Timber iQ June / July 2013 | Issue: 8 by Trademax Publications

ISSN 2305-9648

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS 10

ED'S NOTE

contributors

architecture - Haus Wiesenhof

cover story - Witch Rooms®

news - lonza

ITFB - ITFB Awards 2012

news - NMMU

windows - Swartland

news - Lonza

Case Study - Kroon hall

Lighting - Hemmesphere

Architecture - From concrete to wood

FSC - sustainable buildings

DIY - Dremel's Moto-Saw

housing - Forté

news - STIHL

news - BUCO launch

Courses - SU short courses

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ED'S NOTE

It must be love The ITFB Awards for 2012 took place earlier this year and showcased, celebrated and rewarded superb local timber design and construction, which is featured extensively in this jam-packed issue of Timber iQ.

s the editor, I had the fortune of putting these amazing projects together on paper, to marvel at all the images, and to read through the client briefs, project details, logistics and challenges. Without a doubt, the most striking aspect of all the projects we have featured is the unmistakable ‘human element.’ As I engaged with the winning portfolios, so much of the client-contractor relationships shone through: the first meetings, how mutual understanding and respect were established, interpretation, and finally a product borne of ideas meeting skills that is more than just a structure. One client wanted a timber home to utilise as a holiday home for the interim and as a lovely place to retire to in later years. Another wanted to beautify and render an existing swimming pool more accessible. One client brief that really stood out for me was the need to make extra room for a brand new family member.

At the heart of these human needs to create space for a new baby, improve a living area or to build with the future in mind is timber. Nobody builds a timber home without a reason. And that reason must be love. With that, I welcome you to our June/July issue of Timber iQ. Turn the pages slowly, as I have so many times, and savour the expert timber craftsmanship, creativity and commitment that reside right here, in our own back yard. Please email any comments, questions or suggestions to editor@trademax.co.za. Jen PS: Timber iQ is now also on Pinterest for all the timberloving ‘pinners’ out there!

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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

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

Advertising:

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.

Zahida Mahomed zahida@trademax.co.za 0861 727 663 Angeline Martin angie@trademax.co.za 0861 727 663

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS & DATA:

Get in touch

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

Trademax Publications Follow us @Timber_iQ

Like us Timber iQ

Visit us www.trademax.co.za

Upcoming Events 6th annual Green Building Convention 2013 16th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 18th October

4th HWZ international wood conference 11 February 2014

JUNE / JULY 2013 //

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.

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architecture

A holiday at home Haus Wiesenhof represents a getaway - a place of peace and contemplation with a strong connection to the nature surrounding it. Photographs: Mario Webhofer

architecture

his hauntingly beautiful alpine refuge is a symbiosis of spatial openness and enclosed areas. According to the design specifications, rebuilding or extending the house beyond the existing cubage was not permitted, something which entailed a massive limitation for the design. Through the basic ideas of interlocking the inner rooms and the design of an open and richly varied spatial structure, the architect conceptually compensated for the design restrictions and created a generous living and leisure space. The architects carefully considered the topological strengths of the site, with the Hinterkaisergebirge to the north, the Kitzb端hler Horn to the south, the Loferer Steinbergen to the east, as well as the surrounding farmhouse building structure. The house communicates with the dominant mountain range, with every view resembling a painting. The decision to utilise archaic materials was made quite consciously to quote the surrounding farmsteads. The client wanted an atmosphere that was light and airy, but also cosy.

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architecture

Out of respect for the natural surroundings, native plants were used in the planning of the garden. Topological changes in the former agricultural spaces were carefully integrated into the existing environment. Generous openings with no thresholds allow the indoors to merge with the outdoors. Even the safety railings on the big terrace consist of plant structures. The seasons themselves dictate whether it is more pleasant to spend time in the garden (which is intended as a part of the landscape) or indoors in front of the stove. Great attention was given to the origin of all materials used in this construction. The ecological consciousness of the planners and the client went hand-in-hand. Oak, iron, natural stone, linen and hemp fabric were the basic elements. Most of the furniture was conceptualised individually, corresponding to the spatial requirements and the needs of the client.

Fast facts: Location: St. Johann in Tirol, Austria Planning commenced: March 2009 Construction commenced: April 2010 Project completed: June 2012 Site area: 2280m² Living space: 413m² Net useable area: 565m² Area of build: 275m² Architects: Gogl Architekten Project team: Regine Egg-Mitter, Hildegard Platzer-Rieder

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COVER STORY

Witch Rooms

celebrates 40 years Witch Rooms®, renowned for its knowledge and expertise in the construction of Timber Frame and conventional brick and mortar homes, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. History Witch Rooms® is a family owned and run business with Vince Menge at the helm. Since its humble beginnings in 1973, Witch Rooms® has become a brand to be respected. Vince with his son, Cedric, who eventually joined the company, taking over all aspects of production in order for Vince to focus on sales, marketing and development, has grown the company from strength to strength. The Gauteng branch is now run under the mentorship of Vince, with family member Jean-Lee in charge, ensuring that the legacy that is Witch Rooms® continues. The proof of Witch Rooms’® success is that many of our projects are proudly displayed on prominent websites related to the timber frame building industry and its partners. Witch Rooms® also have bragging rights to a number of gold, silver and bronze awards collected over the past 40 years.

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The company is known for its product and quality and requires no introduction to its offerings of building new houses, vertical extensions, loft conversions and any other structural dreams you may have.

Contribution to the Industry Many of the younger companies in the loft/addition/ housing/alterations market are made up of our highly skilled ex-employees or subcontractors of whom we are proud. We have expanded and created a market where quality, reliability and efficiency are of the utmost importance, which is why any structure built using the Witch Rooms® systems by any of our smaller, friendly competitors can be misconceived as a Witch Room® structure. It is a known fact that Witch Rooms® always ‘comes back’ to sort out a problem and thus honour their guarantee.

COVER STORY

The secret to our success Of utmost importance is that when you deal with Witch Rooms速, you deal with one of the family members and their pride in their family legacy. Customer relations and satisfaction are key to ensuring the sustainability of the name and brand known as Witch Rooms速; never limiting ourselves to the generic or norm, always striving to enhance our systems and methods in order to find a complete turnkey solution to every project. This will ensure that you are guaranteed a product of which we can be proud of for the next 40 years, as we have been for the last 40 years.

The well-known methods At Witch Rooms速 we use a combination of materials selected for different purposes and applications. Steel, aluminium, wood, fibre cement products and recycled plastic materials for insulation and roof tiles. All Witch Rooms速 products have been tested for their reliability, strength and longevity, giving you peace of mind and a professionally built structure with a prolonged guarantee.

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COVER STORY

We have our own research and design departments, as well as our own in-house architectural department, putting us in the perfect position to research, design and develop new construction methods to remain at the forefront of the field. Many of the current legislated Council requirements in regard to energy saving and making your home ecofriendly were standard practice a generation before it became legislation, which proves that Witch Rooms速 was, is and always will be way ahead of the pack. Providing the client with a full turnkey solution, Witch Rooms速 can assist you from the design to the final product. With the Witch Rooms速 and Witchgro hybrid building systems, the choices of finishes are plentiful. Besides the face-brick and plaster finishes, you could have log cladding, stone veneer, or fibre cement weatherboards, which come in a wide variety of designs and can be painted any colour you may desire. Finishes may range from the most modern and luxurious look to the superb natural cottage style. Priding ourselves in designing and finishing, all additions/ extensions are made to ensure that new extensions match that of the existing fa巽ade, finish and colour. One of our many developments that were way ahead of its time is the Witchgro Panel System, which uses a combination of structural timber and insulation panels (SIPS) to build strong, durable walls that are fire resistant, rot proof, mold resistant, and form a perfect vapour barrier.

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COVER STORY Up to 40% of traditional houses have a substantial heat loss due to air leakage. The Witchgro SIPS System is one of the most airtight and insulated building systems available, is an excellent insulator, and is said to offer insulating properties 15 times better than concrete, 400 times better than steel, and 1600 times better than aluminium. The introduction of the Witch Rooms® building systems have enabled the company to build quicker and more energy efficiently due to the materials used. Our aim is to build ‘green,’ eco-friendly, sustainable homes. The Witch Rooms® and Witchgro systems provide a safe and healthy living environment, because the timber does not conduct electricity, it has no magnetic properties, and is well insulated against the elements. This saves on your energy costs, as far less energy is being used to heat and cool your home. The result is a safe, healthy and tranquil lowenergy home.

The market The current economic situation in the country has created a situation where people need more space as families move in together to minimize expenses and strengthen security. Selling of your house to buy something bigger is not only very stressful, but could be more costly than improving your existing house through a simple Witch Rooms® addition. The enormous benefits of extending one’s home speak for themselves. Whether the home is in brick or timber, to extend in the form of an entire new floor or loft room, the alterations are quickly and cost-effectively executed without the home owner having to move out while building is under way. Witch Rooms® have provided numerous solutions for inadequate spaces in regard to business from home, growing families, extra income accommodation and increasing value of existing property.

In conclusion The misconception is that alternative building methods are much cheaper than that of conventional building, this could be true if you choose a reputable company such as Witch Rooms® who not only complete the project, but also provide an after sales maintenance service. In conjunction with our suppliers we are able to guarantee the best available materials for each project.

For more information, contact: 08600WITCH (94824)

Cape Town: 6 Lauda Rd. Killarney Gardens Tel: 021 200 8383 Email: cape@witchrooms.co.za

Randburg: Fontainebleau Tel: 011 678 1105 Email: joburg@witchrooms.co.za Website: www.witchrooms.co.za

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witch rooms

news

The rain screen system has been designed both as an attractive finish in keeping with the development's goal for an environmentally sustainable rebuild, and to prevent water getting to the structure of the building. The cladding is produced from Tanalised™ Clear treated Red Cedar.

Lonza launches new campaign to promote timber innovation in South Africa While international trends in timber innovation continue to impress with multiple-storey timber frame structures and the integration of timber into building projects that break the mould of conventional design, the opportunity for more creative timber design in South Africa remains.

o move forward, Lonza Wood Protection believes the timber industry should be engaged throughout the entire architectural and engineering value chain for new residential and commercial property development. Wood preservation treatment, because it improves the durability of timber, plays a vital role. To support the efforts for more creative timber design in SA , Lonza has created a new campaign entitled, “The Treated Wood Specified by the Experts™.”

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Gerard Busse, Marketing Manager, Lonza Wood Protection, explains the rationale behind the campaign, “When we look at countries such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand and the UK, we see a far greater utilisation of timber products in the entire building structure. The growing engineered wood market has helped drive timber innovation by encompassing products such as plywood, oriented strand board, glulam, laminated veneer lumber, cross-laminated lumber and even finger-jointed timber and i-joists.

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Multi-storey post-tensioned timber frame shown resting on a reinforced concrete plinth at the College of Creative Arts, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand. Photo Courtesy of NZ Wood. Industry awards, such as the Timber Design Awards hosted by NZ Wood, see engineered products when combined with conventional timber products breaking new frontiers in terms of their structural and technical impact in building design and engineering.” To highlight this achievement, Busse refers to the example of the 2012 Awards, where the Massey University’s College of Creative Arts (in Wellington, New Zealand) won the award for Engineering Excellence with a multi-storey post-tensioned timber frame resting on a conventionally reinforced concrete plinth, which was a world first. The design criteria included damage avoidance principles following an earthquake and a timber frame that supports innovative, prefabricated concrete composite floors that combined the benefits of concrete’s thermal mass and acoustic benefits with timber’s strength-to-weight ratio in tension.

Eco friendly and energy efficient show house

The first solid wooden house from CLT panels in Africa. Project: The South African architect Implementation: The South African builder

Construction system of solid wood (CLT)

For more information contact: HWZ International SA (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town Tel./Fax: 27 214 389 221, Mobile: 27 764 019 120 E-mail: capetown@hwzinternational.com

www.hwzinternational.com

news

This house in the Malmesbury area has a number of energy efficiency features. All windows and doors are double-glazed and the bedrooms have high windows for hot air to escape if needed. The roofing has large overhangs and some walls extend with slatted screens for shade and airflow. Silver award winner at the recent Institute of Timber Frame Building Awards. Built by Knysna Timber Homes and designed by Jacques Cronje Timber Design (Cape Town).

“We need to familiarize ourselves with the great work that is being done overseas in timber design and engineering. This work requires taking a step back and evaluating the decision-making and subsequent specification of timber. Our campaign focuses on how Lonza partners with Treaters and together engages architects and other building professionals to provide education on the benefits and options of treated timber,” says Busse. Busse further believes that investment in our education institutions to develop the next generation of engineers and architects, who are passionate about timber and see its many opportunities, is imperative. He added that it is encouraging to see organizations, such as the Institute of Timber Frame Builders (ITFB), providing training to some of our academic institutions. Architect, Robert Brusso, during his address as the guest speaker at the recent ITFB awards, concurred by saying that the award entries were impressive, well-designed and well-built structures indicating a positive vision for the growth of timber innovation in South Africa.

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He also shared some breathtaking overseas examples, where architects had taken timber design to new levels by pushing the boundaries and urged local timber frame builders, together with their clients and designers, to do the same. His address highlighted the fact that the ability exists in South Africa if our minds are opened to the possibilities and versatility of timber. “While the Wood Foundation was established three years ago to promote wood innovation in South Africa, the responsibility cannot rest with their initiatives alone. We as growers of timber, producers and suppliers need to engage with all stakeholders in the architectural, engineering and construction sector to encourage the wider use of timber products in creative and innovative ways,” concludes Busse.

2012 ITFB AWARDS

ITFB Awards 2012

2012 ITFB AWARDS

ITFB Awards 2012 The 2012 ITFB (Institute of Timber Frame Builders) Awards took place in Durban this year, and once again celebrated great timber frame building in South Africa.

he evening kicked off with a word from Werner Slabbert, ITFB President and Managing Director of Eco Log Homes. Slabbert noted the extensive work that the ITFB has undertaken and achieved in the past year and thanked the volunteer board for their commitment to the ongoing success of the Institute. “Our objective is to see timber frame construction become the construction method of choice by consumers and we therefore seize every opportunity to promote our industry and maintain high construction standards that will benefit clients,” said Slabbert, adding, “I would like to thank the board, the vice-president, Johan Pretorius, treasurer, Leon Bekker, Fred Wagenaar, Dermot Scott and Jenny de Waal, our company secretary. Each one of you brings valuable contributions to the table and your support is much appreciated.”

Before the awards were announced, Robert Brusso, architect and guest speaker at the event was introduced and offered his inspiring insight into the potential of building with timber. He commended the entries and indicated that such a high level of quality timber workmanship bodes well for the future of timber construction in South Africa. Brusso also offered enlightening international examples of timber construction that showcase the material being used in challenging and highly innovative ways and remarked that timber construction in South Africa could benefit greatly from pushing the boundaries of innovation.

JP Nel of EagleWood Sundecks accepting the Bronze award for the ‘Decks & Boardwalks’ category for the House le Grange decking project.

Denvin Lucas of Timbercraft accepting the Bronze award for the ‘Alterations & Additions’ category for their work on the addition to House Chambers.

Eddie Engelbrecht of Southbroom Timber Homes accepting the Silver award in the ‘Alterations & Additions’ category for the design and construction of the addition to House ElAlemein.

Werner Slabbert (pictured left), of Eco Log Homes is presented with the Silver award in the ‘Structures smaller than 120m²’ category for the construction of the Koppies Dam Project. Presenting the award (pictured right) is Leon Bekker, treasurer of the ITFB and CEO of UFCC (United Fibre Cement Company).

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2012 ITFB AWARDS

Category 4: Structures larger than 120m

Category 1: Decks & Boardwalks

Silver AWARD

Gold AWARD

Project name: V&A Waterfront Design: Planning Partners Construction: Town & Country Projects

Project name: House de Kock Design: Villager Timber Homes Construction: Villager Timber Homes

Bronze award

Silver AWARD

Project name: House le Grange Design: EagleWood Sundecks Construction: EagleWood Sundecks

Project name: House May Design: Alan Paine Designs Construction: Logo Homes

Bronze award Project name: House Power Design: Pursey & Boucher Construction: Villager Timber Homes

Category 2: Alterations & Additions

Silver AWARD Project name: House El-Alemein Design: Southbroom Timber Homes Construction: Southbroom Timber Homes

Category 5: Structures larger than 220m

Gold AWARD

Bronze award

Project name: House van Zyl Design: Knysna Timber Homes Construction: Knysna Timber Homes

Project name: House Chambers Design: Richard Honikman Architects Construction: Timbercraft

Silver AWARD Category 3: Structures smaller than 120m

Gold AWARD Project name: House Wagner Design: Southbroom Timber Homes Construction: Southbroom Timber Homes

Project name: House Dauboin Design: Jacques Cronje Timber Design Construction: Knysna Timber Homes

Bronze award Project name: House McNamara Design: J McNamara Construction: Country Timber Homes

Silver AWARD Project name: Koppies Dam Project Design: Simons & Lee Architects Construction: Eco Log Homes

"To all our award winners, your projects have been of an exceptional standard. Congratulations!" - Werner Slabbert, President, ITFB.

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Brad Cull, representing Country Timber Homes is awarded the Bronze award for the construction of House McNamara in the ‘Structures larger than 220m²’ category.

2012 ITFB AWARDS

Nick de Jong of Villager Timber Homes receiving the Gold award in the ‘Structures larger than 120m²’ category for the design and construction of House de Kock. Villager Timber Homes also took the Bronze award in the same category for the construction of House Power.

Eddie Engelbrecht and Johan Pretorius of Southbroom Timber Homes in receipt of the Gold award in the ‘Structures smaller than 120m²’ category for the design and construction of House Wagner.

Judges: Mike Allum; Graham Retief; Graham Butler; Fred Wagenaar; Eljo Balaam; Roy Southey; Jacques Cronje. The ITFB wishes to thank Lonza Wood Protection and BUCO for their generosity in sponsoring the event.

2013 Timber iQ Media Award

Francois Bosman of Knysna Timber Homes is awarded the Gold award in the ‘Structures larger than 220m²’ category for the design and construction of House van Zyl. The Knysna Timber Homes team also took the Silver award for the construction of House Dauboin in the same category and won the inaugural Timber iQ Media Award. A special award was awarded to Jacques Cronje of Jacques Cronje Timber Design in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the timber construction industry. The ITFB is considered the representative organisation for the timber frame building industry in South Africa with ‘Seal of Controlled Quality’ that is synonymous with excellent craftsmanship and strong ethics. The Institute is a promoter of timber frame building in South Africa and a proponent of top class industry standards. ITFB members may enter as many projects as they like and do so by submitting a portfolio containing ‘before’ and ‘after’ images of their project(s), a copy of the plans, as well as a summary including details on the site environment, construction time period, complexity and/or challenges of the project. Image portfolios must contain elements relating to the structure, interiors and exteriors of the build.

Timber iQ has recently established a media partnership with the ITFB with the aim to work together to promote timber frame building in South Africa. Inspired by this great partnership, Timber iQ has initiated its own special award in support of the work and mission of the ITFB and its members, and to acknowledge one Gold or Silver ITFB Award-winning project per year. The Timber iQ Media Award for 2013 includes an extensive Timber iQ project feature and a stunning wooden men’s watch generously sponsored by WeWood. This year’s Timber iQ Media Award was awarded to the Knysna Timber Homes team for their spectacular House van Zyl. Billy Perrin, Publisher at Trademax Publications says, “It really was no easy task to select a winner for the inaugural Timber iQ Media Award. The candidates for the award were all truly beautiful, but House van Zyl really stood out for us and we can’t wait to feature it in all its glory in a future issue of Timber iQ!” A special thank you goes to WeWood, who sponsored two beautiful wooden watches; one for the special ITFB Award, and the other for the 2013 Timber iQ Media Award.

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2012 ITFB AWARDS

Category: Decks & Boardwalks Silver AWARD Design: Planning Partners Construction: Town & Country Projects location: V&A Waterfront

Project details: Town & Country Projects were approached by commercial landscape designers to help design, cost and construct a boardwalk project at the V&A waterfront in Cape Town. The boardwalk would prove to be not only an intricate part of the project, providing solutions for public access and safety, but it would also end up being a dominant feature. The brief for the boardwalk was to create a free flowing structure that would allow the public to have access to the waterfront shops and be able to move safely up and down the bus terminal. It also had to be constructed in such a way that it was protected from prevailing winter sea storms without losing panoramic views and vistas over the top of the break water walls. Environmental impact played a huge role and the boardwalk was and has been classified as a temporary structure, meaning that it had a low/light impact on its surroundings while being constructed and that in theory it can also be dismantled, moved and reconstructed in the future.

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Because of the close proximity to the sea, the boardwalk was first quantified in Balau, after which Town & Country Projects turned to FSC-approved West African Iroko. Finally, the project was completed using two different types of Eucalyptus from apple orchards in the Elgin area. This decision was based on a combination of value for money, longevity of the timber, and the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental awareness and desire to look outside the norm and source material that was local and in surplus.

Challenges: The existing bus terminal consisted of a large area of tarmac parking which runs all the way along the breakwater rocks with a row of New Jersey barriers dividing them. There had been quite a lot of build-up of small rocks over the years that were filling the area between the breakwater rocks and the barriers, which had to be removed, causing about a weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delay. Because this project took place in the heart of summer, heat was the main concern. There were also some delays at the start due to civil works that needed to be done. The only other delays were due to timber supply.

Suppliers: Fixings & Fastenings: S and C Agencies; Timber: Universal Timbers: Steel Rods: Stewarts & Lloyds.

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2012 ITFB AWARDS

Category: Decks & Boardwalks Bronze award Design & construction: EagleWood Sundecks Location: Krugersdorp

House le Grange Design: EagleWood Sundecksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 185mÂ˛ timber sun deck with steps built around the swimming pool at House le Grange was completed in April of 2012. The client wanted to extend their patio space to lead outwards from the covered area to surround the swimming pool, with a new waterproof lean-to roof and concertina doors on two sides for shelter from the wind. The new sun deck covers all the existing pavers, tiles and grass, giving new access to the lower garden, which was inaccessible before. This installation also successfully blends and connects the upper and lower areas. Meranti concertina doors were installed on the side of the new covered patio to limit the wind in this area. Decking was laid in herring bone fashion in certain areas to aid water flow under the deck structure and to create interest. Concrete and steel columns support the larger patio roof.

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2012 ITFB AWARDS

Materials used: The decking sub-structure is of CCA treated structural pine, with 114x38mm joists fixed to 114x70mm bearers, which are bolted to the 100/125 diameter gum poles, which are concreted into position. The entire structure is sealed with Waxoil to help prevent moisture penetration. The new steel posts were used to support a laminated CCA treated structural pine ring beam bearer, which supports the 220 x 50 lean-to rafters on top of which are 70x50 purlins. The rafters are connected to the building using custom-made steel shoe brackets. The roof is covered with grey Chromadek sheets (to match the existing house) and the far gable end of the roof is closed in using shiplap fibre cement boards, with fascias and gutters to match.

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2012 ITFB AWARDS

Category: Alterations & Additions Silver AWARD Design & Construction: Southbroom Timber Homes Location: Sunwich Port, KwaZulu-Natal

House El-Alemein This particular project is situated in an area in which the houses in the general vicinity are older and were built with hard brick and mortar walls with very high density, high quality bricks. Some of the houses in the area have, however, since been upgraded.

Site preparations: A construction base was already in existence, so there was little site preparation aside from removing the asbestos roof plates and getting started on the job. Construction on House El-Alemein took place in two phases, due to the fact that the owners occupied the home during construction. The first phase included the construction of a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Granny flatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; unit on top of the existing garage, where the owners would reside while phase two, the addition to the main house, was taking place. Phase one commenced in mid-October of 2012 and was complete in mid-November of 2012. Phase two started in mid-November and was completed towards the end of January in 2013.

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2012 ITFB AWARDS

Challenges: The first question that comes to mind when removing the roof from any building is, “What if it rains?” Once the project was agreed upon and set in motion, a challenge arose: The original garage was built 600mm too close to the boundary wall and the neighbour made it known that he was very unhappy about this. As a result, the new plans had to be drawn up and approved and walls had to be moved. Once this was resolved, the Southbroom Timber Homes team found themselves in September, the start of the South Coast’s rainy season and to make things worse, it was predicted that this particular season was to be an El Nino rainfall season – a phenomenon that causes extreme weather conditions, such as flooding. Needless to say, the South Coast experienced its highest rainfall in 100 years. To counter this challenge, the Southbroom Timber Homes team decided to cover the whole house with a canvas sheet once the roof was removed, since the original ceiling would be retained. The canvas had to be pulled over the house in the evenings after work and removed again in the mornings. The team kept a close eye on weather forecasts and the result is that the ceiling and all the house’s contents are still intact. Says Johan Pretorius of Southbroom Timber Homes, “Construction on house El-Alemein was a good experience with many character-building challenges.”

Suppliers: Structural Timber & External Cladding: Builders Trade Depot (Manaba & Marburg, Port Shepstone); Insulating Products: Isover; Roof Trusses & Membranes: Marley Roofing; Tongue & Groove Knotty Pine Ceilings & Floors: Creative Windows & Doors, Unkomaas; Plaster Skim Ceilings: Southgate Ceilings & Partitionings, Ramsgate; Lighting: MB Electrical, Margate; Paint Products: Chemspec (House of Paint, Manaba); Windows & Doors: Creative Windows & Doors, Unkomaas; Built-in Cupboards: Impi Kitchens & Granite, Manaba; Tiling & Bathroom Accessories: CTM, Port Shepstone.

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 Körber 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%

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2012 ITFB AWARDS

Category: Alterations & Additions Bronze award Design: Richard Honikman Architects Construction: Timbercraft

House Chambers The client brief for the addition to House Chambers included the question of still being able to live in the house during construction, whether or not construction could take place during winter, and whether or not the project would be complete within nine weeks, when their baby was due to be born. Little did the Timbercraft team know that 2012 would have the highest rainfall ever recorded; rainfall measured on-site was three times more than was measured at the airport just 10km away. Nevertheless, the contract was started with all eyes on the birth date and everyone was on schedule, until the client decided to add another 55mÂ˛ bedroom to the new extension. The rider plan was quickly drawn up and submitted while the Timbercraft team continued work on the extension, leaving an unfinished corner awaiting the L-shaped extension approval.

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The Quiet Revolution The quiet revolution began in 2009 when STIHL introduced its cordless hedge trimmers, instantly acclaimed for their power, portability, low environmental impact and low-noise operation.

All the finishes matched the existing home with huge double-hung sash cord windows, stipple plastered walls and fibre cement roof tiles. The interior features traditional joinery trim and cornices, plus top-of-theline sanitary ware and tiling.

Today, discerning industrial and residential users can choose from a series of cordless STIHL products – a chainsaw, two brushcutters, a handheld blower and hedge trimmer. Powered by advanced lithium-ion battery technology, these quiet yet powerful tools produce no exhaust emissions, require no power source and enable unrestricted movement. “The STIHL cordless range provides optimal performance for cutting, trimming and blowing tasks while offering power tool users the added benefit of reducing their impact on the environment, ” says STIHL SA MD Hayden Hutton. Easy to start and simple to use, the range is particularly suited to noise-restricted areas in the South African environment such as residential complexes, golf courses, schools and hospitals.

Finally, the rider plan was approved and the team was able to close up the exposed corner and finish the job in 14 weeks. Due to the time gap between the plan approvals, the 55m² bedroom was built to meet the new energysaving regulations, which became law on 1st July 2012. Triple insulation and very expensive window shutters were installed to bring the build up to the new specifications. All in all a win-win project for all concerned, the Timbercraft team are pleased with the results, the architect is happy, the clients are ecstatic and the baby slept through the last five weeks of the extended build.

Suppliers: Structural Timber: Saplings; Insulation Products: Isotherm; Roofing: United Fibre Cement Company; Ceilings: Saint Gobain; Cladding: United Fibre Cement Company; Flooring: Albert Carpets; Windows & Doors: D Calatruglio; Shutters: Alplas Aluminium & Shutters; Joinery: Woodways; Roof Light Window: Eaves.

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As always, STIHL has paid close attention to ergonomics, so all products are low in weight, compact in design, and have excellent balance and low vibrations without compromising performance. The STIHL cordless power tool range is available from a countrywide network of over 140 specialist STIHL dealers, ensuring expert advice, original parts availability and aftersales support by qualified technicians. For more information look up STIHL in your local directory, contact STIHL toll free on 0800 336 996 or visit www.stihl.co.za.

37 Stihl half page vertical ad B April 2013.indd 1

4/26/13 6:19 AM

2012 ITFB AWARDS

Category: Structures smaller than 120m2 Gold AWARD Design & Construction: Southbroom Timber Homes Location: Palm Beach, KwaZulu-Natal

House Wagner Southbroom Timber Homes had the fortune of building House Wagner on a prime spot in Palm Beach, KwaZulu-Natal, overlooking the ocean. The plot forms part of a caravan park that is slowly being developed into a peaceful and tranquil residential area. The Wagners decided to employ the services of Southbroom Timber Homes, based on another of their projects in the same area, to build their breakaway holiday home. The project began in February of 2012 and came to an end in early May of the same year. With a very soft soil consistency, it was very easy to dig the holes at the desired depth of 1.9 metres and in no time the team had the poles up and ready for the substructure.

challenges: The gradient of the hill made it easy for the team to decide on a timber frame house on poles, and resulted in a conveniently protected spot for parking a car, plus an entertainment area. This gradient also offered up a challenge to the team in that the house is positioned at the top of the hill, with a 37째 incline on a narrow concrete access road.

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This meant that all of the material had to be specially transported from the gate at the bottom of the property to the construction site bit by bit, making offloading a lengthy process and delaying construction time by approximately two weeks. The area’s indigenous trees are well taken care of and none are allowed to be cut without special permission, which offered a challenge to the Southbroom Timber Homes team who had to employ their skills to position the house in a way that did not disturb the root systems of any of the tree, and took into consideration the foliage post-build. Initially there was some rubble on the site between the bushes, since the plot had been unofficially used as a dumping site for waste from other mobile-to-permanent project upgrades, which needed to be cleared prior to construction. According to Johan Pretorius of Southbroom Timber Homes, “It was a real pleasure to work on this site with that amazing view, nature and interesting people that came to see the progress day by day.”

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2012 ITFB AWARDS

Category: Structures smaller than 120m2 Silver AWARD Design: Simons & Lee Architects Construction: Eco Log Homes

Koppies Dam Project The Koppies Dam Project is a lodge development built in a nature reserve on a rocky outcrop on the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge of a nearby dam, nestled in between the trees. The lodge consists of a gate house and ten luxury four-sleeper units. The first quotation for the first set of tenders for this project was submitted in June of 2008 and contract was eventually awarded in December 2010. The resort was officially opened by the Minister of the Department of Public Works in December of 2012.

Design: The solid log post and beam lodge units were designed to fit into the natural environment next to the dam, with big stack doors opening up the lounge area and extending the living area outward onto a covered deck overlooking the pristine water. The units were designed with minimal fenestration placed on the western side of the lodge, so as to maximise the solar barrier. The eastern side of the lodge units were afforded more generous fenestration to allow for more natural light.

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2012 ITFB AWARDS

All the units were carefully positioned so as not to disturb the trees. In some instances, the decking in front of the units was constructed around existing trees, creating the impression that the trees are growing through the deck. To minimise the footprint, the units were designed as double-volume so as to ensure minimal disturbance to the surrounding nature reserve.

Challenges: The duration of construction was initially projected to take approximately ten months. However, delays were caused due to the fact that this was a government project with major financial restraints and contractors had to halt work for several months at a time, due to delayed payment.

Materials used: All timber used on this project was Pinus Radiata, which was purchased in the Southern Cape. This timber was chosen for the Koppies Dam Project, due to its excellent stability, an important requirement for solid log construction. All timber used for construction is structurally graded to a minimum specification of S5. All timber is CCA treated H3 and timber that comes into contact with ground is treated to a minimum of CCA H4. The solid logs and posts are H2 treated and even though they are exposed to the exterior elements, the H2 solvent treated TBTN logs are treated with additional exterior oil- and wax-based sealants, specially formulated with additional anti-fungal and insecticide chemicals. No cut ends of poles were inserted into the ground. All notched and cut ends were re-sealed with End Seal to prevent fungal decay and insect attack. All posts and logs are machined to a rounded log profile, which creates a very neat finish. Chromadek barge boards are inserted on all the roof edges and all eaves and rafters were left exposed and sealed with the same product used on the exterior walls. An Owens Corningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s asphalt tile roofing system was installed on all the roofs and was specially chosen to fit in the with the surrounding nature reserve. This roofing system has a unique ventilation system comprising of vents on the ridge of the roof, through which hot air is expelled. The solid log post and beam exterior walls are all treated with H2 TBTN treatment, which necessitated additional oil- and waxbased sealant with added fungus and insect chemicals. Three coats were applied as per the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s instructions. All ceilings were constructed of 13mm knotty pine tongue and groove and all floors were constructed with a 19mm CCA treated shutter ply sub-floor and 22mm pine tongue and groove floor planks, which were sanded and coated with three layers of Woodoc 25 Matt.

Suppliers: Structural Timber, Ceilings, Cladding & Flooring: Timbaclad; Insulation Products & Roofing: Global Innovative Building Systems; Paint Products: Woodoc; Windows & Doors: Van Acht.

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2012 ITFB AWARDS

Category: Structures larger than 120m2 Gold AWARD Design & Construction: Villager Timber Homes Location: Kidds Beach

House de Kock Design: All elevations of House de Kock are elegant and attractive, with the front boasting dramatic stone-clad pillars, which support the entrance roof and decks and contrast well with stainless steel handrails and large windows. House de Kock opens up into a spacious double-volume area, which reaches 7m upwards to the skylight. The staircase ahead transports the visitor to the main bedroom, TV lounge (which has access to the front deck and overlooks the entrance area) and braai room (which has its own deck) and the one to the right leads to the main living area. House de Kock is home to a beautiful open-plan kitchen with a separate scullery, which shares the same floor as another three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Coupled with high-class finishes and excellent workmanship, House de Kock is a timber frame industry winner in more ways than one.

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VILLAGER TIMBER PRODUCTS 2012 Gold Award winning home

MBV Trading cc - 200501026723 Cell: 082 659 8432 Fax: 086 505 1679 Email: info@villager.co.za Website: www.villager.co.za

We don’t build houses, we realize dreams Villager Timber Homes est. 1994 Owner: Nick De Jong

• We offer turn-key projects. From design to completion with hands-on approach right the way through • Design to your budget • 1st class inishes • Structurally sound building principles • Contactable references • Proven track record • Undisputedly the best in the Eastern Cape • Great after sales service

Message from the owner: “Each home that we build becomes part of my family. To me building is much more than just building, it’s a way of life – and I love it.” Members of: ITFB & NHBRC Approved by: Local councils and all major banking institutes. Villager Timber Products are the leading Timber Home Builders in the Eastern Cape and this is due to their uncompromising attitude towards customer satisfaction, structural soundness and quality for money. AWARD WINNING TIMBER HOMES WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR BUSINESS. www.villager.co.za

Over 20 Building awards to date.

2012 ITFB AWARDS Site: Sandy soil and a slight slope were taken into consideration during the design stages, which led to the eventual split levels, and made breaking ground on this site quite easy. To maximise the sea view and make entering the home easy, the house was oriented facing eastwards.

Structure: House de Kock posed quite a few structural challenges, such as a large ground floor area, which doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any supporting walls and bedrooms, which have slightly wider than comfortable spans for normal timber joists. These challenges were overcome by using steel I-beams as bearers and running super joists between them (made up specially to fit the dimensions of the specified steel beams). The result is an uninterrupted ceiling downstairs and a solid floor upstairs. The lower level is built using 38/114 SAP H2 studs at 400 CCs and the upper level stud spacing is at 600 CCs. Wall bracing is done with notched in 25/76 timbers. The upper floor has a shutter board subfloor with a 50mm reinforced concrete screed. Downstairs flooring is fully tiled with 600x600 porcelain tiles and the bedrooms have laminated flooring. Upstairs boasts laminated flooring and the bathrooms are tiled with a similar 600x600 porcelain tile.

Roof structure: The roof is made with engineered trusses, clad with 19mm shutter board, vapour barrier and then Oakridge Pro 30AR shingle. Facia boards are fibre cement and gutters are seamless aluminium. Due to budget restraints Mr. de Kock decided to leave out the ceiling insulation until he had spare funds. However, solar water heating was essential and was installed by specialists.

Support structure: The wet-works were sub-contracted out to a specialist who constructed the plinth, as well as the support/decorative columns for the decks and entrance roof. This was all done in conjunction with the structural engineer who did the design and supervision of the internal retainer wall, foundations and boundary wall. The stone tile cladding was completed by Villager Timber Homesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own tiler.

Lighting: The home makes use of natural lighting through the large windows in all areas of the house. Blinds are fitted to all the windows and doors to manage any excess light/heat. All internal and external light fittings are fitted with energy saving bulbs.

Suppliers: Structural Timber, Insulation Products & Ceilings: Pennypinchers, East London; Roofing: KC Roofing; Shingles: Global Insulation, Johannesburg; Cladding: Everite; Paint Products: Plascon; Flooring: Tile Africa & LFD; Windows & Doors: Mr Windows, Border Glass & Baccalum; Built-in Cupboards: Kitchen Manufacturers.

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“We’re proud to be the main supplier to the winner” Manager & staff, East London store

Congratulations to Villager Timber Homes on winning both Gold and Bronze ITFB* awards for South Africa’s best timber frame house over 120 m2 in area. From our East London store we deliver a complete range of building materials throughout the Border and former Transkei. Plus Timbercity In-store sees to all your board-cutting and -edging needs. Gold Award winner House De Kock in Kidds Beach outside East London

Bronze Award winner House Power in Chintsa on the lovely Wild Coast

*Institute of Timber Frame Builders

186 Bonza Bay Road, Beacon Bay, East London. Tel: 043 748 2501. Fax: 043 748 2518.

2012 ITFB AWARDS

Category: Structures larger than 120m2 Silver AWARD Design: Alan Paine Designs Construction: Logo Homes Location: Simonstown

House May Design: House May’s designer was asked to come up with a plan for a plot of land the owner had bought on the corner of Harrington and Tedder Roads in Simonstown – one of the last vacant plots in the area. Whilst the plot has spectacular views from top side, the ground falls away sharply to the north and west, necessitating keeping the house as high up on the plot as possible, without infringing on the strict ‘preservation of view’ regulations, which sanction the construction of structure with a roof higher than the mean height of the plot behind. The owner wanted a compact home that would initially be used for a weekend retreat, and later on, as a place to which to retire. The house needed to make the most of the sea views, should be light and bright and have a double garage and a bed-sitting room downstairs. The design brief also required an open-plan feel with a deck that is sheltered from the wind. Construction on House May started in November of 2011 and was complete in March of 2012 on time and within budget.

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2012 ITFB AWARDS Challenges: The only real challenge facing the Logo Homes team was that as soon as the excavation began for the back of the garages, the team hit very hard koffieklip that defied excavators and jack hammers, necessitating a roof with a lower pitch than that originally designed, so as to achieve the correct height.

Low maintenance: House May has been constructed with low maintenance in mind, using fibre cement cladding, bargeboards and fascias, powder coated aluminium windows and doors, balau decking, stainless steel cables as balustrades and Zincalume roof sheeting. Needless to say, the client is thrilled with her home and as she says, it is everything she had always dreamed of.

Suppliers: Structural Timber: Somerset Timbers, Airton Timbers & Numill; Insulation Products: Isotherm - Brits Nonwoven; Roof Sheeting: Youngman Roofing; Ceilings: Rhinoboard â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Airton Timbers; Cladding: United Fibre Cement Company; Electrical Work: Town & Country Electrical; Lighting: Aurora Lights; Paint Products: Plascon & Dulux; Bamboo Flooring: Bamboo Warehouse; Windows & Doors: Swartland Boudienste; Built-in Cupboards: Leisure Kitchens; Sanitary Ware: On Tap; Retaining Wall: Decorton Retaining Systems (Pty) Ltd.; Tiles: CTM; Tilers: VB Tilers; Sliding Doors: Valley Glass; Garage Door: Labradoor.

Khulani Timber Industries Pty (Ltd) Pressure Treated Pole Products Creosote and Tanalith

Pole products: Creo & Tan Ranch Fencing (SABS 457) Creo & Tan Droppers & Laths (SABS 1288) Creo & Tan Poles (SABS 457) Tanalised Poles (SABS 754) Creosote Poles (SABS 754)

NEW SALIGNA RANCH FENCING Contact: (t) 015 309 9525 or 015 309 9202/3/4 (c) 082 896 1520 or 082 896 1531

(e) adele@khulani.co.za (e) sales@khulani.co.za (w) www.khulani.co.za

2012 ITFB AWARDS

Category: Structures larger than 120m2 Bronze award Design: Pursey & Boucher construction: Villager Timber Homes location: Chintsa East

House Power Design: The most striking part of House Power is its clean lines and has an air of calm about it. The living area has an open-plan layout and placement of the two verandas on either side allows for the large sliding doors to be opened no matter which way the wind is blowing, which creates the impression that the space is larger than it is. Although fans have been fitted, there is almost no need to use them, as the ventilation is excellent. The guest bedroom opens out onto the front veranda, as does the spacious main bedroom. The latter boasts a naturally lit dressing room and a spacious bathroom. Downstairs boasts another guest bedroom and bathroom, as well as a wine cellar and a small lounge. Both rooms downstairs have large triple sliders opening out onto the garden and to control the sunlight and prevent overheating of the rooms from the morning sun, American shutters have been fitted. The Power family spent their first Christmas in their stunning new home, and have become one of Villager Timber Homesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best ambassadors.

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2012 ITFB AWARDS

Site: The site was slightly sloping with a 3.2m drop from north to south and a 1.8m drop from west to east. The soil is sandy and was very easily excavated. Due to the sandy nature of the soil, the material had to be brought in to do the compacting in the concrete slabs. As luck would have it, this build took place during one of the highest rainfall times in history in the area. However, the Villager Timber Homes team were able to get the roof up in record time to minimise downtime.

Challenges: The roof trusses are conventional engineered units with a vaulted centre section. Roof covering is Colorbond Ultra, which was selected due to its excellent coastal performance, with an insulating underlay, as well as Isotherm over the ceilings. Erecting the trusses proved to be quite a challenge, as the trusses that made up the vaulted centre section were over 10m long and extremely wobbly. Fortunately, the designers added two sets of lattice girders (or stiffeners) to these trusses, which gave the team a stable point from which to work.

Materials used: Internal cladding is all 12.5mm smooth jointed gypsum board, primed and painted with Plascon Wall-n-All. Ceilings are all fully screeded gypsum boards with the exception of the vaulted living area ceiling, which is stone-washed pine and the garage, which has two layers of fire-stop boards. Floor covering is 600x600 porcelain tiles throughout, which were laid on the concrete screed with porcelain fix mixed with 50% bonding liquid to ensure a flexible, strong bond. Grouting was done with a neat mix of grout and bonding liquid and the garage floor is epoxy coated. External cladding is of Everite Vermont Board, which is fastened with aluminium clout nails over a vapour barrier. Eaves are closed with Nutec ceiling board, and fascia boards are of fibre cement. The external hand rails were constructed using SAP H3 timber, which is coated with three coats of tinted Rystix Timbacare clear to give the desired white-washed effect, followed by three coats of clear sealer. Stainless steel screws and treaded bars were used for fixing. Gutters are of seamless aluminium and all downpipes are plumbed to the under-house water tanks. To hide the pole structure and water tanks from view, a simple lattice was constructed from 25x76 SAP H3 timber planks, which were sprayed with a hefty amount of tinted Rystix Armadek clear.

Suppliers: Structural Timber, Insulation Products & Ceilings: Pennypinchers, East London; Roofing: KC Roofing; Cladding: Everite, Pennypinchers, East London; Paint: Plascon & Rystix Timbacare, Pennypinchers, East London; Tiling: Tile Africa; Laminates: LFD; Windows & Doors: Mr Windows, Border Glass & Baccalum; Built-in Cupboards: Power Jooste Joinery.

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2012 ITFB AWARDS

Category: Structures larger than 220m2 Gold AWARD Design & Construction: Knysna Timber Homes

House VAN ZYL Knysna Timber Homes, who provide their clients full turnkey solutions ranging from project assessments to sub-contracting services, were commissioned to design and build the beautiful House van Zyl, which won the Gold award in the ‘Structures larger than 220m²’ category at the 2012 ITFB awards.

challenges: The site environment was challenging and the front poles were up to 8.5m high and the back end of lower floor was basically in the ground. The soil was also of hard clay with big rocks and digging on such a steep site meant having to dig even deeper foundation holes to get the engineer’s approval. The project commenced in July of 2012 and was completed in October of the same year. The upper carport deck and garage’s level had to be +-1m below street level for the critical point of the ridge to fall under the 8.5m height restriction. This meant securing the road and bank with highly engineered pylons into floating slabs into reinforced brick and concrete retaining walls. This retaining wall also formed the back bearing for the floor joists. All of this work was done in-house. The big open-plan living, dining and kitchen area with its large open rafter roof and big sliding doors meant the front walls and roof needed substantial bracing to pass safety protocol.

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2012 ITFB AWARDS

Energy efficiency: The roofs R-values are R-3.97 and the log walls are R-2.9. This project also won the inaugural Timber iQ media award, which was handed over at the ITFB Awards event. Francois Bosman, CEO of Knysna Timber Homes, walked away with a stunning timepiece sponsored by WeWood Timepieces and a project feature in Timber iQ, which will be published at a later date.

Suppliers: Structural Timber: Saplings Timber Trading cc; Insulation: Insulation & Packaging cc; Roofing: Knysna Roofing; Ceilings: Knysna Leisure; Windows & Doors: C&C Joiners; Door Handles & Hardware: Tradirrs, Knysna; Garage Doors: CX Garage Doors; Built-in Cupboards & Vanities: Conti Kitchens; Sanitary Ware: On Tap, Cape Town; Geysers: TTS Plettenberg Bay; Plumbing: S&S Plumbing; Shower Doors: Home Finishing Services; Electrician: Mitchell Electrical; Light Fittings: Finishing Touch Lighting; Tiles: Tile House; Tiler: Antonio Pauhein; Excavation & Retaining: Sholin Walls; Gutters & Downpipes: Watertite Guttering; Braai: Classic Fires; Fireplace: Metelerkamps Appliances; Alarm: ADT Security; Draughtsman/Municipal Submissions: Neils Genade Draughting Services; Engineer: Poise Engineering; Surveyor: VPM Surveys.

HOT IN SUMMER? COLD IN WINTER?

www.insulpack.co.za INSULATION FOR ALL YOUR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ROOFING NEEDS

Head Office (Gauteng): Naomi Wessels (t) 011 792 5814/5/6 (c) 082 895 2811 (e) naomi@insulpack.co.za George (Western Cape) Branch: Clint Croft (t) 044 877 1888 (c) 083 640 5403 (e) clint@insulpack.co.za

2012 ITFB AWARDS

Category: Structures larger than 220m2 Silver AWARD Design: Jacques Cronje Timber Design Construction: Knysna Timber Homes Location: Malmesbury

House Dauboin Located in Malmesbury, with construction starting in October of 2012, House Dauboin, designed by Jacques Cronje Timber Design and built by Knysna Timber homes, was handed over to its owners just before Christmas of 2012. On arrival to the site via the flat farmland, the opening up of vistas across the valley as the topography starts gently falling away is a pleasant surprise. It is on this edge of the subtle change in topography that the site for the house was chosen. The house, with irregular forms and close proximity to the ground, blends in to the surrounds on approach. The site begins sloping downwards from the entrance area eastwards and the house responds to this with a couple of steps down to the living area and the roof gently sloping upwards mirroring the fall of the site. The view is framed at the top by tilting screens, which, when open, serve as a slatted pergola for shading, and, when closed, provide security. Unlike the approach side, the view sides to the east and north show a clear delineation of ‘built’ and ‘nature’ by the clear solid lines of the deck edges raised above the site. The separation to the inside is gently layered, however; first by the change in floor texture and door openings, then the row of columns defining the rectangular form (which can be closed with the shutters) and finally with the deck edge.

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PROVINCELIGHTING.CO.ZA

2012 ITFB AWARDS On plan there are three distinct areas, each roughly rectangular; the garage, the services and entrance to the centre, and the living and bedroom areas. Internally, the floor-to-ceiling heights and the corresponding volumes reflect a hierarchical order, with the entrance and service areas under a low, flat roof, the bedrooms under a higher ceiling sloping up towards the views and the volume in the living area increasing as one steps down a couple of steps from the bedroom area or entrance. The structure is a combination of timber post and beam construction and timber framing.

Energy efficiency: The building’s design and specification are underpinned by energy efficiency. All the sliding doors, folding sliding doors and northfacing windows are double glazed and all the bedrooms have high windows for hot air to escape if needed.

Project details: The soil is sandy and fairly firm which made digging for the foundation and pole base pads easy. The brick and concrete base was started in October 2012 and completed in November 2012. Due to subcontractors being on holiday, the solar panels for the geyser, shower doors glass splash back in kitchen, a few small odds and ends with the light fittings and the cupboards, the project was completed in 2013. The roofs have large overhangs and some walls extend with slatted screens for shade and airflow. The insulation in the roof and walls far surpasses anything that Knysna Timber Homes have built in the past with R values of 3.7 on the roof and 2.4 on the walls. House Dauboin also boasts energy efficient lighting, a large 24-vacuum tube solar system, a wood-burning fire place and extra insulation in the suspended floors.

Challenges: The site’s access road is of soft sand, which resulted in vehicles getting stuck and, in turn, time lost on the project. Malmesbury’s temperatures can soar in summer, and some of the carpenters had to be treated for heat stroke. The project’s limited timeframe (especially since high-end finished were employed) was also a challenge. Distance from site, meant that the team had to live on site, which, at first, was not equipped with any basic services or accommodation. The team installed some office containers, which were soon outfitted with bedrooms, a kitchen and storage for their on-site stay.

Suppliers: Structural Timber: Saplings; Roofing: Safintra; Insulation: Insulation & Packaging Distributors cc; Windows & Doors: C&C Joiners; Aluminium Windows & Doors: Secto Aluminium; Garage Doors: Swartland; Handles & Hardware: Handles Inc.; Built-in Cupboards & Vanities: Miracle Kitchens; Tiles: World of Marble & Granite; Tiler: Antonio Pauhein; Sanitary Ware & Geysers: On Tap (Paarden Eiland); Shower Doors: Turnkey Frameless Glass; Solar Geyser: Tasol Solar Systems; Electrician: Trip AG Electrical; Light-fittings: Province Lighting; Alarm: MSS Security; Gutters & Downpipes: Watertite Guttering; Braai & Fireplace: Progress Lighting & Fires; Paving: Boetie van Niekerk; Engineer: Poise Design.

JUNE / JULY 2013 //

2012 ITFB AWARDS

Category: Structures larger than 220m2 Bronze award Design: J McNamara construction: Country Timber Homes

House McNamara Country Timber Homes were briefed to build a timber home that would be as green as their clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; budget would allow. The client is an engineer and qualified to draft his own plans, and so the blueprints for what would become House McNamara were quite far along even at the primary consulting stages. The initial plans that were submitted to the golf estate for approval from the body corporate indicated exterior timber cladding. There were some reservations around this from some of the residents, who felt that aesthetically, it would not blend in with the surrounding homes on the estate. This hurdle was quickly overcome by switching the external cladding to Nutec fibre cement boards. Plans were submitted with the local council and were approved within six weeks and construction on the main sub-structure and the garage slab started in May of 2011.

Design: The actual design from the McNamaras was simple and very functional; it was entertainment-friendly with large, flowing open-plan areas, with a large, wrap-around open and covered deck area.

// JUNE / JULY 2013

2012 ITFB AWARDS An interesting feature of the house is the stoneclad double-sided fireplace, which was constructed using a combination of brick and shutter ply-clad timber frame around the flue. This feature was very effective and worked well in dividing a very large living area into different segments. The floors are of solid Saligna throughout, apart from tiles in the bathroom and kitchen areas. All built-in cupboards and kitchen fittings were sourced through Country Timber Homes’ suppliers and form part of the turnkey project offering. With a water collection management system installed, a solar geyser and gas to operate the cooking appliances and fireplace, the home ultimately achieved a degree of low carbon footprint with a focus on sustainable living. In total the covered inside area amounts to 277m² with a covered deck portion of 53m² and an open deck portion of 62m². The build was financed through ABSA, who were willing and very supportive through their appointed assessor on the build.

Construction: Soil conditions proved fairly stable without any major deviations from the conventional method of strip foundations and foundation pier pads. Construction took place during the winter months, but the build incurred very little down time due to inclement weather, as the roof had been installed about a month and a half after breaking ground. The project experienced very few complications apart from the fact that some of the finishing items, like tiles and bathroom fittings were sourced in another province and the equivalent needed to be found in local branches or, most often, couriered to site. Handover of the project was in February 2012 and the project ran very smoothly, despite some small challenges that were easily remedied. The McNamaras were very happy with the end result and have remained friends with the Country Timber Homes team to this day.

Suppliers: Structural Timber: Karkloof Timber Mills; Insulation Products: Home Insulations; Roofing: Truss City; Ceilings: PMB Ceilings; Cladding: Alpine Wholesalers; Flooring: Eco Timber Traders; Windows & Doors: Fairdeal Windows & Doors; Built-in Cupboards: Kitchen Interiors.

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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

THE ITFB WISHES TO CONGRATULATE ALL OF THE WINNERS OF THE 2012 ITFB AWARDS!

A TIMBER HOME THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE!

news

‘Natural laboratory’ – Forestry students at work at NMMU George.

Sustainability high on the agenda NMMU a leader in studies of the Environment, Biodiversity & Ecology With a choice of more than 300 different programmes in 130 different career fields, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) represents a new generation university which aims to meet the needs of the current generation.

MMU has six campuses – five in Nelson Mandela Bay and one in the Garden Route city, George, making it the biggest comprehensive university in the Eastern and Southern Cape. The university, with its seven faculties, has emerged as a leader in the field of Environment and Ecology. The Faculty of Science has four centres of excellence – the School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences; the School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics & Statistics; the School of Environmental Sciences, and the School of Natural Resource Management. The George Campus at Saasveld is home to the School of Natural Resource Management. This Centre of Excellence offers a unique, mutually-reinforcing and enriching mix of diploma and degree programmes in Forestry, Wood Technology, Agricultural Management, Game Ranch Management and Nature Conservation. From 2014 a new offering, a Higher Certificate in Veldfire Management, will complement this unique mix of programmes. The Forestry and Wood Technology set of programmes is well-established at the George Campus, while interest in the BTech stream, which offers an opportunity for

specialisation after completion of the diploma, has grown exceptionally well over the past few years. “The increasing pace of innovation is accompanied by a new range of challenges which demands a new mindset and a new approach,” says Prof Jos Louw, Director of the School of Natural Resource Management, and a staunch proponent of the concept of offering education for work and life. The forest industry is grappling with complex issues in the area of sustainability, industrial ecology, renewable energy, resource economics and broader eco-system values, resilience and adaptation. “Renewed international interest in intensively managed monoculture (single species) forest plantations and anticipated changes in forest land ownership has initiated a new era in the management of land and people and the relationship between companies and communities. There is a fine balance between the more efficient use of forest bio-mass and the related challenge of sustainability of growing sites. The upside is that these challenges will result in a new green economy internationally, and institutions, such as NMMU, which prepare students for employability, play a critical role in this regard,” says Prof Louw.

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news Environment, business and social aspects covered The Forestry programme offered at NMMU George includes a holistic view of all elements required for sustainability, such as the environment, with a focus on Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Management, Certification and Legislation; business, with subjects such as Business Management, Entrepreneurship and Resource Economics, as well as social aspects, such as Integrated Social Development, Human Resource Management, Environmental Education, Health and Safety. In terms of the current curriculum, the three year National Diploma (in Forestry) offered at NMMU George can normally be followed by the BTech, MTech and DTech degree. It is of a more careeroriented (applied) nature, which is responsive to the needs of the Forestry industry. Synergy is achieved through a system of Technical Committees and an Advisory Board established especially with this kind of co-operation in mind.

Future curriculum developments Exciting new developments in the Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) will add even more depth to the curriculum and ensure that students are better prepared for studies at Masters and PhD level. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The new curriculum will continue to include a focus on applied research as is currently the case, but it will also offer students at Saasveld an opportunity for progression to the highest level of academic proficiency at PhD level,â&#x20AC;? says Prof Louw. This stream will offer students the opportunity to do an Advanced Diploma (Year 4) with a broad selection of subjects, such as Silviculture, Engineering, Forest Management, Human Resource Management, Fire Management, Biometry, Environmental Management, Woodland Ecology & Management, Business Management and Community Forestry. The Advanced Diploma may be followed by an Honours degree (Year 5) with a choice of subjects dealing with the technical aspects of Forestry or Wood Technology, combined with Research Methodology, Sustainability Studies and a Research Project. This broad framework provides a solid base for a 100% research-based MSc and subsequent PhD degree. It is anticipated that the new curriculum option will be implemented within the next two years.

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Aerial view of NMMU George.

news

Veldfire Management The curriculum and modules for this exciting new qualification aimed at the management and protection of our rich biodiversity focus on the technical, strategic and tactical aspects of veldfire management â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including the suppression and prevention of veldfires. The Higher Certificate in Veldfire Management will be offered on a one-year full-time basis, or part-time over two years from 2014. It should appeal to both first-time students interested in the management of natural resources, or persons who may already be employed in this sphere, but who would like to be equipped with a more scientific foundation in their field of expertise. Those who have completed the certificate will be proficient to work as veldfire managers in government, municipalities, fire associations and the forestry and conservation sectors.

Locally relevant, internationally sought-after NMMUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BTech students in Forestry and Wood Technology are international players in more ways than one; a number of the students in the programme originate from neighbouring countries, such as Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, while graduates from the programme are sought-after internationally. Many former NMMU George Forestry graduates now find themselves with lucrative careers, working internationally in the forest industries of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South America. The Forestry and Wood Technology programmes attract students from all provinces, with the majority from areas that are traditionally known for its plantations, such as KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

A significant number of students are also attracted from Gauteng, the Eastern and Western Cape, while numerous international students have completed their studies at Saasveld over the years. Interestingly, female students account for just over a third of the first-year intake for the National Diploma in this programme.

Employability of NMMU George graduates in Forestry, Wood Technology NMMU George graduates are sought-after in the workplace, and even during the economic downturn, a large percentage of graduates have immediately been absorbed into the market. This is ascribed to the high value NMMU places on building its industry networks, government and professional relations, combined with the high level of employability of NMMU students who are not only prepared academically, but also in terms of leadership development and social and other skills that give them a competitive edge. The School of Natural Resource Management (Forestry and Wood Technology programmes) also enjoys accreditation or membership of various professional bodies relevant to the programmes being offered, including the Southern African Institute of Forestry (SAIF) and the Wood Foundation. NMMU George truly is an ideal choice for those interested in new ways of learning at the meeting place between the environment, business and management!

For more information, contact: (t) 044 801 5111 (e) george-info@nmmu.ac.za (w) georgecampus.nmmu.ac.za

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windows

Wooden and warm Cobus Lourens from leading wooden window and door manufacturer, Swartland, offers some insight into the many benefits of choosing energy-efficient windows for your home.

ver recent years, there has been much hype about the benefits of going green. The good news is that it is all true – going green is good for the environment and it is good for the homeowner. Cobus Lourens from leading wooden window and door manufacturer, Swartland, offers an overview of the many benefits of choosing ‘green’ windows for your home.

Energy savings It is a well-known fact that all buildings lose a lot of heat through their windows. Says Cobus, “When it comes to insulating our homes, windows are the worst culprits for energy loss. It has been estimated that approximately 40% of all energy loss in a home occurs through standard, single-pane windows.”

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He notes that by selecting well-insulated windows, you can go a long way to reducing this energy loss: “In recent years, windows have undergone a technical revolution; the energy-efficient windows of today facilitate lower heat loss, less air leakage and warmer window surfaces for improved comfort and minimal condensation. Doubleglazed windows, such as Swartland’s double-glazed wooden windows, for example, can reduce the amount of energy you need to warm up and cool down your home by as much as 50%.” He says that energy-efficient windows not only provide reduced annual heating and cooling bills, but they reduce the peak heating and cooling load as well. “The peak load for any building refers to the maximum requirement for heating or cooling at one time.

windows

By installing energy-efficient windows, you can seriously reduce the peak load of your home, which, in turn, means that you can install smaller heating or cooling systems. Smaller systems cost less to buy and run, and, as such, they will offset some of the cost of the energy-efficient windows.”

Improved comfort Windows that aren’t energy efficient can create drafts in winter. Cobus explains, “Poor performing windows have very thin glazing, which will cool any air next to the window, and since cool air sinks, this air will sink to the floor. This pattern will eventually set up an air movement pattern that will make your interior feel draughty and it will accelerate heat loss. Energy-efficient windows, on the other hand, will offer a higher interior window temperature in winter and keep this from happening, making the interiors that much more comfortable.”

“Ultraviolet or UV rays are amongst the most harmful radiation in sunlight. They are the most energetic and therefore the most likely to break chemical bonds, leading to fading and degeneration. However, today, there are new coatings for your window’s glazing that can block out these harmful UV rays. Coatings on E-glass, for example, can reduce the UV rays by as much as 98%.”

Quieter homes Energy-efficient windows don’t only block out harmful UV rays, and prevent energy loss, but they also provide better sound insulation, says Cobus, “Swartland’s double-glazed windows, for example, provide first-rate acoustic insulation and dramatically reduce outside noise levels. The added benefit is that they work the other way as well; they also contain noise levels within your home, so you won’t ever have to worry about disturbing your neighbours by playing loud music or hosting a party, for example.”

He explains that in summer, low-efficiency windows can also lead to discomfort and overheating: “Strong, direct sunlight is never invited into your home in summer. Windows with low solar heat gain coefficients, however, will reduce the solar radiation coming through the glass, as well as the associated discomfort, while still providing sufficient light and views.”

Reduced fading Many organic materials that are found inside your home, such as carpet, fabric, upholstery, paper, artwork, paint, wood and leather for example, will fade and crack if exposed to harsh, direct sunlight on a daily basis. Cobus says that your window selection can help in this regard.

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windows

Less condensation

Wooden wonders

Cobus explains that energy-efficient windows create warmer interior glass surfaces, reducing frost and condensation: “Condensation occurs when the interior surface temperature of the glass drops below the dew- or the frost-point. The window frames and glazing in poor performing windows can contribute significantly to the possibility of condensation. Energy-efficient windows, on the other hand, boast warmer glass surfaces and therefore greatly reduce the possibility of condensation or frost.”

Wooden windows are not only a beautiful aesthetically, but they boast excellent insulating qualities, says Cobus. “Wood is an extremely efficient insulator.

Aesthetically pleasing “Daylight and access to outdoor views are two of the fundamental attributes of any window. Unfortunately, however, windows can also be the source of significant solar heat gain or loss. However, today’s advanced glass coatings and window designs will allow you to brighten your home with an abundance of natural light, without worrying about heat or cooling loss. What’s more, is that energy-efficient windows are, for the most part, made from quality materials, so they will be more durable and add value and charm to the overall aesthetic of any home they grace.”

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Recent independent tests conducted by the South African Fenestration and Insulating Energy Rating Association, for example, show that certain of Swartland’s wooden windows had the lowest tested U-rating of all tested windows in South Africa at that time.” He says that over and above this, wood is a renewable resource, making it a very green choice of building material, explaining that Swartland only uses wood from strictly monitored sources. For more information, visit www.swartland.co.za.

BRACKEN TIMBERS Growers and Sawmillers of Quality Pine Timber TEL: 074 136 6666 FAX: 033-4131355 / 086 602 6795 CELL: 076 413 5900 E-MAIL: milladmin@brackentimbers.co.za Main Dundee Road, Greytown, 3250 P O Box 141, Greytown, 3250

CALL 0861 727 663 TO BOOK YOUR TIMBER iQ CLASSIFIED ADVERT.

Kontak: Danie Smit T: 044 879 1286 S: 082 773 9112 F: 086 549 5097 E-pos: bnelhout@mweb.co.za

www.nelstimberhomes.co.za

news

This house is built in the serene seaside village of Palm Beach on the lower KZN South Coast. The CCA treated cladding adds natural warmth to this beautiful home. One of the challenges was not to disturb the root systems of the large protected indigenous trees on the site and to consider the branches once reaching roof height in construction.

Lonza Applauds Institute of Timber Frame Building Awards One of the industry's most prominent tributes to excellence in timber design and construction, the Institute of Timber Frame Building (ITFB) Annual Awards, set the platform once again this year to showcase South Africa's most inventive and progressive timber innovations.

s a major supplier of wood preservation chemicals in South Africa and co-sponsor of the ITFB Awards, Lonza Wood Protection was proud to be associated with the recognition and tribute to the industry’s pioneers. Gerard Busse, Marketing Manager, Lonza Wood Protection, said, “The growing number of spectacular timber structures in South Africa is an encouraging sign that architects and designers are considering timber as an alternative and environmentally friendly, truly renewable building construction material.”

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“With the concerns regarding climate change, timber sourced from sustainably managed plantations plays a very important role through the carbon cycle in lowering the carbon footprint of buildings. The reason being that as trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) creating a carbon sink that produces O2 which is released into the atmosphere, so sawn timber and treated poles are at best carbon neutral, and in some cases even net carbon negative.” “Our support of the ITFB Awards therefore falls in line with our strategy to not only promote the use of quality treated timber, but to also support the recognition and awarding of excellence in timber design and construction.”

news

The site environment for this house proved challenging. The front poles where up to 8.5 metres and the back end of the lower floor was at ground level. Additional challenges were that the soil was hard clay with large rocks, which meant digging even deeper foundation holes for the engineer’s approval.

While most people are aware of the aesthetic appeal of timber buildings, the use of quality preservative treated structural timber is only a legal requirement in some areas of South Africa, mostly along the coastline. Through awareness projects, such as the awards, the ITFB is actively engaged in communicating the importance of quality treated structural timber against insect and fungal attack, as well as biological decay throughout South Africa, in order to maintain the high value and beauty of each structure.

An interesting use of support/decorative columns for the decks and entrance roof, which were wet-work constructed and then tiled to add another dimension to this timber frame house. There’s a big focus on natural lighting through large windows throughout the house. Water conservation was achieved by directing roof water into a water tank to supply cold water taps in the bathrooms and kitchen.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to Lonza Wood Protection for their continued support of our annual building awards project. Our longstanding relationship with Lonza in promoting the use of quality treated wood from established suppliers for all forms of timber building is an important aspect of our role as the ITFB,” added Slabbert.

President of the ITFB, Werner Slabbert, explains the conceptualization of the awards: “The awards were introduced in 1996 to recognize our builders’ craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each year, builders win either a Gold, Silver or Bronze certificate in a variety of categories to commemorate their outstanding workmanship on a particular project. A parallel award is presented to the architect or designer of the award entry.”

“As a co-sponsor, with Buco and Timber iQ, we were most impressed with the quality of entries and winners in each of the categories judged this year. We would like to congratulate the ITFB organisers and judges on a professional event that did the timber frame and great wood products industry proud. Our congratulations also go to each winner and to all the entrants who supported the ITFB Awards through their commitment to uphold and promote timber innovaton,” concluded Busse.

The award categories cover structures larger than 120m² and structures larger than 220m², structures smaller than 120m², alterations and additions, decks, boardwalks, gazebos, etc. and commercial buildings.

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Case Study

American Red Oak comes home to Yale When Hopkins Architects were interviewed about designing the new building for Yale's School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, project director, Mike Taylor and Sir Michael Hopkins took the opportunity to have a look at the university's plans room.

heir main aim was to see the drawings for such important buildings as Louis Kahn’s art gallery, but while they were there they made a discovery that had a vital effect on their design.

“We saw that Yale had its own forests in New England,” Taylor explained. “We thought then that it could be a masonry building with a timber lining – and that it could use their own timber.”

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Case Study

The result is a building where much of the internal excitement comes from the use of American red oak, on stairs and walls, drawing you up to the most dramatic space on the top floor, and imparting warmth to the building that might otherwise have been lacking. The building, known as Kroon Hall, occupies a space that was previously a messy backyard. “All the good sites have gone now,” said Taylor, but this positioning on what could fairly be described as a brownfield site accords with the aspirations of the building, which were to be as environmentally friendly as possible. The client wanted the building to score LEED platinum, the highest category in the US system (roughly equivalent to BREEAM), but it wanted to go further, to be carbon neutral. Hopkins designed a building that is one of the greenest in the US, using many approaches that are common in the UK, but unusual in the more extreme climate of New Haven Connecticut, which has hot humid summers and cold winters. Only in the pleasant ‘shoulder seasons’ of spring and autumn is it feasible to rely entirely on natural ventilation. Its approach is one of orientation, high thermal mass and good insulation, to minimise the demand for energy. There is as much natural light as possible, and an exposed southern façade to allow solar gain in winter, but with

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shading to keep out the high summer sun. Having kept the energy requirement as low as possible, the building then has windows that can open in spring and autumn (there is a system of red and green indicators to show when it is appropriate to do so). The rest of the time the building uses displacement ventilation with heat recovery. Heating and cooling come from heat exchange with geothermal wells that are nearly 500m deep. And there are photovoltaic panels on the roof to provide another source of renewable energy. If all this sounds complex, the building itself is surprisingly simple, a single, barrel-vaulted structure, two storeys high on one side, and three on the other to accommodate a change in level on the site and provide access beneath for service vehicles. It is also a clever piece of placemaking, creating new courtyards on either side of it. It is initially surprising that the most public spaces are on the top floor, with relatively routine cellular offices below. At the top are an environment centre, classrooms and gathering spaces, including a canteen. This was a deliberate attempt to create a new heart for the school, to complement the informal gatherings that can happen outside when the weather allows. Because of the form of the building, the top floor is the most dramatic space, and so most suited to this use.

Case Study

The centrally placed staircase draws people up to this space, and, especially on the ground floor, its warm patina contrasts enticingly with the cooler exposed concrete finishes. The timber used is American red oak, which comes from the Yale Tourney forest, the largest of the seven forests that were donated to the university in the 20th Century. In the very northeast of Connecticut, it covers 3,213 hectares, and is FSC certified. It mostly consists of mixed hardwoods with small stands of pine. The timber that Hopkins chose to use was red oak, and in the end about half of it came from Yale Tourney and the rest from elsewhere, although it was all FSC certified. It was used for all the internal timber, with the exception of the glulam beams, which are of Douglas fir, as is the external timber shading. American red oak is not suited for external use in so harsh a climate, and the glulam manufacturer also has specifications that exclude its use.

With dark leather sofas, and the timber panelled walls of some enclosed classrooms behind, the effect is a little like being in a modern, and determinedly nonexclusive, version of a gentleman's club. For Hopkins this is the first time it has worked with American red oak. It has extensive experience of white oak, particularly at the parliamentary building Portcullis House, and also at Haberdashers’ Hall in the City of London. “We were a bit guarded,” said Taylor. “It is more characterful than white oak. There is more variation and more warmth. We were concerned that it could look like exaggerated variation.”

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Case Study When working with timber in the UK, Hopkins’s normal habit is to create panels and then to hang these directly, but at Yale it went with a more American process of using ‘v-line’ boarding – roughly equivalent to tongue and groove. “You start at one end and move along,” explained Taylor, explaining that this was a cheaper solution, although he did not think it would have been in the UK. “It’s a local thing,” he said. “I imagine if you did it in the UK it wouldn’t look the same.” Hopkins was in the fortunate position of being able to select the timber, which was all kiln-dried. Before specialist local timber contractor Legere Group started installing the boards, Hopkins set up a selection specification, ensuring that any boards in which the variation was too extreme, or where there were too many knots, would be rejected. The contractor then installed them, deliberately randomising them so that, although the variation is not extreme, it is most definitely there. On the upper floor, where this panelling forms enclosures to some teaching spaces that go up to meet the ceiling, there are three rows of vertical planking at the ends, and an alternation between horizontal and vertical planking on the main entrance walls, with the horizontal element acting almost like a portico. As well as the panelling there are other elements that use red oak. The stairs have oak treads, with non-slip strips set into them, contrasting with the exposed concrete of the risers. An informal space at the end of the top floor has red oak flooring, made into panels each of which is the size of four of the raised floor panels, so that it can be lifted off and the services can be accessed. With dark leather sofas, and the timber panelled walls of some enclosed classrooms behind, the effect is a little like being in a modern, and determinedly non-exclusive, version of a gentleman’s club. The use of red oak for some low-level tables adds to the harmonious impression. There is other red oak furniture in the building as well, in particular some benches near the entrance, although none of the timber for this furniture was sourced from the Yale forest. But after the panelling, the most obvious place where red oak has been used is on the ceiling panels to the vault that runs the length of the building. These panels, made by Rulon Company, are of solid formaldehyde-free MDF and contain apertures for lighting and sprinklers, as well as having openings to an acoustic backing. They are veneered with red oak, and have solid red oak edges to them. Initially, Taylor was concerned about the visual contrast between the red oak panelling and veneers and the Douglas fir glulam beams, but the effect is harmonious. And the use of locally grown oak, even if there was not enough of it to do the whole job (the forests are mostly maintained as a research resource rather than for commercial exploitation), is in keeping with the approach on the rest of the building.

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Case Study

Externally, it is clad in Briar Hill Stone, a pale yellow stone that has been used widely on buildings on the campus, so that Kroon Hall sits comfortably with its neighbours. What is most striking about this building is the way that almost every decision about its design was informed by an environmental agenda, and yet it is an eminently strong and rational piece of architecture that doesn’t proclaim its environmental credentials, except to the cognoscenti. The architect describes it as ‘a modernist blend of cathedral nave and Connecticut barn.’ It is orientated east west, with the long northern side, with its minimal openings, set into the hillside, and a much more open southern side spilling out into a garden. The concrete structure, exposed internally to provide thermal mass, has 50 percent of the cement replaced by blast-furnace slag, a waste material. Low-velocity fans in the basement circulate the air in the displacement system. It is easy to concentrate entirely on energy when one thinks about environmental performance, but water is also a valuable resource, and the architect has not neglected this in its design. There is a rainwater harvesting system that not only gathers water from the roof, but also uses the garden in the south courtyard to help clean it up. The rainwater is directed to an area of aquatic plants, which filter out sediment and contaminants. From there it goes to underground storage tanks, and it is used for flushing lavatories. The saving in water, the school of forestry estimates, is a staggering 500,000 gallons a year. The architect even thought about the elevator in environmental terms. It has specified a counterweighted roped holeless hydraulic elevator, which uses less energy than either an ordinary hydraulic elevator or a typical roped counterweighted elevator. Equally importantly, by placing the staircase at the heart of the building, it has helped to ensure that only those who really need an elevator will use it. On completion of the building, Richard C Levin, the President of Yale, praised it as “Yale’s most sustainable building to date” and said that he hoped “its energysaving concepts will be emulated widely and inspire others to advance green building design even further.” Set anywhere, this building would be an achievement in both architectural and sustainability terms. The fact that it has also replaced an eyesore of a power plant and created a focus for a department that previously inhabited a soulless hotchpotch of buildings is a bonus. And for the students and faculty, what could be better than to be reminded of the subject of their study every time they look at those red oak walls? With busy agendas they are unlikely to get to the forest as often as they might wish. How marvellous then that the forest has come to them.

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Project Particulars Design architect: Hopkins Architects Executive architect: Centerbrook Architects & Planners Client: Yale University Structural and M&E engineer: Arup Sustainable design: Atelier Ten Landscape Architect: Olin Partnership Civil engineering and stormwater management: Nitsch Engineering Geothermal engineer: Haley 7 Aldrich Facade engineering: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Thermal performance: Waltham Materials handling: SEA Consultants Code consultant: PR Sherman Specifications consultant: Kalin Associates Elevator consultant: VDA Cost estimator: Faithful & Gould Construction manager: Turner Construction Co Photography credit: Morley von Sternberg

LEADERS IN TIMBER FRAME ECO LOG HOME CONSTRUCTION • Eco Homes • Log Homes • Wooden Cabins • Kit Homes • Timber Frames • Hotel Rooms • Home Designs

079 269 3905 www.timberliving.co.za

Lighting

'Hout' Luminaire Barend Massow Hemmes, a London-based designer, produces unique designs that combine function and form in clever ways. Featured are his wooden 'Auric Lattice' lights.

emmesphere showcases the interior design accessories of Barend Massow Hemmes, a noteworthy designer with international influences and perspectives on interior design. His latest range of light shades is, according to him, “a modern interpretation of light, and the result of the influences acquired while working as an interior designer.” Hemmes’ ‘Auric Lattice’ light shades, which come in the shape of classic wooden light-bulbs, are carefully engineered and come pre-assembled. The basic range comes in laser cut, renewable birch ply and is available in a range of sizes. His ‘Limited Editions’ are an extension of this basic range, each piece with its own unique identity, hand-finished with unique additions, using corroded steel, spun copper, Perspex and aluminium.

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Hemmes’ ‘Concept Pieces’ are an eclectic mix of recycled and ‘found’ objects that are integrated with the basic designs. The lights can be mounted on walls or ceilings or rest on any available surfaces (floor, table, etc.). Based on the principle of the lattice, the lights have a waffle-like appearance that produces dapples and incandescent light when in use. The Hemmesphere range has grown from Barend’s experience creating bespoke furniture and fixtures for private and corporate clients.

Lighting

About Lightworld: Lightworld stocks a wide range of high quality lighting products, including lamps, chandeliers, ceiling lights, downlights, table lamps, spot lights, outdoor lights, LED, accessories and other related products. The company has established partnerships with prominent importers and manufacturers in the lighting and related industries to enable them to service the diverse needs of all domestic, commercial and industrial clients.

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Having celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011, Lightworld has maintained its position in the market place as a leader in the import of fashionable and decorative lighting. The Lightworld showroom in the Cape Town CBD offers a wide range of high fashion chandeliers, ceiling lights, table lamps, floor lamps, as well as outdoor lighting at competitive prices.

For more information, contact: (t) 021 421 6455 (e) sales@lightworld.co.za (w) www.lightworld.co.za

Homes | Roof Rooms | Loft Conversions | Attic Conversions

since 1979

IONS & RD FOR ALTERAT A AW ZE ON R B AMBERS 2012 ITFB WINNER OF THE ION TO HOUSE CH IT D D A SS LE M A E SE ADDITIONS FOR TH

WE OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES: 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. We work throughout the Cape Peninsula and although we specialise in roof room (second storey) conversions, we pride ourselves in building structure too. CONTACT: Jim Bunyan Cell: +27 83 252 2268 Denvin Lucas Cell: +27 76 074 0763

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

Web: www.timbercraft.co.za

Architecture

From concrete to wood

BIG wins the international E2 (Ecology + Economy) timber competition in Finland BIG (DK) + Pirmin Jung Engineers for Wood Constructions (CH) + AOA Anttinen Oiva Architects Ltd (FI) + Vahanen Engineers (FI) + Stora Enso (FI) comprise the winning team to design a prototype wooden construction system for a pilot project in Kouvola, Finland that will serve as a showcase for the sustainable use of timber construction worldwide.

o meet the increasingly stringent environmental requirements of Finnish industrialized construction, the E2 (Ecology + Economy) timber development competition aims to find a conceptual design solution for large-scale production of wooden multi-storey buildings. A 15 000m² prefabricated wooden development in Kouvola, Finland will serve as a showcase for replicable and locally adaptable cost- and energyefficient housing.

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BIG’s proposal, PUU-BO was announced as one of two winning entries of the two-staged invited competition totalling 26 international proposals. “PUU-BO was the only proposal to truly acknowledge the aspiration of the E2 Competition: to look at the surroundings of the buildings and the spaces in between as potential opportunities for green development,” Jury, E2 (Ecology + Economy).

Architecture

Wood as a construction material brings a double benefit: remarkably reduced emissions in its production and fabrication and improved energy-efficiency of the buildings where it is used. Currently, only a fragment of multi-storey buildings utilize timber construction in Finland, a country known for its timber production. BIG’s PUU-BO is a comprehensive prefab solution designed to be both extremely flexible and materially efficient. PUUBO’s conception as a system based on best practices and not predefined standard elements gives it an embodied intelligence and ensures its viability for the future. The system’s easy adaptability to a variety of building typologies and uses opens up new possibilities for prefabricated wood systems beyond the residential market; the very same elements in the residential pilot project could be used in an office building or even a wood skyscraper with no loss in material efficiency. “BIG’s point of direction was to design an innovative system that can fit any built environment for any type of use. Rather than developing a system based on current market demands, we wanted to make a system so flexible it can embrace as many building typologies and functionalities as possible. Instead of making the most carbon neutral system at present, we develop a system that evolves into the future. This way the system respects the ever-increasing key drivers for sustainability, while being competitive with other building systems,” says Thomas Christoffersen, Partner-in-Charge, BIG.

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Architecture

A site with generous views towards public green areas and the city’s river has been specifically selected for this pilot project by the city of Kouvola. The location allows the volume of the proposed building to push from one side to the other side to integrate the park and parking along the development. BIG’s proposal follows the contours of the landscape, creating semi-private pockets directly connected to the park, while the height of the building is manipulated to peak towards the open areas. The pockets are surrounded by lower housing, creating an intimate space where all units are connected to the ground. The areas with the best views have the most floors and the most apartments, while all roofs are partially accessed by the penthouse apartments and all units at ground floor have access to private gardens to both sides. “Le Corbusier’s DOMI-NO system was developed to industrialize construction with the new technologies of concrete structures, and improve living conditions for many. Decades later, concrete housing has become synonymous with boxy and boring. By crossbreeding state-of-the-art building technology and wood construction, PUU-BO provides endless variability with infinite renewability,” comments Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Partner, BIG. BIG’s E2 proposal combines a variety of housing typologies – from eight-storey apartment buildings to low townhouses with a shared courtyard space. Along both sides of the building a pedestrian path connects the private gardens to parking and park. The path blends with the existing network, integrating the building with the park, river and city. Playgrounds, sports fields, and a community sauna in the river are strategically placed in order to activate the site. All activities are available to both the PUU-BO inhabitants, as well as the citizens of Kouvola.

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Architecture MODULES

PUU-BO©

space planning modules

type module

building types

About PUU-BO

About BIG

When asked to design a building system for the housing market in Finland and its major export countries, the point of direction was to design an innovative system that can fit into any built environment for any type of use.

BIG, founded in 2005 by Bjarke Ingels, is an architectural office currently involved in a large number of projects throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Based in Copenhagen, Denmark and with a newly opened office in New York, USA the office is led by six Design Partners, including Bjarke Ingels, Andreas Klok Pedersen, Finn Norkjaer, Thomas Christoffersen, Jakob Lange, David Zahle and two Management Associate Partners, Sheela Maini Sogaard and Kai-Uwe Bergmann. BIG’s architecture emerges out of a careful analysis of how contemporary life constantly evolves and changes, not least due to the influence of multicultural exchange, global economic flows and communication technologies that together require new ways of architectural and urban organization.

Rather than developing a system based on market studies or dubious forecasts, we wanted to make a system so flexible it can embrace as many building typologies and functionalities as possible. At the same time the system should be sustainable, both in its construction and consumption, while being competitive with existing building systems, mainly of concrete elements. We propose a roadmap for wooden construction to reach the same efficiency as today’s concrete elements without repeating the mistakes of the concrete industry. Instead of making the most carbon neutral system from the beginning, we develop a system that evolves over time. This way the system respects the ever-increasing key drivers for sustainability, while being competitive with other building systems. The system is applicable to any functional needs, markets, building codes, and energy demands. The main load bearing parts are 100% wood; all other parts are made from wood when possible and implemented when the given technology is available and affordable.

About E2 The city of Kouvola, in cooperation with the Finnish Forest Industries association, the Finnish Forest Foundation, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, The Finnish Innovation Fund SITRA , KSS-Energia Oy and the Regional Council of Kymenlaakso aims at fostering new solutions for industrial production of wooden multistorey buildings through the launch of E2 Timber Development Competition and a future Centre of Competence in Timber Construction, 'Wood-Inno.' The concept competition is expected to offer energy-efficient solutions which reduce the carbon footprint, and could help Finland to take leadership in the field of timber construction worldwide.

About Pirmin Jung PIRMIN JUNG Ingenieure für Holzbau AG is a leading engineering specialist for multiple-storey timber constructions. For the past 15 years, Pirmin has worked closely with designers and architects, creating efficient, sustainable and long-lasting wooden solutions worldwide.

E2 INFORMATION Name: E2 Ecology + Economy Program: Housing Type: Prequalified Competition Size: 15 000m², eight-storey prefabricated wood construction Client: City of Kouvola, Finland Collaborators: AOA, Pirmin Jung Holzbauingenieur, Vahanen, Stora Enso Location: Kouvola, Finland Partner in Charge: Bjarke Ingels, Thomas Christoffersen Project Leader: Brian Yang Team: Krista Meskanen, Jelena Vucic, Alina Tamosiunaite, Alessandro Ronfini, Cecilia Ho, Elisha Nathoo, Sunming Lee, Long Zhuo, Mads Bjorn Christiansen

More information about the organizers: www.kouvola.fi/E2

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FSC

FSC highlights the potential of sustainable buildings TM

Forest Stewardship CouncilTM (FSC), the World Green Building Council and ICLEI organized the 'Resilient Building and Construction' forum at the Resilient Cities Conference 2013.

any cities around the world are exposed to natural disasters that directly affect buildings. Resilient building and construction practices help to limit the damage caused by these disasters. FSC believes that these practices should, at the same time, be safe, energy efficient and based on sustainably produced and environmentally responsible material.

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FSC representatives John Hontelez and Etienne McManusWhite were among the panelists at the forum on ‘Resilient Building and Construction,’ held on May 31 as part of the Resilient Cities Conference 2013. This open panel discussion was an opportunity to share challenges and success stories on this issue.

FSC

FSC US’s Chief Marketing Officer, Etienne McManus-White, highlighted the Bullitt Center in Seattle, Washington, the first commercial building in the USA to receive FSC Project Certification for utilizing 100 percent of its wood from FSC certified sources. McManus-White described the Bullitt Center as a “lighthouse for others to see the possibilities and opportunities for green and resilient building and construction.”

of backgrounds to learn more about FSC’s developments in the field. FSC also co-organized a case study workshop showcasing concrete examples of green and resilient building and construction. Some of the ideas shared in the forum included Barcelona's URB-is project, an online information-sharing platform for resilient infrastructure, and South Korea's energy efficient LED lighting initiative. FSC is looking forward to its continued cooperation with the World Green Building Council and ICLEI to promote responsible timber use and green and resilient building and construction.

John Hontelez, FSC’s Chief Advocacy Officer, spoke about the need to interpret “resilience” in a broad way, meaning that cities are expected to ensure sustainable production and consumption with their activities. In relation to construction, this means using wood as the primary construction material, and ensuring it is harvested in responsibly managed forests. FSC certification is a tool to put this into practice. There are over 180 million ha of FSC certified forests worldwide, which provide than 10 percent of all commercially traded timber and timber products. “We consider wood to be a durable resource,” Hontelez said, “provided we manage forests properly.”

Source: FSC International

In conjunction with the forum, the FSC stand at the main exhibition area welcomed participants from a wide array

for a ﬁner ﬁnish The SWT 225 RC

Donald Fuchs machinery

Twin Head – offers more flexibility R Head Calibration with profiled steel contact roller (160 mm diam). C Head Combi-unit with profiled rubberised contact roller (160 mm diam) and an electronic pad with 35 mm segments giving up to 2 mm thickness compensation.

Standard Features: • • • • • •

Variable feed speed Constant passline Control via touch screen panel Maintenance free electrical braking system Poly V-belt drive Separate drive motor for each head

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To ﬁnd out more::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Follow us on facebook at:

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DIY

The 2-in-1 tool for precise and detailed tasks: Dremel's Moto-Saw is a scroll saw and electric fret saw in one Dremel's Moto-Saw is a novel multi-instrument tool for amateurs, hobbyists and creative people. It is a multi-functional tool that can be used as a scroll saw or an electric fret saw. It is therefore suited for sawing into different types of materials, like wood, plastic or metal.

ts use ranges from classic free-hand fret saw work for decorations, to trimming skirting boards in stationary mode. It is quick and easy to set up and to put away. Keyless accessory changes are more convenient than ever, thanks to the quick release system. If it is no longer needed, it can be disassembled and is stored in the spacesaving case supplied.

Accessories included:

Dremel Moto-Saw is quick and easy to set up and store When the Moto-Saw is to be used as a scroll saw, it can be set up in a few simple steps. To do this, fix its base to a stable surface – a table top or a workbench for example – with the two screw clamps provided, lock the electric fret saw into the opening in its base, fit the saw blade and then you can begin. For free-hand cuts the Moto-Saw can be easily removed from its base using the quick release button.

Step by Step project

The Moto-Saw has a protected switch which prevents the saw from being started unintentionally. The number of strokes can be chosen according to the work piece material and infinitely adjusted. Moreover, thanks to the quick release system, the saw blades can be changed easily without a key. In addition to metal cutting blades and coarse wood cutting blades, special fine wood cutting blades are also available. These blades are smaller in diameter and are therefore particularly well-suited for curved cuts, for example. The Moto-Saw's maximum cutting depth is 18mm. A hold-down foot ensures that the work piece does not move or vibrate when sawing. As a result, the work piece is stable and safe to work on. Guide rails on both sides of the base make angled and parallel cuts easier. The parallel fence contained in the component parts can either be fixed on the left or on the right. Ensure a dust-free work environment by attaching a dust extractor onto the dust port.

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• a carry case • 2 x MS51 coarse wood cutting blades • 2 x MS52 fine wood cutting blades • 1 x MS53 metal cutting blade

How to make your child a friendly snake jigsaw that teaches them to count...

DIY Once your child plays with this toy, they will realise it is something for them to keep for life; a true heirloom made by you. The friendly coiled snake will also help your child to learn to count. Take your Dremel® Moto-Saw™ and Dremel® 3000 and simply follow our step-by-step guide below:

Tools:

Step 2 Measure the length of your snake’s body, excluding the head and tail, using a dressmaker’s tape and divide it into 26 equal sized parts. Then draw the interlocking jigsaw outlines on each piece to act as a guide. Cut the snake out using your Dremel Moto-Saw and the coarse wood blade MS51 by cutting along the lines you have drawn on both sides of the body and around the head and tail.

Dremel® Moto-Saw™ with coarse wood cutting blade MS51 and fine wood cutting blade MS52 Dremel® 3000, EZ SpeedClic mandrel SC407, EZ SpeedClic Sanding Discs SC411

Other materials: • 9mm MDF 55cms x 50cms • Scrap wood 7.5cms w x 10cms long • Two pencils • Gaffer tape

Step 1 Buy a piece of MDF and get it cut by your local DIY store to measure exactly 55cm x 50cm. When you get it home, draw a circle onto it with a diameter of 50cm. This will become the outline for your coiled snake jigsaw. Then, make yourself a ‘drawing guide.’ This will allow you to draw two parallel lines in the shape of the snake’s body within the 50cm circle. To make the drawing guide, cut a piece of scrap wood 7.5cm wide by 10cm long using your Dremel® Moto-Saw™. Then tape a pencil to each edge and draw the coiled body of the snake inside the circle. Create the head and tail by drawing them freehand.

Note: You can make your snake any dimension you like, with as many parts as you consider helpful to your child. The snake can have pictures rather than numbers on it to help your children tell stories or learn the alphabet, or identify animals. The twin creative and educational task is yours!

Step 3 Now cut out the segments of the snake, following your drawn lines that include the interlocking jigsaw pieces, using your Dremel Moto-Saw and the fine wood blade MS52.

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DIY

Step 4 Gently sand off any rough edges using the Dremel 3000 with EZ SpeedClic Sanding Discs SC411 on the edges of the snake only. Do not sand the interlocking jigsaw pieces, as this will cause the pieces to fit together poorly.

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Cut Out

housing

A new chapter is written for Australia's construction industry The completion of Forté, the world's tallest, and Australia's greenest, timber apartment building heralds a new paradigm in Australia's construction industry.

ocated near the water’s edge in Melbourne’s Victoria Harbour, Forté has proven that the revolutionary material Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) offers a viable alternative to traditional construction options like concrete and steel, which are carbon intensive. Head of Operational Excellence for Lend Lease’s Australia business, Daryl Patterson said CLT provides a more efficient and environmentally-friendly construction process and has enormous potential in the Australian market: “Designed and produced in a factory environment, Forté was 30% faster to build, safer and with higher precision than traditional construction materials. It also resulted in reduced construction traffic to and from site, caused less disruption to the community and produced less waste.”

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“Unlike Europe, where the revolutionary material has been used for more than a decade, Australia is only at the beginning of its CLT journey and still has a way to go to recognise the enormous potential in our market. While we are in the early stages of developing environmentally friendly apartment buildings, we are noticing a changing perception among consumers towards the long-term value that sustainable housing offers.” “Forté is built on the principle that what’s good for the environment is good for the resident too. Using CLT offers better thermal performance and requires less energy to heat and cool, which means reduced energy and water costs with average savings of $300 per year or up to 25% less than a typical code-compliant apartment. The Centre for Design at RMIT University was commissioned to conduct a cradle-to-grave comparison of the environmental performance of CLT against traditional concrete and steel for the construction of Forté.”

housing

Patterson said the key findings revealed a 22% reduction in greenhouse emissions over a 50 year cycle, which has never been achieved by an Australian residential building before. “The study also confirmed that by using the revolutionary CLT material, Forté, reduced CO2 equivalent emissions by more than 1,600 tonnes when compared to concrete and steel – the equivalent of removing over 400 cars from our roads.” Built and designed by Lend Lease, Forté aspires to be the first 5 Star Green Star As Built residential building in the country, and rises over 10 storeys, offering 23 boutique residential apartments and 4 townhouses. Demonstrating its confidence in CLT’s operational and performance efficiency, Lend Lease has already embarked on its next CLT project, which is set to deliver Australia’s most modern and ambitious library. To be located at the unique meeting of Collins and Bourke Streets in Victoria Harbour, the new 21st century library and community centre is being delivered through a three-way partnership comprising Lend Lease, The City of Melbourne and Places Victoria. “We will continue to review our significant project pipeline to identify appropriate sites for CLT and where there is an appetite for sustainable living. With an increasing number of people moving to urban areas, along with the need to create liveable, sustainable cities that are climate positive, the adoption of green technologies, materials and modern construction processes, like CLT, means we are closer to achieving this end,” said Patterson.

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news

STIHLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dave Bithrey with the exquisitely executed seahorse that took top spot at the Royal Show held recently in Pietermaritzburg.

news

STIHL's Bithrey carves out top spot David Bithrey is fast carving out a niche for himself right at the top of the South African chainsaw carving pile.

fter winning the chainsaw carving event at the WoodEX for Africa trade show’s Timber Games recently, Bithrey took top spot at the following event, held last month at the Royal Show in Pietermaritzburg, with an exquisitely executed seahorse. This is the second time in three years that the STIHL area sales manager has taken both titles.

For the finer details of his carvings – such as the wings and thin legs of the butterfly he carved at WoodEX for Africa, and the whorls of the seahorse’s tail and face at the Royal Show – Bithrey employs the compact STIHL MS 250.

Bithrey’s victory also cemented a highly successful Royal Show for STIHL. Michael Tosen, of Middelburg STIHL dealer, Sherenco Grassnyerdienste, using STIHL chainsaws, was crowned national speed-cutting champion at the same event.

Both machines have safety features that give Bithrey the peace of mind he needs to concentrate on the creative work at hand. Both feature the STIHL Quickstop® chain brake, designed to stop the rotation of the chain if activated by the operator’s hand or by inertia if the saw kicks back with sufficient force.

Chainsaw carving is a fast-growing art form that combines the modern technology of the chainsaw with the ancient art of woodcarving. In competitive chainsaw carving in South Africa carvers have an hour to fashion anything of their choice from a large piece of timber (at least 1200mm high and with a diameter of at least 400mm). A panel of three independent judges assesses the competitors in five categories: artistic value, chainsaw skill, safety adherence, finishing precision and overall impression. “Competitive carving requires a high-quality machine,” Bithrey says. “You put the chainsaw through a lot of strain in a relatively short space of time. So the engine, the chain, the guide bar – every part – has to be strong. Using STIHL means I can be sure that I have a superior, safe machine that won’t let me down.” Bithrey uses two saws – the powerful STIHL MS 660 for the block work, the large initial cuts, and the MS 250 for the fine, detailed work. STIHL’s MS 660 Magnum is an exceptionally powerful machine, used extensively in the industry to cut large hardwood timber. Famous for its excellent power-toweight ratio, the MS 660 gives Bithrey the cutting power he needs at the start of the hour, where he needs to get a lot done in a short time.

The MS 250 is light enough to move through smaller cutting tasks, but still packs a powerful punch.

STIHL has also developed a system for minimising the vibration levels of all its handheld power equipment. This is vitally important for a carver skimming timber in delicate maneuvers. The anti-vibration system, which helps reduce operator fatigue, provides Bithrey with crucial support over the demanding hour of constant carving. In addition to excellent tools, a competitive chainsaw carver needs a combination of qualities to distinguish himself from the pack. Bithrey says that creativity, chainsaw skill, practice, and fearlessness are all important – as well as the ability to 'listen to the timber.' “You come in with certain ideas, but to really achieve results that stand out from the rest, you have to be able to listen to the timber,” he says. “Each piece of timber has a different composition, depending on its growing conditions. Is the core hard or soft? How close are the year rings together? These are are crucial things you can know only once you are cutting, and then you have to adjust to what the timber is telling you,” he concluded.

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news

Iliad Africa plans on building the nation with BUCO Iliad Africa Ltd announced the launch of its new monolithic brand, BUCO, at an event held recently.

he implementation of BUCO reflects the Group’s decision to replace its numerous regional brands to capitalise on the strength of a single identity, while optimising marketing focus and spend, and providing a more consolidated offering to its customers.

The event marked the completion of the launch of BUCO in all regions across the country. Significant revamps in most stores provided the platform to refresh merchandising and reposition the business to attract more of the growing DIY segment.

Iliad is reinforcing its strategy and commitment to meeting the product needs of the building industry, servicing a wide range of customers, from large-scale contractors to DIY enthusiasts nationwide. BUCO will provide consistency in customer experience, as well as the opportunity for Iliad to build greater brand recognition and brand equity.

Eugene Beneke, CEO of Iliad Africa said, “The strategy developed after reviewing Iliad’s business in the midst of the financial crisis is now steadily unfolding, underscoring the Group’s evolution towards sustainable growth.

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news

Commenting on the new brand, Eugene Beneke added, “The primary objective of this initiative was to provide a more consistent offering across our store network that could capitalise on focused marketing. We have invested approximately R50 million in rolling out the BUCO brand, including store refurbishments, and the buy-in from all stakeholders has been most encouraging.”

BUCO Building Blocks The launch of the new national brand coincided with a national community programme, and Adopt-a-School was selected as the preferred partner.

Iliad CEO, Eugene Beneke.

Keynote speaker, Justice Malala.

Supported by meticulous planning and research, we have revitalised our General Building Materials division by launching this unifying brand across all regions. We are thrilled with how well the new brand has been received.” BUCO is Iliad Africa’s General Building Materials (GBM) division, which accounts for 76% of the Group’s revenue. The GBM division has 49 stores nationwide and is made up of Coastal and Inland subdivisions. The Inland subdivision operates out of 30 stores and the Coastal subdivision currently operates from 19 stores. The Laeveld Bou stores in Nelspruit, Malelane, White River, Hazyview, Hoedspruit and Lydenburg, as well as the Builders Market in Middelburg, were the first stores to convert to the new BUCO brand in 2012. Since then all 49 stores have been rebranded.

BUCO intends to work with high schools close to its stores throughout South Africa. Learnerships will be sourced through these schools for 2014. In addition, bursaries will be offered to selected students who meet the necessary criteria. They will then be presented with the opportunity to join BUCO as employees on completing their studies. BUCO also intends to offer students part-time vacation work during busy periods at some stores. This will give students the opportunity to learn about the business and build relationships with BUCO staff for possible full-time employment in the future. As well as providing assistance to the schools, the programme also facilitates the collaboration of various businesses giving BUCO the opportunity to work with its suppliers who also sponsor the programme.

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Courses

SU hosts third short course on forest finance and economics Foresters and financial managers from various timber companies in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe gathered at Stellenbosch University (SU) in May for the first of two block sessions that are part of the Continuing Education in Forest Finance and Economics short course they are following this year.

t is the third time since 2009 that this refresher course on matters relating the economics and finances of the forestry industry is presented by the SU Department of Forest and Wood Science.

The 2013 class includes representatives from Komatiland Forest (KLF), York Timber, Merensky, SAPPI, Chekweti Timber Company (Mozambique), Border Timbers (Zimbabwe), and the Global Environmental Fund. “This refresher course is ideal for people working in the timber industry who want to be updated on the latest relevant developments and trends in the industry,” believes course organiser Mr Cori Ham of the SU Department of Forest and Wood Science. “It also provides a good networking opportunity within the sector.” The Continuing Education in Forest Finance and Economics course is intended for professional foresters and land managers who have to make decisions about timber and forest management operations and who want to improve financial returns within their company. Case study work, analysis and assignments also form a strong component of the course, which is presented by Prof. Michael Jacobson from Pennsylvania State University

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and an extraordinary Professor to the SU Department of Forest and Wood Science. During the May block session he focussed on the theory and use of discounting and financial analysis procedures, as well as decision tools for land valuation and the optimum rotation ages for bare ground and existing stands. The course participants will be back in Stellenbosch in October, for the second of the two week-long block sessions. The coursework will then focus on topics such as the impact of globalisation within the forestry industry, the carbon and the green economy, forestry poverty and tenure, and the handling of insurance claims after damages caused by baboons.

Enquiries: Mr Cori Ham Department of Forest and Wood Science Stellenbosch University cori@sun.ac.za 021 808 3297

George Campus Saasveld