Timber Design & Technology International - August 2014

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Issue 06 | August 2014

Wood modification and modified timber: technical background and market situation American Hardwood Environmental Profiles raise the bar on sustainability WOODCUBE: A five-storey carbon-neutral building in Hamburg Nieuwegein’s new theater and arts center ‘The Gemini’ by Khalid Shafar PLUS Timber industry news, new products, exhibition previews and listings and more

A N A L Y S I S | I N T E R V I E W S | D E S I G N | S U S T A I N A B IAugust L I T2014 Y | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | T E C H N O L O G Y1

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www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

FROM THE EDITOR

Cover Photo: The WOOD CUBE Image © Architekturagentur

Editor’s comment Timber is the world’s oldest and only truly renewable structural resource. That being said, timber structures are undergoing a renaissance across the globe. A case in point is The WOODCUBE - a fivestorey carbon-neutral apartment complex built almost completely with untreated wood and not a drop of glue - which we have featured in this issue. Designed by Stuttgart-based firm Architekturagentur, the project demonstrates how the traditional techniques involved in solid wood construction can be

Issue 06 | AUGUST 2014

re-interpreted in a striking design. Significantly, the project fulfills the architects’ objective to build a

Timber Design & Technology Magazine

recyclable.

Director Andy MacGregor publisher@citrusmediagroup.net +971 55 849 1574 Marketing Director Eric Hammond marketing@citrusmediagroup.net +971 4 455 8400

house that would emit no greenhouse gases whatsoever throughout its life cycle and be totally bioMore recently, the 8th European TMT Workshop took place in May in Dresden, Germany this year.

The event, which attracted 85 participants from 17 countries, reflected the large interest in thermal modification and big expectations for this business. It also threw the spotlight on the challenges that producers have to deal with including finding out the best way to communicate the mixture of advantages and disadvantages of the material to their customers and to cover the production costs by realizable prices. We talk to Dr. Wolfram Scheiding, Head of Department Biology/Wood Preservation at the IHD, who highlights the recent developments in wood modification.

This issue also features a report by Chad Oliver from Yale University who makes a case for building

International Sales Director James Hamilton james@timberdesignandtechnology.com

with wood instead of with concrete, brick, aluminium and steel. He argues that whilst these modern

Editor Tony Smith editor@timberdesignandtechnology.com

strong, renewable, and plentiful. The reality being that currently we use only a fraction of the world’s

International Correspondent Eamonn Ennis eamonn@timberdesignandtechnology.com +91 98676 54952

few homegrown designers of its own. Leading the pack is the Emirati object and furniture designer,

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

materials have many valuable properties, they are energy-intensive to create, accounting for around 16 percent of the entire planets’ fossil fuel production. Instead we should be using wood, which is also available forestry resources.

While Dubai continues to be a healthy consumer of high-end design, the city can still only claim a Khalid Shafar, whose approach to design encompasses his personal expression of form, movement, emotion, and in particular, ‘the tale’ of objects. We take a look at ‘The Gemini’, which combines two functions in the same object - a chair and a table in one. 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.

Elias Aggelopoulos Med Expo | Greece +30 210 2931011 info@epipleon.gr Timber Design & Technology is published 6 times a year

by Citrus Media Group (powered by WillyMac Associates FZ LLC) Level 14, Boulevard Plaza - Tower One, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, PO Box 334155, Dubai, UAE

is designed by UC Design and is printed by Prashuma Art Printers Great care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of Timber Design & Technology but the publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions.

All contents are © 2014 Citrus Media Group and may not be reproduced in any form without prior consent.

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

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

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THE LEADING SUPPLIER

OF LOGS IN INDIA 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.

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www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

www.farlindubai.com info@farlindubai.com

IN THIS ISSUE

Contents 10 SUSTAINABILITY

WOODCUBE: A five-storey carbonneutral building in Hamburg

Project demonstrates how traditional techniques involved in solid wood construction can be reinterpreted in a striking design

16 MARKET REPORT EIA report reveals how Japan’s imports of Chinese wood products fuel illegal logging in Russia’s eastern forests

P12 P10

Timber products directly compete with Japanese domestic timber, depressing prices globally and putting Japanese forest producers at a competitive disadvantage

19 ANALYSIS Wood modification and modified timber: technical background and market situation

Dr. Wolfram Scheiding highlights the developments in wood modification

22 design & décor

P19

Nieuwegein’s new theater and arts center

American walnut and tulipwood go center stage in the city

28 comment American Hardwood Environmental Profiles raise the bar on sustainability

AHEC is now able to model the full environmental impact of delivering U.S. hardwood lumber and veneer to any market in the world

32 technology The Opportunity and Challenge: Wood Construction can save Carbon Dioxide, Fossil Fuel, and Biodiversity if done right

36 wood works ‘The Gemini’ by Khalid Shafar

P22

PLUS p6 Latest News

38 Showtime Preview of upcoming exhibitions

p38 Showtime August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

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NEWS

Accsys Technologies launches ‘Accoya Academy’ and at the end of the short course participants will have an in-depth understanding of Accoya and the acetylation process used to produce it. According to Accsys, the Accoya Academy has been designed to give distributors, architects and designers a better understanding of the revolutionary product and the benefits it can bring.

The resource comprises of a presentation, which talks users through Accsys Technologies, the history and process of acetylation and the environmental and performance benefits and attributes of Accoya.

This is followed by a portfolio review of inspirational projects, which have used Accoya from around the world. Finally participants are given a short test, involving 10 multiple-choice questions, to test their knowledge and understanding of the product. Those who achieve 90 percent or more will receive an Accoya certificate for their effort.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Bryan Crennell, Director of Sales and Marketing at Accsys Technologies, said: “Over the past few years we’ve seen demand and interest in Accoya grow. We’ve agreed Image © Accsys Technologies

new distributor contracts and Accoya has been used in various extraordinary and ordinary applications around the world. With this in

Accsys Technologies, the manufacturer of the leading modified wood

mind, we wanted to ensure everyone is able to understand the process

product Accoya, has launched its ‘Accoya Academy’, an on-line learning

behind Accoya and the outstanding benefits of the product. The course

resource providing extensive information and details about the

is very short, easy to access and navigate through and it will provide

world-leading modified wood. The training tool is free and easy to use

participants with a greater understanding and knowledge of Accoya.”

National Wood Awards 2014 announces shortlist The Wood Awards, the UK’s premier award scheme celebrating excellence in design in wood, have announced the shortlist of 30 projects, which have been selected from another record entry of over 300 British architecture and furniture projects in the national Wood Awards 2014. This year’s 30-strong shortlist features unique private houses, stunning small projects, outstanding restorations and impressive commercial and public buildings. The shortlist for the Furniture categories include extraordinary bespoke and productionmade furniture ranging from the traditional, such as Edward Barnsley Workshop’s Scorched Oak Rocking Chair in European oak; to the contemporary, with the Ten Species Tallboy by Sebastian Cox Furniture as an unbridled celebration of British hardwoods.

The Building shortlist includes projects as diverse in size and scope as the new Middle Drawbridge at the Tower of London by GMT Timber Frame using green and air-dried oak; Sam Wanamaker Playhouse - the new indoor Jacobean theatre at Shakespeare’s Globe in London by McCurdy & Co using English and European

Image © Jonas Lencer

oak, European redwood, whitewood and spruce; Hugh Strange’s Architecture Archive in Somerset using Stora Enso / Eurban spruce

the panel is supported by timber industry consultant Michael Buckley.

cross laminated timber with locally sourced cedar, ash and beech;

Sean Sutcliffe of Benchmark Furniture leads the furniture judging

The Moor Market in Sheffield by Leslie Jones Architecture with B&K

panel of John Makepeace, Rod Wales and Katie Walker.

Structures using Western red cedar and European spruce glulam; and

for Wood Awards major sponsor Wood for Good, said: “Timber is

London Design Festival using new developments in cross laminated

enabling truly sustainable design as urbanisation increases and

hardwood to create a unique structure from American tulipwood.

natural resources decrease. The greatest challenge of our age

The Wood Awards independent judging panel of architecture,

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David Hopkins, Head of Communications and External Affairs

the Endless Stair by dRMM Architects - a major feature of last year’s

is how to make our urban built environments truly sustainable,

engineering, craftsmanship and design experts will now visit the

decarbonising the manufacture and construction of products and

shortlisted projects in person - from the South coast to the Highlands

buildings, using materials from renewable not extractive sources.

- before making their final decision. The Wood Awards judging panel

The Wood Awards continually demonstrates the creation of spaces

includes Hugh Pearman, editor of RIBA Journal, Jim Greaves of

that have the functionality to adapt to changing conditions and the

Hopkins Architects, Andrew Lawrence from Arup, David Morley, Adam

aesthetics to appeal to a savvy, globalised population. Timber is the

Khan, architectural writer Ruth Slavid, timber engineering consultant

material of sustainable modernism and design principles need not be

Nathan Wheatley from Engenuiti and craft specialist John Wilkie, and

compromised by a strong commitment to sustainability.”

www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

NEWS

AHEC and Benchmark to collaborate for ‘The Wish List What I Have Always Wanted Is….’ exhibition whilst Win Assakul is designing an extendable fruit or cheese bowl for Amanda Levete. The sisters that form Studio Areti are designing three items for John Pawson, a triangle shelf, slanted door and a hook. Felix de Pass is designing kitchen stools for Alison Brooks whilst Gareth Neal tackles tableware for Zaha Hadid. Fashion icon Paul Smith has asked Nathalie de Leval for a garden shed, whilst Barnby & Day are hard at work on a dining table for Alex de Rijke.

Richard Rogers with Ab Rogers have requested a ladder from Xenia Moseley and Lola Lely is designing a chaise longue for Allen Jones.

“Our association with the London Design Festival has resulted in a series of innovative installations including the Sclera Pavilion, the Timber Wave, the Endless Stair and the Out Of The Woods exhibition in recent years. Building on the experience of having worked with Benchmark, this project is very much about the versatility of American hardwoods and the ability to experiment with designs, both big and small. AHEC’s continued support for creative design projects such as ‘The Wish List’ demonstrates the performance potential of this sustainable material and provides valuable inspiration,” added Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, South Asia and Oceania.

Image © Petr Krecji

During the manufacturing process, the teams will record all material inputs and energy consumption allowing them to assess the

The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading

environmental impact for each object, using data from AHEC’s Life

international trade association for the American hardwood industry,

Cycle Assessment (LCA) research for 19 American hardwood species.

has announced its participation at the London Design Festival

LCA is a scientific tool that helps industry to establish environmental

2014 in collaboration with Benchmark Furniture. An estimable list

frameworks that have real meaning and assess true sustainability.

of architects and designers will collaborate to create a compelling

The result will present the cradle-to-grave impact of creating each

installation, The Wish List, which will be exhibited at the Victoria

product across six categories. The most topical impact category is

& Albert Museum (V&A) during this year’s London Design Festival,

global warming potential (GWP), or carbon footprint.

which will run from 13th - 21st September. The project builds on

Sean Sutcliffe comments: “Working with AHEC on ‘Out of the

AHEC’s prior initiatives, which have aimed at creatively promoting

Woods’ in 2012, Benchmark produced the world’s first wooden

American hardwoods, and have involved the likes of David Adjaye,

furniture with full Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). Now we seek to build

Matteo Thun, Sou Fujimoto and Amanda Levete amongst others.

on that learning and develop tools that will enable designs to be

Terence Conran, co-founder of Benchmark, instigated the project when he wrote to his friends and asked, “What have you always

rationalised on the basis of LCA data feedback. It is an exciting moment to be working within this fast-developing science.”

wanted in your home, but never been able to find?” His friends are, of course, some of the most illustrious names in architecture and design. Paul Smith, Norman Foster, Amanda Levete, John Pawson, Alison Brooks, Zaha Hadid, Alex de Rijke, Richard and Ab Rogers, and Allen Jones have all indicated what product they long for. Under the mentorship of these ‘greats’, up-and-coming names are now designing the desired items for ‘The Wish List’.

Such an open brief guarantees an extraordinary spread of design and the challenge is to produce each project in a single material - American hardwood - in celebration of the versatility of timber and the enormous variety that can be achieved with one material.

Furthermore, the diversity of products demonstrates Benchmark’s depth in understanding of wood and skilled craftsmanship.

“Benchmark is the powerhouse of craft, where many of the world’s greatest designers come to push the boundaries of what it is possible to do in wood,” says Sean Sutcliffe, co-founder of Benchmark. “The diversity of the pieces in ‘The Wish List’, and making them in one intense week, will test all involved. It will be a terrific platform for learning, enriched by the interaction of so much design and making talent. In our workshop of over 50 skilled craftsmen, we’re confident that we shall see ten fabulous results.”

Sebastian Cox will design a workspace for Terence Conran, Norie Matsumoto is creating the perfect pencil sharpener for Norman Foster

Image © Nick Watts

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

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NEWS

LIGNA to feature new ‘Wood Industry Summit’ of its kind worldwide and will generate considerable economic value, particularly in the international project business. Our aim in creating it is to give our exhibitors the best-possible springboard for initiating new international business relationships and to enable them to find partners from Russia, China and North and South America.”

“Under the umbrella of the Wood Industry Summit, we will work with the KWF and our partners from these countries and regions to get European-made wood-industry technologies and solutions onto overseas markets. The Wood Industry Summit will feature numerous technical presentations, discussion forums and international business facilitation and advisory offerings. Another important reason why we’re creating the Wood Industry Summit is that we want to provide added value for the international, vertically integrated pulp and paper enterprises that have been sending visitors to LIGNA in everincreasing numbers over the years,” added Köckler.

And, given the ongoing internationalization of business processes in the wood industry and the fact that European companies are increasingly selling into new, fast-growing export markets, we are Image © LIGNA

confident that the Wood Industry Summit will further consolidate our pioneering role as a matchmaker between supply and demand.

Deutsche Messe, the organizers of LIGNA, the leading trade fair for

We want to help our exhibitors internationalize their business

the forestry and wood industries, have announced plans to host a

processes and safeguard their long-term viability.”

‘Wood Industry Summit’ at the next edition, which will run from May

The Wood Flooring Summit will thus underscore and enhance

11 - 15, 2015. Organized in partnership with the German Forestry

LIGNA’s position as the top international exhibition for the wood

Council (KWF), the all-new Wood Industry Summit will comprise an

and forestry industries. As the international benchmark for wood-

exhibition area, a matchmaking platform and a forum, making it a

industry tradeshows, LIGNA is known and respected for its global

powerful hub for international lead generation and dialogue. It will

focus and professionalism. In 2015, the fair will once again highlight

be staged on about 800 sqm (2,000 sq. ft.) of display area in Hall 13.

real solutions against the backdrop of current market trends and

In the exhibition area, companies and institutions from the forestry technology, sawmill technology, wood panel products and

regulatory developments.

The KWF’s Managing Director, Ute Seeling, had this to say: “The

veneer production, wood energy, solid wood working and pulp and

planned Wood Industry Summit will enable LIGNA exhibitors

paper industries will showcase their latest technology offerings in

from the forestry and wood industry to meet and get to know

the immediate vicinity of international group pavilions run by key

potential partners from specially profiled target market regions. Our

players from carefully selected timber-rich target market regions,

objective in partnering with Deutsche Messe for the Summit is to

such as Russia, China and North and South America.

provide a platform for successful, long-term international business

The matchmaking platform will feature institutions and delegations of high-ranking government and business

relationships. It’s a great opportunity, and we hope the target woodindustry companies will take full advantage of it.”

representatives from Russia, China and North and South America, who will outline market access opportunities and regional woodindustry projects in their countries. The platform is also an opportunity for companies from European countries, such as Finland, Sweden, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, to present their technologies to the participating wood-industry representatives and purchasing delegations from their international target markets.

The third component of the Wood Industry Summit is a special forum for key international representatives of industry, science and government. The aim of the forum is to present new solutions and the current state of the art in various technology areas, particularly harvesting technology, and to discuss current industry trends and issues. The forum is also an opportunity to share detailed information on how to initiate business in key target markets and to find the best technology fit for specific countries. The forum will be moderated by the KWF. Dr. Jochen Köckler, a member of Deutsche Messe’s Managing Board, explains: “We have in KWF a truly outstanding partner.

Our two organizations have worked together for many years to systematically hone and tailor LIGNA to the needs of the market.

And so we are delighted to have the KWF on board as we develop and launch the Wood Industry Summit. It will be the only platform

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www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

Image © LIGNA

NEWS

Inaugural GulfWood 2015 in Bahrain offers an opportunity to reach a trilion dollar market forecast to be awarded in GCC countries in 2015, the inaugural edition of GulfWood comes at a time of resurgent growth, especially in the core regional market of Saudi Arabia.

“In recent years the demand for wood and wood products in the GCC has increased significantly,” said Nathan Waugh, Event Director, GulfWood. “With wood consumption being primarily driven by the design and construction sector, this increase is predicted to continue year-on-year, with the annual wood import market now worth well over USD 2 billion.”

According to research commissioned by GulfWood, construction contractors account for 70 percent of wood product use in the GCC, with the remaining 30 percent being consumed by furniture factories and carpentries. The key market of Saudi Arabia imported more than 4.4 million m3 of wood products in 2012 alone.

“With GulfWood located in business-friendly Bahrain, exhibitors can expect easy and convenient access to the markets of Qatar, Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia,” explained Waugh.

Thanks to the causeway connection, Saudi Arabia is only half an hour drive from the GulfWood’s venue, the Bahrain International Exhibition Center. Straight-forward visa procedures mean exhibitors from around the world will have the chance to make contact with the thousands of Saudi residents who visit Bahrain on business each year, as well as the thousands of locally based contractors, architects and manufacturers looking to source new products.

GulfWood is a collaboration between two leaders in the events industry: MedExpo, organisers of the biennial MedWood exhibition in Athens, and DMG Events, which dominates the Middle East design and construction exhibition sector through its The Big 5, The Hotel Image © DMG Events

Show and INDEX events. The show is set to take place from October 27 to 29, 2015 at the Bahrain Exhibition Center.

Experts in timber, technology and architectural wood products are

“This pedigree, combined with initiatives such as a dedicated

about to get a new opportunity to reach a trilion dollar market,

buyer’s club and comprehensive education programme, means

through the launch of GulfWood, set to take place in Bahrain in

exhibitors can expect to connect with business leaders responsible

October next year. With USD 91.5 million worth of building contracts

for purchasing decisions in their sector,” concludes Waugh.

Global exports of woodworking machinery down in 2013 According to the Acimall Studies Office, exports of woodworking machinery fell across all major markets in 2013. Exports decreased in Germany (1,715 million Euro, minus 3.1 percent compared to 2012), although a strong domestic market compensated for the same.

Similarly, a 3.1 percent decrease, down to 1,111 million Euro, was seen in Italy, a downward trend that had already emerged at the end of 2012 and one, which unfortunately was not mitigated by a stagnating domestic market. Further, exports decreased in the USA (minus 7.5 percent, 283 million Euro); and a moderate reduction was seen in Austria (minus 0.6 percent, 355 million Euro) and Taiwan (minus 0.2 percent, 457 million Euro).

The only market that improved was China, which recorded 790 million Euros in exports, up by 12.6 percent compared to 2012. This ensured that China secured the third spot in the global ranking of woodworking technology exporters. The Acimall report points out that the wood industry is still going through a phase of substantial ‘reflection’. Although trends are highly diversified in absolute values, recovery for the processing industry of wood and wood-based materials is still to come.

Image © LIGNA

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com

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SUSTAINABILITY

WOODCUBE: A fivestorey carbon-neutral building in Hamburg Project demonstrates how traditional techniques involved in solid wood construction can be reinterpreted in a striking design

10 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

SUSTAINABILITY

Image Š Architekturagentur

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 11

SUSTAINABILITY

C

onstructed as part of the International Building Exhibition in Hamburg, The WOODCUBE

is a carbon-neutral apartment complex built almost completely with untreated wood and not a drop of glue. According to Stuttgart-based firm Architekturagentur, the designers of the project, wood has gained popularity as a building material in recent years. Awareness about the careful use of resources and attention to ecological principles has also led to a sea change within the building industry. As such, the project demonstrates how the traditional techniques involved in solid wood construction can be re-interpreted in a striking design.

Comprising 8 residential units with a net floor area of 900 m² over 5 floors, the exterior wall and ceiling elements are prefabricated from unbounded non-coated solid wood cross layered wooden boards, which are connected with traditional beech wood rawl

building’s design. Inside, wood forms

exterior wall elements are loadbearing

plugs. Significantly, the inhabitants’

just as conspicuous a feature of the

and serve as an insulation layer and

benefit from this system as the usage

building as it does on the outside:

also for fire protection. To enhance

of chemicals contained in coatings and

ceilings, outer walls, and floors all

the insulation performance of the wall

glues is avoided. In addition, by testing

have wooden surfaces. One utterly

system, a 4 cm thick layer of wood

and evaluating the specific behavior

novel feature is the bare solid wood

soft fiberboard was added into the

of this wall system, the fire protection

casing around the massive staircase,

layers of the wall elements.

requirements for the building permit

which eschews layering or adhesives.

were achieved without the installation

In addition to forming the structure

surface of the layered boards creates

of a sprinkler system or a stand pipe.

of the building, the 32 centimetre-

enclosed air cavities in the wall

thick solid wood walls also provide

elements. This helps to improve the

complete insulation.

thermal conductivity of soft wood to

The use of wood throughout the building

Local, cut down with special

A special pattern engraved into the

0,078W/mK. Given that it was possible

The five-storey apartment building

attention for the right time, and

to manufacture the entire exterior

consists almost entirely of wood;

carefully dried timber has been used

wall system without adding glue into

neither glue nor any type of protective

for the wall elements. The horizontally,

the materials, the WOODCUBE is able

coating has been used. Slab-like

vertically and diagonally layered

to achieve the energy standard of a

balconies jut out of the untreated,

boards are connected solely with

passive house.

naturally ageing wooden façade,

traditional beech wood rawl plugs

According to the designers, the

and are a marked feature of the

into 32cm thick wall elements. The

project represents a first in Germany wherein a category 4 building in wood has been built without adding an additional fire protection layer of a non-burning material. By using horizontal wooden barriers in the substructure of the wood cladding, the vertical spread of fire can be confined.

Further, hygrothermal simulations proved the use of the best cladding profile and façade subconstruction.

Floor slabs In the same way as the unglued wall elements, the floor slabs are also manufactured from unbounded, noncoated timber panels connected with plugs. This allows the slabs to span an Image © Architekturagentur

12 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

approximately 6 meters and balconies

sustainability

Image © Architekturagentur

Image © Architekturagentur

that cantilever 2.5 meters. These capabilities are unprecedented in solid wood floor slabs. Owing to the high amount of solid wood in the slabs, the soundproofing requirements were also easily achieved.

‘Cradle to Cradle’ certified wall system The production of the unglued solid wood elements takes place as an

plant of the manufacturer, Thoma

Awareness about the careful use of resources and attention to ecological principles has also led to a sea change within the building industry

Holz 100, produces with the help of PV and thermal recycling of the waste wood more energy than needed for manufacturing of the wall elements.

As a result, the wall system has been awarded the ‘Cradle to Cradle’ gold certificate.

The softwood timber was cut down from local sustainable managed forests. In addition, the building system has been designed in a way

energy independent process. The

that you can dismantle the wall elements backwards in the production process. Further, a CNC controlled production process is used, which is able to reload the original production data to dismantle the wall elements for reuse with the same tools that they were manufactured with.

Neutral carbon footprint Even though the basement and the staircase were built in reinforced concrete, a carbon footprint calculation

by INA / TU Darmstadt proves that the WOODCUBE is the first building with a neutral carbon footprint upon completion. Against the background that building a standard passive house uses a multiple amount of Image © Architekturagentur

annual energy needed for heating, this reduction of the embodied energy is an essential advantage of solid wood construction. The lack of attention towards this criterion becomes apparent when noticing that no subsidy requirements for building

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 13

SUSTAINABILITY

demand the reduction of embodied energy.

Heating and electric energy usage The solid wood elements allow the structure to have top insulation values and slow cooling out values. The heating energy demand is comparable to a passive house. In addition, an interconnected energy management system minimizes the use of electric energy. This system manages the heating and ventilation with a thermal energy recovery system, and lighting and sun shading to minimize energy Image © Architekturagentur

use.

The inhabitant can monitor his electricity usage constantly, control

throughout its life cycle and be totally

reveals the potential for solid wood

and deactivate circuits to minimize

bio-recyclable. All building materials in

construction in the field of climate-

electro smog due to the stand-by

the house were examined for their CO2

neutral building and of meeting energy

functions of electronic devices. The use

potential and their safety in building

requirements from renewables in the

of low energy devices such as 1Watt

biology terms. Built to KfW 40 energy

inner-city environment. Thanks to

LEDs and an elevator equipped with

efficiency standards, the WOODCUBE

its monolithic, natural construction

a kinetic energy recovery system are

dispenses as far as possible with the

style, the WOODCUBE’s consumption

further steps to save electric energy.

use of non-renewable raw materials.

figures are comparable with those of

All technical controls and metering

Heating energy is drawn from a

a passive house (18 kWh/m² heating

devices are conveniently combined

district power plant in Wilhelmsburg

requirement). Looking at its entire

in a prefabricated, central and

using renewable energy whilst PV-

life-cycle, however, the materials used

architecturally integrated rack allowing

panels located on the roof of the

give it considerably better values so

easy and customized adjustments.

WOODCUBE generate electric energy,

that it is more sustainable than any

all of which allows the WOODCUBE to

traditionally built passive house. The

have a neutral carbon footprint during

house therefore makes an important

operation.

contribution to climate protection that

Environmental benefits The objective behind the WOODCUBE was to build a house that would emit no greenhouse gases whatsoever

In terms of building and running the WOODCUBE, its zero-sum CO2 balance

can, at present, hardly be bettered by any other style of building.

Project Details Project name: WOODCUBE Location: Am Inselpark 7, HamburgWilhelmsburg Client: WOODCUBE Hamburg GmbH Architects: Architekturagentur Budget: Approximately Euros 2.6 million Construction time: August 2012 - May 2013 Gross area: Approximately 1,370 m² Living space: Approximately 900 m² Cubage: Approximately 4,130 m³ Image © Architekturagentur

14 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 15

MARKET REPORT

EIA report reveals how Japan’s imports of Chinese wood products fuel illegal logging in Russia’s eastern forests Timber products directly compete with Japanese domestic timber, depressing prices globally and putting Japanese forest producers at a competitive disadvantage

S

ignificant quantities of illegal

timber products from around the

and launder this timber across the

timber products from the forests

world.

border using documentation from

of Siberia and the Russian Far

The report - ‘The Open Door:

their forest concession. In factories

East are flowing into Japan, according

Japan’s Continuing Failure to Prevent

across northeastern China, San Xia

to a new report by the US-based non-

Imports of Illegal Russian Timber’

transforms this timber into edge-glued

profit Environmental Investigation

- details supply chains for illegally

lumber, 90 percent of which is sold to

Agency (EIA). While the United States

cut Siberian pine, bought by Chinese

Japan for housing construction.

and European Union have recently

traders and imported to China,

enacted new policies that prohibit the

manufactured into wood products and

great forests of cedar, cypress,

import of illegally sourced wood and

sold on markets all over Japan. In

and pine were cut to build houses,

wood products and require companies

undercover interviews, officials from

furniture, and for fuel, powering the

to conduct heightened due diligence

San Xia, one of the largest Chinese

development of Japan’s rich culture

in their sourcing practices, Japan’s

importers of Russian timber, detailed

and traditions. Since the 1960’s,

failure to enact similar measures

how they purchase this timber from

Japan has become increasingly

makes it an open market for illegal

illegal loggers deep inside Siberia

dependent on imports of timber and

16 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

For thousands of years, Japan’s

MARKET REPORT

wood products as its domestic forest industry has steadily declined. Wood products imports now come from many countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Russia, where legal and sustainable logging practices are often the exception, rather than the rule.

In recent years, Japan has been the subject of increasing scrutiny regarding timber imports from tropical forested countries, the legality of which has at times been questioned by environmental groups.

However, Japan’s imports of timber from the temperate forests of eastern Russia, often indirectly via Chinese manufacturers, make up a sizable proportion of total wood product imports but have received less attention in recent years.

Illegal logging is estimated to comprise at least 50 percent of the total timber harvests in eastern Russia, with some estimates nearing 90 percent, and poses one of the

The no questions asked market for wood products in Japan is fueling rampant illegal logging in eastern Russia

swift action by the government to prohibit illegal timber from entering its market, Japanese consumers will continue to be unwitting financiers of the timber mafias that are raiding the world’s forests.”

In 2013, the EIA concluded a multi-year investigation that revealed

gravest threats to both the region’s

the full extent and nature of illegal

forest ecology and the future of the Russian forest products industry.

and other wood products from China

logging in eastern Russia, tracing

This trade fuels corruption and

have steadily risen. Many of these

that illicit timber through Chinese

environmental destruction, including

finished products are made from the

owned sawmills in Russia, across the

some of the most biodiverse and

very same Russian timber that Japan’s

border into China to manufacturers

pristine forests in the Russian

wood products manufacturers once

of furniture, flooring, and other wood

Federation. Further, these products

imported directly and manufactured

products destined for the domestic

directly compete with Japanese

into furniture domestically. Far from

market and for export to the United

domestic timber, depressing prices

having ended their use of Russian

States, the European Union and

globally and putting Japanese

timber, Japanese demand continues

Japan. EIA’s investigation combined

forest producers at a competitive

to be a significant driver of illegal

analysis of Russian and Chinese

disadvantage.

logging practices in eastern Russia.

trade data, interviews with Russian-

In the 1980s and 1990s, Japan

“The no questions asked market

imported more timber from eastern

for wood products in Japan is fueling

community members, as well as

Russian than any other foreign

rampant illegal logging in eastern

undercover communications and visits

country. Since the early 2000s, China

Russia,” said Kate Horner, Director

by EIA investigators in Russia and

has eclipsed Japan as the number one

of Forest Campaigns at EIA. “The

China posing as potential buyers of

destination for eastern Russian timber.

time has come for Japan to join

wood and wood products.

During the same period, Japan’s

other developed nations in support

imports of wooden furniture, flooring,

legal forest products trade. Without

based authorities, non-profits and

EIA investigations revealed that one of the largest Chinese importers of Russian timber, San Xia Economic and Trade Company, knowingly purchased illegally harvested Russian pine deep inside Russia, and transformed this timber into finished products for export largely to the Japanese market.

San Xia currently owns approximately 600,000 hectares of pine and larch forest in Siberia, operates multiple sawmills, and exports sawn pine lumber to its operations in China.

San Xia representatives told EIA investigators that much of their Siberian pine is illegal in origin, bought off the black market from small brigades of Russian illegal loggers, and exported using falsified

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 17

MARKET REPORT

The positive effects of these laws are fundamentally undermined by the failure of the world’s largest timber importer, China, and the world’s fourth largest importer of wood products, Japan, to take concrete action to prohibit illegally sourced imports flooring from a Chinese supplier who

of illegally sourced wood and wood

sources illegal oak originating in the

products and require companies to

the border into China to San Xia’s

Russian Far East, the northernmost

conduct heightened due diligence

sawmill in Manzhouli on the Russian

range of the last 450 Siberian tigers

in their sourcing practices. These

border, and onwards to the port city of

in the world. In September 2013, the

nascent demand side policies are

Dalian. In Dalian, San Xia manages two

United Stated Department of Justice

transforming the global wood products

factories, making beds, cabinets, chairs,

initiated a federal investigation of

trade and have been credited with

and tables from pine and ash cut in

Lumber Liquidators reportedly for

significant reductions in global

the Russian Far East and in Siberia.

alleged violations of the Lacey Act.

greenhouse gas emissions. However,

“Organized criminal groups send

the positive effects of these laws are

permits.

EIA followed this timber across

Much of their Siberian pine is also manufactured into structural timber,

out logging brigades to steal valuable

fundamentally undermined by the

exported primarily to Japanese trading

hardwoods from protected areas,

failure of the world’s largest timber

companies. San Xia officials in both

decimating Russian forests and

importer, China, and the world’s fourth

Manzhouli and Dalian independently

depriving the Russian economy of

largest importer of wood products,

stated that approximately 90 percent

millions of dollars in lost tax revenue,”

Japan, to take concrete action to

of their finished products are exported

added Horner. “Importing cheap illegal

prohibit illegally sourced imports.

to Japan. In Japan, much of this timber

wood from eastern Russia is a tragic

is purchased by housing manufacturers

crime of convenience that directly

the current voluntary approach in

for use in timber-frame houses across

undercuts Japanese business trying to

Japan is failing to prevent illicit timber

the country.

play by the rules. Any company buying

from entering Japan’s markets. While

products containing wood from eastern

Japan, the fourth largest consumer

report - ‘Liquidating the Forests:

Russia, whether directly or via China,

of wood products globally, was once

Hardwood Flooring, Organized Crime,

should know that it may be using

considered a leader in global efforts to

and the World’s Last Siberian Tigers’.

stolen wood and must take great care

tackle illegal logging, it has now fallen

In the 2013 report, EIA investigators

to ensure legality.”

behind other developed countries by

This report follows an earlier EIA

documented how Lumber Liquidators,

The United States and the European

As EIA’s investigative report reveals,

failing to adopt enforceable measures

the largest specialty flooring retailer

Union, the largest buyers of Chinese

to prevent imports of illegally sourced

in the United States, had purchased

wood products, have both enacted

wood and wood products. The report

millions of square feet of hardwood

new policies that prohibit the import

concludes that Japan must take decisive and immediate action to close its market to the cheap, illegal timber that is undercutting both its domestic forestry operations as well as the forests and livelihoods of its trading partners. The time has now come for Japan to join ranks with other developed nations to support legal forest production both overseas, and at home. * This article contains text from the EIA Report - The Open Door: Japan’s Continuing Failure to Prevent Imports of Illegal Russian Timber. To view the entire report, please click on http://eia-global. org/images/uploads/Open_Door_Japan_ Russia_report_ENGLISH.pdf

18 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

ANALYSIS

Wood modification and modified timber: technical background and market situation

Image © Leo A. Daly Architects

T

he 8th European TMT

is the permanent improvement of

are impregnated into the wood cell

Workshop, which took place

one or more properties of the wood.

structure, and fixed there by chemical

in May in Dresden, Germany

Modification differs from wood

reactions. Those agents include

this year, attracted 85 participants

preservation, since no preservatives

acetic anhydride or furfuryl alcohol

from 17 countries (including 4 from

(biocides) are used, and the

amongst others. Due to the necessary

outside Europe). Organized by the

products are non-toxic. The basic

impregnation step, wood species with

Institute of Wood Technology (IHD),

idea behind modification was to

a good impregnability are preferred.

the workshop reflected the large

improve properties of domestic wood

Further, technical abbreviations - TMT

interest in thermal modification and

species, e.g. softwoods and non-

for thermally modified timber and

big expectations for this business.

durable hardwoods in the northern

CMT for chemically modified timber -

It also threw the spotlight on the

hemisphere.

have also been introduced.

challenges that producers have to

In principle, both thermal and the

deal with including finding out the

chemical modification have been

Material characteristics

best way to communicate the mixture

well investigated and industrially

The intended positive modification

of advantages and disadvantages

introduced. Whereas the basic effects

effects include: increased biological

of the material to their customers

of both are similar, the changes within

durability against wood decay fungi;

and to cover the production costs

the wood are different: the agent of

increased dimensional stability (i.e.

by realizable prices. In an exclusive

thermal modification is heat between

reduced swelling, shrinking and

interview with Timber Design &

160° C and 230° C, with reduced

deformation); reduced equilibrium

Technology, Dr. Wolfram Scheiding,

oxygen concentration. This can be

moisture content (in the hygroscopic

Head of Department Biology/Wood

achieved by steam, oil bath, inert

range); reduced thermal conductivity;

Preservation at the IHD, highlights the

gas (nitrogen) or vacuum. Generally,

and an altered (darker) color.

developments in wood modification.

all wood species can be modified

What is wood modification?

Let´s start with defining what we are talking about: wood modification

The only side effects, not intended

thermally, although those with a low

and mostly negative, are reduced

raw density are better suited.

strength and increased stiffness and

For chemical modification, special agents (no preservatives)

brittleness. The last is a drawback, which is intrinsically tied to thermal

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 19

ANALYSIS

modification and thus cannot be avoided completely. Unfortunately, quite often this is overlooked during wood working or mounting and fixing.

Modified timber should be considered as an artificial wood species; the properties of an individual ‘wood’ depend on natural wood species, grading, process type, and treatment intensity. The last can be expressed by high-temperature level for thermal and by weightpercent gain (WPG) for chemical modification.

Market situation Although the principles have been

Image ©SWM-Wood

known for decades, modification was only introduced in the wood industry in the 1990’s, as a result

manufacturers and thermowood

in load-bearing applications requires

of increasing market demand. A key

producers from Sweden, Turkey and

an appropriate proof of applicability;

reason was the increasing concern

Japan. Further TMT trademarks are

national construction rules need to be

of customers over preservatives

also seen in Plato (Netherlands), OHT

considered.

and the discussion about rainforest

and proGOODWOOD (Germany), Celloc

deterioration, utilization of tropical

(Denmark) and Outdoor (Austria).

application for thermally modified

timber etc. Furthermore, the increased

Likewise, important CMT brands

timber are windows frames, since

importance given to sustainable/

include Accoya (acetylated wood)

here three improvements apply:

green/eco-friendly concepts of

and Kebony (furfurylated wood) are

reduced swelling, increased durability

buildings, construction material

fairly well established, in addition to

(gain of security in case of risk of

and consumer products meant

Tigerwood, Indurite, and Lignia.

fungal attack), and reduced thermal

an increasing demand for wood

A particularly interesting

conductivity. Using frames out of

and other environmental friendly

Applications

products. As such, the worldwide

Owing to the effects of modification,

the entire window (Uw value) can be

number of TMT producers and the

modified timber is used where

improved by 0.1 up to 0.2 W/m²K,

production volume has increased

a higher exposure to wetness

compared to the construction with

continuously over the last few years

and weathering occurs. Typical

untreated wood. This seems to be not

(see fig. 1 and fig. 2).

applications include terrace decking,

much, but with an Uw value of a usual

façade cladding, windows, doors,

window produced in Europe of about

volume is produced by Finnish

fences, garden and landscaping

1.0 W/m²K, this is an improvement of

companies using the Thermowood®

commodities, furniture, and flooring.

10 to 20 percent.

process. This protected trademark

In principle, modified timber is

stands for both the process and

competing not only with tropical or

products. The manufacturers are

impregnated timber, but as well with

Quality assurance and standardization

organized under the International

plastics, wood-plastic composites, and

Currrently, several private quality

Thermowood Association, whose

metal. Due to the changed (reduced)

assurance systems are in practice

members are established kiln

strength, the use of modified timber

including the ThermoWood®

The majority of the global TMT

TMT, the heat transfer resistance of

Figure 1 TMT production volume (1000 m3) 300

225

150

75

0 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Europe (data from various sources)

20 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Thermowood (production statistics 2013)

2012

2013

ANALYSIS

Production and product quality control (www.thermowood.fi); KOMO® product certificate ‘Timber modification’ (Netherlands); and the Certification Mark TMT” (www.tmt.ihddresden.de). An example is the Turkish TMT producer Novawood (www. novawood.com.tr), which is active in the Middle East market, and who has been awarded the ‘Certification mark TMT’. For thermally modified timber, the European technical specification CEN/TS 15679:2007 is available as first standard document on modified timber. This document was compiled

by European standardization Image © Lunaawood Ltd

committee CEN/TC 175 ‘Round and sawn timber’.

Figure 2

Modified timber should be considered as an artificial wood species; the properties of an individual ‘wood’ depend on natural wood species, grading, process type, and treatment intensity

Recent developments and future potential Other than engineered wood products,

Europe Russia Overseas

Number of TMT producers

like LVL or OSB, which were invented and introduced to the market in

Austria

05

Slovakia

01

the U.S., wood modification was

Belarus

01

Slovenia

03

developed and industrially transferred

Belgium

02

Spain

01

in Europe and is now starting

Bosnia

02

Sweden

02

in Northern America with some

Canada

07

Switzerland

02

companies. Chemical modification is

Croatia

04

Turkey

02

today successfully established on the

Czechia

02

market, but higher prices, resulting

Denmark

01

from a much more expensive process,

Estonia

05

Europe

98

allow only a smaller production

Finland

20

volume, although some material

France

13

Russia

20

properties are better, compared to

Germany

07

thermal modification.

Hungary

01

Australia

01

Italy

02

Brazil

04

demand for durable, home-grown

Latvia

01

Canada

07

and environmental friendly wood

Lithuania

01

China

03

products will further increase. The use

Netherlands

04

Japan

02

of modified timber for load-bearing

Norway

03

New Zealand

01

applications might be possible, but

Poland

03

Malaysia

02

unlikely and limited to some special

Portugal

01

United States

10

cases. Thus, although ‘building

Romania

01

with wood’ is not really the field of

Serbia

01

Overseas

30

It is expected that the market

application for modified timber, ‘living with wood’ it is, definitely.

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 21

design & dĂŠcor

American walnut and tulipwood go center stage in the city of Nieuwegein’s new theater and arts center

22 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

design & dĂŠcor

Image Š Allard van der Hoek

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 23

design & décor

F

rits van Dongen and Patrick Koschuch, who are both formerly architects of ‘de

Architekten Cie’, latest project is the Kunstcluster (Art Cluster), situated in the Dutch city of Nieuwegein.

The building is destined to become a landmark within the town center, which is in the process of being regenerated over the next few years.

A new town hall is to be built, with shops, homes and offices above street level and an underground car park below.

The Kunstcluster is made up of two blocks - the theater and arts center and a multi-storey car park, which includes a retail outlet on the ground floor. The new theater includes an auditorium and a studio theater. The main auditorium can seat up to 700 people, with a podium and ample stage space for all types of production. The studio theater is considerably smaller with the capacity to seat 200 people but has a foldaway stage so it can be used for various events, including pop and rock music concerts. The future arts center will be located above the theater, a multifunctional venue for music, dance and acting classes.

The ceiling and balcony in the main auditorium are entirely clad in acoustic MDF panelling with a natural veneer facing in American walnut.

were manufactured by the bespoke

system and CNC machine, each panel

Frits van Dongen, who is currently

joinery contractor, Keijsers Lundiform.

was cut to size and numbered. Some

Chief State architect alongside his

The panels were veneered by hand

of the more complex sections had

work at his own practice commented:

at the contractor’s Polish plant

to be assembled at our warehouse

“We chose walnut to enhance the

and, before being shipped to the

before being installed on site. The

overall cocoon type feeling within the

Netherlands, were carefully selected

ceiling panels, for example are

building - a warm atmosphere and

and assembled in order to obtain

curved and had to be bent first to fit

community feeling, which the curves

consistent tone and grain pattern.

exactly the right shape. To obtain a

of the wood also reinforce.”

Over 3,000 MDF walnut panels

Twan Derks, the project coordinator explains: “Using a 3D modeling

high quality of acoustics, the panels are not flush but slightly staggered

We chose walnut to enhance the overall cocoon type feeling within the building - a warm atmosphere and community feeling, which the curves of the wood also reinforce Image © Derako

24 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

design & décor

Image © Derako

Image © Allard van der Hoek

Image © Derako

on different levels to absorb sound.

The curved rim sections of certain balconies are made in solid American walnut.”

Completing the complex are three spectacular foyers and a theater café, which look on to the town’s central square, the Stadsplein. Frits van Dongen and Patrick Koschuch specified American tulipwood cladding for the curved walls in the foyer because they were attracted to tulipwood’s varied natural tones with cream white and pale olive green in the sapwood contrasting with dark purple, brown and olive streaks in the heartwood. “This wood specie was the perfect choice to symbolize the variety of spaces within the building and the interaction between the foyer, the hall and the audience,” commented Koschuch.

To meet the architect’s specifications Derako International, the cladding system suppliers, engineered the solid tulipwood slats in three different dimensions (45x70 mm, 30x98 mm and 15x126 mm),

Image © Keijsers Lundiform

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 25

design & décor

which were then randomly fixed

and this is enhanced by the random

The façade is floodlit after dark with

on their metal carrier system. The

placement of the cladding slats.

energy-saving LED lighting.

variety of tones is enhanced by the

The external glazing of the foyer

In the redeveloped town center

deliberate random assembly of the

area is coated with a print finish

nearly all the cars will be parked

slats. The tulipwood slats are also

on the inside, creating an illusion

underground with the exception of

fixed on slightly different levels to

of stage curtains. This is also

the multi-storey car park next to the

increase sound absorption.

functional and reduces the level of

Kunstcluster. This block is literally a

light penetration from the south

green lung in the stone-built urban

explains: “The tulipwood cladding

and east facing façades, preventing

environment. The design intent

wraps around several curved walls

overheating in the grand staircase

was to make the parking structure

and therefore our production plant

and foyer area on warm days. The

carbon-neutral both to build as well

had to shape the metal carriers

level of pigmentation of the print is

to operate. The garage facade on the

to 7 different types of radii using

sufficiently transparent to be seen

Stadsplein side is four meters thick

precision tools. We also had to take

through. A ‘shop window,’ roughly

and contains a cascade stairway that

into consideration the wall lights,

20 meters high, enables passers-by

winds its way up and down through

which are embedded in the wooden

walking across the central square

a bamboo plantation six meters high.

wall cladding. We based the plans on

to get a glimpse of the foyer and

Prints on the balustrades and other

the building’s CAD drawing to design

audience inside. Theatergoers, in

glazed surfaces graphically reflect

our carrier system.” The finished wall

turn, overlook the town center from

the bamboo image. The ground floor

cladding successfully highlights the

the three foyers, respectively 5, 10

accommodates a retail outlet to create

natural color variations in tulipwood

and 15 meters above ground level.

a vibrant city streetscape.

Sita Veer from Derako International

Project Details Client Projectbureau Binnenstad, Nieuwegien Building facilities - 7,500 m2 Theatre, 1,800m2 Arts center - 975 m2 retail space, 586 parking spaces Architect practice van Dongen-Kuschuch Projects architects Frits van Dongen and Patrick Koschuch

Image © ZDrawings

Project team H. de Haas, J. Baks, J.W. Baijense, F. Jaubert, R. Versteeg, R. Bos, K.R. Sluijs, S. Lin, R. Duarte Structural engineer ABT, Delft Main building contractor Bouwcombinatie Strabag / Zublin, Vlaardingen Main interior contractor Keijsers Lundiform Interior fitting (foyer) Derako International. BV Project timespan - Date of commission: 2007 - Construction timespan: 2010 - 2012 Photography credit - Derako - Allard van Hoek - Keijsers Lundiform

Image © ZDrawings

26 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

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comment

American Hardwood Environmental Profiles raise the bar on sustainability AHEC is now able to model the full environmental impact of delivering U.S. hardwood lumber and veneer to any market in the world

D

ata has been referred to as the new raw material of the 21st century. Even for a

relatively uncomplicated material such as timber, data requirements have been expanding rapidly.

Initially focused on technical performance, the demand for information now extends to a bewildering array of other issues,

up a portfolio of scientific data on

Ever since AHEC was established over 25 years ago, it has been building up a portfolio of scientific data on American hardwoods

such as legality and sustainability of

American hardwoods. The technical performance data is now readily available in on-line species guides and demonstrated by U.S. hardwood conformance to a variety of CEN and ISO standards. Now AHEC wants to make the environmental data equally as accessible.

This has been a challenge in the past, partly because of the unique

supply, energy efficiency, impacts on

and efficiently is now almost as

structure of the U.S. hardwood

air and water, toxicity, social welfare,

important to competitiveness as their

industry. Certification to standards

recyclability and end of life disposal.

ability to deliver the product itself.

like FSC and PEFC has been limited

Growth in data availability

Like other material suppliers,

in a sector dependent on wood

has gone hand-in-hand with a

the American hardwood industry

harvested from forests owned by

powerful drive in both industry and

has been wrestling with this issue

more than four million American

government to increase transparency

for many years. In fact, ever since

families each harvesting only once in

to enhance public trust and the

the American Hardwood Export

a generation. While such low intensity

credibility of claims. In fact the ability

Council (AHEC) was established over

management is environmentally

of suppliers to provide data credibly

25 years ago, it has been building

and socially benign, it is simply not

28 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

comment

Image Š AHEC

At the core of the program is a dense

cost-effective for individual owners to certify.

At the same time, many of the strong environmental attributes linked to U.S. hardwoods are not covered within the scope of forest certification. Certification says nothing about carbon footprint, a particularly strong environmental attribute of U.S. hardwoods. UN

Certification says nothing about carbon footprint, a particularly strong environmental attribute of U.S. hardwoods

network of permanent sample plots across the entire U.S. forest resource.

Data on forest condition collected on the ground from these plots at least once a decade for nearly a century is now supplemented with more regular information from satellites and other remote sensing.

Responding to demand for specific data on the legality and sustainability

data shows that while the stock of carbon held in the world’s forest

strategy around FSC and PEFC

of harvesting, AHEC commissioned

soils and trees has declined by

certification, as many other wood

the Seneca Creek study in 2008. This

around 17 billion tonnes since 1990,

suppliers have done, AHEC has forged

was the first independent analysis

in the U.S. it has increased by 2.23

an innovative approach adapted to

anywhere to show negligible risk

billion tonnes. Much of this gain is

the particular demands of the sector.

of illegal or unsustainable harvest

concentrated in hardwood forest,

The sector has been able to draw

across a major wood supplying sector.

which has doubled in standing

on comprehensive forest inventory

The study, due to be reviewed in

volume in the last 50 years.

data compiled regularly by the U.S.

2014, foreshadowed the regional

Rather than building an

Forest Service through their Forest

risk-based approach to due diligence

Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program.

now so central both to the EU

environmental communication

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 29

comment

Timber Regulation and FSC through their National Controlled Wood Assessments.

Most recently, AHEC has been working with sustainability consultants PE International to acquire and compile data on the life-cycle environmental impact of American hardwoods in line with international carbon footprint and LCA standards. Through this initiative, AHEC is now able to model the full environmental impact of delivering U.S. hardwood lumber and veneer to any market in the world. Data can be individually tailored to any one of 19 U.S. hardwoods which together account for over 95 percent of all U.S. hardwood production.

So the challenge for AHEC is not the lack of data. The issue is how to make the torrent of information generated through these initiatives readily accessible to the industry and their customers. AHEC believes it has found the answer in its new ‘American Hardwood Environmental Profiles’ or AHEPs. The profiling system is currently being pilot tested by U.S. hardwood exporting companies and was launched across the full AHEC membership in May this year.

AHEPs are designed to provide credible environmental information specific to individual consignments at point of delivery to the importer in all export markets. This data is delivered quickly and efficiently at near zero cost to either the exporter or importer. This is achieved by building

AHEPs are designed to provide credible environmental information specific to individual consignments at point of delivery to the importer

on PE’s GaBi Envision software tool

adjusted according to key parameters such as hardwood species, kilning efficiency and transport routes and modes.

Each AHEP combines output from the AHEC/PE LCA project with information derived from the U.S. Forest Service FIA and the Seneca Creek risk assessment. The structure and content of each AHEP aligns to the requirements of the EU Timber

originally developed to communicate

are given on-line access to the

Regulation and closely follows the

environmental impacts and integrate

software tool to allow preparation of

European Commission’s informal

LCA into the product design process.

profiles for their own wood export

“Guidance Document for the EU

Individual U.S. hardwood companies

consignments. Data can be quickly

Timber Regulation” issued in February 2013. The AHEP provides, for every consignment, access to information on the name of the U.S. supplier, product description, quantity of wood, commercial and scientific species name, place of harvest, and documents demonstrating negligible risk of illegal harvest.

The AHEP also provides access to information on the sustainability of the U.S. hardwood species contained in the consignment, together with quantitative data on the environmental impacts associated with delivering each specific consignment to an individual customer. The data covers most of

Image © AHEC

30 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

the environmental impact categories

comment

Image © AHEC

Image © AHEC

Image © AHEC

required by manufacturers to prepare

providing comprehensive data on

formal Environmental Product

sustainability and life cycle impacts,

Declarations (EPDs) in line with the

AHEC hopes to be proactive in

EN 15804 standard for environmental

encouraging manufacturers, architects

assessment of construction materials

and government officials to raise the

in the EU (such as Global Warming

bar on the environment. AHEC wants

Potential, Acidification potential, and

to start pushing for full integration

Eutrophication potential).

of scientific life cycle data into the

So where does AHEC go from here?

About the Author

design and procurement process,

An early objective of the AHEP is

for example through widespread

simply to assist international buyers

adoption of EPDs and BIM, confident

of American hardwoods to comply

in the knowledge that U.S. hardwood

with the immediate regulatory

suppliers are able to deliver the data

demands of EUTR and other recent

and can challenge their competitors

legislative measures. However, by

to do the same.

Image © AHEC

Rupert Oliver, Consultant to AHEC for Sustainability Issues, is an internationally recognized independent authority with 20 years experience on environmental issues related to the timber trade and forest management. He has traveled widely, studying forestry practices and market development in North America, Europe, the Far East, and Africa.

Rupert is regularly consulted by international and national agencies in the international forest products sector and is a regular speaker at international conventions. He is a strong believer in the contribution that forestry and timber can make to sustainable development. He holds a Masters degree in Forest Business Administration and is the Director of Forest Industries Intelligence Limited.

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 31

technology

The Opportunity and Challenge: Wood Construction can save Carbon Dioxide, Fossil Fuel, and Biodiversity - if done right intuitive, it would be better if

A

of over thirty North American

concrete, we burn much less fossil fuel.

we built buildings from wood

universities and other research

Consequently, we reduce global carbon

than from concrete, brick, aluminium

organizations have found that using

dioxide emissions as well as fossil fuel

and steel. We use millions of tonnes

more wood and less steel and concrete

consumption. If harvested correctly, it

of these modern materials every

in building and bridge construction

could also greatly enhance the world’s

year. They have many valuable

would create a cleaner environment

biodiversity. And, recent, innovative

properties, but are energy-intensive

and save a lot of fossil fuel. Global

construction techniques such as cross-

to create, accounting for around 16

pollution is generally measured in

laminated timber are enabling mid-rise

percent of the entire planets’ fossil

carbon dioxide (CO2) released from

buildings and bridges to be made from

fuel production. Instead we could

the atmosphere, although other air

wood.

be using wood, which is also strong,

pollutants also come from burning

The Consortium for Research

renewable, and plentiful - we use

fossil fuels. This CO2 - measured air

on Renewable Industrial Materials

only a fraction of the world’s available

pollution is considered the major

(CORRIM) - http://www.corrim.org/

forestry resources.

cause of global warming. By building

index.asp - has been working since

lthough it may seem counter-

32 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

A series of studies by a consortium

with wood instead of steel and

technology

Figure 1

A - Net CO

2

Savings: KG CO2 / KG of Additional Wood Used

10 8 6 4 2 0

WI vs SB Floor Beams

WI vs WP WB vs SB WS vs PC WI vs WP vs SB & CS vs CB & SC vs CS Total Floor Total Total Floor Beams Wall Floor

WS vs SS Wall Studs

FFCO2 displaced by wood energy for product (EP)

CO2 emission avoided by wood product use (AP)

CO2 stored in wood product (SP)

FF CO co22 displaced by wood energy in technical facility (EP)

B - Net FF Savings: MJ / KG of Additional Wood Used 100 80 60 40 20 0

WI vs SB Floor Beams

WI vs WP WB vs SB WS vs PC WI vs WP vs SB & CS vs CB & SC vs CS Total Floor Total Total Floor Beams Wall Floor

FF displaced by wood energy for product (EP)

WS vs SS Wall Studs

FF avoided by wood product use (AP)

FFdisplaced by wood energy in technical facility (EP) Image Š Will Pryce

1998 to establish a meticulous

controversial in the conservation and

the best way to save CO2 and fossil

analysis of the performance of wood

scientific literature; however, the scope

fuels (Figure 1). The savings depended

and alternative materials. We recently

and depth of the CORRIM studies and

greatly on which construction

published an analysis of some results

the recent article bring clarity to the

materials were made from the wood.

in the Journal of Sustainable Forestry.

issues.

CLT probably has properties similar to

Our article was written by scientists

The best way to use forests to save

WB (center bar, Figure 1), although the

from the Yale School of Forestry &

CO2 and fossil fuel: We evaluated a

technology is so new that it was not

Environmental Studies (F&ES) and the

range of scenarios, including leaving

measured in the CORRIM study.

University of Washington’s College of

forests untouched, burning wood for

the Environment. We focused on two

energy, and using various solid wood

showed that less CO2 is saved in wood

issues of wood use and forests - the

products for construction in place

products than in standing forests

best way to use forests to save CO2

of steel and/or concrete. We found

was because the studies generally

and fossil fuel; and the global potential

that using solid wood products for

considered only the CO2 stored within

of wood buildings to reduce CO2 and

construction and burning the residuals

the wood product, but not the CO2 and

fossil fuel use. Both issues have been

(scrapwood) efficiently for energy was

fossil fuel saved by avoiding making

The reason that some other studies

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 33

technology

Figure 2

to 20 to 30 percent. We found that substituting enough wood to reduce construction energy 10 percent would require 34 percent or more of annual wood growth, depending on Unharvested (42%) FIre Rot Increment Additional construction wood (18%)

the efficiency of wood use. It would have profound and positive effects (Figures 2 &3). Between 14 and 31 percent of global CO2 emissions could be avoided by preventing emissions

Current Harvest (20%) Construction,etc.6% Paper 3% Wood Fuel 11%

related to steel and concrete; storing

Wood Fuel from construction scrap (20%)

for energy. In addition, about 12 to

CO2 in the cellulose and lignin of wood products; and burning the scrap wood 19 percent of annual global fossil fuel consumption would be saved including savings achieved because scrap wood and unsellable materials could be

Global wood harvest and fate at present and with increased use of wood for

burned for energy, replacing fossil fuel

construction.

consumption.

Until the mid -1980’s, scientists, forestry professionals, and

and constructing with steel or concrete.

For example, when we included the energy required to make the materials, we found that manufacturing a wood floor beam requires 80 megajoules (mj) of energy per square meter of floor space and emits 4 kg of CO2.

By comparison, for the same square meter, a steel beam requires 516 mj

The amount of wood harvested globally each year is equivalent to only about 20 percent of annual wood growth in the world

conservationists were all concerned that we were overharvesting our forests and leading to a global ‘wood famine.’ A combination of better forest inventories, technologies that utilize wood more efficiently, and the concentration of agriculture that has greatly slowed forest clearing for agriculture has led us scientists to realize that the world could be

and emits 40 kg of CO2, and a concrete slab floor requires 290 mj and emits

forest volume (385 billion cubic

harvesting much more wood and still

27 kg of CO2.

meters). Much of that wood presently

not deplete our forests. In fact, if we

harvested is burned very inefficiently

harvested more wood, we could reduce

for cooking.

the catastrophic forest fires that are

The global potential of wood buildings to reduce CO2 and fossil fuel use: We also calculated that the

The manufacture of steel, concrete,

increasingly occurring - and adding CO2

amount of wood harvested globally

and brick accounts for about

to the atmosphere. And, if local people

each year (3.4 billion cubic meters) is

16 percent of global fossil fuel

see more benefits from the forest, they

equivalent to only about 20 percent

consumption. When the transport

will be more reluctant to clear them for

of annual wood growth in the world

and assembly of steel, concrete,

other uses.

(17 billion cubic meters) - and less

and brick products is considered, its

than 1 percent of the world’s standing

share of fossil fuel burning is closer

The increased economic development in Asia, Africa, and South

Image © Stephanie Groleau

34 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

technology

Figure 3

Swapping steel, concrete, or brick for wood and specially engineered wood equivalents would drastically reduce global carbon dioxide emissions, fossil fuel consumption and would represent a renewable resource

CO2 EMISSION SAVINGS

FOSSIL FUEL AVOIDANCE

Fossil Fuel Consumption (86%) Wood energy substitution (4%)

CO2 Emissions (78%) Product storage (5%) Avoided from steel & concrete (11%) Wood energy substitution (6%)

Avoided from steel & concrete (10%)

Global change in CO2 and fossil fuel and storage pools when half of global construction energy is saved by using wood.

America in the next few decades is

of Sciences). Building with wood can

expected to lead a surge in demand

help keep the air cleaner while this

wood and specially engineered wood

for new buildings, bridges, and other

development is occurring; and, these

equivalents would drastically reduce

infrastructures according to another

buildings can be constructed soundly,

global carbon dioxide emissions, fossil

FES study (Seto, K.C., Güneralp, B.,

rapidly, and inexpensively. And, and

fuel consumption and would represent

& Hutyra, L.R. (2012). Global forecasts

increased use of wood will make it

a renewable resource. What’s more,

of urban expansion to 2030 and direct

easier for to keep fires out of the

managed properly this can be done

impacts on biodiversity and carbon pools.

world’s overcrowded forests and to

without loss of biodiversity or carbon

Proceedings of the National Academy

manage for a diversity of habitats.

storage capacity.

Swapping steel, concrete, or brick for

About the Author Chad Oliver is the Pinchot Professor of Forestry and Environmental Studies; Director of the Global Institute of Sustainable Forestry at the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University; and Vice President of the Tropical Forest Foundation Board of Directors. He has been on the faculty of The Harvard Forest; the University of Washington, College of Forest Resources (Seattle); and Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey before returning to Yale University. He works with scientific and technical issues with academic, ENGO, professionals, and government institutions throughout the world to make forests and forest products more sustainable. He is currently finishing a book on Global Resources and the Environment and revising a former book on Forest Stand Dynamics. He also teaches mid-career executive courses in forestry; has served on government policy panels; and has addressed specific ‘hot’ issues such as the wildfire threats in the Chernobyl irradiated forests (Ukraine), Amur tiger habitat (northern China), and the opportunities of forests and wood products to enhance the environment.

Image © Michael Green Architecture

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 35

wood works

‘The Gemini’

by Khalid Shafar

Image © Khalid Shafar

W

hile Dubai continues to

Martins College of Art and Design in

be a healthy consumer of

London, UK, and then at the Centre

high-end design, the city

for Fine Woodworking in Nelson, New

can still only claim a few homegrown designers of its own. Leading the pack

Zealand.

In 2011 Khalid opened his own

is the Emirati object and furniture

studio in Dubai and in November

designer, Khalid Shafar. As a business

2012, he inaugurated his first

graduate of the American University

showcase space ‘KASA’. Khalid’s

in Dubai, Khalid worked in marketing

approach to design encompasses

and communication for almost seven

his personal expression of form,

years. In 2005, Khalid completed a

movement, emotion, and in particular,

degree in Fine Arts in Interior Design

‘the tale’ of objects. According to

and by the end of 2009 had decided

Shafar, simple lines mixed with rich

to leave marketing and follow his

details and fine materials are the

passion for design. Since then, he has

hallmarks of a Khalid Shafar object.

studied and specialized in Furniture

It is a revival of the 50s, 60s, and

& Objects design, first at Central Saint

70s avant-garde sleek styling re-

36 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

According to Shafar, the inspiration for The Gemini came from his childhood home.

Combining two functions in the same object - a chair and a table in one - the design mixes bold, edgy, sharp structural lines with soft elegant materials.

wood works

interpreted with today’s furnishing trends.

Explaining the concept behind The Gemini, Shafar says: “When I first learned about the signs of the zodiac I realized I was sharing my life with two Gemini’s - my two sisters. Both with the same sign, yet two very different personalities. One sister is outgoing, loud and strong. The other is shy, quiet and calm. I wondered how two people with the same star sign could be so different. Then I realized, these are two sides of the same coin.”

According to Shafar, the inspiration for The Gemini came from his childhood home. Combining two functions in the same object - a chair and a table in one - the design mixes bold, edgy, sharp structural lines with soft elegant materials. The Elm timber and sleek fur seat back not only give the object a linear, seamless styling, they also endower it with an animalistic vitality. The zebra lines

Image © Khalid Shafar

of the timber and the dark brown fur conjure the animals of the African savannah. Designed for a lounge or as a cafe chair, the Gemini is a solution for confined interior spaces.

It has usability and reusability. The transformation from chair to table is as simple as flipping a coin, explains Shafar.

A fan of timber, Shafar says: “It is true to say that I feel like I have an affinity with timber, even if I do come from a place with more desert sand than trees! As a medium, it has a reaction from the moment you cut it. When I finish the piece and oil it, it is not the end. It is alive, it moves.

It reacts towards heat, humidity and cool weather. It’s something to take care of.”

Image © Khalid Shafar

Project Details Proposed Retail Price: AED 10,500 / USD 2,900 Production origin: UAE/ Dubai - at my own workshop (the online featured prototype was produced by myself while living in New Zealand) Where to purchase: Available to order via website: www.khalidshafar.com Dimensions: Chair: 40 x 42 x 88cm Table: 67 x 33.5 x 54cm

Image © Khalid Shafar

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 37

SHOWTIME

Top Industry

Exhibitions coming up This season

International Wood Fair and Holz & Bau More than 460 exhibitors from 22 nations make the dual exhibitions ‘International Wood Fair’ and ‘Holz & bau’ the most important marketplace in Central and Southeast Europe given that all the market leaders and the latest trends are represented on an exhibition space of 46,000 sqm. According to the organizers, the philosophy behind

Wood Products & Technology 2014 (Tra & Teknik)

the two events was to present an overview of the entire value creation chain - from the forest to solid wood. As such, the trade shows play a vital role in networking the individual lines of the industry and preparing the ground for successful co-operation.

Held every two years in Klagenfurt, Austria, the shows are structured into the areas of forestry, sawing, timber construction, timber logistics and biomass, and enjoy a unique profile given that they offer an overview of the entire value generation chain. Primarily the shows offer an oportunity to network and benefit from the multi-faceted side events and knowledge shared by international experts in the field. More than 22,000 trade visitors came from Central and Southeast Europe to attend the last edition of the shows and the organizers are positive of increased numbers this year.

From being a traditional trade fair since 1982, Wood Products & Technology has now developed into a complete venue for ideas, business and meetings. The show is a platform for companies involved in the timber and woodworking machinery to meet all customer groups from the Scandinavian wood industry in one venue. With a strong focal theme - carpentry, tools and machines - the show covers everything from logs to finished components - sawmill machinery, carpentry, wood processing, woodworking, tools, materials handling, materials and components, fittings, and surface finishing, amongst others.

The highly successful Wood Fusion once again returns to the show this year. Arranged for the first time in 2008, Wood Fusion provides a forum where manufacturing companies can talk directly to creative decision-makers.

Young innovative designers can source new materials and processing techniques to help realize their ideas.

In principle, the event is a fruitful fusion between the wood industry and creative minds, between material and creativity, or between wood and other materials.

Date: 2 - 5 September Venue: Swedish Exhibition and Congress Center Location: Gothenburg, Sweden WEBSITE: www.svenskamassan.se/en/sites/wood-productstechnology

38 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

Date: 4 - 7 September Venue: Klagenfurt Exhibition Center Location: Klagenfurt, Austria WEBSITE: www.kaerntnermessen.at/messe/english/ internationale_holzmesse-82.php

SHOWTIME

FMC China 2014

Image © FMC China

Furniture Manufacturing & Supply China 2014 (FMC China

all sides. Given that manufacturers are facing challenges

2014) will be staged at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition

in the face of economic development and the rapid rate

& Convention Center (SWEECC) from September 10 - 13,

of product development in the industry, the forum will

2014, and held concurrently with FMC Premium 2014,

throw the spotlight on the transformation of economic

which will showcase the best woodworking machinery

development models, continuous innovation, and industrial

and furniture raw materials for the furniture production,

upgrades, all of which can help support manufacturers in

decoration and engineering fields. According to the

meeting these challenges.

organizers, the total show space this year will be 59,000 sqm and the show is expected to host 850 exhibitors.

The 2014 edition will introduce a new concept of

In order to focus on the highlights and market condition of the industry, the 2014 Import and Export Timber Order Fair will be held alongside FMC Premium 2014. The fair

special area of exhibits under the following categories:

will open in Hall 2 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition &

Woodworking Machinery, CNC Machinery, Upholstered

Convention Center (SWEECC) from September 10 - 12, 2014.

Furniture Machinery, Coating Machinery, Furniture

More than 50 timber suppliers from North America, France,

Adhesives and Coating Machinery, Office Furniture

Germany, Sweden, Italy, Malaysia, and over 30 domestic

Accessories and Components, Furniture Hardware and

panel manufacturing companies will attend.

Fittings, Wood and Surface Décor, Furniture Fabric and

Relying on the successful experience of the past

Upholstery Components. In addition, a full range of

few years, the 2014 China Furniture Industry Linkage

supporting events and activities have been planned for the

Conference will discuss the development trends and new

20th edition of the show.

ideas for the Chinese furniture and materials industry.

The 2014 China Upholstery Industry Development Forum

Participants will include the leaders from China and other

offers a platform for analyzing market dynamics, predicting

furniture associations, domestic and overseas industry

trends in market development, and will promote deep

experts, manufacturers and suppliers from leading

discussions on industry development through efforts from

companies and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce.

The 100 Design-Sofa Show will also be held at FMC China as a part of Interior Design China 2014. Supported by the Yuhang textile industry Association, textile enterprises are set to work together with the furniture manufacturing companies and designers to build a high-end sofa onsite. The aim is to enhance and promote upstream and downstream industry co-operation, find a new channel for brand building, and give sofa manufacturers the opportunity to use the best fabrics and work with the best designers to produce innovative products.

Date: 10 - 13 September Venue: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (SWEECC) Location: Shanghai, China WEBSITE: www.fmcchina.com.cn/en-us

Image © FMC China

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 39

SHOWTIME

EXPODREV

there were around 292 overseas companies participating as exhibitors, including 8 pavilions from France, Belgium, Puglia of Italy, Spain, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand at Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) and 4 pavilions from France, USA, Sweden and Taiwan at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (SWEECC).

According to the organizers, design is a key element of the expo. Last year, there were two main events associated with design at the exhibition - Design Hall and Design of Designers (DOD) as well as a few design related activities.

In addition to Design Hall and DOD this year, the show will feature a host of activities including Home Plus; the Techno-Experience II; China Furniture Industrial Strategic Development Summit; Home Furniture Design Gold Idea Award; Designer’s Night; and the China Furniture Product Innovation Awards amongst others.

Making its debut this year at the SWEECC is Interior Design China, an extended but independent exhibition with theme of home furnishings for targeted buyers who are interested in home decor and household accessories. The show will be split into two phases, with two distinct series respectively in April and September. The September show will match home the furnishing industry whereas the April show will feature products relevant to commercial spaces

The 16th edition of EXPODREV takes place this year

including hotel, catering, and leisure recreation.

from September 9 - 12 and will showcase technologies, machinery and equipment for timber logging; sawmill equipment, technologies and equipment for woodworking industry; technologies and equipment for furniture production; component parts; and tooling for furniture and woodworking production, etc. According to the organizers, the show will also include sections of large-sized special equipment, machinery, wrapping and shipping equipment.

In addition, the show will feature a plenary session, panel discussions and specialized seminars. Among the topics of discussion will be the issues of forest exploitation, restoration and cultivation; environmental issues; and bioenergy development issues. The event aims to showcase the newest equipment for timber procurement, woodworking and furniture industries; create a business platform for equipment manufacturers and suppliers, specialists and investors; extend the inter-sectorial and inter-regional relations; and promote advanced timber industry technologies, equipment and tools in Russia and beyond.

Date: 9 - 12 September Venue: Siberia ExpoCenter Location: Krasnoyarsk, Russia WEBSITE: www.krasfair.ru/en/events/expodrev_en

Furniture China 2014

Date: 10 - 14 September Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) Location: Shanghai, China WEBSITE: www.furniture-china.cn/en-us

Wood Processing Machinery and Intermob Istanbul

Firmly established as a key exhibition for the furniture industry, Furniture China celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The show last year bucked the trend with double-

The International Wood Processing Machines, Cutting

digit growth (18.5 percent) in the number of visitors,

Tools and Hand Tools Fair and the International Furniture

attracting 85,313 visitors in total, including 64,182 local

Components, Accessories, Forestry Products and Wood

visitors and 21,131 from 144 countries and regions. In

Technologies Fair (INTERMOB) will host the wood products,

addition, besides the key Chinese furniture enterprises,

machinery and technologies industries at the TĂźyap Fair

40 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

SHOWTIME

and Convention Center, Büyükçekmece from September 27 -

and suppliers from Belarus, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,

October 1, 2014. As the biggest trade platform for the wood

Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Ukraine, France and

and furniture industries in Turkey, the two fairs create a fair,

Estonia.

unbiased platform for two industries, which had a combined

The organizers aim to expand the profile of the show

export target of USD 3.8 billion in 2012. As such, the event

every year with a view towards attracting more participants

is expected to attract leading professionals from the wood,

and hosting the best representatives from the woodworking

furniture and components industries under one roof.

and furniture industry in one place. As such, the show plays

The two fairs will showcase a great variety of sustainable,

a key role in helping to increase the competitiveness of

world-class wood products to a wide base of trade visitors

domestic products and strengthening business relations

including furniture manufacturers, forestry products,

between market participants. In addition, it is also a platform

construction, machine and chemistry industrialists,

to discuss different issues of forest industry. Further, visitors

architects, interior designers, industrial designers,

will have the opportunity to view not only woodworking

purchasing agents and other related professionals. According

equipment but a range of related products including primary

to the organizers, the show area this year will be increased

wood cutting and drying, automated processing centers,

to 120,000 sqm. As such, they expect to host more than the

industrial lines for furniture production etc.

880 companies from over 30 countries last year. In essence, the fairs display the full potential of the industry while providing a point of entry to the market, making Istanbul the hub of industry and trade for the wood industry.

Date: 27 September - 1 October Venue: Tuyap Fair Convention and Congress Center, Buyukcekmece Location: Istanbul, Turkey WEBSITE: www.woodmachineryistanbul.com and www.intermobistanbul.com

Woodworking 2014

Date: 29 September - 2 October Venue: Manege, 20/2 Pobediteley Ave. Location: Minsk, Belarus WEBSITE: http://woodworking.minskexpo.com/en

W14 W14 is the national exhibition for joinery and furniture manufacturers in the UK. As the ‘must see’ show for manufacturers of all sizes working across a huge range of product sizes, the show takes places every two years and

The 20th edition of Woodworking, one of the most

is the shop window for the very best of suppliers to the

prominent exhibitions for forestry, woodworking and

UK industrial joinery and furniture markets. Significantly,

furniture industries in Belarus, takes place this year

the show is where the UK industry meets to experience the

from September 29 - October 2. This year the show is

latest in machinery, components and materials with the

being supported by the Ministry of Forestry of Belarus,

emphasis on live demonstration of product and process.

the European Federation of Woodworking Machinery

The UK market generally is now leading the European

Manufactures (EUMABOIS), the German association of

economic recovery and provides great opportunities for

woodworking equipment together with German Engineering

manufacturers. In the UK there is now the certainty of an

Federation (VDMA), and the Italian woodworking machinery

accelerated house building programme, with a social need

and tools manufacturers association (ACIMALL). According

to catch up after the recession. This has already stimulated

to the organizers, the show is set to host more than 120

the furniture and infrastructure markets with manufacturers

companies including the leading equipment manufacturers

reporting a huge upswing in enquiries. Against this

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 41

SHOWTIME

backdrop, much of W14 deals with the working of wood and

Timber Expo gathers together the sector’s most influential

use of timber in building. As a sustainable material full of

organizations, individuals, commentators and business

natural beauty, wood is a rising segment in a rising market

leaders in one spot. The event also includes the in-depth

with a rising economy.

Timber Focus seminars organised by TRADA, Toolbox Talks seminar sessions by exhibitors and the highly successful Timber and Specifiers Buyers Forum - a relaxed and focused way to connect with new business contacts within the built environment sector, including designers, engineers, contractors and major clients. The show will be co-locating with W14 for the first time this year and will once again deliver an unrivalled collection of high calibre speakers from all corners of the built environment.

Date: 7 - 8 October Venue: The NEC Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom WEBSITE: www.timber-expo.co.uk

Image © W14

Date: 5 - 8 October Venue: The NEC Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom WEBSITE: www.w14exhibition.com

ASEANWOOD-WOODTECH 2014 The 8th ASEAN International Woodworking Machinery, Timber Processing and Furniture Manufacturing Supplies Exhibition and Conference returns in 2014 with the aim of assisting in the growth of the woodworking industry by providing a crucial platform for the movers and shakers

Timber Expo

of the industry to gather and network. The show aims to provide ample opportunities for the players of the wood-based manufacturing industry to forge business relationships, advance market share, branding and reaching the right target market under one roof.

The exhibition is the only exhibition in South East Asia to be endorsed and supported by EUMABOIS and also to receive full support from important associations around the world thus allowing the exhibition to gain international recognition. As such, the show has been able to large numbers of international buyers, especially from ASEAN countries such as China, India, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam to name a few.

Image © BM TRADA

Timber Expo is the UK’s only national timber event catering to all those involved in specifying and supplying timber solutions in the construction sector. It is two days brimming with the latest products, innovations and developments across the timber sector - not just from the UK but from an increasingly exciting and diverse international market.

Organized by BM TRADA, Timber Expo is the most important event on the UK construction calendar dedicated exclusively to timber, its associated technologies and its many applications. Now in its fourth year, the show has become the main annual meeting place for timber professionals and through an unrivalled exhibition and seminar programme, demonstrates how timber delivers a stronger, more attractive and sustainable built environment.

42 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

Date: 8 - 11 October Venue: Putra World Trade Center (PWTC) Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia WEBSITE: www.tradelink.com.my/woodtech

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 43

SHOWTIME INTERVIEW

Renewed industry confidence sees largest ever edition of The Big 5 this year Image © DMG Events

T

he Big 5 Dubai celebrates its

on the two events last year. PMV

technology; windows, doors and

35th anniversary in 2014

Live provides visitors and decision

cladding; and heating, ventilation

and expectations are high

makers a platform to source and

and air conditioning systems (HVAC).

for the show this year, which is set

preview plant equipment, construction

The 35th edition of the show

to run from November 17 - 20 at

machinery and vehicles, with multi-

has already seen an increase in

the Dubai International Exhibition

million dollar equipment deals signed

international exhibitors, driven by

and Convention Center. The show

at the event over the past three years,

renewed confidence in the region’s

attracted more visitors than ever last

while MEC has already established

construction sector.

year and with 98 percent planning to

itself as the largest dedicated concrete

return this year plus a host of new

event in the Middle East.

exhibitors from across the world, Andy White (pictured), Group Event Director of The Big 5 believes this

02. How is this year’s edition positioned?

Running alongside The Big 5, two co-located events, PMV Live and Middle East Concrete (MEC), offer a 360-degree platform to the building and construction industry, with the three shows providing the largest

year’s event will be the largest and best attended in its illustrious history.

The Big 5 returns in 2014 with eight

international building construction,

In an interview with Timber Design

dedicated product sectors: steel;

concrete and heavy machinery

& Technology, White provides an

building interiors; coating, adhesives

gathering place in the region. Last

overview of the show.

& sealants; general construction;

year both shows attracted a record

kitchens & bathrooms; water

breaking 32 percent increase in

01. In retrospect, what were the major achievements of the 2013 edition?

The 2013 edition of The Big 5 helped to further cement its international footprint as the show welcomed 2,700 international exhibitors from nearly 60 countries, and attracted more than 74,000 international and local participants from 124 countries. More than a third of the previous edition’s participants hailed from countries outside of the GCC, with some of the highest numbers coming from Europe (Italy) and Asia (South Korea).

In addition, the third edition of PMV Live and MEC welcomed more than 355 exhibitors from over 32 countries, with more than 20,000 international participants descending

44 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

Image © DMG Events

SHOWTIME INTERVIEW

Image © DMG Events

attendance over 2012, with another outstanding year expected for 2014 as companies in the PMV and concrete sectors take advantage of the region’s burgeoning infrastructure projects.

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

The Big 5 has become the region’s leading hub for construction professionals to source new products, discover the latest innovations, engage in educational workshops and conferences, and network with thousands of key players and potential customers. The buzz surrounding the industry is growing and I am confident that this year will be the biggest yet for The Image © DMG Events

Big 5, as the region’s construction sector continues to make a strong the country.

comeback. A case in point, the UAE

same report also points out that the

construction sector’s pace is set to

UAE’s GDP for 2014 is set to grow at

rapidly accelerate in 2014, with the

4 percent to reach USD 404 billion,

government announcing a number

up from 390 billion in 2014, fuelled

of major development projects and

by the construction sector upturn and

stepping up spending on social

support from the oil & gas sector. In

infrastructure development.

addition, the report sets the value of

Following last year’s record

the country’s building construction

attendance across more than 130

demonstrate the renewed industry

sector at almost 60 percent of the

educational seminars, 30 live product

confidence with its largest edition

total projects in the construction

demonstrations, and 5 workshops,

yet. According to a report by Ventures

industry, followed by infrastructure,

we are preparing an even larger and

Middle East, several new projects

oil & gas and power & water, with

more interactive suite of educational

in the UAE, combined with many

total construction projects awarded

activities at The Big 5, with more than

previously stalled projects now

in the UAE totalling USD 38 billion

40 certified workshops plus a two-day

forging ahead, will continue to bolster

in 2013. 2014 is expected to reach

conference on Sustainable Design and

the 2013 upswing into 2014. The

USD 46 billion in awarded projects in

Construction taking place in 2014.

The show this year will

04. Are there any events such as awards, seminars and workshops this year?

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 45

SHOWTIME

EXPO Calendar WOODTECH India

SouthExpoFurniture

www.woodtechindia.in

http://en.vertolexpo.ru/Exhibition. aspx?eid=287&id=132&num=131

23rd - 25th August Chennai Trade Center (Halls 1 - 3) Chennai, India

Trä & Teknik

2nd - 5th September Swedish Exhibition and Congress Center Gothenburg, Sweden

www.isvenskamassan.se/en/sites/wood-productstechnology Eko-Las

4th - 6th September Mostki, Poland

www.ekolas.mtp.pl/en Internationale Holzmesse 4th - 7th September Klagenfurt Exhibition Center Klagenfurt, Austria

www.kaerntnermessen.at/messe/english/ internationale_holzmesse-82.php EXPODREV

9th - 12th September Siberia ExpoCenter Krasnoyarsk, Russia

www.krasfair.ru/en/events/expodrev_en FMC China

17th - 20th September VertolExpo Congress & Exhibition Center Rostov-on-Don, Russia

LISDEREVMASH

23rd - 26th September International Exhibition Center Kiev, Ukraine

www.lisderevmash.ua/en

Salon Maison Bois 26th - 29th September Parc des Expositions de Angers Angers, France

www.salon-maison-bois.com

Wood Processing Machinery & Intermob Istanbul 27th September - 1st October Tuyap Fair Convention and Congress Center, Buyukcekmece Istanbul, Turkey

www.woodmachineryistanbul.com www.intermobistanbul.com WOODWORKING 2014 29th September - 2nd October Minsk Expo Center Minsk, Belarus

10th - 13th September Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center (SWEEC) Shanghai, China

http://woodworking.minskexpo.com/en

Furniture China

http://spb.tdrev.ru/en/index/about

www.fmcchina.com.cn/en-us

Tekhnodrev

30th September - 2nd October Lenexpo Exhibition Complex St. Petersburg, Russia

MIFIC Expo (Russian Furniture Industry Exhibition) 30th September - 2nd October Lenexpo Exhibition Complex St. Petersburg, Russia

http://mificexpo.ru/en/index

Wooden Construction 30th September - 2nd October Lenexpo Exhibition Complex St. Petersburg, Russia

http://woodbuild.restec.ru Lignumexpo

30th September - 3rd October International Exhibition Center (Agrokomplex) Nitra, Slovakia

www.agrokomplex.sk/en/vystavy/lignumexpoles-2014 W14

5th - 8th October The NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom

www.w14exhibition.com Timber Expo

7th - 8th October The NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom

www.timber-expo.co.uk

ASEANWOOD-WOODTECH 2014 8th - 11th October Putra World Trade Center (PWTC) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

www.tradelink.com.my/woodtech

10th - 14th September Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) Shanghai, China

www.furniture-china.cn/en-us DREMA & FURNICA 16th - 19th September Poznan International Fair Poznan, Poland

www.drema.pl/en www.furnica.pl/en

Wood Processing industry of Siberia / Wooden house construction industry 16th - 19th September SibExpoCenter Irkutsk, Russian

http://wood_processing_indu.sibexpo.ru/eng/ main/vistavki/exhibitions_schedule/wood_ processing_indu/about FURNITURE

16th - 19th September SibExpoCenter Irkutsk, Russian

http://furniture.sibexpo.ru/eng/main/vistavki/ exhibitions_schedule/furniture/about

46 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014 Image Š Architekturagentur

59,000 SQM 35,000 Buyers 850 Exhibitors Provide Best Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Raw Materials for Furniture Production, Decoration and Engineering Fields

FMC CHINA 2014

10-13 Sep 2014

Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center

20 th

Scan for Mobile Pre-registration Online:

www.fmcchina.com.cn Tel: +86-21-64371178 Fax: +86-21-61154988 Email: fmc@ubmsinoexpo.com

Highlights: Expanding the field of exhibits to decoration, engineering applications Expanding the field of visitors to the hotel project, decoration Upholstery furniture is moved in SWEECC Eight domestic and overseas associations has participated

FMC Premium 2014 Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center

Furniture China 2014 Shanghai New Int’l Expo Center

August 2014 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 47

Global Appeal. Naturally Sustainable.

American Hardwood Architects and designers all over the world have embraced American Hardwoods for the range of colours, grains and textures they offer, as well as for their consistency in grade, quality and supply and their sustainable credentials.

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

48 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | August 2014

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