Timber Design & Technology Middle East - February 2016

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MIDDLE EAST

February 2016 | Issue

24

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

FAO report highlights resurgence in global wood production World’s largest cross-laminated timber residential project to take root in Montreal Metsä Wood reimagines Empire State Building with engineered wood products American Ash brings warmth to the new GEM Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Indonesia is burning. So why is the world looking away?

ANALYSIS

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INTERVIEWS

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DESIGN

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February 2016 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com SUSTAINABILITY | TECHNOLOGY

Farlin group of companies are vertically integrated with an established presence worldwide in timber logs, sawn timber, plywood, panel products and coal for energy sectors.

T: +971 4 8809889 F: +971 4 8809779

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MIDDLE EAST

February 2016 | Issue

24

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

FAO report highlights resurgence in global wood production World’s largest cross-laminated timber residential project to take root in Montreal Metsä Wood reimagines Empire State Building with engineered wood products American Ash brings warmth to the new GEM Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Indonesia is burning. So why is the world looking away?

ANALYSIS

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INTERVIEWS

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DESIGN

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SUSTAINABILITY

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TECHNOLOGY

Plan B | Image © Metsä Wood

February 2016 Issue 24 DIRECTOR Andy MacGregor publisher@citrusmediagroup.net +971 55 849 1574 MARKETING DIRECTOR Eric Hammond marketing@citrusmediagroup.net +971 4 455 8400 INTERNATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR James Hamilton james@timberdesignandtechnology.com EDITOR Tony Smith editor@timberdesignandtechnology.com INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT Eamonn Ennis eamonn@timberdesignandtechnology.com +91 98676 54952 INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Rabia Alga AntExpo Org. | Turkey +90 216 541 0390 rabia@antexpo.net ELIAS AGGELOPOULOS Med Expo | Greece +30 210 2931011 info@epipleon.gr Timber Design & Technology is published 6 times a year

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EDITOR’S NOTE Taking over from steel and concrete as the architectural wonder material of the 21st century, wood has been embraced by architects and designers, who have praised its sustainability, quality and speed of construction.

It is no surprise then that 2015 was heralded by many as ‘the beginning of the timber age’. Given the emergence of new types of engineered wood products that are considerably stronger and more stable than regular wood, and the development of new building techniques, architects are able to build bigger and higher, with timber skyscrapers now a real prospect.

A pioneer in ‘Tall Timber’, Michael Green has been behind some of the tallest wood buildings in the world today. We start our issue off by looking at his proposal for the Réinventer Paris competition - an inventive urban project called ‘Baobab’ that would feature the world’s tallest wood building at 35-storeys and would see Paris define the next era of city building. The project’s innovations are multi-dimensional and extend beyond wood building materials and height. What’s more, the wood products used would store an estimated 3,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide - the equivalent to keeping 2,207 cars off the road for a year, or operating a home for 982 years.

We also look at the inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial, which ran from October 3, 2015 through to January 3, 2016, which attracted over half a million visitors and closed amid strong public reception and critical acclaim. With 120 participating architecture and design offices contributing 93 projects from more than 30 countries, ‘Chicago Horizon’, Ultramoderne’s winning submission for the Lakefront Kiosk Competition was a massive draw during the Biennial. On display at the Millennium Park for the duration of the Biennial, Ultramoderne’s design uses cross-laminated timber, a carbon-negative engineered lumber product, to create an expansive canopy supported by a series of slender columns.

As the only magazine dedicated to the timber and woodworking industry in the Middle East, I am happy to announce that we will be hosting the second edition of ‘Talking Timber’ - a seminar and networking evening for the industry - on the sidelines of the Dubai WoodShow 2016. Given that the MENA region is a major consumer and processing hub for timber, the evening will throw the spotlight on timber and why we should be embracing it as a material. We are finalizing the program of speakers and will be announcing further details via the website.

As always, I would like to encourage you to log on to the website - www.timberdesignandtechnology.com - for the latest updates and please get in touch if you have any suggestions for subjects we should consider covering. In closing, I would like to thank our advertisers, our partners and our readers and look forward to meeting you either at our seminar or at the Dubai WoodShow 2016.

Image © Hedrich Blessing

CONTENTS

06 NEWS

40 COMMENT

The latest industry news from within the region and around the world

Indonesia is burning. So why is the world looking away?

12 SUSTAINABILITY

44 TECHNOLOGY

International team proposes to transform the Parisian skyline and define a new era of carbon-neutral building in France

Metsä Wood reimagines Empire State Building with engineered wood products

16 MARKET REPORT

54 WOOD WORKS

FAO report highlights resurgence in global wood production

Inception-inspired coffee table bends a city in your living room

36 PROFILE

64 INTERVIEW

HOMAG: A pioneer in wood processing

Dubai WoodShow 2016 set for major expansion

DESIGN & DÉCOR

TALL TIMBER

SHOWTIME

26 Harbin Opera House 32 GEM Center

50 Arbora

56 Preview

MAD Architects unveil completed Harbin Opera House

World’s largest crosslaminated timber residential project to take root in Montreal

A preview of the top industry exhibitions coming up this season

American Ash brings warmth to the new GEM Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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NEWS

Image © AHEC

Image © AHEC

AHEC OUTLINES ‘FORWARD THINKING’ STRATEGY TO OPEN UP NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR AMERICAN HARDWOODS

The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, has outlined its forward thinking strategy to open up new market opportunities for American hardwoods in 2016. According to Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, South Asia and Oceania, the major elements of AHEC’s campaign will involve collaborations, installations, seminars, workshops and sustainable design initiatives across both established and emerging markets in India, South Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Given that American hardwoods are widely accepted and understood in these markets, Wiles is positive of increased engagement with the design community in particular.

Valued at more than USD 100 billion in 2014, the MENA design market is expected to grow by about 6 percent annually to reach USD 147.5 billion by 2019, according to the MENA Design Outlook report. With this in mind, AHEC remains committed to its involvement with the major design events in the region such as the Commercial Interior Design Awards, Dubai Design Week, Design Ras Al Khor (DRAK), and Downtown Design amongst others.

In terms of the timber trade, key activities for the year include AHEC’s participation at FURNEX in Cairo, Timber in Construction Expo (Yapi Ahsap Fuari) in Istanbul and the Dubai WoodShow.

“Collaborative installations have proven to be a highly effective way of stimulating interest from designers and the design media. At the same time, they help to serve as a means of demonstrating the beauty of widelyavailable and yet under-utilized American hardwood species. Building on our LCA modelling data, we plan to calculate and communicate the light environmental footprint of American hardwoods used in all installations in

a bid to demonstrate the true sustainability of the material,’ said Roderick Wiles. “AHEC runs one of the most widely recognized wood promotion campaigns in the world and it makes perfect sense for us to continue our support for events that we have been involved with whilst also exploring new avenues and opportunities to promote American hardwoods.”

Through 2016, AHEC will also focus its strategy on education aimed at all elements of the ‘timber chain’, whether it is specifiers (architects and interior designers), end users (furniture and joinery manufacturers) or importers and distributors. AHEC intends to conduct seminars across different markets, highlighting positive developments such as the growing acceptance of thermally modified U.S. hardwoods, which can be used in exterior applications, such as decking and cladding and the development in engineered wood solutions, particularly cross laminated timber (CLT), which represent an exciting potential for American hardwoods and particularly for American tulipwood given its high strength-to-weight ratio.

“With an an industry goal to increase sales of U.S. hardwoods, AHEC is focused on developing existing markets and finding new markets and applications for American hardwoods. Our aim is to enable the American hardwood industry to be proactive rather than reactive by identifying markets and providing data to help develop these markets. It is through the strong connections made with architects and designers in the region - particularly in Dubai - that awareness of both AHEC itself and American hardwoods has been raised considerably in recent years. As a result, it has become increasingly common for architects and interior designers who are looking to specify American hardwoods to come to AHEC for advice,” concluded Wiles.

The SCM Group has expanded its presence in the MENA region with the establishment of its new high-tech hub in Dubai. SCM Group Middle East will service customers in the Persian Gulf, India and Africa regions, giving them the opportunity to benefit from a direct and on-site specialist team dedicated to woodworking and advanced materials technologies. More importantly, customers will be afforded access to several million spare parts supplied by the central Group’s stock to meet their requests with real time shipments.

Through the high-tech hub in Dubai, the Group aims to offer its customers access to cutting edge technologies to process a wide range of materials (wood, plastic, glass, stone, metal, composite materials) in addition to the best specialists in processing technologies and integrated systems who can advise customers on the best machine and systems for the utmost performance. The hub will also have a dedicated commercial team supporting the local commercial network and customers in their everyday production needs and offering an efficient support service that guarantees a complete range of after-sales services. www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

February 2016

Image © SCM Group

SCM GROUP EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE IN THE MENA REGION WITH NEW HIGH-TECH HUB IN DUBAI

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NEWS

USD 1 TRILLION MEGAPROJECTS ATTRACT CEO’S FROM THE WORLD’S LEADING ARCHITECTURE FIRMS The heads of top-tier, global architecture firms are set to convene in Dubai to discuss the GCC countries planned development of 177 major construction and infrastructure programmes, costing in excess of USD 1 trillion across the region. According to E.C. Harris, these governments would like to diversify their economies by increasing their tourism and business industries in order to decrease their reliance on oil and gas reserves. ‘Major programmes’ are defined as construction programmes that cost more than USD 1 billion and need to be delivered in a relatively short period of time, the projects mentioned in the GCC will need to be completed by the year 2030.

These projects include a combination of leisure, real estate, retail, health and education asset developments as well as transport, communication and supporting social infrastructure systems and will have massive implications on the future of the economy as well as the image of the landscape. Due to the heavy human and material resources, as well time constraints required to undertake such enormous tasks, architects, government entities and developers have made the decision to meet to discuss business opportunities, industry trends and to also explore the potential that the MENA region has to offer during the ‘Leaders in Architecture MENA’ summit. The event is set to

attract the top 150 international architecture firms and provide a platform for a wide range of architectural, business, as well some controversial, discussions to flourish.

‘Leaders in Architecture MENA’ has been organized to address issues that might hinder the progress of these USD 1 trillion mega projects, in the MENA region, by forecasting foreseeable challenges and finding solutions to optimize building/design methods, as well encourage new innovations and business partnerships. With this in mind, over 250 government entities, developers, C- level architects and interior designers representing over 10 countries of the MENA region are set to meet at the summit, which will take on April 25 - 26, 2016. Amongst the topics up for discussion is how resilience will ultimately affect the way we build and the future of our planet. Resilient design is the method to make buildings ultimately sustainable and make sure that they will be able to withstand the test of time and keep up with the world’s changes.

It is defined by the Resilient Design Institute as “the intentional design of buildings, landscapes, communities, and regions in response to vulnerabilities to disaster and disruption of normal life”. This was the big word on everybody’s lips after the enormous devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy back in 2012.

Designed by Canadian creative brand Only Victories, the House in the Hill is a simple yet complex private residence inset into the natural seaside landscape.

According to the designers, the highlight of the residence is the surrounding environment, therefore careful decisions were made to ensure that the design of the residence was powerful but simple, and did not compete with the beauty of the landscape.

Architecturally, the interior spaces are pared down to simple monolithic forms that make up the living room, kitchen, office workspace, bedroom, and amenities. The monolithic forms aid in producing a powerful statement for each of the spaces. Timber, concrete, glass, and solid surface materials make up the majority of the interior materials and contributes to the timelessness of the architecture. Overall, the design of the residence argues that simplicity and nature is always better.

The design of the building bisects an upper and lower living space, visually connected via a central stacking parking garage designed to showcase a two-car collection. As tenants and visitors approach and enter the residence, they are met with unrestricted views of the coast and water. Currently in the design development phase, the project is a masterful example of strong design principles mixed with visually stunning aesthetics. www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

February 2016

Image © Only Victories

Image © Only Victories

TIMBER, CONCRETE AND GLASS COMBINE TO DELIVER A HOUSE WITH AN UNBEATABLE VIEW

NEWS

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FMC CHINA MARKS ITS RETURN BACK TO THE SHANGHAI NEW INTERNATIONAL EXPO CENTER

Image © FMC China

Image © FMC China

for upstream and downstream of furniture industry with Jiangsu Furniture Brand Alliance, upholstery companies and design agencies in East China, Yuhang Famous Fabrics City, Damang Town, Tongxiang Town and Jiaxing Fabrics. The focus is on popularizing new fabrics, new techniques, and new products, increase quality and design so as to create artistic, cozy and avantgarde sofa. Eventually, the sofa will be displayed in the area of ‘Fabric of China, Sofa of China, Design of China’ to show the new idea and techniques to the whole world.

In the face of the ‘new normal’ economy, and with the support of the China Furniture Association, FMC China 2016 will also launch the 2nd Furniture Manufacturing Campaign ‘Replacing Labor with Machine’, linking the upstream machinery manufacturing companies and the downstream furniture corporations to explore the revolution of techniques. Given the success of the first DIY Woodworking Exhibition, the organizers are confident the second edition will bring new fervor to the show.

Last year, the total area of the show was 59,000 sqm with 690 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions such as China, Sweden, Germany, France, the USA, Australia, Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Singapore, Mexico, Malaysia, Russia, Poland, South Africa, Japan, Canada, Korea, Brazil, Vietnam, Britain and India. In addition, 36,590 trade buyers from over 100 countries and regions visited FMC China 2015 and 18,419 trade buyers visited FMC Premium 2015. With FMC moving back to SNIEC, the organizers have added more events and wider content and are positive of even better response this year.

Image © FMC China

The 22nd edition of ‘Furniture Manufacturing & Supply China 2016’ (FMC China 2016) will be held from September 8 - 11, 2016 at the the Shanghai New International Expo Center. Held in conjunction with Furniture China, the two shows will cover the whole upstream and downstream industry of furniture.

According to the organizers, as the top platform of domestic furniture industry, all of the show areas will be innovated and upgraded. FMC China 2016 and Furniture China 2016 will be held at the same place and the same time not only to integrate resources, but also provide a wonderful show for both exhibitors and visitors.

This year, the material area will be moved back to the SNIEC in line with the theme of the show - ‘one venue, one industry’. As such, the show will contain the following areas: Woodworking Machinery, CNC Machinery, Upholstered Furniture Machinery, Coating Machinery, Furniture Adhesives and Coating Machinery, Office Furniture Accessories and Components, Furniture Hardware and Fittings, Wood and Surface Décor, Furniture Fabric and Upholstery Components, covering 2 indoor halls and 6 outdoor halls.

FMC Premium will also optimize the layout of booths comprehensively so as to provide an open, unified and standard display platform and lighting system. Famous brands and products in furniture material and accessories industry, overseas groups from several countries will all get together at FMC Premium. More importantly, the show will aim to create a healthy, free and comfortable purchasing atmosphere for exhibitors and visitors, and highlight the latest innovations, designs and trends.

According to the organizers, the show will create a matching platform

February 2016

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10 NEWS

Image © Studio Link-Art

WOODWORKS ANNOUNCES 2016 WOOD DESIGN AWARD WINNERS

WoodWorks, an initiative of the Wood Products Council, has announced the winners of its 2016 Wood Design Awards. Celebrating excellence in nonresidential and multi-family wood design, national awards have been awarded in nine categories including - Multi-Storey Wood Design; Commercial Wood Design; Wood in Government Buildings; Institutional Wood Design; Wood in Educational Buildings; Beauty of Wood - Innovation; Beauty of Wood - Craft; Green Building by Nature; and Green Building by Design.

“WoodWorks Wood Design Awards celebrate projects and design teams that showcase the innovative use of wood as both a structural and finish material,” said Jennifer Cover, PE, Executive Director of WoodWorks/Wood Products Council. “Ranging from mass timber to traditional wood-frame, this year’s winning projects exemplify wood’s many attributes, from structural performance and design versatility, to sustainability and cost effectiveness.”

Intended to promote the benefits of building from timber, this year’s 16 winners comprise a varied assortment, including a fire station, museum,

library, and pavilion. The most eye-catching winner by far is Beauty of Wood - Innovation winner, China Pavilion Milan Expo 2015. Designed for last year’s Milan Expo by Tsinghua University’s Academy of Art and Design and New York’s Studio Link-Arc, the temporary structure measures 43,000 sq ft (3,994 sq m), and is defined by a very complex glulam (glued laminated timber) roof.

Other notable entries include Hennebery Eddy Architects’ Fire Station 76, which won Institutional Wood Design. Including a fire station and living quarters, the building sports glulam arches and roof framing. Completed in 2015, the building’s Douglas-fir siding was treated using the ancient Japanese charring technique of Shou Sugi Ban to increase its ability to withstand moisture and fire. Further, Aspen’s Art Museum was designed by Shigeru Ban. Completed in 2014, the building is wrapped by a basket-weave composite wood screen wall. The roof structure is notable too, and features an interlocking two-way wood frame that is designed to withstand massive snow loads.

As part of an annual collaboration between the Tama Art University and the Quebec Wood Export Bureau, a total of 25 chairs in Canadian sugar maple and yellow birch were on display at the Gallery Le Bain in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan in November last year. In line with the theme of the exhibition - Bonjour Quebec - students from the Tama Art University were encouraged to design a chair using Canadian timber, develop a prototype and then build the actual chair.

Winners of the initiative included ‘Cherish’ by Dao Tran Ai Nhi (Gold); ‘Lin’ by Mai Kuroda (Silver); and ‘b chair’ by Yume Kanesaki (Bronze). The partnership between Tama Art University and QWEB was initiated in 2012 with a view to showcase a basic product and raw material to future users all while inspiring others on the virtues of the product. By allowing students to work with a naturally sustainable material, QWEB hopes to encourage greater understanding and appreciation of Canadian timbers. www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

February 2016

Image © QWEB

‘BONJOUR QUEBEC’ THROWS THE SPOTLIGHT ON 25 CHAIRS MADE FROM CANADIAN SUGAR MAPLE AND YELLOW BIRCH

12 SUSTAINABILITY

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February 2016

SUSTAINABILITY

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International team proposes to transform the Parisian skyline and define a new era of carbonneutral building in France

Image © Quarx Digitial courtesy of MGA

Inventive urban project called ‘Baobab’ to feature the world’s tallest wood building at 35-storeys

February 2016

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14 SUSTAINABILITY The project’s innovations are multi-dimensional and extend beyond wood building materials and height. A new model of housing explores ways in which the next generation can live in small urban spaces without losing their sense of community. Combining an innovative mix of market and social housing, a student hotel, urban agriculture, a bus station, e-car hub and amenities, the

Baobab project would foster the city’s vision for a connected, vibrant metropolis. Spanning the eight-lane Peripherique and reaching new heights in sustainable wood building, the proposal would transform the Pershing Site into a gateway to the city and a model for future projects around the world.

“Our goal is that through innovation, youthful social contact and overall community building, we

The project’s collection of wood structures would offer greater environmental responsibility and a lower carbon footprint than other alternatives

have created a design that becomes uniquely important to Paris,” said Michael Green, Principal of MGA | Michael Green Architecture. “Just as Gustave Eiffel shattered our conception of what was possible a century and a half ago, this project can push the envelope of wood innovation with France in the forefront. The Pershing Site is the perfect moment for Paris to embrace the next era of architecture.”

At 35-storeys, the proposed wood high-rise would top recent announcements internationally for tall wood buildings. The project’s collection of wood structures would offer greater environmental responsibility and a lower carbon footprint than other alternatives.

When harvested responsibly, wood is the only carbon-neutral building material that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and actually sequester carbon in buildings. The wood products used would store an estimated 3,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide - the equivalent to keeping 2,207 cars off the road for a year, or operating a home for 982 years.

The development team brings

Image © MGA

An international development team has announced a proposal that would transform the Parisian skyline and define the future of sustainable, carbon-neutral building in Paris. Michael Green Architecture | MGA of Vancouver and DVVD of Paris have joined with REI France developments to explore renewable, energy-efficient solutions to the growing urban housing and social challenges facing Paris today. As part of the city’s innovative Réinventer Paris competition, the team proposed an inventive urban project called ‘Baobab’ that would feature the world’s tallest wood building at 35-storeys and would see Paris define the next era of city building.

“Réinventer Paris showcases the exceptional leadership of the City of Paris and its commitment to fostering sustainable urban solutions that prioritize the needs of future generations,” said Paul Jarquin, President of REI France.

“Paris is the ideal place to reinvent and demonstrate truly ecological development, and to ensure the youth of Paris have an opportunity to live, thrive and connect to their city.”

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

February 2016

SUSTAINABILITY global leadership and expertise in tall wood buildings. Together with engineers Equilibrium, MGA has designed some of the tallest wood buildings in the world today. MGA and Equilibrium wrote The Case for Tall Wood Buildings, an exhaustive study on the motivations to shift urban construction to mass timber as well as a handbook for practical, safe construction of these buildings. This study and Michael

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“We also believe that density is an important discussion in cities around the world. We love Paris and the traditions of its lower density core. We also believe that affordability, sustainable transportation, accessibility for younger residents and most importantly reduced carbon impact are important parts of future urban development. It was for these reasons that we believed that

Together with engineers Equilibrium, MGA has designed some of the tallest wood buildings in the world today Green’s 2013 TED talk helped to catalyze the wave of new tall wood buildings internationally.

Unfortunately, the ‘Baobab’ proposal was not shortlisted for the next phase of the competition. Aiming to explain his understanding on why the prooject was not selected, Green says: “We understand that this was not because it would have been constructed out of wood, but because the city was not ready to consider another high-rise for its skyline. At MGA, we are strong advocates for the use of wood to build tall buildings. We believe it is not a matter of if a project like this will be built, but when.”

our proposal was both deserving and unique in the competition.

Located on the edge of the city, our proposal brought density, community, culture, public amenity, affordability and a carbon neutral building ambition to Paris. We hope the final selected solution delivers on these same ambitions,” adds Green.

“For us height is not always a good idea, but in this case we thought it an appropriate and elegant solution to the challenges facing all global cities. In the end it would seem that Paris’ ambitions for innovation were sadly lost in not seeing the forest though the trees,” concludes Green.

About REI France Environmental issues are a major subject for REI and the initial and systematic choice of wood frame construction was the first challenge issued by our company to be consistent with our convictions. Today, REI’s work is about its responsibility to foster collective intelligence towards future building users. REI takes into high consideration the feedback from its acquirers to offer an adapted answer to today’s aspiration to live in a society with more solidarity, a sharing economy, green spaces and urban agriculture.

Connected and modern in its architecture, the conception of a smart apartment building by REI explores new paths to build as well living, activity and leisure spaces, often shared between the residents. Thus, contemporary social, environmental and economic issues are a guiding thread for REI’s current development. For more information, please visit www.reifrance.com.

About MGA

Image © MGA

MGA is an award-winning Architecture + Interior Design firm based in Vancouver, BC. Michael Green is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada with an international reputation for his leadership in tall wood innovation and carbon-neutral urban building approach. MGA is dedicated to bringing attention to overwhelming challenges in architecture today such as climate change and the worldwide demand for new affordable homes. For more information, please visit www.mg-architecture.ca.

February 2016

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16 MARKET REPORT

FAO report highlights resurgence in global wood production Production of all major forest products exceeds levels seen prior to economic crisis Global production of all major wood products showed its largest growth since the global economic downturn of 2008-2009, according to new data published by FAO. In 2014, growth in wood products, including industrial roundwood, sawnwood, wood-based panels and pulp and paper, ranged from 1 to 5 percent, surpassing the pre-recession levels of 2007. The fastest growth was registered in Asia-Pacific and Latin America and Caribbean.

FAO publishes the Statistical Yearbook of Forest Products on an annual basis. It aims to provide countries with the information and tools to assess the contribution of the forest products industry to global and national economies and sustainable development, and to

improve their forest management and forestry policies. We take a closer look at FAO’s latest report and highlight some recent trends in the data for each of the main product groups, as well as provide a short summary of recent changes

in sawnwood production and the USA in sawnwood consumption).

The country is by far the largest producer and consumer of woodbased panels and paper. It is also highly significant in international trade of forest products, being

Global production of all major wood products showed its largest growth since the global economic downturn of 2008-2009 or improvements in the statistics.

China has grown in importance as both a producer and a consumer of forest products, and has recently overtaken a number of other big players in different product groups (e.g. overtaking Canada

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February 2016

the world’s largest importer of industrial roundwood, sawnwood and fiber furnish (pulp and recovered paper), and the largest exporter of wood-based panels. In 2014, China’s imports of industrial roundwood and sawnwood surged

by 17 and 30 percent respectively, to record levels, and paper production and consumption resumed growth after a pause in 2013.

Production of wood pellets, which are used as fuel, set a new record in 2014, growing by 16 percent over the previous year to reach 26 million tonnes, mainly driven by increasing consumption in Europe. Europe and North America accounted for almost all global production (60 percent and 33 percent respectively). Europe registered by far the largest consumption (78 percent) followed by the US (12 percent). Trade in pellets from Northern America to Europe (mainly the UK) increased by 25 percent in 2014 from the previous year.

Sustainable Softwoods America’s forests produce over 80 million cubic metres of sawn timber a year, making America the largest timber producer in the world.

Modern forest management ensures that felled trees are replaced and that every year more wood is grown in US forests than is harvested. 1.6 billion seedlings are planted in the US every year, equal to 4.4 million trees every single day of the year. As a result, the US has more trees today than 70 years ago.

People you can do business with info@americansoftwoods.com

18 MARKET REPORT

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February 2016

MARKET REPORT Production and consumption of wood pellets in Asia also more than doubled in 2014 versus the previous year. South Korea has emerged as the fourth largest wood pellet importer after the United Kingdom, Denmark and Italy, helping drive up wood pellets production in many countries in the region, especially Vietnam, China, and Thailand.

Wood pellets have been used by European and other countries, including South Korea and Japan, to meet their renewable energy goals.

The demand for wood pellets as a green energy source has increased significantly since 2008 and is expected to grow as more and more countries commit to mitigation actions on climate change.

Production and consumption of wood-based panels and sawnwood continues to grow strongly in all regions as well. Global production of panels and sawnwood increased by 5 percent and 4 percent respectively. Wood-based panels saw the fastest growth in production, due to the rapid and consistent growth in the AsiaPacific region (mainly China which accounts for 49 percent of global production). Overall, production surged by 62 percent in the AsiaPacific during 2010-2014 while it grew modestly by 9 percent in other regions over the same period. In addition, the Russian Federation overtook Canada and Germany to become the world’s third-largest

Wood industries were among the hardest hit by the recent global economic downturn in 20082009 producer and consumer of woodbased panels.

South America has gradually emerged as the world’s leading exporter of wood pulp with new pulp mills being built in Brazil, Chile and Uruguay. Last year the region accounted for 30 percent of global wood pulp exports. In 2014,

Brazil overtook Canada for the first time as the world’s fourth largest country in fiber furnish production - wastepaper, other fiber pulp and wood pulp used to manufacture paper - after the United States, China and Japan.

In 2014, production of paper stagnated in Europe and declined

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in North America in 2014, but grew modestly in Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. After a slight decline in paper production in China in 2013, paper production and consumption resumed growth in 2014, driving the overall growth trend in the Asia-Pacific. In general, production and consumption of graphic papers (newsprint and printing/writing) in the Asia-Pacific region has been decreasing since 2013, following the same trend towards digital media prevailing in America and Europe for more than a decade. However, global production and trade of pulp and paper grew at a modest annual rate of 1 percent over the 2010 -2014 period.

“Wood industries were among the hardest hit by the recent global economic downturn in 2008-2009. We are seeing now the highest growth of the global wood industries in the last five years, which is important to national economies and the wellbeing and livelihoods of millions of forestdependent people worldwide,” concluded Thais LinharesJuvenal, Head of the FAO’s Forest Economics and Statistics Team. * This article contains text from FAO’s ‘2014 Global Forest Products Facts and Figures’. For more information or to download the report, please visit: www.fao.org/ home/en

February 2016

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Image © Norman Kelly

20 ANALYSIS

Inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial attracts over half a million visitors Ultramoderne’s cross-laminated timber pavilion celebrates the legacy of Chicago architecture with an intelligent use of materials The inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial, which ran from October 3, 2015 through to January 3, 2016 attracted over half a million visitors and closed amid strong public reception and critical acclaim. A platform for groundbreaking architectural projects and spatial experiments that demonstrated how creativity and innovation can radically transform our lived experience, the inaugural edition of the global event featured 120 participating architecture and design offices contributing 93 projects from more than 30 countries. The Biennial was unprecedented - the largest international exhibition of

contemporary architecture ever to have taken place in North America.

It was free and open to the general public at the Biennial’s hub, the Chicago Cultural Center, and at sites across the city and the region.

Through a constellation of exhibitions, full-scale installations, and a program of events, the Biennial invited the public to engage with and think about architecture in new and unexpected ways, and take part in a global discussion on the future of the field. The Biennial’s primary exhibition venues and programs were attended by 530,551 individuals (including visitors to the Chicago Cultural Center, Rebuild Foundation’s Stony Island Arts Bank,

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February 2016

Graham Foundation, SC Johnson’s tours of the Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned campus, and the lakefront kiosk pavilions on Chase Promenade in Millennium Park). Additionally, 114 cultural and educational institutions across the city and region presented 313 partner programs and 67 partner exhibitions.

“The first-ever Chicago Architecture Biennial was an unequivocal success, exceeding our expectations for attendance and bolstered Chicago’s reputation as the vanguard of architectural thinking on the national and international stage,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “The City of Chicago is synonymous with architectural

innovation, from the world’s first modern skyscrapers to the forefront of urban design, which is why Chicago was naturally suited to host an architectural event of this scale.

I want to thank all of the architects, organizers, and residents of Chicago who participated in this event and made it such a tremendous success for our City.”

The Biennial took its title - The State of the Art of Architecture from a 1977 conference organized by Chicago architect Stanley Tigerman, which invited leading American designers to Chicago to discuss the current state of the field. With this in mind, the Chicago Architecture Biennial expanded the spirit and

22 ANALYSIS

scope of this event. It invited both emerging and established practices from across the world to Chicago to demonstrate how advances in architectural design are tackling the most pressing issues of today. Based on its ‘unequivocal’ success, the organizers have confirmed that the Biennial will return in the fall of 2017 with the official dates, leadership, and theme to be announced in the coming months.

Lakefront Kiosk Competition The shoreline of Lake Michigan has always played a central role in Chicago’s urban identity, given that it is a celebrated and heavily used public space, and a major destination for both visitors and www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

local residents. It features over 20 miles of public parks and beaches, as well as pedestrian and cycling routes. The Chicago Park District currently oversees more than 40 kiosks that punctuate the shoreline.

During the summer, the kiosks offer food, retail, and recreational services. As part of a broader initiative to enhance the lakefront, the Chicago Architecture Biennial ran the Lakefront Kiosk Competition, an international competition, which received 421 submissions from more than 40 countries.

‘Chicago Horizon’, Ultramoderne’s winning submission for the Lakefront Kiosk Competition was a massive draw during the Biennial.

On display at the Millennium Park for the duration of the Biennial, February 2016

Ultramoderne’s design uses cross-laminated timber, a new carbon-negative engineered lumber product, to create an expansive canopy supported by a series of slender columns. When ultimately placed along Lake Michigan in the spring of 2016, the kiosk will house a food and beverage vendor, provide shelter and create a new public space along the lakefront. In addition to the kiosk competition, the Biennial organizers also selected an international team of architects who worked with Chicago-based schools of architecture to design three additional kiosks.

The Chicago Architecture Biennial also announced three finalists whose work was selected for additional design development

before Ultramoderne was adjudged the winner. Those finalists were Lekker Architects (comprised of Ong Ker-Shing of Singapore and Joshua Comaroff of Chicago), Tru Architekten (comprised of Tim Bauerfeind, Dirk Bertuleit, Anno Lingens, Karsten Ruf, Sandra Töpfer, and Henning von Wedemeyer, who are all based in Germany), and Kelley, Palider, Paros (comprised of Thomas Kelley, Ryan Palider, and Chuck Paros, who are all based in Chicago).

Influenced by two Chicago prototypes - Mies van der Rohe’s various experiments in flatness and the Eames’ explorations of scale in ‘Powers of Ten’ - the pavilion uses cross-laminated timber to build an expansive canopy supported by a series of slender columns. The

winner and finalists were selected by a jury including renowned architects David Adjaye (Adjaye Architects, London), Sharon Johnston (Johnston Marklee, Los Angeles); Chicago Architecture Biennial Artistic Directors Joseph Grima (Genoa) and Sarah Herda, Director of the Graham Foundation (Chicago); Michael O’Brien, Retail Design Director of BP; and Rob Rejman, Chicago Park District Director of Planning and Construction.

“Ultramoderne’s winning competition intrigued all the jury members, stirring a lively debate during the review process,” jury member David Adjaye noted, “which is exactly what you want out of an architectural project.”

“Ultramoderne’s scheme

Image © Hedrich Blessing

Image © Hedrich Blessing

Image © Hedrich Blessing

ANALYSIS 23

celebrates the legacy of Chicago architecture with an intelligent use of materials and prefabricated assembly systems to shape a new kind of gathering space in the landscape of the city,” noted jury member Sharon Johnston. “This project offers a useful and beautiful response to the prompt of the Biennial - The State of the Art of Architecture.”

How much kiosk can you get for USD 75,000?

‘Chicago Horizon’ probes this question through a quest to build the largest flat wood roof possible.

Using cross-laminated timber, a carbon-negative engineered lumber product, in the largest dimensions commercially available, the kiosk

aims to provide an excess of public space for the Architecture Biennial and Chicago beach-goers. The generous 56-foot square offers an architectural lending library and shelter from the elements during its time in Millennium Park, and later becomes a large shading canopy overlooking Lake Michigan with space for commercial vending within.

Chicago Horizon expresses lightness at a variety of scales, from the 8-foot hovering roof plane to the viewing platform and vending kiosk, which are suspended from the roof using chain-link fencing without any additional supports.

The lateral reach of the roof recalibrates the experience of two extremes of the Chicago landscape: February 2016

at ground level, the Lake Michigan horizon dominates, forming a line of symmetry between ground and canopy. From the viewing platform, the roof becomes a new artificial horizon, shutting out the foreground and emphasizing the floating vertical Chicago skyline above an abstract floating plane.

The program of the kiosk is formulated around its multiple contexts: the Chicago Architecture Biennial, the Lake Michigan beach, and, of course, the city of Chicago.

During the Biennial, it will house an architectural lending library, designed both to facilitate the free exchange of books and as a venue for the exchange of new ideas: the large canopy extends well beyond the library enclosure, www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

Image © Hedrich Blessing

24 ANALYSIS

offering space for talks, events, and discussion, and for fair-goers to take refuge from the elements.

Once the kiosk has been relocated to the Lake Michigan beach, the library transforms into a space for commercial vending, and the roof offers as much protection from the summer sun as it does from rain and snow. The lockable fence enclosures provide a secure environment for the library and commercial vendor alike, while also offering the potential for chair storage beneath the viewing platform.

At night the chain-link enclosures double as a lighting installation, each outfitted with a plane of programmable LED lighting and glowing with a different color temperature. The two pulsate in dialogue with each other throughout the night, alternating between the two poles of experience that the design sets up: ceiling and floor, day and night. LED strip lighting integrated into the fencing is used as signage for both library and commercial vendor.

Chicago Horizon is constructed almost entirely out of engineered timber products, including CLT www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

for the roof canopy and glulam columns, making its total carbon impact negative due to the ability of wood to sequester atmospheric carbon. The canopy is to be fully protected by a roof membrane and an exterior grade plywood deck, ensuring its longevity.

Interior enclosures are made from galvanized steel chain-link fencing, with steel grating for the viewing platform and wood shelving in the library enclosure. The fencing is suspended in tension from the canopy, providing the sole means of support for the platform and shelving.

The kiosk emphasizes ease of construction, with most components fabricated off site and installation complete within a matter of days. The roof is constructed from the largest CLT panels commercially shippable in North America, and is assembled on the ground and hoisted up on glulam columns set on temporary helical pile foundations. Once the Biennial is complete, the roof can be lowered again and transported as a single piece the short distance to its final home on Lake Michigan.

February 2016

Structural Narrative The pavilion roof structure represents the application of the principles of flat plate (typical to concrete construction) to the material of wood. Two layers of CLT panels - one layer oriented in each principal direction, and each outer layer oriented lengthwise to the 8-foot-wide by 56-foot-long panels - combine to form a two-way spanning plate supported at points by columns. Each layer carries bending in the direction of the panel, with the layer above or below providing shear transfer between adjacent panels (and vice versa in the other direction). The result is a surprisingly thin 8.25-inch roof structure that spans upward of 30 feet between columns.

The columns connect to the roof plate using steel tongue plate bolted to the columns, which passes up through a slot in the CLT to a horizontal plate that connects to the CLT panels from above, hidden below the roofing and waterproofing. The columns themselves are simple glued laminated sections, held off the ground by a similar tongue plate at the base. The observation

platform is supported by a chain-link fence held in tension along the edge of the opening to the roof using tack welds to structural steel angle framing the opening. The overall system is simple in its detailing, use of materials, and conception of its performance as a two-way plate, and this underlying simplicity complements the efficiency of the system.

A statement from Team Ultramoderne said: “Winning the Lakefront Kiosk Competition and working with CAB and Chicago Park District through the summer to realize the project over the course of two weeks in September was an amazing experience. We were continually impressed with the commitment to fostering good architecture every step of the way. There is no question that the construction of the kiosk has had an incomparable effect on our own work and careers, but our hope is that the Biennial’s ambitious approach is contagious and will inspire other cities and institutions to follow suit and find new ways to bring architecture to the city at every scale.”

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26 DESIGN & DÉCOR

MAD Architects unveil completed Harbin Opera House

Image Š Hufton & Crow

Grand theater is clad in rich wood emulating a wooden block that has been gently eroded away

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February 2016

Image © Adam Mork

Image © Hufton & Crow

Image © Hufton & Crow

DESIGN & DÉCOR 27

MAD Architects recently unveiled the completed Harbin Opera House, located in the Northern Chinese city of Harbin. In 2010, MAD won the international open competition for Harbin Cultural Island, a master plan for an opera house, a cultural center, and the surrounding wetland landscape along Harbin’s Songhua River.

The sinuous opera house is the focal point of the Cultural Island, occupying a building area of approximately 850,000 square feet of the site’s 444 acres’ total area.

It features a grand theater that can host over 1,600 patrons and a smaller theater to accommodate an intimate audience of 400.

Embedded within Harbin’s

Presenting a warm and inviting element, the grand theater is clad in rich wood, emulating a wooden block that has been gently eroded away wetlands, the Harbin Opera House was designed in response to the force and spirit of the northern city’s untamed wilderness and frigid climate. Appearing as if sculpted by wind and water, the building seamlessly blends in with nature and the topography - a transfusion of local identity, art, and culture.

“We envision Harbin Opera House as a cultural center of the future - a tremendous performance venue, as well as a dramatic public space

that embodies the integration of human, art and the city identity, while synergistically blending with the surrounding nature,” said Ma Yansong, Founding Principal, MAD Architects.

On the exterior, the architecture references the sinuous landscape of the surrounding area. The resulting curvilinear façade composed of smooth white aluminum panels becomes the poetry of edge and surface, softness and sharpness.

The journey begins upon crossing February 2016

the bridge onto Harbin Cultural Island, where the undulating architectural mass wraps a large public plaza, and during winter months, melts into the snowy winter environment.

The architectural procession choreographs a conceptual narrative, one that transforms visitors into performers. Upon entering the grand lobby, visitors will see large transparent glass walls spanning the grand lobby, visually connecting the curvilinear interior with the swooping façade and exterior plaza.

Soaring above, a crystalline glass curtain wall soars over the grand lobby space with the support of a lightweight diagrid structure. www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

February 2016

Image © Hufton & Crow

Image © Adam Mork

Image © Adam Mork

28 DESIGN & DÉCOR

Comprised of glass pyramids, the surface alternates between smooth and faceted, referencing the billowing snow and ice of the frigid climate. Visitors are greeted with the simple opulence of natural light and material sensation - all before taking their seat.

Presenting a warm and inviting element, the grand theater is clad in rich wood, emulating a wooden block that has been gently eroded away. Sculpted from Manchurian Ash, the wooden walls gently wrap around the main stage and theater seating. From the proscenium to the mezzanine balcony the grand theater’s use of simple materials and spatial configuration provides world-class acoustics. The grand theater is illuminated in part by a subtle skylight that connects the audience to the exterior and the passing of time.

Within the second, smaller theater, the interior is connected seamlessly to the exterior by the large, panoramic window behind the performance stage. This wall of sound-proof glass provides a naturally scenic backdrop for performances and activates the

stage as an extension of the outdoor environment, inspiring production opportunities.

Harbin Opera House emphasizes public interaction and participation with the building.

Both ticketholders and the general public alike can explore the façade’s carved paths and ascend the building as if traversing local topography. At the apex, visitors discover an open, exterior performance space that serves as an observation platform for visitors to survey the panoramic views of Harbin’s metropolitan skyline and the surrounding wetlands below.

Upon their descent, visitors return to the expansive public plaza, and are invited to explore the grand lobby space.

Surpassing the complex opera house typology, MAD articulates an architecture inspired by nature and saturated in local identity, culture and art. As the Harbin Opera House deepens the emotional connection of the public with the environment, the architecture is consequently theatrical in both its performance of narrative spaces and its context within the landscape.

Project Details Project Name

Harbin Opera House

Client

Harbin Songbei Investment and Development Group Co., Ltd.

Location

Harbin, China

Architects

MAD Architects

Species

Manchurian ash

Building Area

850,000 square feet

Building Height 184 feet

Grand theater capacity 1,600 seats

Small theater capacity 400 seats

Image © Hufton & Crow

Image © Adam Mork

DESIGN & DÉCOR 29

February 2016

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

Image © Hufton & Crow Image © Adam Mork

Image © Hufton & Crow

30 DESIGN & DÉCOR

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

February 2016

PRATIX S CNC ROUTER EFFICIENCY, SAFETY, FLEXIBILITY AND PRECISION The Pratix S series is a fully equipped, economically priced CNC Router designed and engineered for machining wood, plastics and nonferrous metals with a multi-function aluminum work table. Due to the unique design and safety systems, it requires less floor space and can be operated from either side for material handling of smaller components. This industry-leading CNC Router is the ideal machine for shops requiring flexibility and high performance.

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32 DESIGN & DÉCOR

American Ash brings warmth to the new GEM Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Architecture exudes the precision and earthy sophistication of Japanese design, with colossal wooden panelling, high ceilings and minimal but innovative woodwork

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February 2016

Image © a21studio

DESIGN & DÉCOR 33

February 2016

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

34 DESIGN & DÉCOR an unforgettable lobby and a group of restaurants and coffee shops on the roof top, reached by an impressive open staircase. This is a particular innovation in Vietnam where only American walnut and oak have featured in local interiors, whereas walnut, oak, tulipwood and some ash have been used extensively for furniture. Architects

a21studio wanted to add warmth and color to the space by using American ash on the staircase which has been achieved ballroom having 30mm x120mm ash louvres and the second ballroom with nine symmetrical ash patterns, which form one big lantern. This intricate and complex lattice work pattern showcases the visual quality of the timber.

As guests enter the convention center they are also greeted with

Image © a21studio

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February 2016

a21studio had never worked with American hardwood before.

However, they were very pleased with the final result “as it met all the requirements of the design with a very high quality finish.”

The main staircase is located in the entrance lobby, which is covered by white granite panels. a21studio

wanted to add warmth and color to the space by using American ash on the staircase which has been achieved. It also adds a contrast between the materials of hard rock and wood and the material textures that are flashy and rough.

The staircase is the first attraction of the whole convention center as guests come in, so it had to be eye catching which it certainly is.

On the upper floor, ash is used as the main material in the wall and ceiling panelling which gives the building a luxurious and natural feeling.

Design is taken to an entirely different level, literally, at GEM Center’s remarkable treehouseinspired rooftop, where its premier fusion dining destination - The Log - resides above three conceptualized function rooms. The Log is a 923 square meter wooden structure elevated around the perimeter of the rooftop complex

Image © a21studio

GEM Center takes its concept from the zodiac constellation Gemini, the Latin name for ‘twins’ known as Castor and Pollux in Greek mythology. Coincidentally, the founders of the center, Mr. Phu (Henry) and Mr. Quy (Billy), are also twins. Each ballroom has an American ash ceiling as the main interior element with the first

Image © a21studio

Designed by local Vietnamese architects a21studio, the GEM Convention Center is one of the largest convention centers in the central business district of Ho Chi Minh City, located in District 1. The center has two main ballrooms with a seating capacity of 2,000.

Overall, the center offers a capacity of 7,200 square meters of flexible function space, which includes a state-of-the-art convention, exhibition, performing arts and banquet facilities - including an on-site florist, two grand ballrooms which can be separated into eight smaller ballrooms, two customizable VIP boardrooms, three themed functional spaces and an enchanting rooftop treehouse complex for outdoor functions.

“The new GEM Convention Center has been designed to be one of the most notable convention centers in Vietnam,” explains Toan Nghiem, Architect, a21studio. The

Image © a21studio

Image © a21studio

Image © a21studio

DESIGN & DÉCOR 35

Image © a21studio

With the GEM Center, the architects have aimed to design a building which may not serious in philosophy, but conforms with the majority of users, and by using common construction materials, still fits the overall design aesthetic and supported by brush-wood steel branches in clever, treeshaped pillars. It can fit 400 - 450 guests and is divided into a la carte and buffet set-ups, as well as an advanced temperaturecontrolled wine cellar that is placed unconventionally above ground next to a 15 meter long bar.

The GEM Center’s architecture exudes the precision and earthy sophistication of Japanese design, with colossal wooden panelling,

white crystal rock structures, high ceilings and minimal but innovative woodwork in the form of visually mesmerizing wooden slats complemented with constellation and ethereal orb lighting. With the GEM Center, the architects have aimed to design a building which may not serious in philosophy, but conforms with the majority of users, and by using common construction materials, still fits the overall design aesthetic.

February 2016

Project Details Project Name

GEM Convention Center

Client

Phu Quy Corporation

Location

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Architects a21studio

Species

American Ash

Photography a21studio

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

Image © HOMAG

Image © HOMAG

36 PROFILE

The HOMAG Group is a Germanybased company that manufactures machines and equipment for the woodworking industry. For more than 50 years of its history, the group has developed and realized numerous revolutionary ideas and established themselves as a market leader across the globe. As a result, the group is currently the technology leader in its industry with worldwide operations.

Thanks to the art of engineering and foresight, the HOMAG Group has earned its position as a world market leader.

The worldwide business with plant and machinery is managed in five global Business Units namely: Edge Banding; CNC Processing; Panel Dividing; Surface Procession and Automation. In addition, there are two Business Units responsible for the project business and the service business worldwide. All the Business Units have access to a global sales organization and are supported by high-performing central functions for finance, HR and IT. The group offers woodworking machinery, including machines for

HOMAG: A pioneer in wood processing entry-level and mid-range markets; cells, comprising machines linked to form production lines for flexible job production and automated mass production, among others; as well as factory installations, containing holistic system solutions. Given that furniture customers across the globe are thinking about how they can make their production processes more efficient, the group is confident of retaining its leading position in the market. Currently, the HOMAG group is present in more than 100 countries and holds an estimated 30 percent share of the market as of 2014 figures.

On track to break the EUR 1 billion mark in both order intake and sales revenue for the year 2015, the HOMAG Group is undergoing the biggest change process in its history. After the Dürr Group acquired a majority shareholding in the company, internal restructuring has been initiated. These changes are intended to turn the world’s market leader in woodworking machinery, which is organized as a medium-sized company, into a powerful, industrial, global corporation.

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February 2016

With the opening of a dedicated sales and service company in Dubai, customers can now benefit from a closer, more tailor-made partnership with the company.

This a crucial factor in the current market, because demand among furniture industry customers for integrated technology, integrated software solutions and a high level of flexibility from modern cells and plants is constantly increasing.

Giovanni Masino, Managing Director, HOMAG Arabia, shares his thoughts on HOMAG’s prospects in the Middle East.

01. How long has HOMAG been operating in the Middle East?

HOMAG products have been in the Middle East market for more than 20 years through a local supplier. Given that HOMAG wanted a stronger presence in the region and with the need to have more emphasis and focus in our marketing activities along with proper support, we opened a new sales and service company in Dubai in November of 2014. Currently, we operate under the trade name

‘HOMAG Arabia’.

02. Please provide an overview of your operations in the region.

HOMAG Arabia is operating with a team of 10 employees, all of whom are highly experienced in the woodworking field, and regularly receive training from our mother company in Germany. Our sales and service teams, being the ones in the frontline have to regularly travel to Germany for training and related visits to various manufacturing plants and sales facilities of HOMAG Group to equip them with the tools required in the trade.

Aside from the team in Dubai, we have established solid partnerships with local companies to represent us in areas such as Qatar, KSA, Jordan, and Lebanon.

03. How important is the Middle East as a market for HOMAG? With the global economic crisis gripping the whole world a few years back, HOMAG also experienced an enormous decline in our sales and marketing share

Image Š HOMAG

PROFILE 37

February 2016

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38 PROFILE just like most companies. But HOMAG, being a global player in the woodworking industry has remained relentless in its belief in the great market potential for the woodworking industry in the region.

With the economy picking up, HOMAG saw the perfect timing to bolster our efforts and strengthen our market share in the region.

04. Could you please give us a brief overview of the market in the region?

05. What are the key drivers impacting demand for your products in the region?

With the economy improving, we are again beginning to see a rise in the construction industry. Things may not be soaring now as the time before the crisis but one can say the construction sector is regaining its ground. This scenario presents

better prospects for the furniture industry, which will in turn open windows of opportunities for us in the wood machinery sector. Many of our old customers need to update and upgrade their old machinery with new technologies to keep up with the demands of changing times.

06. What in your opinion is the future outlook for the industry and for HOMAG in the region?

We choose to be hopeful about better prospects for HOMAG in the coming years. After all, we

did well even during our first year.

The horrors of the crises may not be over yet but it is good to note that the economy is picking up.

Whist the growth might not be at the pace typical of Dubai projects and ventures prior to the crises but an improvement is certainly being felt. This is where we anchor our hopes that carrying on with our commitment to provide our clients with the best and the latest breakthroughs in woodworking technology would definitely yield positive results. We are very optimistic that foresight and hard work will definitely pay off.

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February 2016

Image © HOMAG

Image © HOMAG

Image © HOMAG

2015 ended on a very positive note for the entire HOMAG group including HOMAG Arabia. Indeed,

our first year of operations was very productive. This scenario has given us the impetus to continue the work that we are doing to achieve if not surpass our targets in the coming years.

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40 COMMENT

Indonesia is burning. So why is the world looking away?

In the greatest environmental disaster of the 21st Century (so far), Indonesia has been blotted out by smoke. And the media.

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February 2016

COMMENT 41 I’ve often wondered how the media would respond when ecoapocalypse struck. I pictured the news programmes producing brief, sensational reports, while failing to explain why it was happening or how it might be stopped. Then they would ask their financial correspondents how the disaster affected share prices, before turning to the sport. As you can probably tell, I don’t have an ocean of faith in the industry for which I work. What I did not expect was that they would ignore it.

A great tract of the Earth is on fire. It looks as you might imagine hell to be. The air has turned ochre: visibility in some cities has been reduced to 30 meters. Children are being prepared for evacuation in warships; already some have choked to death. Species are going up in smoke at an untold rate. It is almost certainly the greatest environmental disaster of the 21st century – so far.

And the media? It’s talking about the dress the Duchess of Cambridge wore to the James Bond premiere, Donald Trump’s idiocy du jour and who got eliminated from the Halloween episode of Dancing with the Stars. The great debate of the week, dominating the news across much of the world?

Sausages: are they really so bad for your health?

What I’m discussing is a barbeque on a different scale. Fire is raging across the 5000-kilometer length of Indonesia. It is surely, on

any objective assessment, more important than anything else taking place today. And it shouldn’t require a columnist, writing in the middle of a newspaper, to say so. It should be on everyone’s front page.

released more CO2 than the annual emissions of Germany.

But that doesn’t really capture it. This catastrophe cannot be measured only in parts per million.

The fires are destroying treasures

Indonesia’s forests have been fragmented for decades by timber and farming companies It is hard to convey the scale of this inferno, but here’s a comparison that might help: it is currently producing more carbon dioxide than the U.S. economy.

In three weeks the fires have

as precious and irreplaceable as the archaeological remains being levelled by Isis. Orangutans, clouded leopards, sun bears, gibbons, the Sumatran rhinoceros and Sumatran tiger, these are

February 2016

among the threatened species being driven from much of their range by the flames. But there are thousands, perhaps millions, more.

One of the burning islands is West Papua, a nation that has been illegally occupied by Indonesia since 1963. I spent six months there when I was 24, investigating some of the factors that have led to the current disaster. At the time, it was a wonderland, rich with endemic species in every swamp and valley.

Who knows how many of those have vanished in the past few weeks? This week I have pored and wept over photos of places I loved, that have now been reduced to ash.

Nor do the greenhouse gas emissions capture the impact on the people of these lands. After the last great conflagration, in 1997, there was a missing cohort in Indonesia of 15,000 children under the age of three, attributed to air pollution. This, it seems, is worse. The surgical masks being distributed across the nation will do almost nothing to protect those living in a sunless smog. Members of parliament in Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) have had to wear face masks during debates.

The chamber is so foggy that they must have difficulty recognizing each other.

It’s not just the trees that are burning. It is the land itself.

Much of the forest sits on great domes of peat. When the fires penetrate the earth, they smoulder www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

42 COMMENT for weeks, sometimes months, releasing clouds of methane, carbon monoxide, ozone and exotic gases like ammonium cyanide. The plumes extend for hundreds of miles, causing diplomatic conflicts with neighbouring countries.

Why is this happening?

Indonesia’s forests have been fragmented for decades by timber and farming companies. Canals have been cut through the peat to drain and dry it. Plantation companies move in to destroy what remains of the forest to plant monocultures of pulpwood, timber and palm oil. The easiest way to clear the land is to torch it. Every year, this causes disasters. But in an extreme El Niño year like this one, we have a perfect formula for environmental catastrophe.

The current president, Joko Widodo, is – or wants to be – a democrat. But he presides over a nation in which fascism and corruption flourish. As Joshua Oppenheimer’s documentary ‘The Act of Killing’ shows, leaders of the death squads that helped murder around a million people during Suharto’s terror in the 1960s, with the approval of the West, have since prospered through other

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forms of organized crime, including illegal deforestation.

They are supported by a paramilitary organisation with three million members, called Pancasila Youth. With its orange camo-print uniforms, scarlet berets, sentimental gatherings and schmaltzy music, it looks like a fascist militia as imagined by JG Ballard. There has been no truth, no reconciliation; the mass killers are still greeted as heroes and feted on television. In some places,

promised to stop destroying the rainforest. Government officials have responded angrily, arguing that such restraint impedes the country’s development. That smoke blotting out the nation, which has already cost it some USD 30 billion? That, apparently, is development.

Our leverage is weak, but there are some things we can do. Some companies using palm oil have made visible efforts to reform their supply chains; but others

Those who commit crimes against humanity don’t hesitate to commit crimes against nature especially West Papua, the political murders continue.

Those who commit crimes against humanity don’t hesitate to commit crimes against nature.

Though Joko Widodo seems to want to stop the burning, his reach is limited. His government’s policies are contradictory: among them are new subsidies for palm oil production that make further burning almost inevitable.

Some plantation companies, prompted by their customers, have

February 2016

seem to move slowly and opaquely.

Starbucks, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz and Unilever are examples. Don’t buy their products until they change.

On Monday, Widodo was in Washington, meeting Barack Obama. Obama, the official communiqué recorded, “welcomed President Widodo’s recent policy actions to combat and prevent forest fires”. The ecopalypse taking place as they conferred, that makes a mockery of these commitments, wasn’t mentioned.

Governments ignore issues when the media ignores them. And the media ignores them because … well there’s a question with a thousand answers, many of which involve power. But one reason is the complete failure of perspective in a deskilled industry dominated by corporate press releases, photo ops and fashion shoots, where everyone seems to be waiting for everyone else to take a lead. The media makes a collective nondecision to treat this catastrophe as a non-issue, and we all carry on as if it’s not happening.

At the climate summit in Paris in December, the media, trapped within the intergovernmental bubble of abstract diplomacy and manufactured drama, will cover the negotiations almost without reference to what is happening elsewhere. The talks will be removed to a realm with which we have no moral contact. And, when the circus moves on, the silence will resume. Is there any other industry that serves its customers so badly? *This article has been written by George Monbiot (www.monbiot. com) and was first published by The Guardian (www.guardian.co.uk).

MIDDLE EAST

COVERING International Interior Surface Show

23 - 26 MAY 2016 DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES THE ONLY EXHIBITION IN THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA, DEDICATED TO THE FLOORING,WALL-COVERING AND SURFACE DESIGN INDUSTRY

To secure your space, contact: E: info@middleeastcovering.com T: +971 4 445 3739 F: +971 4 438 0356

44 TECHNOLOGY

Mets채 Wood reimagines Empire State Building with engineered wood products Wooden version could be the first sustainable skyscraper

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

February 2016

Image © Metsä Wood

TECHNOLOGY 45

February 2016

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

46 TECHNOLOGY recognizable but modern version of the original using wood as the main material. The size and the basic structure are the same as in the original Empire State Building in New York. In an ever more responsible world, the importance of wood in construction increases every day. With this in mind, the Plan B campaign aims to highlight the fact that wood should always be considered as a serious option in everything from design to construction - particularly in buildings where wood hasn’t

engineered wood as the main material from floors to column spacing,” explains Michael Green.

While at first the idea of building such a tall structure out of anything but steel and concrete might appear whimsical - even foolhardy - Green presents a growing body of research and actual projects that make a compelling case that constructing tall wooden buildings is not only feasible, but highly beneficial to our shared future.

Green is a strong believer that high-rise wooden buildings are

In reality, a tree’s growth is only limited by its ability to push nutrients up its height, and not by the structural capacity of its fibers previously been used.

“While many things have changed in 85 years, architects still strive to give form to new ideas about structure, energy consumption, climate change and the list goes on. For these reasons the most iconic building of the modern age - the Empire State Building - was chosen for Plan B case. We designed a skyscraper using Metsä Wood’s Kerto® LVL

not only possible, but may be the most practical and environmentally sound solution to addressing rapid global urbanization and climate change.

“I believe that the future belongs to tall wooden buildings. Significant advancements in engineered wood and mass timber products have created a new vision for what is possible for safe, tall, urban wood buildings. The challenge now is

to change society’s perception of what’s possible. In fact, this is the first new way to build a skyscraper in the last 100 years,” adds Green.

Aspiring to natural heights In Vancouver where Michael Green Architecture is based, trees grow to 33 storeys tall, whilst in California, the redwood forest grows to 40 storeys tall. Even in Nordic Finland, trees can grow as high as a 15 storey building. In reality, a tree’s growth is only limited by its ability to push nutrients up its height, and not by the structural capacity of its fibers. Yet today’s wooden buildings rarely go higher than four storeys - mostly due to building codes and outdated misconceptions.

However, misconceptions about tall wood buildings are beginning to change. In the past few years the world has seen the construction of wooden buildings up to 100ft (30m) tall, setting records that will soon be broken by new projects under way that will reach as high as 250ft (75m). And unlike other structural materials, wood products require no covering and can remain as the finish of the interior. Wood offers a beautiful interior environment that occupants gravitate towards

Image © Metsä Wood

As a leading supplier of wood products, Metsä Wood knows from experience that Nordic premium wood is one of the best renewable raw materials in the world. When used right, it saves money, time and nature. To challenge preconceptions and explore the possibilities of wood construction, Metsä started a project called Plan B, which shows how it plans to build iconic architectural designs out of wood. Earlier last year, we featured Metsä Wood’s approach to the Roman Colesseum. We take a closer look at their plans for the Empire State Building.

Perhaps the most iconic building of the modern age - the Empire State Building - was selected as the second Plan B case. Architect Michael Green from MGA contributed his visionary concept planning and his passionate belief that the future belongs to tall wooden buildings.

Internationally recognized leader in timber engineering, Equilibrium Consulting, provided expertise on structural matters. Metsä Wood’s own material and construction experts rounded out the team.

According to Metsä, the team’s challenge was to design a

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February 2016

and love to touch - every piece is unique.

An efficient ecological building system Completed in 1931 in just 410 days, the Empire State Building rises 102 stories above Midtown Manhattan.

For nearly 40 years it was the world’s tallest building - and a global symbol of the industrial era.

The challenge for Metsä then was to go beyond all currently proposed projects and design a building out of wood five times taller than anyone has dared to imagine; to design an iconic building,

representative of innovations in structural steel in the 1920’s, out of Kerto LVL engineered wood panels.

The overall building size, floor to floor height, and column spacing are the same as the original structure. The columns extend as much as 6 storeys high, with moment connections at these locations to make each column structurally continuous up to 86 stories. Box beams connect the column along the short axis of the building. Four pre-tensioned cables run within these beams, tying the structure together from side to side. Kerto LVL slabs span the long

Image © Metsä Wood

Image © Metsä Wood

Image © Metsä Wood

TECHNOLOGY 47

axis of the building connecting the beams together and forming the top cord of the beams.

Kerto panels are made by gluing together wood veneers to make panels that are up to 8 feet wide, 82 feet (25 m) long, and of various thicknesses. These engineered materials are stronger than timber of similar dimension.

Transporting Metsä Wood’s pre-fabricated building materials also costs significantly less than other materials and methods.

More building elements per truck mean lower costs, and also less construction traffic, dust and noise.

February 2016

And these same advantages apply to the building process as well.

Choosing a system of prefabricated wood elements is less costly and more efficient.

Metsä Wood’s Kerto LVL modules are pre-fabricated in a specialized factory setting, resulting in the advantages of increased efficiency and quality control. According to Metsä, its pre-fabricated sections are less costly to assemble once they arrive at the building site.

Further, simple, precise connection points and lightness make for fast and efficient construction once the elements are on site. www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

48 TECHNOLOGY

Fire resistance Wood is not only a highly aesthetic and sustainable option but also efficient, fast to construct and enables light structures. It is also a more fireproof material than ordinary perceived. In the event of a fire, Kerto LVL performs more predictably than many noncombustible materials, and has a notional charring rate of 0.7 mm (0.027 inches) per minute. When burned, the surface of Kerto is charred, which protects the product, insulates it, and slows down the

provide safe resistance to fire.

Wood high-rise revolution According to Green, we are once again at the beginning of a revolution in the way we build.

In fact, this is the first new way to build a skyscraper in the last 100 years. The challenge now is to change society’s perception of what’s possible. And these big changes require the same bravery present when the original Empire State Building was proposed.

When the first skyscraper was

built, people were terrified to walk beneath it. Today, significant advancements in engineered wood and mass timber products have created a new vision for what is possible for safe, tall, urban wood buildings. When harvested responsibly, wood is the only carbon-neutral building material that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and actually sequester carbon for the life of the building.

Wood is the structural material that aligns with the innovation required to address the environmental challenges we are facing today.

Image © Metsä Wood

burning process.

The fire resistance design of Kerto LVL products is conducted according to the EN 1995-1-2 standard and its national annexes.

To achieve the fire ratings required for a 102 storey building, additional fire protection would still be required in the form of sprinklers, and drywall, but many parts of the wood structure could remain exposed. In contrast, the steel structure of the Empire State Building needs to be fully protected by insulation, drywall, stone and other fire resistant materials to

Image © Metsä Wood

Wood offers a beautiful interior environment that occupants gravitate towards and love to touch - every piece is unique

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

February 2016

49

February 2016

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50 TALL TIMBER

World’s largest crosslaminated timber residential project to take root in Montreal Residential and commercial complex seeking LEED Platinum certification

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

February 2016

LSR GesDev and Sotramont have officially launched the Arbora project, a residential and commercial development in Griffintown, right in the heart of the Innovation District. The project includes 3 eight-storey buildings with a total of 434 condos, townhouses and rental units.

The main floors will be home to commercial spaces varying in size from 1,000 to 10,000 square feet, for a total of 35,000 square feet.

With a total surface area of 597,560 square feet, Arbora will become, and by far, the world’s largest residential project featuring a cross-laminated timber (CLT) solid wood structure. The overall

51

investment has been assessed at CAD 130 million. Rental units should be ready as of fall 2016 and the condos and townhouses will be complete in fall 2017.

“Designed for the city but inspired by nature, Arbora is an environmentally friendly development with the building footprint taking up just 55 percent of the ground surface. The project offers a unique housing experience and includes a large interior courtyard and park,” said Annie Lemieux, Eng., President of LSR GesDev. Griffintown is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of real estate development

Image © Huma Design

Image © Lemay & CHA

Image © Huma Design

TALL TIMBER

When coupled with a light frame, CLT solid wood panels increase the stability of the building, so buildings can be built taller and is attracting residents faster than any other neighborhood on the island of Montreal. The land on which Arbora is being built was previously held by Grifdor Holdings, a real estate subsidiary owned by Aldo Bensadoun. Grifdor chose to partner with LSR GesDev and Sotramont to create an innovative real estate project strategically located across from what will be Griffintown’s largest park and close to ÉTS.

Innovative, high-quality construction The Arbora buildings will be among the first in Quebec with a structure made from CLT solid wood panels, which are known for their exceptional performance and strength. Solid, environmentally friendly and also aesthetically pleasing, this noble material enhances Arbora’s unique contemporary architecture. Wood beams and posts bring warmth into February 2016

each of the sleek units. Aiming to keep its environmental footprint to a minimum, Arbora is sourcing the wood from Nordic, a Chibougamaubased company that manages the boreal forest sustainably with the Cree Nation.

“We’ve developed solid expertise in high-quality real estate projects.

In fact, one of our LEED condo projects was recently recognized as the world’s top-performing condo project by the U.S. Green Building Council,” said Marc-André Roy, President of Sotramont. “Working with LSR GesDev, we’ve once again aimed high and done our best to create a singular environment for the Arbora project.” www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

Image © Lemay & CHA

52 TALL TIMBER

The solid wood used in the Arbora project consists of layers of black spruce boards stacked crosswise and glued together.

The panels are custom-made by Nordic Wood Structures. Overall, the entire building - from the solid wood panels to the other quality materials - has been designed to provide maximum protection in case of fire, and superior performance in terms of energy efficiency and acoustics.

Arbora has also set itself apart by including more than 40 percent green space and targeting LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification, becoming the first real estate project in Griffintown to aim for this prestigious designation.

Arbora’s sustainable features include superior airtightness, water-saving plumbing fixtures, building acoustics designed to ASTC 55 standards and a highperformance air exchanger.

While high temperatures can cause concrete and steel to break or buckle, they have very little impact on the strength of wood

Ideal for tall buildings When coupled with a light frame, CLT solid wood panels increase www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

the stability of the building, so buildings can be built taller.

Sotramont’s solid wood buildings meet all the requirements of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec, particularly for the construction of solid wood buildings with six or more storeys. Solid wood panels are as strong as concrete but five times lighter - they are even fifteen times lighter than steel - meaning less weight on the foundation and ground supporting the building.

When building with wood, quality of assembly is essential for maintaining structural integrity and ensuring strength and stability.

That is why the CLT solid wood panels are assembled on site by a specialized team. Prefabricated panels cut to the required dimensions are delivered to the site, and the openings for doors and windows are cut to an accuracy of one tenth of a millimeter using February 2016

computer numerical control (CNC) precision machinery. Sotramont’s building envelope expertise also comes into play to keep the CLT solid wood panels warm, dry, and safe from water infiltration and moisture, thereby preserving their thermal properties over the longer term.

Built-in fire resistance The behavior of wood in a fire is a key factor to consider when designing tall buildings. That’s why tests have been performed on solid wood buildings in Quebec and elsewhere in the world, including British Columbia and Europe.

These tests all showed that solid wood panels offer excellent fire resistance, often comparable to non-combustible materials, because they char on the surface only.

While high temperatures can

cause concrete and steel to break or buckle, they have very little impact on the strength of wood.

In addition, the thickness of the wood, or its mass, can be designed in advance to ensure optimal fire resistance. CLT solid wood panels are therefore an ideal choice for stairwells and elevator shafts.

Using CLT solid wood panels for doors and bearing walls also helps increase fire resistance and reduce the risk of the fire spreading. When built with modern fire protection techniques, especially sprinklers, solid wood buildings have proven to be very safe.

A benchmark in earthquake resistance The connections used to assemble solid wood frames give the structures their ductility and allow them to dissipate energy. The higher the number of connections, the greater the capacity of a solid wood building to absorb seismic shocks. This type of construction is considered to be well suited to earthquake zones, as confirmed in tests conducted in 2010 in Kobe,

Image © Huma Design

TALL TIMBER 53

Japan, by the Italian research institute IVALSA.

Good energy efficiency and acoustic performance Wood is more resistant to heat loss than other materials: seven times more than concrete and five hundred times more than steel.

It therefore takes less energy to heat and cool buildings built of wood. CLT solid wood panels also deliver good acoustic performance that complies with the existing standards. However, buildings made of solid wood must be properly insulated to ensure that they are soundproof and comfortable for their occupants. The wood must also be protected from rain and moisture.

manufactured using an energy efficient process. The CO2 sequestered in the wood will stay there for as long as the building remains standing. Even if the building is eventually demolished, the recycled wood will continue to sequester CO2. The same holds

true for recycled wood scraps from construction.

Responsible forest management Nordic Structures designed the building structure and is supplying the solid wood products used

When used as a substitute for other building materials, one cubic meter of dry wood displaces 1.1 tonnes of CO2 emissions

in the Arbora project. Its sister company, Chantiers Chibougamau, manages the boreal forest in an environmentally responsible manner and manufactures the cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels and laminated timber products in accordance with the highest international standards.

“All aspects of the project revolve around sustainable concepts. We wanted to create a setting that is restorative yet close to the action, filled with wood and sleek spaces that allow you to reconnect and recenter. The private residences are complemented with common spaces, a series of carefully curated services and amenities, an urban forest with an art station, a large park for outdoor activities, and a variety of shops. The idea is to create a place that encourages people to come together,” concludes Lemieux.

In most of the CLT projects across the world so far, its use has been downplayed, thanks to the effectiveness of the concrete and steel industry who try and convince people that it is not as good as concrete. Made from a renewable resource, CLT sequesters CO2, is lighter than concrete and is lovely to look at.

The Arbora project stands out as it accentuates the positive virtues of wood construction. Even its name, Arbora, alludes to wood.

Carbon-positive buildings

Image © Huma Design

Unlike other building materials, wood is a renewable resource that grows naturally. It also has a lower environmental impact than other materials in terms of energy, climate change and air pollution.

Using wood helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration. As trees grow, they capture CO2 in the atmosphere and turn the carbon they absorb into cellulose and lignin. When used as a substitute for other building materials, one cubic meter of dry wood displaces 1.1 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

CLT solid wood panels are February 2016

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

54 WOOD WORKS

Image Š Stelios Mousarris

Inception-inspired coffee table bends a city in your living room

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February 2016

Image © Stelios Mousarris

Image © Stelios Mousarris

Image © Stelios Mousarris

WOOD WORKS 55

Cyprus-based designer Stelios Mousarris has created a dream-like, seemingly gravity-defying coffee table with an entire city landscape buried beneath a dramatic curve.

Inspired by the famous city-bending scene from the movie Inception, the ‘Wave City’ coffee table contrasts organic elements with man-made ones, and uses a mix of wood, steel, and 3D printing technology.

Mousarris has realized the ‘Wave City’ coffee table that bends a landscape of buildings in half, using the overlapping surface as the tabletop.

Made from wood, steel and 3D printing technology, the limited edition piece illustrates an urban sidewalk scattered with skyscrapers that seemingly lifts into the air and finally folds back onto itself in a single, continuous curve.

Just like in the 2010 film, which brought viewers into a world where dreams could be manipulated, controlled and coordinated by the dreamer, the table is influenced by the scenario that allowed characters to build entire cities using their minds, ones which could defy the laws of both gravity and reason.

With this in mind, Moussaris has crafted a series of meticulously carved buildings that add a sense of realism to the otherwise surreal design object, which carefully balances on the lower section of the street.

According to Mousarris, the actual inspiration for the piece came not from science fiction, but the real world. “I was inspired by the waves from the sea. And then out of nowhere,” he says, “I just started adding things underneath there.”

Mousarris adds that the idea to put buildings beneath the February 2016

wave came to him after watching documentaries about the tsunami that struck Japan in 2011. “It was such a huge catastrophe, and it made me feel really bad for the people there,” he says.

He looked for different buildings to incorporate into his piece - some buildings that are both right side up, and suspended upside down.

Aside from being a wonderfully impractical piece of furniture, the piece is a good demonstration of how best to combine traditional manufacturing with additive manufacturing technologies. www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

56 SHOWTIME

Top Industry Exhibitions Coming Up This Season

ZOW is the exclusive and concentrated trading platform for national and international suppliers to the furniture industry and interior design. Precisely when the furniture industry is placing its orders, the exhibitors at Bad Salzuflen will be showing the ZOW trade audience new products, materials as well as process ideas for furniture production - at the heart of Europe’s largest furniture cluster, East Westphalia-Lippe. The region is one of the most important supplier hubs for the international furniture industry: it not only produces 40 percent of all supplied parts manufactured in Germany but also earns 30 percent of Germany’s total turnover in furniture. ZOW benefits from its immediate proximity to this center and its stakeholders from industry, associations and higher learning institutes, making it possible to tap directly into Germany’s lucrative furniture market.

No other B2B show format provides a comprehensive overall picture of supplier product innovations as early and as compactly as ZOW does. As the segment’s first relevant industrial event held in February annually, the show attracts key national and international decision-makers from the furniture industry and interior design. Company owners as well as members of top management form part of ZOW’s primary visitor groups. ZOW’s clearly structured concept ensures short distances and provides a forum for direct dialogue among market players. The fair, which is held on an annual basis with events in three countries around the world, offers the attendees a competitive advantage. In the same way as the market is always in transition, the content of ZOW is also subject to change on an ongoing basis, with the show offering both exhibiting companies and trade visitors the optimal platform to conduct business.

success in the global scenario for furniture production technologies and the woodworking sector and consistently sets the pace for next two years.

This year, more than 650 companies - representing a vast array of furniture production technologies, woodworking machineries, tools, fittings, accessories, raw materials and products - will be taking part. Further, over 40,000 craftsmen, woodworkers & furniture manufacturers; distributors, dealers and manufacturers of hardware & accessories; plywood & particle board manufacturers & traders; manufacturers of wood-based products; architects, interior designers & builders and the entire woodworking ecosystem from all over India and south east and south Asia are set to attend the show.

In addition to the exhibition, a seminar on ‘Wood in Architecture’ is being organized in association with the Karnataka Chapter of the Indian Institute of Architects. Also returning to the show is the ‘Sourcing Forum’, a B2B interaction between furniture manufacturers from across India and retailers from e-commerce platforms and established furniture chain stores that are looking at sourcing innovative products. The meetings are focused on an understanding of the retailers’ categories, sourcing patterns, logistics, and so on.

The inaugural ‘Furniture Manufacturers’ Corner’ is being launched at INDIAWOOD 2016. This is a special area on the show floor earmarked for furniture manufacturers and entrepreneurs to showcase the latest, innovative ideas, as well as elegant furniture and furnishing designs to meet the high level dealers, distributors and retailers. Again, in association with the Indian Institute of Architects (Karnataka Chapter), leading architects will be designing and producing wood-based installations that will be displayed at prominent locations at the venue during the course of the show.

Image © PDA Trade Fairs

Image © ZOW

ZOW

February 16 - 19

February 25 - 29

Bad Salzuflen Exhibition Center | Bad Salzuflen, Germany

Bangalore International Exhibition Center | Bangalore, India

www.zow.de/en

www.indiawood.com

INDIAWOOD

MALAYSIAN INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE FAIR

The 9th edition of INDIAWOOD, one of the world’s largest trade shows for furniture production technologies, woodworking machinery, tools, fittings, accessories, raw materials and products, will take place at the Bangalore International Exhibition Center from February 25 - 29, 2016. Held every two years, the show is seen as a driving force behind innovation and

As the leading furniture fair in Southeast Asia, and consistently ranked amongst the top ten worldwide, the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) has spearheaded the furniture trade scene for years. Every March, quality exhibitors and buyers from all over the world converge on this global stage. Since its inception in 1995, MIFF has created fantastic business and

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February 2016

SHOWTIME 57 networking opportunities for hundreds of thousands of participants.

Held annually for over two decades, MIFF has joined the ranks of leading sourcing events and become a must-attend show for thousands of international buyers looking for value and quality furniture including Malaysia’s renowned wood products. Drawing global buyers from as many as 140 countries and regions, the show is also a gateway into lucrative emerging markets, in particular Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe.

organizers, the event is not only a platform to meet with furniture business manufacturers from all throughout Malaysia and the region, but also a onestop show for furniture professionals to find new products, meet suppliers and build partnerships with leading industry players.

March 5 - 8 Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia http://efe.my

Image © MIFF

VIVA-EXPO 2016

March 1 - 5 Putra World Trade Center (PWTC) and MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Center (MECC) | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia http://2016.miff.com.my

The 12th edition of the Export Furniture Exhibition (EFE) is set to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC), Malaysia’s leading convention facility, from March 5 - 8, 2016. Following the success of last year’s edition, which generated more than USD 670 million in sales and attracted more than 8,000 buyers from across the globe, including various trade delegations and buying mission groups, the show will offer visitors the opportunity to see an array of unique design breakthroughs and the latest trends and witness firsthand the high quality of Malaysian workmanship through the products on display.

A trade platform by the industry for the industry, EFE is a unique and ideal trading place where numerous opportunities, market expansion and business networking are readily available for all. As such, more than 270 international and local exhibitors and 10,000 buyers and visitors are expected to converge at the venue in search of business. According to the

Image © VIFA

Image © EFE

EXPORT FURNITURE EXHIBITION

The Vietnam International Furniture and Home Accessories Fair and EXPO Fair are two of the biggest fairs in Vietnam with a focus on export markets.

As such, the HCMC Department of Industry and Trade and HAWA agreed to combine VIFA and EXPO into one fair named VIFA-EXPO in 2014. Following the success of this combination, VIFA-EXPO 2016 returns to the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) from March 8 - 11, 2016.

The fair will showcase a wide selection of indoor and outdoor furniture as well as a vast range of handicraft and home accessories. Given that Vietnam has become ASEAN’s leading furniture exporter, the main focus of VIFA-EXPO 2016 is to promote the powerful woodworking industry of the nation. As such, the four-day event will highlight the trademark of Vietnam’s furniture production - high quality products at competitive prices - and also provide visitors with numerous opportunities to meet all their sourcing needs.

The show is being organized by the Handicraft & Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA), which has a mission to strengthen cooperation amongst members as well as to establish international relationships to help exports. With over 80 percent of its members engaged in the export of furniture and handicrafts, HAWA has successfully launched and organized the Vietnam International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair on an annual basis since 2008 providing a venue for both buyers and sellers to make valuable connections.

March 8 - 11 Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam www.vifafair.com

February 2016

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

58 SHOWTIME

FURNIPRO ASIA

are able to obtain a comprehensive overview of the market situation, learn about new trends and innovations, and find information about specific prices and products.

The biennial furniPRO Asia is the leading trade fair for the woodworking, furniture and panel production industries in south east Asia. furniPRO Asia offers an unparalleled outreach and access from the international woodworking and furniture production industries to trade professionals in the ASEAN region and beyond. Going into its third edition, the show continues to play a strategic role for exhibitors in the woodworking and furniture production industry by facilitating their development and outreach into the highly dynamic ASEAN region, which as a single market has a potential scale of over 600 million consumers and USD 1 trillion intraregional trade.

This year, the show is being held from March 10 - 12, 2016 to coincide with the International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS) - Asia’s premier sourcing platform and design-led exhibition. With more than 20,000 trade visitors and buyers expected to attend the event, the show brings together ASEAN buyers and sellers with a focus on woodworking, wood products, materials and furniture production to buy, sell and network. It will feature five main components - a professional trade exhibition, innovation and best practice showcases, business matchmaking services, customized networking events, as well as seminars and exhibitor talks.

March 10 - 13 Pavilion 75 VDNH | Moscow, Russia www.holzhaus.ru/en-GB INTERNATIONAL FAMOUS FURNITURE FAIR

Singapore Expo Convention and Exhibition Center | Singapore www.furniproasia.com HOLZHAUS The 24th edition of Holzhaus will take place from March 10 - 13, 2016. As the leading exhibition in Russia where wood houses from Russian and foreign manufacturers as well as advanced materials and technologies required for creation of a ready-for-living wood house are presented, the show has been the meeting place for wood house manufacturers, customers and purchasers in Russia ever since its launch. The show is supported by the Association of Wood Housing, Russian Architects’ Union, National Low-Rise and Cottage Construction Agency (NLRCCA), Russian National Roofers’ Union, and SIP House Building Technologies Association (EcoPan).

The exhibitor profile includes both local, regional and international manufacturers and suppliers of houses as well as technologies and materials required for the construction and improvement of a country house including wood protecting coatings, lacquers, paints, sealants, insulants, roofing materials, windows, doors and many others. In addition to the exhibition, a comprehensive program of seminars, panel discussions, technical workshops and architectural installations will ensure that visitors www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

February 2016

Image © 3F

March 10 - 12

The International Famous Furniture Fair (Dongguan), commonly known as 3F, is a leading furniture fair that is held twice a year. Jointly organized by the Dongguan Houjie People’s Government, Dongguan Famous Furniture Association, Hong Kong Furniture Association and Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Center, the show will be held in March and September this year. Held concurrently with two other exhibitions, the show attracts over 1,100 exhibitors who gather in Houjie and display their latest products. Held concurrently with the Dongguan Home Accents Fair (Spring) and the China Rosewood Furniture Fair, 3F covers almost every essential category in the home furnishings/décor marketplace, including bedroom furniture, living room furniture, upholstery, wall décor, decorative accessories, lightings, textile as well as woodworking machinery and materials.

Held right in the center of China’s furniture industry, 3F is the only furniture event in China supported by Ministry of Commerce of China and Hong Kong Trade Development Council and is also the only furniture exhibition in China that has been approved by UFI. With 70 percent of the leading furniture manufacturers in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan as exhibitors, 3F is regarded as the ‘representative furniture fair’ in

SHOWTIME 59 China. The exhibitor profile includes suppliers of furniture, woodworking machinery, furniture accessories and components, lighting, home accessories, items for the home, carpets and home textiles. Moreover, trade professionals involved with furniture and furnishing retail and wholesale trade, furniture importers and exporters, interior designers, architects, joiners, carpenters, and interior decorators visit the show.

March 16 - 20 Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Center | Houjie, Dongguan, China

covering an area of 12,000 sqm and around 40,000 visitors, the show has, in the span of a decade, become Europe’s biggest fair devoted to building and renovating in wood.

Though wood construction has definitely established its credentials these days, nevertheless, as with other building materials, construction, renovation or interior or exterior decoration in wood should not be improvised. As such, the show focuses on addressing questions such as - which types of wood to choose and for which purposes, what are the correct techniques to use, what is the role of the architect, where to find specialized contractors, etc. In addition, the show also focuses on new forms of energy in line with the concept of sustainable construction, a cause that has been championed by Bois & Habitat from the outset.

www.2f.com.cn/e

Image © LAS-EXPO

Image © Bois & Habitat

LAS-EXPO

March 18 - 20 Namur Expo | Namur, Belgium www.bois-habitat.be/en

The LAS-EXPO (Timber Industry & Forest Resources Management Fair) trade fair is a meeting place of specialists - wood processing industry insiders and foresters - given that the two sectors closely cooperate in wood material acquisition and processing. The show provides an opportunity to become familiar with the latest wood industry developments and is a showcase for specialized companies to display tools and equipment for wood transport and processing, pesticides and insecticides dedicated to forest protection as well as advanced IT systems.

Held under the patronage of the General Directorate of the State Forests National Forest Holding in Warsaw, the last edition of the show was complemented by a diversity of dynamic presentations of equipment as well as business sector meetings, workshops and conferences. Given the positive response to the show in 2015 with 61,556 registered visitors, the organizers are confident of similar success this year, particularly since the show will coincide the Agrotech exhibition.

March 18 - 20 Kielce Trade Fairs Congress Center | Kielce, Poland www.targikielce.pl BOIS & HABITAT The first trade fair where the general public, professionals (manufacturers, builders, architects, engineering and design firms) and officials (local and regional) could meet and discuss the subject of building and renovating in wood, Bois & Habitat aims to set the benchmark for construction, renovation and interior and exterior decoration in wood. With over 180 specialized exhibitors from Belgium, France, Luxembourg and elsewhere

UMIDS UMIDS is the leading exhibition of furniture, materials, components and equipment for furniture production and woodworking in the south of Russia.

Held annually since 1998, the show is an effective platform for companies who are engaged with wholesale or retail trade, manufacturing of furniture, equipment, components and materials for furniture production and woodworking in the South of Russia.

The show is an effective place for demonstration of products and services to a huge number of industry professionals working in the furniture and woodworking market and to end consumers. Visitors have an opportunity to get acquainted with a wide range of market novelties showcased by exhibitors and to choose products and services necessary for accomplishing their business tasks.

Exhibitors are broadly classified under three segments: Woodworking, Components, and Furniture. They include leading manufacturers and suppliers of equipment for furniture production; equipment for processing of waste of furniture production; automation of furniture production; tools; furniture components and fittings; boards, panels, tabletops, front panels; veneer, plastic and other materials; paints, glues, varnishes; upholsteries; transformation mechanisms; home and office furniture; hotel furniture and interior; and wooden, glass, metal, plastic and stone products.

March 30 - April 2 Expograd Yug | Krasnodar, Russia www.umids.ru/en-GB

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Image © DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR

DOMOTEX ASIA/CHINAFLOOR

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and highlight unique features of their newest products for maximum exposure of their brand. Pre-registered visitors may comment and vote on their favorite new products through various channels choosing the top 10 new products from wood, carpet and resilient sectors.

Lastly, the GreenStep Asia Awards, a joint venture with Floor Covering Weekly (FCW), returns for the third year to honor individuals and organizations working to advance sustainability in floor covering through products and processes. The competition is open to any manufacturer in the world that has manufacturing facilities in Asia where they apply the principles of environmental sustainability. It will feature three award categories for the flooring industry: best green product, best green practice/process and best green pinnacle. An authoritative jury composed by the leaders of some of the world’s most famous flooring and green associations will judge the awards.

Image © DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR is the leading flooring trade exhibition in Asia Pacific and the second largest flooring trade exhibition worldwide. As a part of the DOMOTEX shows group, the show facilitates communication within the industry by presenting the developments of the floor covering industry in Asia and beyond. It also brings numerous business opportunities from which domestic and overseas exhibitors gain maximum exposure for both their brands and products.

The main product categories include wood flooring; bamboo & cork flooring; flooring technology; machine-made carpets; hand-made carpets; carpet technology; resilient flooring; sports flooring; WPC; and stones & ceramic. Further, the visitor profile includes buyers, agents, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, franchise dealers, architects, designers, contractors, project managers, real estate developers, owners, government officials, associations, and manufacturers from all over the world.

In 2015, the 17th edition of DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR was hosted at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Center (SNIEC) with a total of 140,000 square meters of exhibition space filled by 1,275 exhibitors from 38 countries. Owing to the wide range of products on display, combined with a comprehensive program of supporting events, the show attracted 46,115 professional visitors last year. According to the organizers, the aim this year is create even more opportunities for both exhibitors and visitors to connect at the Shanghai show where new and innovative products are introduced to the world each year.

In conjunction with the China National Forest Products Industry Association (NFPIA), the organizers are set to host the ‘Wood Flooring Forum 2016’. According to a report by the NFPIA, in comparison to the end of the last century, the average Chinese expenditure in home decoration increased by 5 times, but spending on wood flooring products increased by 1.5 times only. Given that China’s booming middle and upper class have greater disposable income, the organizers are positive of increased demand for wood flooring in the near future. In addition, the ‘China International WPC Development Forum 2016’ is set to host over 200 decision makers from leading companies who are either WPC producers, WPC manufacturing facility producers, WPC raw materials suppliers, research institutes, or from the engineering and construction side.

The InnovAction Flooring Campaign enables exhibitors to launch their newest product electronically before the show, and visitors to identify the products of their interest and arrange on-site meetings in advance using an online ‘match making’ system. A short video - the newest promotion channel offered at this edition’s campaign - allows exhibitors to present

March 22 - 24 Shanghai New International Exhibition Center (SNIEC) | Shanghai, China www.domotexasiachinafloor.com

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62 SHOWTIME

Image © CIFM/interzum guangzhou

Image © CIFM/interzum guangzhou

CIFM / INTERZUM GUANGZHOU

Asia’s largest and most influential furniture production and woodworking trade fair - CIFM / interzum guangzhou - has once again proven its appeal to international industry manufacturers and suppliers with a sold out event in 2016. Slated to take place from March 28 - 31, 2016 alongside the China International Furniture Fair (Office Show), the combined event will span 16 halls to cover an area of 140,000 square meters.

With over 1,200 exhibitors from around the world expected to gather at this flagship event of the industry, the show attracts visitors from over 120 countries and regions who come to visit and procure at the event annually, with representatives from furniture manufacturing enterprises accounting for the majority. Given that China, as the world’s largest furniture producer as well as furniture consumer has been ranked first place for global furniture production for many years, the prospects for the show remain positive.

In line with global trends, the show this year will aim to address the growth www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

February 2016

of the custom furniture market, which has maintained a strong growth momentum, occupying more than 40 percent market share. Conventional furniture purchase focuses on brand and design, but with the development of custom-made furniture, consumers are now also concerned about the raw materials used, such as the kind of wood, surfaces, handles and even hinges and rails. The trend is expected to shift towards finer details, and high quality, imported furniture materials are poised to be a big hit in the domestic market - all of which are slated to be on display at the show.

The 2016 edition is poised to be held over four days instead of five as was the case with the last two editions. This strategic move has been prompted by feedback from the industry, which will also see the co-located China International Furniture Fair (CIFF) shorten by a day and take place over the same period, from March 28 - 31, in the southern Chinese manufacturing hub of Guangzhou. The shorter show days is expected to be more in line with the participation habits of international exhibitors and provides convenience for buyers with more concentrated sourcing and reduced participation costs for exhibitors, with the aim of building a more robust trading platform.

A series of engaging activities will aim to enhance the participation experience of exhibitors and visitors alike. On March 29, a forum titled ‘The History & Trends of Furniture Surface Materials’ at the PIAZZA lounge of International Hall 14.1 will seek to impart knowledge on the latest consumer preferences and products. Attendees of the forum will stand to win attractive prizes. In addition, the PIAZZA will offer complimentary freshly brewed coffee to visitors besides the regular choice of fruit juice and red wine.

In addition to the international and local companies, around eight national pavilions from Germany, the US/Canada, Italy, Spain, Turkey as well as the American Hardwood Export Council, Canada Wood and ProChile will be prominently represented at this year’s event. Particularly noteworthy is the debut of world-renowned latex supplier, Artilat Group, from Belgium at CIFM / interzum guangzhou 2016, which will lead a host of brands under its umbrella to the event. This will mark the group’s maiden participation in a furniture production trade fair in Asia.

March 28 - 31 Pazhou Complex | Guangzhou, China www.interzum-guangzhou.com

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LUBDREW

traders, suppliers and end-users in the wood industry chain. As such, the vast range of products showcased at the Dubai WoodShow includes wood products, woodworking machinery, blades & knives, tools, abrasives, industry solutions, and many more.

Being a highly specialized show, the Dubai WoodShow provides an excellent opportunity for regional and international companies and agents to showcase and learn about wood and woodworking and to build new strategic relationships with buyers, traders and investors. A must-attend event for anyone who is passionate about wood, the exhibition is the UAE’s largest convention for distributors, suppliers, interior designers, furniture manufacturers, carpenters, wholesale traders and retailers, building material manufacturers, construction suppliers and project developers. The exhibitor profile for the event include the latest products and innovations in MDF, plywood, hardwood, softwood, veneers, timbers, parquet, laminates, finished wood merchandise, paper products, as well as wood machineries and related products and services.

April 4 - 6 LUBDREW is the only trade show in the eastern region of Poland that offers a platform for companies operating in the wood sector to display their products and services. Launched in 2011, the show is one of the most important events in the timber industry in Poland and Eastern Europe.

The exhibitor profile includes sawmills, woodworking machinery, wooden warehouses, carpentry and tools and wooden furniture. For the second year running, the fair will be held in conjunction with the LUBDOM Building Fair. As such, visitors can benefit from a wider group of exhibitors, related to both the wood industry and construction, and also attend some of the events and activities planned in conjunction with the two shows.

Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center (DICEC) | Dubai, UAE www.dubaiwoodshow.com MEDWOOD

April 1 - 3 Lublin Trade Fair and Exhibition Center | Lublin, Poland www.lubdrew.pl

Image Š Dubai WoodShow

DUBAI WOODSHOW

The 11th edition of the Dubai WoodShow takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center from April 4 - 6, 2016.

Firmly established as the biggest wood and woodworking machinery industry trade show in the Middle East region, the show attracted 10,544 trade professionals from 95 countries last year. As the biggest trade show for the timber industry in the Middle East Region, the annual event is a convergence point for producers, manufacturers, importers, exporters,

The 6th International Medwood Exhibition is scheduled to be held between April 7 - 10, 2016 at the Metropolitan Expo, the largest and most modern exhibition center, in Athens, Greece. An international exhibition showcasing tools and equipment for the furniture industry, Medwood has established itself as one of the most important events of this sector in the Balkans and Southeast Europe and offers its visitors the opportunity to learn about new designs and international trends.

The most important companies in the fields of furniture materials, semifinished products, flooring, wood shutters and kitchen furniture as well as companies that produce woodworking machinery are expected to take part at the show. In addition, the Surface Event at Medwood 2016 will focus on surfaces and innovative materials and will have reputed guest speakers whose expertise and experience add value.

April 7 - 10 Metropolitan Expo | Athens, Greece www.medwood.gr/index.php?lang_id=1

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Dubai WoodShow 2016 set for major expansion The 2016 edition of the Dubai WoodShow will continue to provide a perfect platform for suppliers, manufacturers and machinery companies to showcase their products, innovative technologies, production scenarios and large scale machinery to key players in the wood & woodworking machinery industry in the Middle East and North Africa region. According to the organizers, significant demand for wood in the GCC has helped raise the profile of the show, which is being organized from April 4 - 6, 2016 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center (DICEC).

This year innovations in the timber industry are set to take the largest chunk of the show, where industry gurus from around the world will participate. Dawood Al Shezawi, (pictured), Managing Director, Strategic Marketing & Communications, is confident of breaking new ground with the 2016 edition. In an interview with Timber Design & Technology, Al Shezawi provides an overview of the show.

Event details

01. In retrospect, what were the major achievements of the last edition of the Dubai WoodShow?

The 2015 edition of the Dubai WoodShow witnessed a major increase in the number of visitors from the GCC countries, which was around 30 percent as compared to the previous year. Further, there was an increase of around 26 percent in the overall visitors. These numbers reflect the fact that the show has become an important calendar event for wood industry professionals.

02. How is the next edition positioned? What are the main objectives?

The next edition is looking forward to the advancements in woodworking machinery technologies, which will be on display from the top players. We believe that the show will continue to provide a unique platform for wood professionals to interact and generate the best possible synergies between their businesses.

03. Are there any new events such as awards, seminars and workshops at the next edition?

We are planning to have a seminar about the latest trends in the industry during the show and a cocktail networking event for the exhibitors, which will be communicated very soon.

04. How does Dubai WoodShow aim to be different from other industry trade fairs?

Dubai WoodShow, being the only dedicated show for the wood industry in the MENA region, gives exhibitors and visitors the freedom to conduct business deals (wholesale or retail) during the course of the show and allows exhibitors to sell their products onsite.

05. What does Dubai WoodShow specifically offer to the timber and related industries?

The show brings all the relevant sectors of the wood and construction industry together under one roof, which increases the possibility of trade and collaboration between different players.

06. How many visitors and exhibitors are likely to be there at the next edition? What percentage of them are repeat exhibitors and how many of them are new?

We are expecting more than 250 main exhibitors and over 500 brands this year based on our sales trend.

We also hope to have a good increase in the number of visitors as we have been getting a lot of enquiries

Dates

April 4 - 6, 2016

Venue

Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center (DICEC)

Location

Dubai, U.A.E. Image Š Strategic Marketing & Communications

Organizer

Strategic Marketing & Communications

Frequency Annual

Website

www.dubaiwoodshow.com

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Image © Strategic Marketing & Communications

SHOWTIME INTERVIEW 65

regarding visiting the show.

07. Who are some of the new exhibitors making their debut at the next edition?

We’ve got Technomer & Aypol from Turkey, Segezha from Russia, Veles Agro from Ukraine, Jazz Forest from Canada, Eastern Marketing from Singapore, World Best Trading, Laikera & Arab Building System Industry from U.A.E, Sklejka Pisz from Poland, Euro Trading Company from Latvia, Schauenburg and Doellken from Germany, Guangzhou KDT Machinery from China, Daiken from Japan.

world. Dubai, with its advanced network of infrastructure and logistics, also helps the steady growth of the timber industry in the UAE and wider MENA region. Given that GCC building contracts awarded last year were slated to reach USD 91.52 billion, it gives a positive outlook on the future growth of the timber industry in the coming years. Dubai WoodShow provides the best platform for wood and woodworking machinery professionals to network and explore business opportunities and discover new suppliers and business partners.

08. Do you have an idea of the volume of business that might be conducted at Dubai WoodShow 2016?

We are optimistic about the volume of business expected during the Dubai WoodShow 2016. Despite the slowing world economy and the drop in oil prices, we are expecting the volume of business to exceed USD 140 million (over AED 500 million).

09. What - in your opinion - are the major trends for the timber industry at the moment?

Image © Strategic Marketing & Communications

The year 2015 saw a mixed graph in terms of the imports and exports to the GCC region. In the first half, imports were increasing but from July it came down to an extent probably because of the festive season (Eid) during which usually business is slow. The pricing in the local market since then has gone down for wood products as compared to the previous year.

Imports from Russia, USA and Romania specifically have also gone down.

However, lumber imports from other European countries have increased which is a positive sign for the industry.

10. What is the size of the timber industry in Dubai, the UAE and wider MENA region? What role does the show play in promoting / facilitating trade and development in the region?

Dubai is well positioned as the trading hub of the Middle East. Through the Dubai Woodshow, we aim to promote new suppliers from all over the February 2016

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66 SHOWTIME CALENDAR

ZOW

LAS-EXPO

February 16 - 19 Bad Salzuflen Exhibition Center Bad Salzuflen, Germany www.zow.de/en

March 18 - 20 Kielce Trade Fairs Congress Center Kielce, Poland www.targikielce.pl

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INDIAWOOD

Bois & Habitat

February 25 - 29 Bangalore International Exhibition Center Bangalore, India www.indiawood.com

JMarch 18 - 21 Namur Expo Namur, Belgium www.bois-habitat.be/en

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Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF)

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR

March 1 - 5 PWTC and MECC Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia http://2016.miff.com.my

March 22 - 24 Shanghai New International Exhibition Center (SNIEC) Shanghai, China www.domotexasiachinafloor.com

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Export Furniture Exhibition (EFE)

CIFM / interzum guangzhou

March 5 - 8 Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia http://efe.my

March 28 - 31 Pazhou Complex Guangzhou, China www.interzum-guangzhou.com

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VIVA-EXPO 2016

UMIDS

March 8 - 11 Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam www.vifafair.com

March 30 - April 2 Expograd Yug Krasnodar, Russia www.umids.ru/en-GB

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furniPro Asia

LUBDREW

March 10 - 12 Singapore Expo Convention and Exhibition Center Singapore www.furniproasia.com

April 1 - 3 Lublin Trade Fair and Exhibition Center Lublin, Poland www.lubdrew.pl

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Holzhaus

Dubai WoodShow

March 10 - 13 Pavilion 75 VDNH Moscow, Russia www.holzhaus.ru/en-GB

April 4 - 6 Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Center (DIECC) Dubai, UAE www.dubaiwoodshow.com

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International Famous Furniture Fair (3F)

MEDWOOD

March 16 - 20 Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Center Houjie, Dongguan, China www.2f.com.cn/e

April 7 - 10 Metropolitan Expo Athens, Greece www.medwood.gr/index.php?lang_id=1

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February 2016

Swedish wood – a versatile, modern material

Natural Living

Renewable Stylish

Strong Swedish sawn timber is mainly softwood: spruce and pine. Thanks to its high quality, Swedish wood is used for furniture, floors, wall panels, moldings, windows and doors, as well as construction.

All Swedish timber comes from sustainably managed forests, where every harvested tree is replaced by several planted seedlings. World-wide, Sweden is the third largest exporter of sawn timber.

We look forward to receiving you in our pavilion at the Dubai Wood Show (4-6 April)

info@swedishwood.com • www.swedishwood.com