for the time’. In addition to our Signature and Micro collections, we also offer bespoke furniture design and interior design services.

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JR: How do you feel about timber as a material with which to work?

LM: It’s one of my favourites! But what is really interesting to me is mixing timber with metal and or plastics. The contrast between warm and cold is really beautiful. There is also a sense of soul that you can only get from working with a beautiful piece of timber.

JR: What is your favourite type of timber for design and why?

LM: I generally really like mid-tone brown timbers with a very distinct grain. Right now I’m feeling a little retro and am enjoying using Kiaat.

furniture

1

Liam Mooney Favourites 1. Name: The Folded Coffee Table Description: FSC approved American Poplar with a clear satin duco finish.

Length: 910mm Height: 495mm Width: 750mm Weight: 15kg Popular use: Bedside table Price: R6650 LM: I love that this table seams to defy the possibilities of wood.

2. Name: The Arc Lamp Description: Epoxy coated mild steel base and FSC approved European Beech.

Colour options: Black, white

2

Length: 500mm Height: 1 800mm Width: 900mm Weight: approx. 12kg Popular use: Residential Price: R4500 LM: This lamp is our best selling product and can be adjusted into various positions. It’s also the 2008 Winner for the best lighting design of the year award for Elle Decoration South Africa’s EDIDA awards.

Predominantly a residential product, the Arc Lamp also looks good in a really big space. We also create these in mini versions.

3. Name: The Wooden Shona Lamp Description: Hand carved from reject timber from the Western Cape, South Africa.

Height: 450mm Width: 235mm Weight: approx. 2kg Price: R1750 LM: We made these lights out of reject camphor, so when the light is switched on it lets off a pepperminty smell. It’s carved with a chainsaw and we sold almost the entire edition to a game farm in Kenya.

This edition is sold out.

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furniture 4. Name: The Fit/Form Shelving unit Description: A Flat-packable, assemble-it-yourself shelving unit that is held together entirely with tension (no glue, no screws, no nails) and manufactured in Okoume Marine Ply. This unit is entirely modular and can be configured in hundreds of different ways. *Please note that unit may be configured according to client’s own needs and therefore price varies accordingly.

5

Length: 2 000mm Height: 2 000mm Width: 800mm Price: On request* Popular use: Residential LM: People hate using screws and glues. This product flat-packs and is self-assembled at home with pegs and a mallet.

5. Name: The Crag Chair Description: Epoxy coated mild steel and FSC approved Waney Edged Yellow Wood. This chair is available in café chair, dining chair and barstool dimensions. Please note: As the wooden components of this design use Waney Edged timber, each chair is unique, and will never look like any others of the same design.

Price: Dining Chair R2150 Café Chair R1950 LM: I love that each chair is unique due to the Wany Edge of the Yellow Wood. This is a limited edition product and we still have a few left in the edition.

6. Name: Tressel Table Description: FSC approved European Beech, glass top (not pictured) Length: 600mm Height: 730mm Width: 420mm Weight: approx. 8kg Price: R2700 LM: The first product I ever designed. I like that it seems to defy the laws of gravity.

7. Name: The Lowveld Stool Description: Epoxy coated mild steel and Pine Ply. The design of seat of this stool is based on the organic form of a tractor seat. The stool is stackable and available in counter and barstool dimensions.

Colour options: Black, white Height: 450mm Width: Seat – Diameter 450mm, Legs – Diameter 550mm Weight: 5kg Popular use: Home offices Price: R2100

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JR: Liam Mooney's awards and achievements to date?

LM: The studio’s work has been shown in exhibitions in and around Scandinavia, New York and London.

We have also been featured extensively in the local and international design media, most notably, DOMUS (Italy), (Inside) Australian Design Review, Elle Italia, Travel & Leisure (USA), and Wallpaper Magazine, which named us as ‘one of the top 20 reasons to be in South Africa in 2011’. We also won Lighting Designer of the Year 2008 for Elle Magazine’s EDIDA awards.

JR: Where do you see Liam Mooney in 5 years' time?

LM: With showrooms in Cape Town, Johannesburg, London and New York.

JR: What are your immediate future plans?

LM: At the moment we’re working on

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a range of ‘basics’ for the home, which will be a more affordable range. We’re also exploring CNCing a bit more and developing our Fit/Form range.

All of the solid timber used by Liam Mooney is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved. All wood is either lacquered or oiled and waxed in natural and organic products. Only Southern African manufacturers are used in the manufacture of Liam Mooney products. iQ

For more information, visit: www.liammooney.co.za Liam Mooney showroom 64 Wale Street, Cape Town (Mon - Fri / 10h00 - 16h00; Sat / 10h00 - 14h00)

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Coastal comfort Situated on a beautiful stretch of coastline north of Tofo in Mozambique, House Wessels, combining local aesthetics with intelligent design, is a beach house with a conscience.

T

he owners were assisted by a Mozambican architectural designer with their initial sketch plans and in obtaining approvals to develop the land. Jacques Cronje Timber Design was then approached to develop the design further, with the initial intent of having the house pre-fabricated in South Africa.

Being uncertain of the structural qualities and grading of the local Mozambican timber, the idea of using the more familiar SA Pine as the predominant structural material was preferential. To facilitate the erection on site, the house was designed to be built from manageable sized panels, which could be pre-clad and simply erected by hand.

However, on a site visit that occurred well into the detailed design phase, the client was introduced to a South African timber frame builder from Gauteng, who was, at the time, busy with another project in the area and had set up shop near Tofo.

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The project is entirely off grid. Electricity is harnessed with photovoltaic panels and water is heated with a combination of solar water heating panels and gas.

The decision, for logistical reasons, was then to have the house site-built rather than follow the pre-fabrication route. With the detailed drawings for pre-manufacturing already having been done, the builder had opted to assemble the wall panels off site regardless, although in this case his workshop was only a couple of kilometres away from the site, rather than in a neighbouring country.

External cladding and decking were completed using locally sourced Zimbiri timber.

The design consists of three interleading units, separating working, living and sleeping areas. In keeping with the style of the ‘beach bungalows’ and local housing typical to the area, the local Makuti thatching was used for the roof covering.

Makuti, a totally natural product made from coco palm leaves, provides excellent insulation.

The project is entirely off grid. Electricity is harnessed with photovoltaic panels and water is heated with a combination of solar water heating panels and gas. Water is supplied from a borehole on the site. Grey and blackwater are separated and a methane convertor is being investigated to produce gas from the blackwater effluent.

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Makuti thatch, a totally natural product made from coco palm leaves, was used for the roof covering and provides excellent insulation.

An interesting design challenge was integrating the solar panels into the traditional Makuti thatched roof.

As the photovoltaic panels operate most efficiently when cooler, there must ideally be space for airflow to the underside of the panel; therefore seating them on the thatch would have rendered less than favourable results. This would also potentially have resulted in quicker deterioration of the thatch due to heat and moisture build-up. The solution was to fix panels onto brackets raising them above corrugated roof sheets beneath for waterproofing, with space for a cooling airflow beneath. The thatch was then brought right up to and beneath the edges of the panels, to create the integrated effect of the panels and thatching.

Similar to the way airflow is used to allow the photovoltaic panels to work at optimum efficiency, airflow in the walls is also used to help keep the house cool in the sub-tropical heat. The walls are timber frame, done as insulated panels covered in ply sheathing, with reflective foil insulation to the outside.

An extra air cavity was created on the outside by off setting the external cladding away from the wall sheathing with battens, creating an open cavity where warm air can rise up behind the cladding and out of the wall.

We bring you eco-friendly solutions for your energy-efďŹ cient house.

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Construction system of solid wood Eco-friendly building materials Sophisticated 3D-software solutions

The owner claims that in mid-summer, walking in to the house on a day of 30ËšC outside feels like walking into a cool, air-conditioned space. iQ

www.novatop-system.com

// DECEMBER 2012

33

www.cadwork.co.za

HWZ International SA (Pty) Ltd 4 Sedgemoor Road, Camps Bay 8005, Cape Town Tel./Fax: 27 214 389 221, Mobile: 27 764 019 120 E-mail: capetown@hwzinternational.com

www.hwzinternational.com

feature

eco-PERCH A unique concept in luxury accommodation developed by Blue Forest, a UK tree house design and construction company, the eco-PERCH makes perfect business and environmental sense.

T

he eco-PERCH is an inviting retreat that offers guests an exclusive hotel or self-catering experience. For the operator, it brings a significant business opportunity, a one-of-a-kind destination experience within a short lead time and without compromising on quality or price.

The eco-PERCH concept is based on Blue Forest’s famous tree houses. Its natural, organic geometry maximises the relationship between the inside space and the outdoor setting, ensuring the structure sits harmoniously within the landscape.

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DECEMBER 2012 //

The building sleeps four people and is delivered, assembled and commissioned in approximately 5 days (subject to site preparation). The eco-PERCH design is flexible and can be adapted to suit the site where existing infrastructure is already in place.

With options to assemble the building on the ground or in the treetops there are infinite possibilities for creating accommodation with a difference.

feature Blue Forest’s uniquely tailored service provides a turnkey solution, where everything from design and planning to construction and commissioning comes in an easy, reliable and professional package.

1. Developed to meet the demands of the tourism sector for and attractive, affordable and sustainable high quality accommodation unit.

2. Installed in approximately 5 days, with the minimum of disruption to any existing operations (subject to site preparation).

3. Cutting edge design to differentiate your business from the competition and provide a vivid resource for PR and marketing.

4. Offers an exceptional client experience and can be let at a premium rate to increase profitability.

5. Built from natural materials and with a host of renewable energy options the building blends effortlessly into any environment.

// DECEMBER 2012

35

feature

How long will the eco-PERCH last?

The eco-PERCH has been designed to offer a 15 year life-span. With regular use and maintenance it is expected to last even longer.

What other services do Blue Forest offer?

Blue Forest build a wide range of sustainable buildings and have a heritage in the bespoke design and construction of tree houses and ecolodges. They provide services to both the private and commercial market including, masterplanning, architectural design,

Can the eco-PERCH be used for anything other than accommodation?

Yes, the eco-PERCH can be redesigned to be used for everything from a home office to a unique ecoclassroom.

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GREAT CAPE LANDMARKS ARE STILL BEING CREATED...

Given the beauty and versatility of timber, Rustic Homes’ architects and designers continue to create landmark homes in the Western Cape. Having pioneered timber construction here, we have perfected the technology that makes our bespoke-built homes immune to the vagaries of our climate.

...HERE IN THE VALLEY OF THE MARSH ROSE

Unrivalled finish and craftsmanship. It all starts here at our factory in Grabouw’s beautiful Valley of the Marsh Rose: a unique workplace where craftsmen pursue their passion for building homes that people love to live in... A place that welcomes clients to experience for themselves excellence at work, and to meet the people responsible for the faultless fit and finish of every panel and beam of every Rustic Home.

Visit www.rustichomes.co.za

Email info@rustichomes.co.za

Call Mel (Mondays to Wednesdays) on 021 859 5193

feature

What about services & utilities?

The eco-PERCH can be installed with a variety of renewable energy options creating an entirely off-grid solution (i.e. without the needs for mains utilities and sewerage). In most cases it will be preferable to connect the building to main services and drainage or a septic tank.

Blue Forest is an award winning company that specialises in the design and construction of luxurious tree houses and unique sustainable buildings.

The Blue Forest team have built hundreds of tree houses around the world. Despite the traditional stereotype, tree houses are not just for children.

Their portfolio includes everything from fantasy tree house castles to kids’ dens, exclusive tree house accommodation and custom built ecoclassrooms and sustainable buildings. iQ For more information, visit www.blueforest.com.

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DECEMBER 2012 //

2,5m

3,9m

“INSPIRED BY NATURE” WOOD - A Sustainable Building Solution

THIRD WOOD CONFERENCE 2013

For architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and timber experts.

CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE (CTICC) FRIDAY, 08 FEBRUARY 2013 HOSTED BY: HWZ International SA (Pty) Ltd Contact us : +27764019120 - capetown@hwzinternational.com

feature

Sitting pretty Manufacturing an exclusive range of contemporary plant pots, furniture and accessories for a modern lifestyle, Obbligato develops versatile designs that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

W

ith the focus on creating products that the consumer can identify with on an aesthetic level, Obbligato employs simple, elegant shapes and minimalistic elements.

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Obbligato uses timber for benches, planters and trash bins on commercial, hospitality or domestic projects and have a standard range of products, but also custom make pieces to suit bespoke projects if necessary.

feature

Obbligato uses Kiaat and Balau on a regular basis, but do use other woods on request by the customer. They make an effort to use the timber in its most natural form, varnishing or oiling only to enhance the natural wood grain so that the natural beauty of the wood is highlighted.

All products are made to order in various styles and ranges, which can be finished to customer specification. The planters, furniture and accessories will enhance any domestic, corporate or commercial environment, eclectic or formal.

In addition to the standard shapes and finishes available, bespoke products can be manufactured to suit a variety of projects or applications.

The handmade products are manufactured from a wide variety of materials, including steel, copper, stainless steel, fibreglass and perspex in Durban, South Africa. iQ For more information, visit www.obbligato.co.za.

// DECEMBER 2012

41

award

William Duk scoops prestigious entrepreneur of the year award The Plantation Shutter Co.® is proud to announce that its MD and Majority Shareholder, William Duk was awarded the 2012 Sanlam/Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year ® Award at a gala event held in Johannesburg.

I

n the space of just five years, Duk managed to successfully transform the business that designs, manufactures and installs superior quality adjustable louvre windows and door shutters from a state of near bankruptcy to a leading national business with healthy profits and a growing list of celebrity clients.

“This is not only a fantastic achievement for us as a company, but an exciting breakthrough for me personally, especially considering that the competition extended across all industries and included businesses of all sizes. I am proud to take my place amongst the prestigious line-up of previous winners and honoured to be part of this most auspicious of competitions,” comments an elated Duk.

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award According to Nimo Naidoo, project manager of the 2012 Sanlam/Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards, “This competition aims to honour, benefit and uplift South African SMEs, and serves as an inspiration to others trying to make their mark in the world of business. William Duk was chosen as the overall winner, because he not only managed to turn a failing business into a profitable and sustainable venture with a national client base, but because he personifies the dynamic entrepreneurial spirit.”

“Duk embodies the traits of a truly talented entrepreneur and we are very impressed with his outstanding achievements regarding job creation, not to mention his effective leadership expertise and financial prowess. His strategy for the future, with specific reference to harnessing a broader market segment, sets him apart from the rest,” adds Kobus Engelbrecht, a member of the judging panel of the 2012 Sanlam/Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® Competition.

Duk first encountered The Plantation Shutter Co.® when he was looking to purchase the factory housing the company. Due to a lethal cocktail of part financial troubles and part short sighted expansion plans, the company was on the verge of liquidation. After an indepth investigation, Duk decided to take over the debts and liabilities in exchange for a 50% share and proceeded to implement innovative changes throughout all departments.

Since then it has been a miraculous turnaround and The Plantation Shutter Co.® is now a thriving entity recognised for a host of multimillion-rand developments, including top celebrity and designer homes, hotels, game lodges and top businesses throughout South Africa.

In addition, The Plantation Shutter Co.® currently employs over 100 committed staff and uses only certified, high-quality, solid hardwood timber from select sawmills (which harvest sustainable timber) to manufacture the Plantation Timber Shutters.

New developments include the highly soughtafter Plantation security shutters.

// DECEMBER 2012

45

award

“Sanlam/Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® (EOY) Competition aims to encourage, celebrate and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit.

By successfully uplifting local entrepreneurial role models, South Africa will be able to build a society that celebrates entrepreneurial activity and success. Creating an entrepreneurial society is crucial in stimulating job creation in our country, as well as ensuring that South Africa becomes economically competitive globally,” adds Naidoo.

“The Plantation Shutter Co.® has regional offices nationwide and our team’s passion for the business is matched by a strong service ethic and a desire for complete customer satisfaction.

Where one door closes, a new shutter opens,” concludes Duk.

About Sanlam/Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® competition: The Sanlam/Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards aim to honour, benefit and uplift South African SMEs. Now in its 24th year, the competition celebrates excellence in entrepreneurship, serving as an inspiration to others to succeed in the world of business. Visit www.eoy.co.za for more information. iQ For more information visit www.plantation.co.za.

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DECEMBER 2012 //

Nazeem Martin, managing director of Business Partners Ltd., William Duk and Jan Steenkamp, executive head of Cobalt Solutions.

NEW

RELEASE 2012 EDITION

We are pleased to announce the publication of the Handbook for the Application of the Amendments to the National Building Regulations for Energy Usage� authored by Howard Harris.

This Handbook is a must-have for Architects, Competent Persons, and other Industry Professionals who need to be familiar with the recently amended National Building Regulations and SANS10400XA and SANS204.

Proudly Published by

This publication is available for purchase at a cost of R185 (including VAT) plus the cost of delivery.

To order your copy, please contact: Tel: (012) 460-8683

Fax: 086-592-2120

E-mail: admin@spenergy.co.za

www.structatherm.co.za

windows

Top 10 reasons to choose wooden windows for your home Wooden windows are a great architectural detail in any building.

However, it is not only aesthetic reasons that make them an optimum choice; there are a number of other reasons too.

C

harl Jacobz, from Swartland Wooden Windows and Doors, offers the top 10 reasons why wooden windows should be the windows of choice for any new build or renovation project:

1. Wooden windows are beautiful The rich grain and organic texture of solid wood make beautifully crafted wooden windows an aesthetically beautiful addition to any home or building. Says Charl, “There is no argument that wooden windows add an element of visual beauty to any architectural design they grace – a fact that makes them the first choice for discerning architects, builders and homeowners the world over. Wood, if skilfully crafted, has a stunning organic quality for unrivalled aesthetic appeal.”

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2. Wooden windows come in a variety of styles It is important that the style of the window you choose pairs well with the architectural style of your home, explains Charl. “For a good looking architectural elevation, the style of windows you choose must complement the overall design of your home. This is where wooden windows offer a real benefit, as they are available in a plethora of various styles and designs to suit almost any architectural design, from the most contemporary to the very traditional.” Swartland Wooden Windows and Doors for example, offers wooden windows in the following styles: sliding sash windows, mock sash windows, horizontal gliding windows, full pane windows, small pane windows and top-hung windows.

windows 3. Wooden windows are made to suit specific climates

8. Wooden windows are now easy to maintain

It is important to choose materials that suit the specific climate you are living in, says Charl. “Swartland makes its wooden windows from wood that has been specially kiln-dried in their own kilns to ensure that it boasts an 8% moisture content, which is the most suitable for the South African climate.”

Beauty aside, many consumers were weary of wooden windows as they required a lot of maintenance to keep them looking good. However, since water-based sealants have been introduced to the market, maintaining your wooden windows is quick and easy. Charl explains, “If you can Wash n’ Wipe a window your maintenance is done.” Waterbased sealants are very durable, designed to withstand even the harshest climates, they are very easy to apply, and they are comparatively very quick-drying.

4. Wooden windows are made from sustainable material In general, wood has a much smaller carbon footprint than other materials used to construct windows, making it the ideal environmentally friendly choice, says Charl. “When compared to a similar type of window made from wood, it would take 4,41 times the amount of energy to make it out of UPVC, 6,34 times the amount of energy to make it out of aluminium, and 11,7 times the amount of energy to make it out of steel. Also, unlike plastic, concrete, steel or aluminium, wood is a sustainable material and a renewable source. Swartland for example, only uses wood from strictly monitored sources.”

5. Wooden windows are long-lasting and durable If well maintained, Charl says that wooden windows can last for decades: “Developments in timber window design and finishing products mean that modern, high performance timber windows need minimal maintenance, and, when sealed with the correct products, potentially have a significantly longer lifespan when compared to other substrates.” He says that in general, there is no reason why wood shouldn’t last for over 50 to 100 years, and even after that time, they can often be renovated and restored, whereas this is not always possible with other substrates.

6. Wo oden windows boast excellent insulation qualities “Wood is an extremely efficient insulator,” says Charl. “With regards to insulation, Swartland’s wooden windows fare exceptionally well in the market. In fact, recent independent tests conducted by the South African Fenestration and Insulating Energy Rating Association (SAFIERA) on a Swartland wooden window have shown that it had the lowest tested U-rating of all tested windows in South Africa.”

7. Wooden windows are now available with double-glazing Double-glazing and insulation can easily reduce the energy spent on regulating the temperature in your home by as much as 50%. However, wooden windows were not always available with double-glazing – but now they are with Swartland’s range of double-glazed wooden windows.

Swartland’s Maxicare water-based sealant for example, can withstand temperature fluctuations, makes the wood heat-reflective (in darker colours) and fungus-resistant, prolongs the longevity of the wood, and it is touch-dry within a mere three hours.” He says that with Swartand’s Wash n’ Wipe Wood Maintenance Kit, you can quickly and easily keep your wooden windows looking great for longer – no more sanding is required.

9. Wooden windows can come presealed and pre-glazed With Swartland’s new Ready 2 Fit range, wooden windows are now available 100% complete, presealed and pre-glazed, so that they will require no further treatment once installed. “This new range comprises wooden windows and doors that are presealed as they are finished being manufactured. The glazing is then installed before they leave the Swartland factory, so when they arrive on site they are ready to be installed, with no further labour required to seal and glaze them. This not only saves the builder and homeowner time and money, but it also ensures that the windows and doors are protected against any exposure to the elements,” notes Charl.

10. Wooden windows are timeless Today, antique wooden windows are still very much in demand, and it is easy to understand why. Simply put, wooden windows offer a timeless appeal that doesn’t date, but rather grows in appeal over time.

“Fashions and styles may come and go, but the classic beauty of wood is something that lasts through the ages, and this is why wooden windows boast the best staying power when compared to other types of windows,” concludes Charl. iQ

// DECEMBER 2012

49

CIFOR

CIFOR scientists have discovered that Cameroon’s informal domestic timber market is as large as the legal export market.

Photo by Ollivier Girard/CIFOR

Cutting through Formalising Cameroon's huge domestic timber market Words: Kate Evans Photographs by: Ollivier Girard/CIFOR

Y

aounde, Cameroon (14 November, 2012): Shirtless and muscular, his skin flecked with specks of sawdust, 58 year-old Dieudonné Ngomo* wields his chainsaw with casual ease. Guided by nothing but oily black lines drawn along the fallen tree at his feet, he expertly cuts a straight plank from the trunk.

“I won’t lie to you – we do this in secret,” he says.

“But it is based on this that the whole country lives. Almost everyone lives from this.”

“We find wood everywhere, in the fallows, in the cacao fields, in the forests,” he says.

But it is not easy work. Ngomo’s chainsaw has injured him many times – and even once access to timber has been negotiated and the planks are safely out of the forest, it is a long and difficult road to get them to market in Cameroon’s capital, Yaounde.

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State officials often stop the trucks and demand ‘informal payments’ before the wood is allowed through, or find the loggers in the forest and fine them.

Ngomo says he wants to obtain a logging permit – but says no one can ever explain how to go about getting one.

“We do not even understand what we have to do exactly. If we had the means to obtain these documents it would be so much easier for us,” he says.

But legal or illegal, Ngomo says rural people won’t lay down their chainsaws.

“It is a job that helps a lot of people, I guarantee this to you. If you think of the carriers, the cutters – it really allows a lot of families to live,” Ngomo says, hefting a plank onto the head of a waiting teenager.

CIFOR “If I make planks like these, someone else can carry 10 planks a day out of the forest, and gain 5000 CFA Francs [US $10]; and the same over 2 or 3 weeks: here we have saved a family!”

“Not everyone is able to create a cacao plantation, a man might not be able to be a sawyer, but his strength enables him to be carrier,” he says.

“And this allows him to survive.”

Surprise discovery Ngomo is forced to operate outside the law, because all timber cut for Cameroon’s domestic market remains poorly governed. When Cameroon implemented a logging code in the 1990s, it focused on wood harvested for export.

“We prefer to call them informal loggers, rather than illegal,” says Paolo Cerutti, a scientist from Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) who is studying the issue.

“The problem is in many of these countries where we conduct research, the law is not adapted to the operations that small-scale loggers conduct, making it difficult to be clear about what is legal and what is illegal.”

As part of Cameroon’s formal logging sector, this concession in the south of the country must comply with sustainability requirements – yet the informal sector remains poorly regulated. Photo by Ollivier Girard/CIFOR

// DECEMBER 2012

51

CIFOR

Traders in Yaounde’s timber markets say they want the industry to be formalised. Photo by Ollivier Girard/CIFOR

Cerutti and other scientists from CIFOR and CIRAD (Centre for International Cooperation on Agricultural Research for Development) spent four years studying Cameroon’s internal, informal timber market, and discovered that it was far larger than expected.

In fact, it is the same size as the formal export market.

“It was not only a surprise for us but also for the administration and for the people we work with in Cameroon,” says CIFOR and CIRAD scientist, Guillaume Lescuyer.

“The volumes are very important, and moreover it’s the same for some other countries, like the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic, where the informal chain is much broader than the formal one.”

This has enormous implications for the governments of Cameroon and other Congo Basin countries, says Lescuyer – especially because many of them are now committed to eradicating illegal logging.

National reforms Denis Koulagna Koutou, the Secretary General of Cameroon’s Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, agrees it’s a big challenge – but his department has made reform a priority.

“There are a lot of anomalies in this sector. Our commitment [under FLEGT] is that we cannot clean up the exporting sector without considering the local market,” he says.

“We are a country that wants to develop; that means we will embark on public works, and build housing for the population; and for these, we need wood.”

“We want to start standardising all timber-related activities.”

Koulagna Koutou says the new research findings have been very valuable.

In 2010, Cameroon, like the Republic of Congo before it, signed a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU under the FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade) Action Plan, pledging to eliminate illegal logging from both its export and domestic markets by 2012.

“We cannot have a sustainable development of our natural resources without viable data,” he says.

But when the agreement was signed, the full extent and dynamics of the informal domestic market were not yet known.

“I think that’s very fundamental: the role of research in the sustainable management of natural resources.”

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“CIFOR was the first in the sub-region to embark on a longterm study, good quantitative research which has allowed us to identify where there are problems.”

CIFOR “For formal logging there is a kind of regulatory framework that sets out sustainable forest management requirements, according to the regulations of Cameroon – but at the moment, informal logging is completely out of this formal framework,” he says.

“It’s a discussion,” adds Cerutti.

“Because we are not politicians, sometimes we don’t know the political background to a situation, so they are the ones telling us this option is possible, or that is not possible, because of these reasons.”

“I think there is good ground for collaboration.”

CIFOR scientist Edouard Essiane Mendoula also worked on the project.

“It’s obvious that the changes will come slowly,” he says.

“But we can already feel a change.”

Like a lottery In the forests and in the urban sale yards, informal timber traders are waiting for their work to be recognised under the law.

Amadou Hayakou* oversees the daily business in one of Yaounde’s many timber markets. He was elected Market Chief by the 65 people, mostly women, who work there.

“We do not wish to work illegally, we are waiting to become legal,” he says.

“Illegal wood is like a lottery – perhaps today you can make a living, but tomorrow, the day after, who knows?”

He says people would prefer to pay set taxes than run the gauntlet of unpredictable ‘informal payments’ on the way to market.

“When it is legal, you buy the wood at the sawmill, and if you invest two million [CFA Francs – US $4000] you can be sure that whatever happens, you will retrieve your two million, you will never be arrested, your wood will never be confiscated.” * Names have been changed.

Working together In addition to the statistics, CIFOR and CIRAD have given policy advice to the Cameroonian government, to assist them to try to legalise the informal domestic timber market.

“We have proposed they implement a ‘small-scale timber permit’, which should match the small-scale logger practices now, and then try to implement more sustainable management of these resources,” says Lescuyer.

The Pro-Formal project (Policy and regulatory options to recognise and better integrate the domestic timber sector in tropical countries) is funded by the European Commission and forms part of the CGIAR Research Program on Forests, Trees and Agroforestry. iQ This article was taken from the CIFOR blog.

For more information, visit www.blog.cifor.org.

// DECEMBER 2012

53

woodex

WoodEX for Africa 2013 launched to the industry WoodEX for Africa 2013, Africa's leading timber trade exhibition being held at Gallagher Convention Centre from 21 to 23 March 2013, was recently launched to the timber industry at a function held at Gallagher Convention Centre.

S

peaking at the event, WoodEX Exhibition Manager, Lynn Chamier said the international interest in WoodEX has grown tremendously since the inaugural exhibition earlier this year, and agents in Europe and China are actively marketing the show. “Bookings for exhibition space are already more than 50 per cent up compared to the same time last year, and we are receiving enquiries daily. We are looking forward to an excellent event in 2013.”

New for WoodEX for Africa 2013 A first at WoodEX for Africa 2013 will be the introduction of The Hub, an area where ‘first-time’ exhibitors will be able to book 2x2m stands in a specific area called The Hub.

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DECEMBER 2012 //

“This area, which is an open space with a cocktail table, chairs, brochure stand and pull-up banner included in the price, is ideal for smaller companies who would like to exhibit for the first time, as it allows them the chance to showcase their products and services at a reduced cost,” says Chamier. Only eight of these spaces are available at WoodEX. Another first at WoodEX for Africa 2013 are Timber Talks, a number of short seminars which will provide a dynamic and interactive learning experience to visitors at the exhibition. Timber Talks will offer visitors the opportunity to share knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry.

woodex Highlights at WoodEX for Africa 2013 Highlights on the 2013 WoodEX programme include the event’s Timber Games which will be broadcast on Supersport. During these thrilling games South Africa’s most skilled chainsaw operators and wood carvers will showcase their craft in speed cutting and carving competitions.

Another highlight on the programme will be the demonstrations by celebrated DIY guru and television personality Riaan Garforth-Venter, better known as ‘Die Nutsman’. Riaan, who is synonymous with creative ideas, DIY, eco-tips, conservation and beautiful homes, will share his passion for wood by demonstrating various techniques, and he will also use this platform to film one of his ‘Nutsman’ television programmes.

Welcome to the latest WoodEX for Africa exhibitors: • PG Bison • WoodMizer • Stihl • Hintech Manufacturing • WoodTech • Dieffenbacher • National Edging • Universal Plywood • UPM Plywood • IMA Klessmann GmbH • Rhino Modified Wood • Simpson Strong-Tie • Lonza Wood Protection • Microvellum Software • Wizcad • Leitz Tooling • FX Veneer • Cell Hardware Products • Quart International • Alternative Structures • Pretoria Timber Treaters • Easy Clip • South African Wood Preservers Association • Pride of Africa • Forestry SA • The Wood Foundation • Sawmilling SA • The Institute of Timber Frame Builders • Holzbearbeitungsysteme • Suzhou Wude Wood-Based Panel Machinery • Chengdu Yibai Cutting Tools • ITC-SA and Staalmeester • Eva-Last iQ

For more information about WoodEX for Africa visit www.woodexforafrica.com

// DECEMBER 2012

55

news

Lonza's Tanapole campaign takes to the road TM

Lonza Wood Protection is placing an emphasis on product awareness and education, particularly among the agricultural sector and pole treaters, as part of its launch of the umbrella TanapoleTM wood preservative treated pole brand.

T

o date, the campaign has received an overwhelmingly positive response from as far afield as Zimbabwe (at a Lonza pole seminar) and locally during the hosting of farmer awareness evenings with Kaap Agri and Outeniqua Pale in well-known vineyard areas, Robertson and McGregor in the Western Cape.

“We were thrilled to be invited by Outeniqua Pale and Kaap Agri to present Tanapole TM information at the Durbanville Agricultural Association’s October monthly meeting during the sponsor slot. This opportunity provided us with the perfect platform to explain the Tanalised™ wood preservative treatment options and address any concerns,” said Gerard Busse, Marketing Manager, Lonza Wood Protection.

Polokwane, which is home to a large scale of vegetable and citrus farmers, is another focal area for the introduction and growth of Tanapole™ preservatives in the treated wooden pole market. With this in mind, Lonza got on board as one of the sponsors at the Limpopo Agri biannual congress and gala dinner and used the opportunity to present the numerous Tanapole™ benefits and offerings. Many of the farmers in this area, and around the country, are now moving towards shade netting with new plantings in order to protect their investments. The Tanapole™ is therefore ideally suited with its water-borne wood preservative treatment that does not have an adverse effect on the netting material itself.

“Judging by the positive response received from the farmers in the Limpopo area, we feel confident that Tanapole™ preservatives are well placed to become the farmer’s treated pole of choice,” said Busse.

About Lonza Wood Protection As part of Lonza Microbial Control, Lonza Wood Protection specializes in products for the industrial pre-treatment and surface protection of wood and has global operations in North and South America, Europe, key markets in Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Lonza’s approach to business is characterized by innovative products, valued brands and exceptional customer service, including: • The broadest range of industrial wood treatments in the world • Products which improve the performance of wood, one of the world’s most sustainable natural resources • Treatments which make wood resistant to termites, fungi, mold, fire and moisture • Products which sustain the natural appearance of wood • Engineering and marketing services to help customers grow • Broad global regulatory expertise and world-class toxicology and analytical chemistry skills, offering customers solutions that contribute to the sustainability of their own products and services • Many products that satisfy green building and sustainability standards With its 26 production and R&D facilities and more than 3,000 employees, Lonza Microbial Control is the global leader in microbial control with the broadest portfolio of active ingredients and registered formulated products including market leadership positions in wood treatment, water treatment, personal care, hygiene, and materials protection and strong offerings in performance products. iQ

The Keep the Tanapole Flying High™ campaign is a first in the South African wood preservation market and is geared towards the agricultural, fencing and building pole segments to provide an education platform for the benefits of Tanalised™ wood preservative treated products.

For further information, visit the website at www.tanapole.co.za or follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tiaantanapolesa and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Tanapole

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DECEMBER 2012 //

Andrew Mentis Ambrosia farm in Hoedspruit where lemon trees are farmed under 110ha of shade netting.

Gallagher Convention Centre

21-23 March 2013 AfRicA’s pRemieR exhibition foR the timbeR industRy

www.woodexforafrica.com Contact us: +27 (0)12 751 7604

Reserve your exhibition space to secure the best possible position and to qualify for the early bird discounted rate