www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
Issue 06 | February 2013
Wood: The Tasmanian Way ABALON Hardwood: An American style sawmill in Europe GCC timber imports on the rise Sustainable and innovative forest products are key to the future of forests Outlook 2013: Sustainability trends in the timber market PLUS Timber industry news, new products, exhibition previews and listings and more
ANALYSIS | INTERVIEWS | DESIGN | SUSTAINABILITY | TECHNOLOGY
FROM THE EDITOR y 2013
Issue 06 | Februar ndtechnology.com
www.timberdesigna
nian Way Wood: The Tasma sawmill in Europe An American style ABALON Hardwood: s on the rise GCC timber import to the future of forests products are key innovative forest Sustainable and timber market the in ability trends Outlook 2013: Sustain , news, new products PLUS Timber industry listings and more s and exhibition preview
INTERVIEWS ANALYSIS |
SUSTAINAB | DESIGN |
HNOLOG ILITY | TEC
Y
Cover photo: Cree Buildings
Editor’s comment
T
his is the first issue of the magazine for 2013 and I am glad to introduce two new sections - The Source and Species Focus - in this issue. The former will take an in-depth look at the sources of supply and companies that produce timber and timber products whilst the latter will focus on
different timber species with a view towards their working properties and applications. Looking at the year ahead, the EU Timber Regulation is perhaps the single biggest development for the timber
Issue 06 | FEBRUARY 2013
industry. In his column for the magazine, timber sustainability expert and CEO of the non-profit NEPCon Peter Feilberg talks about the EUTR and offers his bet on key trends during the coming year.
Timber Design & Technology Magazine Director Andy MacGregor publisher@citrusmediagroup.net +971 55 9199 783 Marketing Director Eric Hammond marketing@citrusmediagroup.net +971 4 455 8400
In this issue, we have covered a range of interesting topics including a feature on how Cree Buildings is pioneering an innovative timber and concrete hybrid technology that enables architects to design stunning tall wood buildings up to 30 stories. With a vision to bring wood as a primary building material into cities, the company is creating a new basis for modern, urban architecture through its LifeCycle Tower (LCT) system. We were also able to speak to Dominic McNeil from Britton Timbers on Blackwood and Tasmanian Oak, which are providing designers, architects and craftsmen with exciting new options for flooring and fine cabinetry. Confident of a market for Tasmanian hardwoods, particularly for flooring, the company is looking to make inroads into the region. Looking at the developments within the region, this issue features an article from Broadleaf
International Sales Director James Hamilton james@timberdesignandtechnology.com
Consulting on the predicted rise in timber imports to the GCC region in 2013. As construction projects
Editor Tony Smith editor@timberdesignandtechnology.com
GCC. Significantly, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have now become key destinations for
International Representatives Rabia Alga AntExpo Org. | Turkey +90 216 541 0390 rabia@antexpo.net
which will be distributed at the show. Our plan for the year is to publish six issues and also expand our
Elias Aggelopoulos Med Expo | Greece +30 210 2931011 info@epipleon.gr
gather pace across the GCC, demand for timber is reaching new heights with China, Malaysia, Romania, Germany, Indonesia and the United States emerging as the major suppliers of wood products to the many supplier countries and feature among the top ten or even five export trade partners. As the official GCC Media Partner for the Dubai WoodShow, we are looking ahead to the April issue, online activity with updated news, features, exhibition information and technology developments. 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. Best Wishes
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
and is printed by Masar Printing Press 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 © 2013 Citrus Media Group and may not be reproduced in any form without prior consent. Letters and readers’ contributions may be edited at our discretion. February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
3
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09/03/2011 11:16
IN THIS ISSUE
Contents 12 SUSTAINABILITY
Outlook 2013: Sustainability trends in the timber market Timber sustainability expert and CEO of the non-profit NEPCon Peter Feilberg offers his bet on key trends during the coming year
16 MARKET REPORT Sustainable and innovative forest products are key to the future of forests
P12
UNECE Timber Committee releases market statement on Forest Products Markets in 2012 and 2013
20 ANALYSIS GCC timber imports on the rise China, Malaysia, Romania, Germany, Indonesia and the United States are major suppliers of wood products to the GCC
24 THE SOURCE
Baillie Lumber expects increased demand for hardwoods in MENA region
Leading player supplies a comprehensive range of North American and Tropical hardwoods
P16
27 SPECIES FOCUS American Softwoods A look at the diverse and wide-ranging applications and working properties of American Softwoods
30 DESIGN & DéCOR The new offices of the Botín Foundation in Madrid Inspired by the building’s historic references, the architects attempt to retain the spirit of the original industrial character
34 PROFILE ABALON Hardwood
P30 PLUS
An American style sawmill in Europe
38 TECHNOLOGY Nature with Structure Cree pioneers innovative timber and concrete hybrid technology that enables architects to design stunning tall wood buildings up to 30 stories
45 SHOWTIME Preview of the upcoming exhibitions
p7 Latest News p45 Showtime February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
5
FARLIN GROUP OF COMPANIES ARE VERTICALLY INTEGRATED FARLIN GROUP OF COMPANIES ARE VERTICALLY WITH AN ESTABLISHED PRESENCE WORLDWIDE IN INTEGRATED TIMBER WITH ESTABLISHED PRESENCE WORLDWIDE IN TIMBER LOGS,AN SAWN TIMBER, PLYWOOD, PANEL PRODUCTS AND COAL LOGS, SAWN TIMBER, PLYWOOD, PANEL PRODUCTS AND COAL FOR ENERGY SECTORS. FOR ENERGY SECTORS.
Te l : 0 4 8 8 0 9 8 8 9 | Fa x : 0 4 8 8 0 9 7 7 9 | w w w. fa r l i n d u b a i . c o m
NEWS
News Strong demand seen for American timbers in the MENA region The most recent data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows that exports of American lumber to the MENA region reached a value of USD 92.7 million during the January to November period of 2012. This signals an increase of 22 percent over the same eleven months of 2011. Of the total, U.S. hardwood lumber exports accounted for USD 56.8 million, rising by 17 percent over the previous year and U.S. softwood lumber exports accounted for 35.9 million, rising by a significant 32 percent. It is anticipated that 2012 will prove to be a record year for exports of both U.S. hardwood and softwood lumber to the MENA region, when the December export figures are released by the USDA in early February. The UAE, Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were the top destinations for American hardwood lumber during January to November last year, taking 13,531 cubic meters (USD 10.8 million), 11,748 cubic meters (USD 8.5 million), 14,716 cubic meters (USD 7.8 million) and 10,407 cubic meters (USD 7.2 million) respectively during the period. Other significant markets included Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Qatar. In terms of species, American hardwood lumber exports to the region were
southern yellow pine, with Douglas fir and other pine species making
dominated by red oak, white oak, ash, tulipwood and hickory.
up the bulk of the remainder.
Key markets for American softwood lumber during the eleven-month
Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, India and Oceania
period of last year were Pakistan, Libya and Egypt, taking 46,227 cubic
comments: “I am really buoyed by the significant uptake in U.S. hardwood
meters (USD 11.0 million), 13,392 cubic meters (USD 5.9 million) and
lumber across the region last year and I anticipate that 2013 will prove to
12,550 cubic meters respectively. Other significant markets included
be even better. The Middle East is fast becoming a key destination for U.S.
the UAE, Jordan, Algeria, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Shipments of U.S.
hardwood exporters and they are committed to supplying high quality
softwood lumber to the region during the period were dominated by
and sustainable hardwoods for the foreseeable future.”
Mathis wins first timber project in Qatar Mathis SA, the European leader in glulam timber construction, has secured its first laminated project in Qatar. Having completed several projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, such as the extension to King Khaled Airport, and a 35,000 square meter storage building for ADNOC, the company has secured the glulam elements of a project in the military parade zone of the new international airport at Doha. The 80m x 20m structure, a mixture of timber and steel elements and a fabric covering, was the obvious and natural choice because of technical, aesthetic, and ecological reasons. Mathis has provided all the structural calculations and drawings, carried out the fabrication of the structure, arranged the transportation from the factory to the site, and monitored the erection of the frame. The timber elements were shipped by sea, and then delivered to site by lorries. Further, the structure was erected in one week without any difficulty. The contractor responsible for the erection was pleasantly surprised by the ease of installing the 23-meter long beams. “Our philosophy is simple: we aid and assist the architects to realize their projects with our timber structures,” said Alan Dolléans, International Project Manager at Mathis SA. “Our trump card is to integrate the engineering design with the digitally controlled CNC fabrication machinery so that when the elements arrive on site they can rapidly and accurately be assembled in record time.”
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
7
NEWS
Australia joins global fight against illegal logging Australia is stepping up its fight against the illegal logging trade with the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 having been passed by the Australian Parliament. The landmark legislation outlaws the trade of illegally harvested timber in Australia. Illegal logging costs around $60 billion globally each year and directly threatens timber jobs and businesses by undercutting the price of legally logged timber. It is operated by criminal networks and has serious environmental impacts. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said the passage of the legislation reflects Australia’s commitment to legitimate forestry industries. He added: “The illegal timber trade is a trade that benefits no one. It risks jobs, it risks the timber industry, and it risks the environment. The Gillard Government brought a commitment to the last election to outlaw the trade of illegally harvested timber. Today we delivered on it.” Commenting on the fact that the legislation does not discriminate against timber or timber products based on country of origin, Minister Ludwig said: “The Act will make it an offence to
“The Australian Government has consulted widely with
import illegally logged timber into the Australian market and to
importers, processors, industry associations, retailers,
process timber that has been illegally harvested here in Australia.
conservation groups and our trading partners to develop this Act.
It places requirements on Australian importers and processors -
We will continue to work with each of these stakeholders as we
not on our trading partners or exporters.”
implement it,” said Minister Ludwig.
Tasmania’s first Carbon Flux Tower installed Forestry Tasmania will improve its understanding of the growth of its forests with the installation of Tasmania’s first carbon flux tower at the Warra LTER site. The 80 meter tall tower measures the exchange of carbon and water between the forest and atmosphere and will provide readings every 30 minutes to enable scientists to monitor carbon movement in forests. According to Tim Wardlaw, Principal Research Officer, the tower is set to play a vital role in contributing new knowledge to understanding how the forest is responding to climate as well as improving climate knowledge. “We are able to see if the forest is absorbing carbon or losing it. It’s really important for understanding how well our forest is acting as a sink and how quickly they will change from a sink to a source,” said Wardlaw. “It’s a bit like taking the pulse of the forest and telling you how the forest is functioning and how it responds to extreme wet climate events such as drought and heatwaves. The beauty is we’re seeing it happen in real time.” It is the first carbon flux tower to be built in Tasmania and the 14th in Australia. The flux tower is the most recent piece of research infrastructure at the Warra site, which is a key part of Tasmania’s ecological monitoring program. Interestingly, the tower is located within a proposed reserve arising from the Tasmanian Forest Agreement 2012. The Warra LTER site of 15,900 hectares was designated in 1995 to encourage long-term ecological research and monitoring in wet forests in Tasmania. As of today, the site is supported by eight LTER site partners from Tasmanian and national research agencies. Whatever the final tenure outcome, it is important that the internationally significant monitoring program at Warra continues to be supported.
8
www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
NEWS
WEINIG WORKS WOOD
Laminate flooring industry going from strength to strength with quality and innovation
All innovations for LIGNA in Hall 12. For further information,
Machines and systems visit www.weinig.com for solid wood processing in WEINIG quality
According to a recent statement by the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF), the outlook for 2013 amongst EPLF members is quite varied. The stable situation in Germany is good news. However, looking at foreign markets, the EPLF is hoping that the situation in southern Europe will improve and
S4S and profiling Automation Tool / grinding systems
the association has great expectations of the expanding markets in Turkey and South America. Exports to China, especially in the premium sector, are also increasing significantly again, showing that European quality and innovation are in demand the world over. Total sales by EPLF members in 2012 amounted to approximately 460 million square meters. “Laminate is and remains a success story. But we view the
Ripping / cross cutting Scanner technology Optimization
individual markets very differently,” says EPLF President Ludger Schindler with regard to current developments. “The situation in Germany is stable. Debt crises and economic fluctuations in southern Europe continue to affect laminate sales. But overall the Euro zone is slowly recovering. Turkey is the second largest market by volume in Europe. Exports to South America are showing a positive trend. We
Windows and doors Furniture Surface sections
are even selling more to China.” According to the EPLF, overall economic trends in Germany are being partly shaped by the middle class who continue to invest in lasting values, such as their own property. Replacing flooring is at the top of the list when it comes to medium- and large-scale modernization work. This is where the EPLF believes the laminate industry has the solid foothold it needs in order to invest in the long term in further
Finger-jointing Tenoning Coping
development of its ranges. Clearly, the German market demands a lot of the quality and look of products. “The EPLF members will continue to set standards for the development of the entire industry,” says Schindler, “as innovations always produce their own economic cycles. This will also be noticeable at Domotex.” Examples of the distinct innovation of European manufacturers are product features such as experimental pine looks, dyed or altered surfaces, the used look, dark oak decors or particularly
Your expert www.weinig.com
long rustic boards with all-over prints. Volkmar Halbe, Chairman of the Market and Image Committee of the EPLF, says: “Laminate’s market share has continued to grow over other types of flooring for a number of years. This is due to its unique product characteristics: laminate is durable, easy to care for, easy to lay and offers infinite design options. It is the last of these
WEINIG OFFERS MORE
characteristics that many architects are now becoming aware of.”
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com
9
NEWS
Researchers to develop high-quality forestry products using Irish timber A new research initiative has begun at NUI Galway to develop highquality forestry products in Ireland using innovative engineering technologies. One of the first activities of the EUR 0.5 million project is the creation of the first database to contain details of all the known properties of Irish-grown timber. Secondly, the research will attempt to re-engineer timber to produce products with enhanced strength and durability. The demand for increased use of sustainable materials in areas such as construction has led to a demand for innovative timber products, which can replace more traditional materials that have poor environmental performance. Dr Annette Harte, a senior lecturer in Civil Engineering and member of the Ryan Institute at NUI Galway, will lead the research into methods for engineering Irish timber to produce highperformance construction products. The project will utilize the latest technologies at the University’s timber research laboratory, which is the primary timber and engineered wood products testing facility in Ireland. Dr Harte will test the feasibility of using novel technologies such as cross-lamination and internal reinforcement of the timber components with fibre-reinforced polymer rods and plates to manufacture advanced construction products from Irish timber. The project is funded by the Department of Agriculture,
added: “In the context of pressures on resources and the environment,
Fisheries and Marine under the FIRM/RSF/COFORD scheme, and Queens
innovation and resource efficiencies can go hand-in-hand with steady
University Belfast is a collaborating partner in the research, giving the
economic growth. Dr Harte’s work is helping to create better conditions
results all-island impact.
for timber products and services that should have lower impacts across
“This funding will help us to develop a world-class competence to exploit Ireland’s natural resource of wood. We aim to identify the
their life-cycles, and are durable, repairable and recyclable.” According to Dr Martina Prendergast, Strategic Development Manager
potential for producing added-value timber products for construction
of the Ryan Institute: “As a result of securing the significant grant from
applications from Irish timber resources. These products will allow Irish
the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine, we are in a much
timber to be used in more demanding applications than before, such as
better position to attract European funding from the EU Horizon 2020
long-span and multi-storey construction,” explains Dr Harte.
programme to develop high quality forestry products which will be
Professor Colin Brown, Director of the Ryan Institute at NUI Galway
recognized around the world.”
Myanmar government plans log export ban The Myanmar Ministry of Forestry has announced that it will scale back logging and ban the export of raw teak and hardwood from 2014 in a bid to increase exports of higher-earning finished products. Under the project, the timber export is scheduled to reduce year by year. The government has also expressed readiness to completely stop exporting wood logs. “The project is focusing to save the remaining one-fifth of the country’s total area and also to manufacture high quality wood products to export,” said Thein Lwin, Secretary of the Parliament’s Natural Resources and Environment Conservation Committee. Myanmar’s forest coverage was down to 24 percent in 2008 from 51 percent in 2005, and 57 percent in 1962. The main causes of deforestation are excessive harvesting of trees, rampant illegal logging, increasing use of firewood, as well as shifting cultivation system. Myanmar produces about 283,000 cubic meters of teak and 1.98 million cubic meters of hardwood annually. In addition, the country is also a major exporter of teak in the world, taking up 75 percent
“In the past, we couldn’t export finished products for various
of the global market. It ships teak to China, India and other regional
reasons. But now we will try to export finished products and we will
countries. In 2011-2012, the country exported 371,000 metric tonnes
halt logs exports. That’s a serious aim we will carry out in the future,”
of teak and 1,789,400 metric tonnes of hardwood.
said U Win Tun, Minister for Environmental Conservation and Forestry.
10 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
NEWS
www.interzum.com
EU recognizes Indonesian Timber Certification System
Furniture production Interiors Cologne
The European Union is now unconditionally accepting Indonesian timber products that come with a wood certification document based on the Timber Legality Verification System
The future starts here.
(SVLK), according to Julian Wilson, EU Ambassador. Speaking at the press conference, Ambassador Wilson said: “If a product carries the logo V-legal, it can be ascertained that the product is legal and has clear origins so that there is no need to impose additional controls.” Indonesia and the European Union are also working on a voluntary partnership agreement on law enforcement, management and trade of forestry goods (FLEGT VPA) that is expected to be signed in April. The FLEGT VPA will provide unequivocal legal recognition of Indonesia’s SVLK certification system. Wilson said that although the partnership is only expected to come into force later this year, he believed that there would be no hindrance to the importation of legal timber and wood products from Indonesia. Wilson also promised to work together with the Indonesian government and other concerned parties to promote the recognition of the SVLK among EU consumers.
interzum
13 – 16. 05. 2013
New: Monday to Thursday !
UNECE, FAO and partners announce plans for European Forest Week 2013
World’s Leading Event
Suppliers primarily deliver one thing: new ideas. Visionary technologies and innovative design – at interzum
The European Forest Week (December 9-13, 2013) will be
you’ll find concentrated innovative power for your future sales success. The best ideas and sector innovations for the furni-
joint meeting of the UNECE Timber Committee and the FAO
celebrated with events in Rovaniemi Finland at Metsä2013 (the European Forestry Commission), and throughout Europe via a
ture industry and the home interiors business celebrate their premieres here. As the leading global trade fair for the sector,
variety of events. The week will highlight the contribution of
interzum opens a window into the future. interzum is the meeting place for all of the key players. Gain an innovative edge – and let yourself be inspired.
provide a unique communication and outreach opportunity to
forests and forest products to a green economy and will also raise the visibility of the forest sector and the multiple services wood contributes to our daily lives. The European Forest Week will provide an umbrella for forest related celebrations
Save time and money ! Register and buy your tickets online. www.interzum.com
organized by different public and private organizations throughout Europe. Many events will be held on-site, at the Metsä2013 venue in Northern Finland, while other activities will take place throughout Europe with countries’ contributions at national and
Koelnmesse GmbH, Messeplatz 1, 50679 Köln, Germany Phone +49 180 5 077 050, Fax +49 221 821-99 1210 interzum@visitor.koelnmesse.de
local levels. Celebrations outside of Metsä2013 may include: celebrations of forests at the national and local levels; specific events by private or public organizations; competitions, exhibits, fairs, school activities; videos and publications. In addition, the organizers encourage wide participation of government officials from forestry and non-forest sectors as well as representatives of international, regional and sub-regional organizations that deal with forest-related issues in the region, including NGOs, the private sector, schools and academic institutions.
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 11 88x273-iz13_M1_INT-Timber Design.indd 1
05.12.12 13:07
SUSTAINABILITY
Outlook 2013:
Sustainability trends in the timber market Corporate responsibility without greenwash is the future, and thirdparty verification will further cement its stronghold. Timber sustainability expert and CEO of the non-profit NEPCon Peter Feilberg offers his bet on key trends during the coming year.
G
et a green makeover. Or order a greenwash screening. The fact that such offerings have
become commonplace testifies to the significance of sustainability in today’s business environment. In these times of economic crisis, many companies are bolstering their business through enhanced corporate responsibility. A wise choice: trend reports show that companies which strongly embrace sustainability are often the most successful. For example, a recent analysis showed that the top four financial performers in France all belong to a select group of ‘sustainability visionaries’ that use innovation to go beyond laws and
considerable push for responsible
voluntary schemes.
paper became even stronger in 2012,
Responsible timber sourcing becomes mainstream
when the Disney Group committed to sustainable sourcing of paper and packaging, following examples
The trend spills over into the
set by other iconic brands such as
timber sector in many ways. Most
McDonalds, Gucci and LEGO.
significantly, responsible timber
Within the timber sector itself,
sourcing is on the fast track to
leading companies are setting
mainstream business, addressing
new standards for sustainability.
two interrelated issues: growing
Spectacular highlights from 2012
resources scarcity and public
include the launch of IKEA’s
concern over deforestation that
ambitious strategy ‘People and Planet
leads to biodiversity loss and climate
Positive’ and home improvement
change. For example, the already
retailer Kingfisher’s ‘Net Positive’
12 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
An Ernst & Young survey of 272 mainly US-based companies found that 65 percent of CFOs are now involved in sustainability initiatives. One of the underlying reasons given for this trend is the growing scarcity of natural resources
SUSTAINABILITY
achived full FSC project certification. These projects exemplify an ambitious array of eco-innovative designs and thoughtful procurement policies. M&S explains their approach to sustainability, ‘Plan A’, in this way: “We’re calling it Plan A because we believe it’s now the only way to do business. There is no Plan B”.
Natural resources scarcity is a core factor An Ernst & Young survey of 272 mainly US-based companies found that 65 percent of CFOs are now involved in sustainability initiatives. One of the underlying reasons given for this trend is the growing scarcity of natural resources. As many as 76 percent ‘anticipate natural resource shortages will affect their core business objectives over the next 3-5 years’. The report also found that ‘66 percent have seen an increase in inquiries about sustainability-related issues in the past 12 months from investors and shareholders’. In a world of diminishing forests and steep growth of affluent populations, timber is set to become a scarce natural commodity. In order to stay in business, timber-based enterprises need to focus strongly on supply chain management. Timber certification is part and parcel of the solution and this is part of the reason for the steep growth seen in certification. Between 2010 and 2012, the area of FSC certified forest grew by over 22 percent, while FSC chain of custody certification grew by 28.6 percent. According to the latest FSC Global Market Survey, 64 percent of FSC certificate holders are seeking to increase their certified supplies in order to meet demands. approach. Kingfisher’s ambition is to ‘go beyond neutrality and seek to make a positive contribution to the world’s future’. The strategies mark an emerging trend: timber sourcing is increasingly recognized as a key sustainability aspect alongside water consumption, recycling and greenhouse gas emissions. The year 2012 also saw the inauguration of the world’s first FSC and PEFC certified olympic stadium in London and the opening of UK retailer Marks & Spencer’s giant Cheshire Oaks Eco-Store, which has
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 13
SUSTAINABILITY
Image Š Marks & Spencer
A diminishing market for forest crime Marketplaces around the world are tightening the nuts and bolts of fences created to exclude illegal timber. Laws that ban illegal timber trade are now in place in the EU, the U.S. and Australia. The ink is hardly dry on the Australian legislation and the EU Timber Regulation will only come into force in March 2013, so their impact is yet to be seen; but doubtlessly these legal frameworks will cause a ripple effect across the global trade. They will also spur growth in timber verification schemes that offer
Timber certification is part and parcel of the solution and this is part of the reason for the steep growth seen in certification. Between 2010 and 2012, the area of FSC certified forest grew by over 22 percent, while FSC chain of custody certification grew by 28.6 percent.
solutions for companies seeking to ensure their legal compliance. At the same time, forest criminals are facing tougher times.
for supplies of legal and sustainable timber is likely to intensify. In the future, the gates to
Together with the United Nations
attractive markets will be wide
Environmental Programme (UNEP),
open for suppliers who have put
INTERPOL has launched a major
their house well in order and
project to crack down on the white-
are able to meet demands for
collar mafias that often orchestrate
documenting legal or sustainable
illegal logging.
origin. Those who fail to deliver the
Although the combat against illegal
right assurance are likely to be left
Image Š NEPCon
About the author
As Executive Director, Peter provides leadership of NEPCon with visionary thinking, drawing on more than fifteen years of active involvement in developing the global forest certification world. His experience and thought-leadership has positioned him as a respected voice within the forest certification arena. He is a frequent speaker at global sustainability events and also contributes behindthe-scenes in numerous ways. Peter is NEPCon’s FSC delegate and a former member of the assurance committee of the ISEAL Alliance, the global association for sustainability standards.
permitting smaller forest operations
NEPCon is an international, non-profit organization that works to promote the responsible use of natural resources and to safeguard sustainable livelihoods. The organization helps transform business practices and consumer behavior through innovation projects and delivery of certification services. Learn more at
Put together, these developments are
and companies to jump on the
www.nepcon.net
profoundly game-changing. The race
green bandwagon.
logging is a long haul, I hope that
behind. This begs the question of
2013 will see the emerging contours
whether the development favours
of a marketplace without unfair
the larger and more resourceful
competition from illegal timber.
operations. There is a great need
Changing with the game
14 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
for incentives and special schemes
MARKET REPORT
Sustainable and innovative forest products are key to the future of forests UNECE Timber Committee releases market statement on Forest Products Markets in 2012 and 2013
16 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
MARKET REPORT
A
ccording to the market
forecasts of production and trade
statement released by the
for over 30 countries in the UNECE
UNECE Timber Committee on
region in 2012 and 2013. Some of the
the forest products market in 2012 and 2013, the movement towards
key findings are outlined below.
North Africa and the Middle East continue to remain important consumers of European wood products, despite the effects of the ‘Arab Spring’ whilst North America has become an increasingly important supplier of wood pellets for Europe
represents a bright spot for the
Overview of forest products markets in 2012 and 2013
future of forests. The report states
Sustainable forest products have
that the trend towards increased use
and will continue to play an
of wood for construction and other
increasingly significant role in the
uses of wood through innovation
green economy. Their renewability,
of new and improved products,
recyclability and versatility make
the potential of wood energy, the
them a natural choice for a low
sustainability of wood and its low
carbon future. Further, the future
carbon footprint are all causes for
movement towards a sustainable
optimism. However current market
economy is a bright spot in the
conditions remain challenging, as
future of forests, however current
the UNECE region emerges from the
market conditions are challenging as
global economic crisis.
the UNECE region emerges from the
Economic and construction developments
global economic crisis.
Global economic growth has been
creating a sustainable economy
The UNECE region is made up of three sub-regions: Europe, North
Following the improvements seen
only moderate since economic
America and the Commonwealth of
in 2010 and early 2011, recovery
recovery started in 2009 with growth
Independent States (CIS). It stretches
in the UNECE region within forest
in the European and North American
from Canada and the United States of
products markets stalled. The
sub-regions expected to further
America in the west through Europe
exception was the CIS region, where
weaken in 2012. In the developing
to the Russian Federation and to the
many markets have improved to
regions, however, growth has
Caucasus and Central Asian republics
pre-crisis (2007) levels. Consumption
continued, though at variable rates.
in the east. It covers almost the
of forest products in 2011 remained
Further, a significant turnaround in
entire boreal and temperate forests
flat in most of the UNECE region -
the sluggish recoveries in Europe and
of the northern hemisphere - about
10 percent lower than before the
North America seems unlikely.
1.7 billion hectares - just under half
global financial crisis. However, in
of the world’s forest area and almost
the Russian Federation, consumption
sector has been the primary catalyst
38 percent of the land area of the
grew by 9 percent. In spite of
for the demand for forest products.
UNECE region.
the continuing uncertainty and
Overall, in Europe and North America,
the difficult economic conditions,
the housing market has not yet
discussions during the annual
the consumption of some forest
shown any strong recovery from the
meeting of the UNECE Timber
products showed slight growth in
recession. New housing starts and
Committee, national delegations
2011. Forecasts of consumption are
sales in the U.S. are at their lowest
forecast for 2012 a decline in
for further weakness in 2012 (-0.9
levels since modern records began
regional forest product markets,
percent) with a slight uptick in 2013
to be kept in 1963 but are showing
particularly in Europe, with a slight
(0.5 percent), led by North America.
signs of recovery. The market in
As part of the annual market
uptick in 2013 for each of the
China continues to be an
Historically, the construction
Canada has seen a much smaller
three sub-regions. Other issues of
important forest products market
decline and has improved in 2012 but
importance discussed during the
for the UNECE region. Rising
a slowdown is anticipated in 2013
meetings included how the EU Timber
Chinese domestic demand is
as tighter mortgage qualification
Regulation will help in assuring the
partly responsible, as is increasing
standards are introduced.
legality and sustainability of forest
manufacturing and exports back
products along with the United States
into the UNECE region. In addition, a
Statistics Service (2012) reported
Lacey Act. However, concerns exist
shortage of raw materials amid rising
that total dwelling floor space
over the cost implications and the
domestic consumption (increasing
increased from 3,229 million square
regulatory burden.
faster than GDP) will continue the
meters in 2010 to 3,272 million
trend of increased imports. North
square meters in 2011. Further,
developments in forest products
Africa and the Middle East continue
the country’s 2011-2015 Housing
markets as reported in the Forest
to remain important consumers of
Programme projects an increase in
Products Annual Market Review,
European wood products, despite
annual construction levels. These
2011-2012, as well as experts’
the effects of the ‘Arab Spring’
figures are representative of the
presentations, country market
whilst North America has become an
considerable potential for wood to
statements and forecasts for
increasingly important supplier of
take an increasing market share in
2012 and 2013. The Committee’s
wood pellets for Europe. In addition,
construction. There are signs that
officially adopted Market Statement
South America is producing many
this is already happening in many
summarizes the latest market
products that directly or indirectly
countries, particularly in the case of
information on forest products market
compete with products from the
buildings that have been constructed
developments, along with detailed
UNECE region.
primarily out of wood.
The Committee also reviewed
The Russian Federal State
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 17
MARKET REPORT
Policy and regulatory framework development The development of policies that address and promote sustainable forest management, including measures to combat illegal logging, climate- and energy-related policies continues to gain momentum, in particular those that promote the use of renewable energy and ‘green building’. Most recently, the Russian Federation has cleared the final hurdle to becoming a WTO member. As such, log exports are likely to increase if, as expected, export duties fall. Further, import duties to the Russian Federation are also expected to fall. Significantly, the Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) between Canada and the U.S. which regulates sawnwood exports from Canada to the U.S. was renewed in January 2012, as both countries saw value in extending the agreement for an additional two years. The biggest development for the timber industry is the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), which will come into effect from March 3 this year. Its objective is to prevent illegally sourced wood and products derived from such wood from entering the European market by prohibiting the placing of such products on the EU market; requiring ‘due diligence’ by operators and ‘traceability’ throughout the supply chain. Monitoring organizations to assist market operators meet the new obligations will also have been recognized by the European Commission. The EUTR is part of the EU Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan, which has several measures for banning illegal timber from markets, to advance the supply of legally sourced wood products and to increase the demand for responsibly sourced timber. In 2011, the Russian Federal Forestry Agency published the first version of the State ‘Forestry Development Programme 20122020’ and drafted a legal text, the ‘State regulation on the movement of roundwood’, aimed at improving sustainable forest management, taking measures against illegal logging, improving the transparency and legality of timber trade and reforestation. This is seen as a
The development of policies that address and promote sustainable forest management, including measures to combat illegal logging, climateand energy-related policies continues to gain momentum
that Russian forest product exports are able to comply with the EU Timber Regulation and the U.S. Lacey Act. In addition, for the first time in modern Russian history, a draft ‘National Forest Policy’ has been formulated by the Federal Forestry Agency. This policy aims to increase the emphasis on sustainable forest management, the strengthening of the wood-processing sector and the active participation of citizens in management of forest resources.
necessary step in the development of
The U.S. Congress proposed
forest law enforcement and to ensure
amendments to the Lacey Act in
18 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
MARKET REPORT
About UNECE/FAO Forestry & Timber Section The UNECE/FAO Forestry & Timber Section has served as a trusted source of information, data and analysis about the forest sector in the UNECE region for more than 60 years. The section is unique in that it is a joint UNECE/ FAO secretariat, servicing the UNECE Timber Committee and FAO European Forestry Commission and working closely with other members of the United Nations family and with country stakeholders. It operates to a mandate agreed by the 56 countries, which together comprise the UNECE region, stretching from North America to the Russian Federation and Central Asia. Working with FAO, the Section plays a pivotal role in the regular assessment of the state of forests in the pan-European region and contributes to the periodic global Forest Resources Assessment. In addition, the section’s work with Forest Europe allows a regular critical assessment of the health and sustainability of Europe’s forests, using criteria and indicators drawn up by the countries active in the Forest Europe process. The results are published in the State of Europe’s Forests report.
2011, called the ‘Retailers and Entertainers Lacey Implementation and Enforcement Fairness Act’. The amendments provide limitations on applications, reduced penalties, changes to reviewing and reporting, and establish standard certification processes. Further, North American timber supply will be affected by the reductions of the annual allowable cut foreseen in British
The continuing development of green building codes should help to reinforce wood’s position as the environmentally sound construction material of choice
Columbia as a result of the mountain pine beetle epidemic and in eastern Canada due to planned harvest
Europe and the CIS. The remaining
reduction. These effects will be more
13 percent is across the southern
visible in the future, as demand
hemisphere. Chain-of-custody (CoC)
increases and the salvaging of
certification has continued to grow
beetle-killed trees runs its course.
but more slowly. China is, by a
Certified forest products markets By May 2012, the global area of
The Section is also active in the field of forest policies and institutions, recognized as an integral part of sustainable forest management. These activities include information collection, analysis and dissemination, monitoring of developments, analysis of trends and capacity building. The Section addresses important crosssectoral aspects of relevance to the forest sector, notably related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, bioenergy, biodiversity, land use, water and agriculture. The Section’s work compiling market and, to a lesser extent, price data for forest products throughout the region, feeds into the prestigious Forest Products Annual Market Review, which appears every autumn and forms the basis for market discussions during the annual Timber Committee session. As well as providing an overview of the changing state of markets, the review sets out to understand the forces that are shaping the timber market and to examine future directions. Underlying all of this is a comprehensive database that provides a unique historical perspective.
significant margin, the largest user
examples of areas where government
of CoC certificates and the EU Timber
standards may provide better
Regulation is likely to expand this.
tools for ensuring sustainability.
The continuing development of
Significantly, it seems likely
certified forest was 394 million
green building codes should help
that existing timber certification
hectares, which represents a 4
to reinforce wood’s position as the
programmes will be challenged to
percent increase over May 2011.
environmentally sound construction
define their niche in the light of
Globally, the certified area is not
material of choice, particularly
the continued development of more
evenly distributed as more than
the March 2012 release of the
targeted standards that address
half (51 percent) of the certified
International Green Construction
specific market issues, such as
forest area is in North America, one
Code (IgCC). Further, key indicators,
climate change policies, illegal-
quarter (25 percent) in the EU/EFTA
including legality, responsible
logging controls, and bio-based
region and 12 percent is in other
bioenergy and fuel efficiency are
material assurances.
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 19
ANALYSIS
GCC timber imports on the rise China, Malaysia, Romania, Germany, Indonesia and the United States are major suppliers of wood products to the GCC
A
s construction projects gather pace across the GCC, demand for timber is reaching new heights. Whether it is
softwood lumber and plywood for concrete forming and general building works or hardwood lumber and wood-based panels for interiors and furniture, the region’s appetite for wood products is certainly growing. The GCC, and most particularly, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, have now become key destinations for many supplier countries and feature among the top ten or even five export trade partners. Not too many years ago, timber exporters to the GCC were limited to a handful of pioneering companies from a few countries. The range of products sold in to the market was far from expansive and their availability was sporadic. Today, however, the region attracts wood product suppliers from every corner of the globe and just about every conceivable wood or wood-based product is represented on the ground and is readily available. Additionally, numerous partnerships have been formed between GCC-based agents and importers and overseas suppliers. Some of these have since developed in to large-scale enterprises with representation across the Middle East and beyond. Various national wood promotion and marketing bodies have also now become very active in the region - some with many years of representation in the Gulf already chalked up, such as the Malaysian Timber Council and the American Hardwood Export Council. Their recognition of the GCC as a major and developing destination for their products has driven them to include the region as a key part of their global promotional strategies. Although reliable complete trade data is
20 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
ANALYSIS
Not too many years ago, timber exporters to the GCC were limited to a handful of pioneering companies from a few countries.The range of products sold in to the market was far from expansive and their availability was sporadic.
unavailable, it can be estimated that imports of all wood products by the six GCC member states reached a total value of USD 1.7 billion during the first nine months of 2012, rising by around 16 percent from the same period in the previous year. The leading suppliers of wood products were China, Malaysia, Romania, Germany, Indonesia and the United States and shipments from these six nations accounted for around two thirds of all exports to the GCC. The main product shipped to the region was softwood lumber, which accounted for as much as 17 to 20 percent of total imports by value. Hardwood plywood, medium density fibreboard (MDF) and other wood-based panels and hardwood lumber made up the bulk of the remainder, while other products included flooring, doors and door sets, semi-finished panels and components and hardwood veneers. Just taking figures from the top six suppliers to the GCC - China, Malaysia, Romania, Germany, Indonesia and the United States - wood product imports reached a total value of USD 1.3 billion during the January to September period of last year, rising by 16.2 percent from the same three quarters of 2011. Saudi Arabia stood out as the leading destination for exports from these six supplying countries, with total shipments reaching USD 574.3 million and increasing by 18.2 percent from the same period in the previous year. At the same time, the UAE’s imports from these six countries reached USD 496.4 million, rising from USD 439.9 million during the first nine months of 2011. China’s exports of all wood products to the GCC member states grew by 17.5 percent year-on-year in January to September of 2012 and reached a total value of USD
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 21
ANALYSIS
Not only has the GCC become an important destination for wood products, but it has also become a vital trading hub for a wider region. This is particularly true for the UAE, where re-exports of wood products account for as much as 30 percent of total imports. Some of this is intra-GCC trade, but major destination markets also include Iran, Somalia, Rwanda and India.
GCC TIMBER IMPORTS FROM TOP SIX SUPPLIERS Jan - Sept 2012 (US$ thousands) 600,000 550,000 500,000 450,000 400,000
USA
350,000
Germany
300,000
Romania
250,000
Indonesia
200,000
Malaysia
150,000
China
100,000 50,000 0 UAE
KSA
Qatar
Kuwait
Bahrain
Oman
Source: Broadleaf Consulting
568.5 million. A significant proportion
three quarters of 2012 reached USD 186.6
set to continue its recovery through this
was accounted for by hardwood plywood,
million, rising by 21.2 percent from the same
year from the downturn seen in 2009 and,
but many other items also made up the
period in the previous year.
as a result, it is widely anticipated that
product mix. The number two supplier to
Not only has the GCC become an important
demand for wood products will continue to
the region was Indonesia, with shipments of
destination for wood products, but it has
rise across the region. More suppliers from
all wood products attaining a value of USD
also become a vital trading hub for a wider
even more countries will choose the Gulf as
217.3 million during the period and rising
region. This is particularly true for the
a key destination for their products over the
by 18.6 percent on the same nine months
UAE, where re-exports of wood products
next twelve months and competition is likely
of 2011. Plywood and MDF were the key
account for as much as 30 percent of total
to be tough. However, with declining wood
products imported from Indonesia, while
imports. Some of this is intra-GCC trade, but
consumption in many European markets and
these also came from Malaysia, in addition
major destination markets also include Iran,
just the beginnings of an uncertain recovery
to large volumes of hardwood lumber. Total
Somalia, Rwanda and India.
being seen in the United States, the battle for
shipments from Malaysia during the first
The construction sector in the GCC looks
market share is likely to be worth the effort.
About the author
Roderick Wiles has been analysing the Middle East’s markets for wood products for the past 14 years. He has travelled extensively throughout the MENA region, developing a wealth of contacts and experience and providing consultancy services to a range of government and industry clients on a long term or one-off basis. For more information, see www.broadleafconsulting.com
22 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
20 - 23 May 2013
Dubai World Trade Centre
www.indexexhibition.com
For more information about exhibiting at the INDEX International Design Exhibition 2013, contact us: Tel: +971 (0)4 438 0355 Fax: +971 (0)4 438 0357 Email: info@indexexhibition.com
THE SOURCE
Baillie Lumber expects increased demand for hardwoods in MENA region Leading player supplies a comprehensive range of North American and Tropical hardwoods
B
aillie Lumber is one of North
several partner mills and suppliers
America’s largest hardwood
in the U.S. and internationally, which
lumber manufacturers,
supplement its own hardwood
distributors and exporters. Founded
manufacturing capabilities thereby
in 1923, the company has grown from
giving the company a breadth of
a regional supplier of North American
specie availability unmatched by other
hardwoods to an international
hardwood manufacturers.
hardwood manufacturer that can
Participating in all of the major
ship hardwood lumber to any region
markets around the world and
which have been driven by its sales
of the world. Today, Baillie is a
serving customers in various
representatives, some of whom have
leading provider of hardwood logs,
countries throughout Europe, the
over 25 years of experience in the
hardwood lumber and proprietary
Middle East and Asia, Baillie is able
industry. Timber Design & Technology
grade hardwood lumber products with
to offer customers a range of North
takes a closer look at Baillie Lumber.
hardwood manufacturing facilities
American and Tropical hardwoods.
that are spread north to south in the
The main species that the company
Baillie solutions
eastern United States. The company
currently supplies includes white
As one of North America’s premier
owns and operates several sawmills
oak, red oak, hard maple, soft maple,
hardwood lumber suppliers, Baillie is
and concentration yards, which
walnut, cherry, ash, poplar, African
a full-service lumber supplier involved
are conveniently located near the
mahogany, genuine mahogany, and
in manufacturing, distribution,
principal North American shipping
sapele. In addition, the company has
importing and exporting of hardwood
routes and seaports. In addition, Baillie
established relationships with local
logs, lumber or lumber products.
also maintains relationships with
and regional importers and agents,
Aiming to offer value-added services,
24 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
THE SOURCE
lumber companies, Baillie aims to provide hardwood lumber solutions that help its customers’ business succeed. The company is able to offer special width, length, color or grade sorts; tailored delivery schedules; and volumes of hardwood lumber in standard grades. The objective is to provide solutions that target two goals: increasing yields and decreasing costs for customers.
Environmental Credentials Baillie Lumber is FSC Certified. Moreover, Baillie conducts its business in accordance with sound environmental practices that emphasize sustainable forest management. Currently, Baillie and its partners rely primarily on private landowners who own 57 percent of the timberland in the United States to supply its facilities with raw materials. Most of these lands are intensively managed by professional foresters who practice sustainable forest management. As such, in all of Baillie’s hardwood forests, sustainable forest management has resulted in nearly twice as much new hardwood growth than is removed through harvesting. Baillie’s commitment to sustainable forest management also means that harvest levels should not exceed what the forest grows and should not degrade future growth capability. Each of its sawmill locations has a Certified Forester® as part of its staff who is board certified by the Society of American Image © Baillie Lumber
Hardwood Lumber and Logs
Foresters. In addition, much of Baillie’s lumber comes from the Appalachian Hardwood Forest, a region that the U.S.
Baillie is able to supply both domestic
Forest Service has verified as benefiting
species from the forests across the
from sustainable forest management.
U.S. in addition to all the major species
Baillie also actively supports many
from Africa, Asia and South America.
state and national forestry trade
The company has an international
associations, forestry groups, colleges
procurement team that has expertise in
and universities, and forest landowner
locating and selecting the best hardwoods
groups dedicated to the advancement of
the company provides customers
from around the world, which are then
sustainable forest management.
not only with the lumber strips they
available for shipment directly from their
require sorted by length, width, grade
country of origin, or through Baillie’s U.S.
Baillie in the Middle East
or color but also the option to rip and
manufacturing and distribution locations.
Baillie Lumber has been active in the
surface lumber and strips to their
Baillie also purchases hardwood veneer
MENA marketplace since the 1980’s.
exact specifications. In addition, Baillie
logs and saw logs from loggers and
Since first entering the region with
Lumber’s ‘Custom Lumber Solutions’
landowners. The company has developed
sales to Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, the
program is a no obligation review
lumber and log markets throughout the
company has expanded its operations
of a customers’ existing production
United States and is able to offer loggers
to virtually all countries. Confident of
process. The company utilizes a 5-step
and landowners the best possible price
the demand in the region, the company
evaluation process designed to create
for their logs.
is actively looking for ways to serve
Image © Baillie Lumber
a unique and customized lumber solution to meet the customers’
Why Baillie?
specific production needs.
As one of America’s premier hardwood
existing and new potential customers in the region through their existing sales teams.
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 25
SPECIES FOCUS
American Softwoods Image © American Softwood
A
merican softwoods are grown in
Application
Outdoors
the western, southeastern and
The diverse and wide-ranging applications
When pressure preservative treated, timber can
northeastern states of the United
of American Softwoods fall into three main
provide decades of reliable service exposed to
categories: Joinery, Structural and Outdoors.
the harshest of climates. Southern Yellow Pine is
States. Renowned for their strength, flexibility, versatility and beauty, they have been exported for almost 200 years. Harvested from sustainably managed
Joinery
the preferred species when pressure treatment with wood preservatives is required. The unique
The quality grains and textures of American
cellular structure of Southern Yellow Pine permits
forests in the USA, the success of forest
softwoods have long proved popular for many
deep and uniform penetration of preservatives,
management and conservation in the USA
internal uses. Finished naturally, stained or
rendering the wood useless as a food source for
means that the area of forested land is
painted, they will enhance the interior of both
fungi, termites and micro-organisms.
now greater than it was 75 years ago.
traditional and modern homes.
Today, the forests occupy an area equal in
Common outdoors applications for
size to Germany and France combined and
American softwoods are also growing in
preservative treated timber include:
more than 4.5 million trees are planted or
demand for furniture manufacture but are
• Boardwalks
seeded naturally every day.
ideal for:
• Bridges
• Bed frames
• Cladding
America is recognized worldwide as a
• Cabinetry
• Decks
sustainable source of top quality timber. This
• Fenestration
• Marinas and piers
popularity is based on:
• Flooring
• Playground equipment
• Standardization of sizes and stress ratings
• Moulding
• Quality control through the enforcement of
• Panelling
American softwood timber is marketed by
• Staircases
members of the Southern Forest Products
a single unified grading system • Strength and durability • Suitability for preservative and fireretardant treatments
Structural
Association (SFPA) and the Softwood Export Council (SEC), known jointly as American
Structural timber is graded for its load-bearing
Softwoods. The various species of softwoods
and load-carrying capacity in framing systems
from southern and western America provide
and in heavy construction, light commercial
a wide range of choices, including industrial,
and residential applications. The dominant
commercial, structural and domestic
The simple cell structure of softwoods’
American structural framing species are
applications. Much of the U.S. softwood
long, uniformly packed fibres gives them
Douglas Fir and Southern Yellow Pine.
exported is for interior applications, such as
• Construction standardization and systemization.
a high strength-to-weight ratio, making
doors, windows, picture frames, mouldings,
them flexible and capable of bearing
Typical structural construction applications
flooring, panelling, and other millwork - a prime
heavy loads. American softwoods have
include:
destination for Southern Yellow Pine, Eastern
the strength to sustain longer spans
• Churches
white pine and fir species. Further, furniture
for trusses and joists, as well as the
• Retail developments
components and edge-glued panels are also
clear, fine-grained timber that is in
• Schools
key uses for softwood lumber whilst western
demand for joinery applications, such
• Sports venues
species, such as Douglas fir and hemlock in
as panelling, door frames, windows,
• Swimming pools
clear grades, are prized for wood window and
flooring and furniture.
• Theatres
door stock as well as for window frames.
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 27
SPECIES FOCUS
Ponderosa Pine Pinus ponderosa
Western red cedar Thuja plicata
Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii
General description
General description
General description
Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is light in
Western Red Cedar is a slow-growing, long-
Straight-grained and moderately heavy, with
color, with large amounts of creamy white to
lived tree, whose aromatic wood is highly
limited resin, this is one of the most attractive
straw-colored sapwood and minimal amounts
decay-resistant. The sapwood, usually less
and strongest of the Western softwood
of light reddish-brown heartwood. Along with
than 2.5 centimetres wide is almost pure
species. The wood has a slight rosy cast; the
Sugar, Idaho White and Lodgepole pine, it
white, while the heartwood varies from a dark
sapwood generally a light straw color and the
forms a commercially important group called
reddish brown to light yellow.
heartwood a deep russet brown.
Main uses
Main uses
Primarily used in cladding, shingles and other
Its appearance is prized for joinery, panelling,
Ponderosa pine is valued primarily for its
exterior applications, such as greenhouses.
cabinets, flooring, windows and cladding. Its
appearance and is suitable for any application
Also useful in boatbuilding and marine
strength, straightness and ease of fabrication
that requires a light to moderately strong,
structure as well as interior panelling, window
make it the perfect high-performance timber
splinter-free, stable wood, such as jointed
sashes and built-in furniture.
for structural uses, such as metal plate-
the Western pines (Pinus spp.).
Main uses
drawers, windows, shutters and stairs.
Distribution and availability
Distribution and availability Found in the Pacific Northwest and inland to
connected trusses, framing, bridges and large heavy members.
Ponderosa has a range that extends from
the Rocky Mountains in stands totaling 48.7
Distribution and availability
Canada to Mexico and from the Pacific Ocean
million cubic metres. Exceptional coastal area
One of the tallest on the continent, this species
to South Dakota and is widely available.
trees reach a height of 60 metres, a diameter
accounts for a fifth of North America’s total
of 4.9 metres and an age of 1,000 years or
softwood reserves and is grown on 14 million
more. Readily available.
hectares of forest in the Western Woods
Physical and mechanical properties Ponderosa is light and soft-textured, with a
region. Readily available.
uniform, close, straight grain that is delicately
Physical and mechanical properties
figured after dressing. It seasons well, with a
A coarse-textured softwood, weighing 376 kg
minimum of warping and cupping.
per cubic metre, with a close, uniform, straight
Physical and mechanical properties
grain and an extreme resistance to decay.
Medium texture, with a weight of 540 kg per
Dimensionally stable, it takes paint, stains or
cubic metre, and a high density, specific gravity
varnishes easily. When untreated, it weathers
and strength-to-weight ratio. Very stiff, with high
to a silvery-grey.
strength values in bending, tension, horizontal
Working properties Machining
Screwing
Nailing
Gluing
Durability Slightly durable and moderately easy to treat with preservative.
sheer and compression. High shrinkage when
Working properties
seasoned from a green state, but minimal
Machining
Screwing
Nailing
Gluing
Durability
Very durable. Difficult to treat with preservative.
shrinkage and swelling once seasoned.
Working properties Machining
Screwing
Nailing
Gluing
Durability Moderately durable. Difficult to treat incising is recommended for maximum penetration of preservative.
28 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
SPECIES FOCUS
Southern Yellow Pine Pinus palustris, Pinus elliotti Pinus echinata and Pinus taeda
Hem-fir Tsuga heterophylla and Abies spp
Among the harder, stronger western softwoods,
General description
it is marketed and sold separately as well as in
The four main species of Southern Yellow Pine
the Hem-fir species combination. Springwood
are Longleaf (Pinus palustris), Slash (Pinus
is whitish to light yellow-brown; summerwood
elliotti), Shortleaf (Pinus echinada) and Loblolly
frequently has a purplish or reddish-brown
pine (Pinus taeda). The wood has a distinctive
tinge; heartwood not distinct. Small black
color and grain - its sapwood ranges from
streaks often appear in the wood.
white to yellowish and heartwood from yellow
A species combination of Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and five of the true firs: California Red fir (Abies magnifica), Grand fir (Abies grandis), White fir (Abies concolor), Noble fir (Abies procera) and Pacific Silver fir (Abies amabilis). Fine-grained and with interchangeable structural performance, these trees are marketed together as an elegant softwood, classified as a White Wood, combining beauty and strength. A very light colour, from creamy white spring wood to a light strawbrown (hemlock) or reddish-brown (firs).
Western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla General description
to reddish-brown. It combines looks, strength,
Main uses
and extreme ease of treatment with the
It is used for framing and architectural members and is a prime species for mouldings, millwork and panelling.
Distribution and availability
highest nail-holding ability.
Main uses Most is used structurally, for floor and roof trusses, joists, rafters and carcassing. Ease
Grows best in the Pacific Northwest between
of treatment makes it particularly good for
sea level and 1850 metres. Readily available.
decking and outdoor use. Character and
Physical and mechanical properties Straight grain and fine texture with a weight of 465 kg per cubic metre.
impact resistance make it suitable for flooring, panelling and joinery.
Distribution and availability Grows on 78 million hectares of forest land in
Working properties
Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana,
Machining
Screwing
Mississippi, North and South Carolina,
Nailing
Gluing
Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
Durability
Slightly durable. Difficult to treat with preservative.
Widely available.
Physical and mechanical properties Medium texture. Weight ranges from 537 to 626 kg per cubic metre. High density gives it natural strength, weight, and impact and wearing resistance. It has a higher specific gravity than European Redwood and, although easy to work with, stands up well to rough treatment.
General description
Main uses
Joinery that requires precision machining, a pale color and excellent gluing, such as mouldings, exposed ceilings, doors, louvres, windows, furniture, flooring and laminated structural and non-structural products. Structural products, such as framing and engineered systems.
Physical and mechanical properties Straight grain and fine texture sands to a silky smoothness with virtually no tendency to split. Weight ranges from 537 to 626 kg per cubic metre. Knotty appearance grades for joinery; lower knotty grades for general construction. Good strength and stiffness. Good insulating properties. Holds its original color well.
Working properties Machining
Working properties
Nailing
Machining
Screwing
Nailing
Gluing
Durability
Screwing Gluing
Durability
Slightly durable. Difficult to treat with preservative.
Slightly durable. Extremely easy to treat with preservative.
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 29
DESIGN & DéCOR
The new offices of the Botín Foundation in Madrid Inspired by the building’s historic references, the architects attempt to retain the spirit of the original industrial character
30 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
DESIGN & DéCOR
PROJECT Particulars Architects: Diego Varela de Ugarte and Emilio Medina García MVN Arquitectos (www.mvn-arquitectos.com) Client: Fundación Botín Collaborators: Alfonso García del Rey, Laura Sánchez, María Pascual and Alicia Castilla, arquitectos Technical Architect: María Lamela Martín Interior design consultant: Juan Luis Líbano Consultants: Ingenor, Structural and Service engineers; Luis Vallejo Estudio de Paisajismo, Landscape designer Project Manager: Santander Global Facilities Contractor: Ferrovial Wooden joinery Ground floor ceiling: Moinsa Flooring: Parquets Román S.L. Doors and wall panels: Teisa Final completion date: 2012 Gross floor area: 1.541,95 square meters Final contract sum: EUR 1.784 million
Image © Fundación Botín
T
he Botín Foundation originated
Architects Diego Varela de Ugarte and
in Spain in 1964 to ‘mitigate
Emilio Medina García were inspired
the needs and promote the
by the building’s historic references,
social development’ of Cantabria.
which led to their design attempts
Today, nearly 50 years later the
to retain the spirit of the original
Foundation continues to contribute
industrial character. Exposure of the
to the development of the society on
original steel and brickwork depicts
all levels, detecting and promoting
the buildings’ past life and effectively
creative talent and exploring new
contrasts with the new construction
ways to generate cultural, social and
work whose finishes are mainly oak,
economic wealth.
steel and glass.
After a stunning renovation project
A key objective was to create an
executed by MVN Arquitectos, the
open plan, warm space allowing
Foundation has recently opened its
natural light to fill the whole building.
new offices in Madrid. Originally built
The biggest structural change to the
in the 1920s, the building previously
building and one of the most attractive
served as a Silversmith workshop
features of the development is a
before more recently being taken on as
two-storey high atrium for the main
the Vinçon department store. Project
lobby. One of the roof trusses was
Photographer: Alfonso Quiroga
The direct daylight and plants in the lobby bring a great character to this meeting place.The ceiling is made up of longitudinal solid slats of American red oak and acoustic absorbent felt.The red oak slats have a subtle color variation, which adds great character and warmth to the open space. Further, the ground floor is intended for public activities with a flexible but modular, clear open space.
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 31
DESIGN & DéCOR
removed and replaced with a metal structure, creating an opening for the skylight over the atrium area. The direct daylight and plants in the lobby bring a great character to this meeting place. The ceiling is made up Image © Fundación Botín
of longitudinal solid slats of American red oak and acoustic absorbent felt. The red oak slats have a subtle color variation, which adds great character and warmth to the open space. Further, the ground floor is intended for public activities with a flexible but modular, clear open space. MVN Arquitectos’ choice to use timber for the floor, walls and ceiling adds warmth to this area. Diego Varela says “the use of oak has been essential to emphasize the contrast between old and new, and the wood looks great next to the worn brickwork.” He adds, “After looking at several species options, we chose oak because it combines the warm tone and hardwearing characteristics we were looking for in this unique project.” All of the oak in the building has been treated with colorless oil to show the grain of the timber without altering its natural tone. The first floor is office space for the senior management team of the Foundation with a private area for meetings. The doors and wall paneling as well have been veneered with European oak, which is also used for the flooring throughout. The Botín Foundation are delighted with the new office space. The highlight is without doubt the stunning lobby with striking tones of red oak set against the old brickwork of the
Image © Fundación Botín
32 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
Silversmith workshop.
DESIGN & DéCOR
American Red Oak The sapwood of red oak is white to light brown and the heartwood is a pinkish reddish brown. The wood is similar in general appearance to white oak, but with a slightly less pronounced figure. The wood is mostly straight grained, with a coarse texture and is widely available as lumber and veneer in a range of grades and specifications. The wood is hard and heavy, with medium bending strength and stiffness and high crushing strength. It is very good for steam bending. Red oak also machines well; nailing and screwing is good and it can be stained and polished to a very good finish. This attractive looking oak, that is widely available, is increasingly being chosen by designers and architects for furniture, joinery and flooring in export markets around the world.
Image © Fundación Botín
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 33
PROFILE
ABALON Hardwood: An American style sawmill in Europe
T
he success story that is ABALON Hardwood today can be traced back to the year 2004 when an existing sawmill
in south-east Austria was transformed to follow the set up of the best U.S. hardwood mills, which comprise of a headrig and resaw system. Given that markets were excellent, ABALON reached its capacity within 12 months following the start of production. Further, as the global appetite for hardwoods was growing, it became necessary after only two years of its inauguration to think about a second production site. Different options in Slovakia, Hungary and Switzerland were evaluated. However, the decision was made for a location in Germany. Interestingly, Germany is in a region that the Latin author Tacitus named ‘Buchonia’, which best can be translated as ‘the land of Beech’. Today, the company is one of the largest European hardwood companies with mills in Schwalmstadt (Germany) and Heiligenkreuz (Austria). ABALON has an annual cutting potential of approximately 250,000 cubic meters and a specialization in European Beech. One of the key reasons for the success of the company has been its focus on a highquality production process, which follows the innovative and well-known standards of key American mills, both in terms of the grading concept (minimum guaranteed yields for every board) and in terms of equipment and processing. In an interview with Timber Design & Technology, Roland Feit, Sales Director at ABALON tells us about the company. According to Feit, in order to become successful with the single most important hardwood species produced in Europe - Beech - ABALON had to set a few fundamental foundations for their quality. Firstly, an extremely uniform color is obtained using combined steaming and kiln-drying chambers with indirect steaming, from a single manufacturer (Mühlböck). This uniformity of the color saves a lot of time during production at its customers’ factories due to a massively reduced need to sort and match the lamellas. In addition, the company also aims for extremely uniform moisture content (9±1) throughout the entire thickness of every
34 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
Image © ABALON Hardwood
PROFILE
board. Testament to their precision in this area, some of their customers produce 3-ply panels from ABALON beech, without having to recondition the cuttings. This means that ABALON’s timber can be used right away when it arrives, which results in a lower necessary inventory level. Feit points out that by pre-planning the majority of the production, which allows for a precise and integral vision of all defects and color characteristics of each board, ABALON is able to take these characteristics into consideration during the grading and thereby avoid surprises for the end user. As a result, the customer receives a calculable, reliable and consistent raw material. Moreover, ABALON has also established precise grading criteria by guaranteeing fixed and well-defined standards, where yield forecasting and yield consistency become important values for each customer. This allows the customer to select the most suitable grade based on the final product and also helps them avoid buying expensive grades or grades where many by-products arise during production. By ensuring that its log supply originates from sustainable forest sources, which further guarantees longevity both for the forest resource and for future log supply, ABALON is able to provide customers with PEFC-certified material from the mill in Germany. In addition, the mill in Austria is FSC-certified. Feit goes on to explain that for the mill in Austria, the company sources most of its volume in Hungary given the proximity to the mill. In the case of the mill in Germany, ABALON sources most of its volume from HessenForst, which is the local state forest authority. Significantly, given that ABALON is perhaps the biggest FSC-certified hardwood mill in Image © ABALON Hardwood
Europe, the company is still able to give its
Today, the company is one of the largest European hardwood companies with mills in Schwalmstadt (Germany) and Heiligenkreuz (Austria). ABALON has an annual cutting potential of approximately 250,000 cubic meters and a specialization in European Beech. Image © ABALON Hardwood
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 35
PROFILE
Image © ABALON Hardwood
Given ABALON’s production capacity and the ability to cope with rather short lead times, the company is positive of catering to bigger projects in the GCC. Aiming to increase its presence in the region, ABALON partnered with INTERHOLCO a few years ago - the partnership being driven by shared values and principles between both companies.
36 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
customers the usual short-term delivery
of products ready for prompt delivery in an
possibilities with the same high quality
attempt to offer customers greater buying
standards for certified timber as well as for
flexibility and reduced inventory costs.
its non-certified timber. Feit and the team at ABALON are perfectly
With an absolutely transparent sales strategy and support for their key partners
aware that they work with a natural resource
in distribution, ABALON puts great value and
that has a lot of variation. By specializing
attention on the partners they work with. As a
in one specie, the company is thereby able
result, the company has created a network of
to focus on a higher production volume and
highly respected partners for the worldwide
also offer a more extensive product range in
distribution of their products, thereby ensuring
the same specie. According to Feit, whereas
that their lumber is being sold in more than 50
traditional sawmills mostly offer three grades
countries today. More importantly, increased
(A,B,C), ABALON aims to standardize and
revenue and market penetration are proving
industrialize its production and products.
that the products and the relationships are
Currently, the company offers 7 thicknesses
both of exceptional quality.
in 8 lengths and up to 13 different grades. As
Given ABALON’s production capacity and
such, the customer is able to buy more specific
the ability to cope with rather short lead
grades/products than would be possible if
times, the company is positive of catering to
the company focused on several species.
bigger projects in the GCC. Aiming to increase
Given that ABALON puts a lot of attention
its presence in the region, ABALON partnered
on consistent quality in terms of moisture
with INTERHOLCO a few years ago - the
content, steaming color and most importantly
partnership being driven by shared values
yield and production cost, Feit is confident of
and principles between both companies.
repeat business from customers. In essence,
Feit is positive that the partnership with
Feit believe that ABALON are transforming the
INTERHOLCO has helped open many doors for
natural resource into a calculable raw material.
ABALON since customers in the region already
Quality control at ABALON starts right
trusted the former and were therefore open to
from sourcing through to delivery of the
trying products from the latter. Today, the two
finished lumber. In order to keep the logs
are well established in the region - ABALON
in excellent quality until the time they are
for its European Beech and INTERHOLCO for
cut, they are stored in a yard and are being
its African and North American products.
constantly sprinkled with water. In addition,
Confident of even more growth in the
the impeccable single-length packaging (per
region, ABALON will be participating at the
unit or per full truck), with planed edges
upcoming Dubai WoodShow in conjunction with
for improved presentation and to display
INTERHOLCO. When questioned about future
the true color of the product, ensures that
growth, Feit remains positive that there is still a
agents and local importers are easily able to
lot of room for growth with Beech. He concludes
resell products purchased from ABALON. The
by stating that we will therefore continue to be
company also maintains a sizeable inventory
‘the Beech boys’ for the time being!
PASSION FOR HARDWOOD
i
a e Dub h t n us o Meet
ABALON HARDWOOD Hessen GmbH www.abalon-hardwood.com In the GCC we are partnering with:
Please contact Benoit Moreau for all inquiries you may have: +973-39.71.06.30, Benoit.Moreau@interholco.ch
l , Hal 1 O Booth
8
TECHNOLOGY
Nature with Structure Cree pioneers innovative timber and concrete hybrid technology that enables architects to design stunning tall wood buildings up to 30 stories
T
o take new paths, you have
Borrowing the philosophy and
on the premise that building better
to rethink. As part of the
lifestyle of the North American natives
naturally means using more renewable
internationally renowned
of the same name, which in its modern
raw materials. On the one hand,
Rhomberg Group, Cree is the logical
interpretation means Creative Resource
countless prestigious and architecturally
outcome of four generations of
& Energy Efficiency, Cree is also a source
sophisticated buildings are constructed
experience in construction. Not just
of ideas and initiator of new strategies
all around the world on a daily basis
a construction company, Cree is an
of sustainable treatment of and co-
and this urban development is based
innovative company, pioneering tall
existence with nature and its resources.
primarily on conventionally produced
timber building architecture, and
Certified ISO 9001 (quality) und ISO
prototypes. However, the complex
new building strategies involving
14001 (environment), the company’s
construction work that this involves
the sustainable handling of natural
LCT system offers a wealth of benefits
goes hand-in-hand with high building
resources. With a vision to bring wood
including energy and resource efficiency,
costs, long construction times and high
as a primary building material into
an extremely reduced carbon footprint,
planning risks.
cities, the company is creating a new
completion time almost halved, low
A closer look at the facts reveals that
basis for modern, urban architecture
lifecycle costs and the latest safety
the construction industry’s conventional
by enabling reduced life cycle costs,
standards, to name but a few.
construction methods today accounts
higher conservation of building value, art safety requirements through its
Why the future is about doing more with less
LifeCycle Tower (LCT) system.
Cree’s building philosophy is based
best possible comfort and state-of-the-
38 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
for some 40 percent of energy and resource consumption as well as 40 percent of waste generation and CO2 emissions. The construction industry is
TECHNOLOGY
THE LCT System A hybrid-timber construction system: - 3 to 30 stories - 90 percent improved CO2-balance - Reduced input of resources Innovative System building: - Construction period cut by half - Cost certainty - Reduced sources of errors Best quality of life: - Individual design - Passive house standard (if desired) - Pleasurable atmospheric environment
Image © Cree
also responsible for 60 percent of the
main component. The company’s vision
world’s transportation emissions. Given
can be summarized as: We build in
that over 50 percent of the world’s
wood - and we do it in a system.
current population lives in urban areas and with this trend increasing,
Nature as a role model
resources are becoming ever scarcer
According to the experts at Cree, if
and CO2 emissions from the global
you want to build economically and
construction industry even higher. As
sustainably, you should work with a
such, it is hardly surprising that the
system. The fewer the detail solutions
global debate focuses on sustainability
to be implemented, the shorter the
when considering the future.
construction period and the less dust,
Given that cities today account for over three quarters of world energy consumption, Cree aims to construct large hybrid buildings that are based on a sustainable, natural main component.
noise and waste will be generated on
construction of the LCT system
of today’s climate and global living
the site. Further, implementation of
components - slab, columns, facade
conditions, Cree’s vision stems from
complex details, which are hard to
and building services - is fast, efficient
the realization that new strategies are
control on site under normal building
and standardized. This saves resources,
imperative. Given that cities today
conditions, is completely eliminated
time and money but leaves plenty of
account for over three quarters of
by series prefabrication. However,
scope for visionary design ideas.
world energy consumption, Cree aims
meticulously planned standard
to construct large hybrid buildings that
solutions do not necessarily mean the
system is that an innovative system
are based on a sustainable, natural
end of all individuality. The modular
can grow better than individual
Having a deeper understanding
The rationale behind the LCT
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 39
TECHNOLOGY
projects. In essence, the LCT system is ‘individual industrialization’. Based on a sustainable wood-hybrid system for mid and tall buildings that has been thought-out down to the last detail, the LCT can be designed individually and constructed off-site in short order, to guarantee the minimal use of resources and energy over its whole Image © Cree
lifecycle. A LifeCycle Tower can also be converted to another use at any time in its lifecycle, and its modular design makes renovation much easier. When a building has reached its full useful life, urban mining of the LCT system can be employed, extracting materials to reuse, recycle or convert into bioenergy, thus protecting landfills from unnecessary waste.
Image © Cree
LCT: The wood-hybrid high-rise The LCT system can simply be defined as a hybrid timber construction system for large buildings that guarantees minimized use of resources and energy over its full lifecycle. The result of this concept of individual industrialization is the world’s first LifeCycle Tower in Austria - LCT ONE. Whilst essential elements of the building services are Image © Cree
already contained in a LifeCycle Tower, the various system components (core, slab, façade columns) are prefabricated
allows individual division of space. The
on an industrial scale and are therefore
building can be converted throughout
suitable for modular installation. The LCT
its lifecycle - and the materials
system therefore is suitable for a variety
installed hold their value significantly
of commercial uses including offices,
from a deconstruction standpoint,
hotels, restaurants, and public buildings
even viewed over many decades.
(museum, library, town hall, etc).
Moreover, the LCT system components
The LCT building system
can be produced by many different
uses prefabricated components
enterprises and provide excellent
manufactured to an architect’s exact
opportunities for regional craftsmen
specifications. The wall facades are
and the timber industry. Significantly,
made from glue-laminate posts, while
in contrast to other timber construction
the floor slabs are constructed from
projects, Cree takes a top-down
a hybrid of glue-laminate posts and
approach, whereby all components are
concrete. While these components are
planned in such a way that they can be
manufactured off-site, the foundation
easily adapted to the requirements and
of a building is laid and the structural
regulations of different countries.
elevator shaft core is erected. This
When a building has reached its full useful life, urban mining of the LCT system can be employed, extracting materials to reuse, recycle or convert into bioenergy, thus protecting landfills from unnecessary waste.
the ceiling. The building services can be integrated in other places, which
concrete or wood, stiffens the building
LCR: Indoor environment quality that only nature can provide
and provides a frame from which
Building on the success of the LCT
company is positive that living in
the walls and floors can hang. The
system, Cree is working on creating
harmony with nature and using global
slabs and posts are then assembled
LifeCycle Residential (LCR): a
resources responsibly can be achieved
by interconnecting the preset pins
system specifically adapted to the
in the city center in future.
and holes of the components. With
requirements of residential and hotel
this skeleton structure, architects can
buildings, which incorporates many
the LCT system, so that multiple-use
design a wide variety of layouts and
of the well-known advantages found
buildings such as apartment and
exterior skins, to create dramatic and
in every LifeCycle Tower. The main
office towers are possible without any
sustainable buildings.
difference contributing to an even
problems. And the system allows for
better indoor environment quality and
much shorter construction periods -
comfort is found in the LCR system on
particularly compared with conventional
core, made out of either steel and
With no structural dividing walls, the system is highly flexible and
40 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
allows for ceilings with a solid visible timber underside. Through LCR, the
The LCR system is compatible with
TECHNOLOGY
Vision becomes Reality: The LCT One
Image © Cree
Image © Cree
Image © Cree
reinforced concrete and masonry
Cree’s first building is its global headquarters in Dornbirn, Austria called the LCT ONE. Built to a passive house standard, the eight-storey pilot project was erected in eight days after the foundation was finished. More importantly, the LCT ONE serves as inspiration to see the bigger picture: as a ‘LifeCycle Hub’ that is open for visitors as a showroom for sustainable solutions. Cree’s vision was of a hybrid wood high-rise building up to 328 feet high and with up to 30 stories. The reality is the LCT ONE with up to 90 percent improved carbon footprint, drastically reduced use of resources, and an exceptionally pleasant indoor climate - thanks to plenty of visible, exposed wood. The company’s second building is the Illwerke Center Montafon (IZM) building in Montafon, Austria. Currently under construction, this is Cree’s first commissioned project and is set to be one of the largest tall wood commercial buildings in Europe. A hydropower competence center with a staff restaurant and visitors’ center, the IZM will be the first green building of its size in Vorarlberg, as well as a milestone for resource-efficient and sustainable construction. The features that convinced the client to choose the design were primarily the technological, ecological and economic advantages of the LCT system - as well as its proven high fire safety standard.
Image © Cree
lower CO2 emissions.
to conventional buildings made of
Some might argue that building
reinforced concrete where the steel,
with the LCT system, individuality does
with wood is not sustainable. The
can collapse very quickly at certain
not have to be sacrificed when using
truth is that constructing buildings
temperatures. A number of large-scale
the LCR system. Flexible division of
with conventional designs requires
fire tests have been carried out in
space, optional comfort solutions in the
resources in abundance - wood
Europe for the floor slab elements of
package and variable façade design, and
on the other hand grows back.
the LCT system. These tests show the
a much wider variety of configurations
Nature supplies us with the building
technology is able to withstand up to a
can be achieved than would be
material of the future that offers
two-hour fire test. Based on the results
expected with a pre-specified system.
all the characteristics demanded by
of these tests, the Cree components
innovative urban architecture. It is
have been optimized leading to a
naturally resistant, of high structural
reduction in the amount of concrete
Cree’s innovative timber and concrete
quality and has indeed the very
used, and the granting of the required
hybrid technology enables architects
best fire prevention properties,
REI 120 certificate.
to design stunning tall wood buildings
which makes it perfectly suited for
up to 30 stories, that can be erected
system building and prefabrication
is not durable. Wood is extremely
as quickly as a storey a day. An
of complete building sections. As a
durable if used properly. Wood is not
environmentally feasible option, the
natural raw material, wood can also be
only durable outside, but inside as
innovative LCT system is a slab and post
found in many parts of the world and
well, where it requires no chemical
wood design method that requires up
has a positive impact on the world’s
protection. Thanks to its natural
to 50 percent shorter construction time
carbon footprint. According to Cree,
resilience, the world is surrounded
compared to reinforced concrete and
the wood used as building material in
by wooden structures that have
steel construction. The LCT system also
the LCT system can grow in the world’s
stood the test of time. In fact, one
requires 39 percent fewer resources, over
forests, normally within a few hours,
of the oldest wooden buildings in
the life of a building and takes advantage
depending on the size of the project.
the world is the five-storey pagoda
apartment buildings. As in the case
Building a future with wood
of engineered timber products. By
One major concern is the fact that
Another misconception is that wood
at the Horyu-ji Buddhist temple in
combining wood and concrete together,
wood burns. However, it is important
Ikaruga, Japan. It is important to
the LCT system substantially reduces the
to note that wood burns safely,
note that even if a timber building is
amount of concrete used in the building,
because through science we can
demolished after several decades of
resulting in a lighter structure, with a
predict how long wood will withstand
use, it still produces usable materials
smaller foundation and up to 90 percent
the flames. This is in striking contrast
in reclaimed wood and bioenergy.
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 41
FLOORING
Wood: The Tasmanian Way Blackwood and Tasmanian Oak from the deep south (42 degrees South to be exact) are providing designers, architects and craftsmen with exciting new options for flooring and fine cabinetry
T
asmania - Australia’s island State,
state’s temperate northwest that it thrives,
has been quietly producing quality
and that’s where the Britton Timbers’ story
timbers for two centuries and through
begins.
Britton Timbers, these iconic species
Britton’s Tasmanian operation and it is from
something of an air of mystery surrounding
here that the generally light, golden- brown
Tasmania - it is an exotic island that lays at
timber begins its journey to world markets
the edge of the great southern ocean - just
via Britton’s international distribution
an ice-breaker trip away from Antarctica.
network. Blackwood is a fine timber for
And the timbers that grow there are highly
bespoke flooring where highlights and a
prized - hence the almost unheard of levels
‘designer’ feel is called-for. The timber can
of protection by world standards. The
exhibit a reddish tint and occasional black
timber that is allowed out courtesy of strict
streaks which add to its individuality.
environmental controls and compliance
The grain of the wood also has designers
with international regulatory systems is
excited. Whether it’s used for flooring,
simply stunning.
high-quality furniture or modern large-scale
One of Tasmania’s best kept secrets
commercial fit outs, Blackwood’s distinctive
is Blackwood: Acacia Melanoxylon to be
and sometimes wavy grain provides a
precise. Also known as Black Wattle, it is, as
welcome addition to the architect’s and
the name suggests, a member of the wattle
craftsman’s design palette.
family and a hardwood. It grows throughout
42 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
Blackwood lies at the heart of the
are now available to the world. There’s
“Blackwood is a very versatile timber,
Tasmania’s native forests from sea level to
available in set widths and defect free, easy
about one thousand meters, but it is in the
to use and with a magnificent grain, color
FLOORING
Blackwood flooring
Image © Britton Timbers
Blackwood
Tasmanian Oak
Image © Britton Timbers
Image © Britton Timbers
Blackwood
Image © Britton Timbers
Image © Britton Timbers
Blackwood is a fine timber for bespoke flooring where highlights and a ‘designer’ feel is called-for. The timber can exhibit a reddish tint and occasional black streaks which add to its individuality. Tasmanian Oak
Image © Britton Timbers
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 43
FLOORING
Image © Britton Timbers
One of the reasons Britton’s Blackwood,Tasmanian Oak and its range of imported timbers are increasingly being featured in major building and design projects, is the fact that the company takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously.Tasmania’s timber supply is regulated and the highest environmental standards must be observed - that’s the way it works in Tasmania.
Image © Britton Timbers
Blackwood
Image © Britton Timbers
and luster, specifiers will find Tasmanian
the spectrum from residential to large-scale
Blackwood will make their next project
commercial fit-outs. Britton Timbers has
unique & special,” says Dominic McNeil,
embarked on a significant expansion in its
Britton Timbers. “Tasmanian Blackwood is
warehousing and distribution facilities in
available in all thicknesses and widths plus
Australia with centers in Melbourne, Sydney
we can supply the matching veneer which
and ever-expanding Brisbane, to meet the
makes this species ideal for any application
rising domestic and international demands
especially commercial furniture and joinery
of its customers.
fit outs.” At the harder edge of things, Tasmanian
One of the reasons Britton’s Blackwood, Tasmanian Oak and its range of imported
Oak: Eucalyptus Obliqua in this case, caught
timbers are increasingly being featured
the attention of European timber workers
in major building and design projects,
early in Tasmania’s settlement, who named
is the fact that the company takes its
it after the timber they thought it most
environmental responsibilities very
resembled, English Oak.
seriously. Tasmania’s timber supply is
Tasmanian Oak is a warm, dense and
regulated and the highest environmental
resilient timber that lends itself to a variety
standards must be observed - that’s the
of applications- always with a superb
way it works in Tasmania.
finish. It’s a lightly colored timber with
Britton Timbers sources all of its
variations from straw to reddish brown
Tasmanian timber from the sustainably-
with intermediate shades of cream to pink.
managed and PEFC certified temperate
It holds stain particularly well which allows
forests of the north-west region of the
ready matching with other timbers, finishes
state. Sustainability is also achieved
or furnishings. In Tasmania, eucalypts may
through compliance with the provisions
live for four hundred years and attain a
of the Forest Practices Code and the
height of seventy meters; indeed, some
Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement.
have reached one hundred meters with a
From the lush Tasmanian forests to the
three to four meter girth. Tasmanian oak is
Middle East and beyond, Britton Timbers
by nature, robust and perfect for flooring,
international export division has been
furniture manufacture and paneling.
structured to ensure the timely delivery
“Tasmanian Oak is a hard and very stable
of timbers guaranteed to put the stamp
species which makes it ideal for flooring
of creativity and individuality into design
applications. The blonde color and character
projects and major developments.
gives any flooring or furniture project a clean and modern look,” adds McNeil. Britton Timbers imports and exports
44 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
Blackwood
“Tasmanian Blackwood and Oak are new to the Middle East and will bring a fresh feel and look to the timber selection in new
more than fifty special species timbers
projects. Our dedicated export team has
internationally and sees itself as partnering
decades of experience to ensure all orders
with architects and building and design
are delivered on time anywhere in the
professionals to enhance projects across
world,” concludes McNeil.
SHOWTIME
Top Industry
Exhibitions coming up This season WoodMac China 2013 Held once every two years, WoodMac China (The International Forestry & Woodworking Machinery and Supplies Exhibition) is the leading specialized exhibition in China targeted at manufacturers and suppliers to the timber industry. As the only specialist trade show in China that offers a complete platform for the ‘total woodworking technology sector’, the event is celebrating its 12th edition this year. Along with FurniTek China (The International Exhibition of Machinery and Accessories for Furniture Production, Upholstery and Furnishings) and WoodBuild China (The International Exhibition of Timber and Wood Products for Furniture and Building Industries), the event is an unparalleled showcase of
Eurobois 2013
technology and components for the timber industry in China. Everything from forestry to logging machines; saws to wood processing; wood panel and veneer technology; machinery for furniture, wood flooring, window and door
Eurobois is being organized at the heart of the second
production; wood products and hardware will be on display.
biggest forestry region in France and is the only exhibition
Apart from machinery, WoodMac also includes a large section
that showcases wood as the basic resource for all activities
for the suppliers of tools, saw blades, abrasives, routers
in the sector. Held every two years, the show embraces
and other components used in woodworking machines. As
all stakeholders in this industry, enhances across-the-
such, the visitor profile at the event includes architecture
board communication for more efficiency and mobilizes
& design institutes; building developers; building & interior
production capacities. Given that the wood processing
decoration materials trading enterprises; furniture accessories
industry is still looking to improve production efficiency
& components trading enterprises; furniture manufacturers;
and that Europe still remains the leading manufacturer
wood products manufacturers; wooden building & interior
of wood processing machines (60 percent of worldwide
decoration materials manufacturers; timber processing
production), a key priority at the show this year will be
machinery trading enterprises; and woodworking machinery &
to showcase European machinery performance levels. As
supplies trading enterprises.
such, 65 percent of the floor space has been dedicated to wood processing machines and tools. Other highlights at the exhibition include a Forestry Conference where more than 400 forest owners will discuss the theme of forest resource mobilization; a dedicated area for forest management equipment; an
Date: 5 - 8 March Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Center Location: Shanghai, China Expected Attendees: 17,000+ WEBSITE: www.woodmacchina.net/en/index.asp
outdoor demonstration area dedicated to wood fuel; seminars and workshops on equipment and performance; a focus on interior design; and a full scale production line within the show. The product range on display at Eurobois will include 1st and 2nd stage processing machines; vacuuming; tooling; sharpening; waste treatment; production equipment; and equipment and appliances for wood treatment and finishing.
Date: 19 - 22 February Venue: Eurexpo Location: Lyon, France WEBSITE: www.eurobois.net
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 45
SHOWTIME
FIMMA Brasil 2013 The International Fair of Machines, Raw Materials and Accessories for the Furniture Industry (FIMMA Brasil) is the largest trade fair in Latin America for the wood and furniture production chain and showcases leading edge technology for this sector. Every two years, in Bento Gonçalves, in Serra Gaúcha, the entire production chain comes together to get to know new products and to do business at one of the world’s six largest trade fairs in this segment. Having completed twenty years, FIMMA Brasil has consolidated its position as the only fair held by and for the furniture sector itself. This unique feature ensures that the event is committed to the real needs of the wood and furniture production chain from Brazil and abroad. According to the organizers, FIMMA Brasil is being strategically hosted at the leading national furniture production center in the country. Data from the Socioeconomic Overview of Bento Gonçalves revealed that the turnover of the furniture industry grew by 16.7 percent in 2010. Moreover, the sector is the second largest in number of companies registered in the city.
WoodEX for Africa
There are 300 furniture companies (35.4 percent), according to the Furniture Industry Association of Bento Gonçalves (Sindmóveis), which is a further indication of
Following the success of the inaugural WoodEX for
the strength of the furniture and woodworking segment
Africa Exhibition at Gallagher Convention Center
in the city.
in Midrand in March last year, WoodEX for Africa
In addition to exhibiting cutting-edge equipment and
promises to be bigger and better in 2013. The show
inputs for the furniture sector, FIMMA Brasil hosts projects
is the biggest event in Africa focusing exclusively on
that are held concurrently with the fair, bringing those
the timber industry and creates the ideal platform
who sell closer to the buyers. The Buyer’s Project aims to
for wood and woodworking enthusiasts to be at
put importers of machinery, raw materials and accessories
the frontier of the timber industry and to network
for furniture and Brazilian exporters face-to-face and
with key players in the industry. The show will
negotiate during simultaneous 20-minute meetings. The
feature exhibitors showcasing innovative timber
Innovation Award encourages manufacturers of machines,
and woodworking products and services such as
raw materials and accessories for the furniture industry,
woodworking machinery, decking, flooring, structured
exhibiting at FIMMA Brasil, to display their innovations
timber, timber treating, saw milling and logging, pulp
during the fair. Further, the FIMMA Joiner Project aims to
and paper manufacturing and wood material and
encourage the participation of small companies in FIMMA
veneer production.
Brasil, promoting the development and the dissemination of an entrepreneurial culture.
As the leading event of its kind, the exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to view a range of products, technologies and equipment related to the
Date: 12 - 18 March Venue: Parque De Eventos - Bento Gonçalves Location: Bento Gonçalves, Brazil TIMINGS: 10:00 - 18:00 WEBSITE: www.fimma.com.br/en
woodworking industry. The range of exhibits include - forestry industry and forestry technology; wood materials, machinery and veneer production; furniture machinery and production; solid woodworking, machinery and production; industrial surface and preservative treatment technologies; timber construction; wooden arts and crafts; and related services in the timber industry. WoodEX for Africa 2013 will also feature Timber Talks, a number of short seminars, which will provide a dynamic and interactive learning experience enabling visitors to share knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry.
Date: 21 - 23 March Venue: Gallagher Convention Center Location: Midrand, South Africa WEBSITE: www.woodexforafrica.com
46 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
SHOWTIME
DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR 2013 DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR is the largest floor covering
With over 80 percent of the show sold out, the organizers
trade show in the Asia Pacific region, and the second
have singled out enthusiasm for the new programs including
largest in the world. Held every March at the Shanghai New
forums on heated flooring technology, green building
International Expo Centre, this event attracts 40,000 visitors
practices, and building materials distribution; the addition of
from around the world and hosts more than 1,100 Chinese
a new segment to the show; and recognition that DOMOTEX
and international exhibitors. Held since 1999, DOMOTEX
Asia/CHINAFLOOR sits at the epicenter of one of the world’s
Asia/CHINAFLOOR will be back for its 15th installment
fastest growing flooring markets as being factors that
from March 26-28 at the Shanghai New International Expo
have fueled exhibitor bookings this year. In recognition of
(SNIEC) in Shanghai. According to the organizers, around 50
the growth potential, the show floor space has also been
percent of the total show floor in 2013 will be dedicated to
increased to 130,000 square meters and based upon early
wood and laminates including solid and engineered woods,
figures the organizers believe that turnout could increase to
laminate, cork and bamboo flooring.
around 45,000 in 2013.
In 2013, for the first time, DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR
The success of the show can be largely attributed to the
will add ceramic tiles and stone floorings to the show
fact that China and the greater Asia Pacific region offers
focusing on high end products. Asia is the largest consumer
unparalleled emerging opportunities for the floor covering
of ceramic in the world and demand for fashion oriented,
industry. The Chinese Government has shifted its focus from
innovative products is on the rise. As such DOMOTEX Asia/
an export led economy to increasing domestic consumption
CHINAFLOOR gives Western manufacturers an opportunity
making China among the fastest growing economies in the
to reach that market with the new CER Tiles & Stones venue.
globe and the world’s second largest luxury market. As such
Like other segments, the new ceramic/stone sector broadly
60 percent of China’s citizens are expected to migrate to
includes ceramic tiles and stones in both finished slabs
urban settings by 2020, generating the largest migration
and unprocessed natural stone, floor laying materials and
and the largest demand for new urban construction
supplies, machinery and tools, cleaning and maintenance
the world has ever seen. This booming urban growth is
and associations.
producing an unprecedented domestic demand for floor covering with around 1.6 to 1.9 billion square meters of new floor space due to be built by the end of this decade in China. The show is perfectly positioned to allow exhibitors a platform from which to reach these emerging opportunities.
Date: 26 - 28 March Venue: Shanghai New International Expo (SNIEC) Location: Shanghai, China Expected Attendees: 40,000+ WEBSITE: www.domotexasiachinafloor.com/en
48 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
SHOWTIME
CIFM / interzum guangzhou CIFM / interzum guangzhou is the most comprehensive
machines for woodworking and furniture production;
trade fair in woodworking machinery, furniture
and trade associations.
production and interior design industry in Asia and
Located in Area C, the Raw Materials & Components
the definitive one-stop platform for participants
Zone will be represented by four distinct product
to meet buyers, manufacturers and suppliers from
segments with hardware and components as well
all vertical sectors of the furniture manufacturing,
as Turkish and Spanish pavilions. The zone will
production and design industries. Celebrating its 10th
feature materials and equipment for upholstery and
anniversary this year, the 130,000 square meter
bedding, wood products and adhesives, materials
showcase spanning areas B and C of the China Import
and equipment for interior design in addition to
and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex) is expected
participation from Turkey, Germany, the U.S./Canada,
to host over 1,000 top furniture manufacturers,
Italy, Chile and the American Hardwood Export Council
8 national pavilions and draw more than 56,000
(AHEC). In addition, the Machinery Zone in Area B
professional buyers from across the globe.
will highlight bedding and upholstery machinery,
With a focus on design, raw materials and components, woodworking process, or manufacturing and finishing technology, the show, being held
woodworking machinery, tools and other machinery and a German pavilion. According to the organizers, senior executives,
concurrently with the China International Furniture
industry veterans and representatives from trade
Fair (CIFF), provides an international avenue of
associations will be sharing new concepts and
business opportunities for buyers and manufacturers.
trends at themed seminars centering on innovative
The exhibitor profile includes companies involved
technology and furniture materials to be held at the
with materials and components for furniture
Piazza on the second and third day of the show. The
production; machines, materials and components for
‘Original Technology & Innovative Product Forum’
upholstery and bedding; machines, materials and
and the ‘Furniture Material Trends & Furniture Design
components for interior works; machines and auxiliary
Forum’ will allow well-known industry players from China and across the globe to throw the spotlight on the latest products and technologies as well as on overseas exports in an attempt to reveal what the trending furniture materials are.
Date: 27 - 30 March Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex) Location: Guangzhou, China Timings: 09:30 - 17:30 Expected Attendees: 56,000+ WEBSITE: www.interzum-guangzhou.com
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 49
SHOWTIME
World Teak Conference 2013 The World Teak Conference aims to examine the multiple aspects of teak cultivation and management in the context of sustainable development with social, ecological and economic implications. Organized by The Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG), TEAKNET and FAO, the conference will cover a wide range of topics, including Genetics, Silviculture and Utilization; Environments & Climate Change and Carbon Trading; Economic & Investments; and Rural Development. Besides the participation in the excellent symposia and discussion sessions which encourage exchange of ideas and sharing experiences, the participants will also have the opportunity to meet high-level industry leaders, academicians, developers and decision makers from the region and various parts of the world. The theme of the conference is - Sharing our Planet: Teak Model Development towards the Improvement of Mankind. In addition to the main conference, several other activities including a teak project site visit, plantation field trip, exhibition, business/investment matching session and a ‘Songkran’ - a Thai new year social event have been planned for delegates. The
UMIDS 2013
conference will host teak growers, traders, researchers and other players such as investment agencies, bankers and government officials associated with teak providing
UMIDS, the International Exhibition of Equipment,
them with a platform to interact and mutually benefit out
Technologies and Products for the Woodworking and
of the deliberations. It also serves as a forum to present
Furniture Industries, is one of the biggest exhibitions
innovations, discuss problems and seek solutions,
for the furniture and woodworking industry in Russia.
suggest regulatory changes, make development plans and
The exhibition gathers the leading Russian and foreign
above all to develop and strengthen relations.
suppliers and producers of industrial equipment, furniture and components for furniture production,
Date: 25 - 30 March Venue: Centara Grand Bangkok Convention and Exhibition Location: Bangkok, Thailand WEBSITE: www.worldteak2013.org
timber merchants, business owners and representatives of authorities serving as an effective business platform to discuss professional issues, conduct negotiations, and establish new business contacts. The exhibition is important to the region as it attracts interest from large Russian and foreign companies, which further helps to bring advanced equipment and technologies to woodworking industry in the south of Russia, to realize investment projects, and to strengthen new forms of mutually profitable cooperation. As an internationally established event, the exhibition attracts exhibitors from Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, China, Latvia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, the USA, Turkey, Ukraine, Finland, France, Sweden and Russia. In addition, a number of seminars and workshops are held on the sidelines of the exhibition for the furniture business.
Date: 3 - 6 April Venue: Kuban Expo Center Location: Krasnodar, Russia Timings: 3 - 5 April (Wednesday - Friday), 10:00 - 17:30 and 6 April (Saturday), 10:00 - 15:00 Expected Attendees: 12,000+ WEBSITE: www.umids.ru/home.aspx
50 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
SHOWTIME
Dubai WoodShow The Dubai WoodShow returns in April as the
manpower, and offers convenient air connections,
foremost exhibition in the Gulf that offers a
making it an extremely well connected and business-
chance for the timber industry to meet wood and
friendly destination.
woodworking professionals and develop ideas
With 16,000 square meters of space available,
for increasing the range and quality of business
the organizers expect exhibitors from over 40
and learn about new techniques and sources of
countries at the show this year, displaying products
supply. According to the organizers, the show
such as timber, hardwood, softwood, plywood,
is a prestigious platform for creative ideas and
panels, MDF, wood flooring, treatment products,
new technologies, as well as innovative resources
spraying equipment and raw wood materials for the
that can initiate new transactions. The show’s
Middle East region. In addition, the woodworking
development has mirrored the growth of the UAE
machinery zone will include highlight a range of
as an important wood processing hub, particularly
wood machinery, such as boring and combining
Dubai, which has developed a world-class
machines, blades and knives, edgebanders, sanding,
infrastructure, provides easy access to qualified
finger jointing equipment, plywood manufacturing machinery, wood accessories and components and dust control equipment. As a must-attend event for a wide range of wood industry players, the event provides a platform for visitors to meet with potential business partners and suppliers and learn from industry leaders at the WoodShow Conference.
Date: 9 - 11 April Venue: Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center Location: Dubai, UAE Timings: 10:00 - 18:00 Expected Attendees: 7,000+ WEBSITE: www.dubaiwoodshow.com
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 51
SHOWTIME INTERVIEW
8th edition of Dubai WoodShow set for April 2013
T
he 8th edition of the Dubai WoodShow is set to take place at the Dubai International
Convention and Exhibition Center from April 9 - 11 this year. With over 500 exhibitors from more than 40 countries expected to take part, the show remains the leading exhibition in the region that offers a chance for the timber industry to meet wood and woodworking professionals and develop ideas for increasing the range and quality of business and learn about new techniques and sources of supply. Timber Design & Technology
a conference, which aims to explore
At this year’s show, we will be
talks to Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO of
and promote wood solutions in the
organizing a seminar centered on the
Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions,
design and construction sectors of
various possibilities of building with
ahead of the show.
the GCC. This underlines the Dubai
wood. The four main topics that will
WoodShow’s commitment to involve
be covered are: Wood as a building
more construction-related sectors,
material for interiors and exteriors in
thus involving professionals who are
the GCC; wood as a design component
directly involved in projects where the
of architectural projects; the current
The show was able to expand and
use of wood, both as a building and
state of wood use in the GCC; and
bring a diverse range of offerings
decorative material, can be explored
timber legality. The timber legality
for visitors whilst also presenting a
and maximized.
seminar, which is being hosted for
1. In retrospect, what were the major achievements of the Dubai WoodShow 2012?
wider range of potential networks
the second year running, will talk
new exhibitors from countries like
3. What are the main objectives for this year’s edition?
Mozambique, Cameroon and Taiwan.
The show will offer a chance for
exporting to Europe and also
In addition, the exhibitors were
timber industry professionals to
highlight the benefits and challenges
successful in expanding their business
interact and develop ideas for
of this mandatory certification.
to new markets, such as Pakistan
increasing the range and quality of
and Iraq. Another major achievement
business. The main objective is to
was the first edition of the seminar
involve more sectors in the show and
on timber legality, which opened the
increase the range of suppliers and
discussion for the growing need for
products being showcased. Evolution,
5. How does the Dubai WoodShow aim to be different from other timber industry trade fairs?
producers to certify their products.
divergence, and additional growth
Dubai WoodShow is a unique and
opportunities are the objectives set
specialized wood and woodworking
for this year’s show, with the main
exhibition in Middle East as it
intention being to facilitate the show
provides a business platform
Our focus this year has been on
in helping this year’s wood machinery
for buyers and sellers to build
attracting the latest products from
exhibitors meet new contacts and
their network and showcase their
new markets in an attempt to support
generate key opportunities in the
products in the region. The show
the show’s position as a business
Middle East region.
hosts specialized trade visitors who
for exhibitors as well. There were
2. How is this year’s edition positioned?
platform and thereby increase the product range for visitors. We have also strived to involve more entities from across the industry by organizing
52 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
4. Are there any events such as awards, seminars and workshops at this year’s edition?
about the need for certification for timber-producing companies
are knowledgeable and are serious buyers from all over the world. Significantly, exhibitors can forge ties with new customers and catch up on
SHOWTIME INTERVIEW
success for our exhibitors if not more this year.
9. What - in your opinion - are the major trends for the timber market at the moment? The EU Timber Regulation will change the timber market. In June 2012, the EU released detailed information about the requirements of the EU Timber Regulation. From that point onwards, importers and their suppliers located outside of the EU have been busy adapting to the new requirements before they come into effect in March this year. This process is likely to influence the entire timber industry and move it in the direction of enhanced focus on both legal and sustainable timber.
10. What is the long-term plan for the WoodShow series of exhibitions in the Middle East? The long-term plan is to establish the Dubai WoodShow as the Middle Image © Dubai WoodShow
East hub for wood products and
Image © Dubai WoodShow
the latest trends and technological developments in the industry.
6. How many visitors and exhibitors are likely to be there at the fair this year? What percentage of them are repeat exhibitors and how many of them are new?
Image © Dubai WoodShow
Accumech Trading Machinery &
wood machinery trading. We aim to
Equipment (UAE), Pfeifer Holz GmbH
accomplish this with a new formula
The exhibition is being held in
& Co KG (Austria), Royal Trade Links
for the event, which includes a
approximately 16,000 square
Inc.(Canada), Tridel International
conference and business roundtables.
meters of exhibition space and will
Building Materials Trading LLC (UAE),
The show should ideally allow
showcase more than 500 brands and
GiZiR Ahsap Insaat Turizm San Tic
businesses to launch their regional
exhibitors from over 40 countries.
A.S.(Turkey), Starwood Veneers Private
operation strategy and connect
To date, around 90 percent are
Ltd (India), El Tawheed For Modern
with the worldwide network in
repeat exhibitors and the remaining
Wood Paint (Egypt)and Fein (Metallic
the wood industry. To address this
10 percent are new exhibitors from
Building Materials) (UAE).
objective, as an initial action, the
Latin America and Africa. Last year the show attracted a little over 7,000 trade visitors and we expect an even greater turnout this year.
7. Who are some of the new exhibitors making their debut at the show this year? To mention some of them, we have
8. Do you have an idea of the volume of business that might be conducted at the show this year?
show will hold a conference to discuss the use of wood in the GCC. Architects, engineers, developers and contractors will also be invited to the seminar to participate in
According to the survey filled
the discussion and to look into
by exhibitors, Dubai WoodShow
UAE projects, which are already
2012 reported sales of 100 million
incorporating wood solutions in their
dollars. We anticipate similar
building activities.
February 2013 | www.timberdesignandtechnology.com 53
SHOWTIME
EXPO Calendar Lumber and Building Material Expo 6th - 8th February John B. Hynes Memorial Convention Center Boston, United States of America
DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR 2013 26th - 28th March Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) Shanghai, China
www.domotexasiachinafloor.com/en
www.nrla.org/content.aspx?id=3030 World Teak Conference Eurobois 19th - 22nd February Eurexpo Lyon, France
25th - 30th March Centara Grand Bangkok Convention and Exhibition Bangkok, Thailand
www.worldteak2013.org
www.eurobois.net CIFM / interzum guangzhou ABCFP Forestry Conference and AGM 20th - 22nd February Prince George Civic Center Prince George, Canada
www.expofor.ca Drevostavby 2013 21st - 24th February Incheba Prague Exhibition Center Prague, Czech Republic
www.idrevostavby.cz WoodMac China 5th - 8th March Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) Shanghai, China
www.woodmacchina.net/en/index.asp HYTTE 2013 7th - 10th March Norway Trade Fairs Lillestrom, Norway
www.hytte2011.no Las-Expo 8th - 10th March Targi Kielce Kielce, Poland
www.las-expo.pl FIMMA Brasil 2013 18th - 22nd March Parque De Eventos - Bento Gonรงalves Bento Gonรงalves, Brazil
www.fimma.com.br/en WoodEX for Africa 21st - 23rd March Gallagher Convention Center Midrand, South Africa
www.woodexforafrica.com Holzhaus 21st - 24th March VVC Moscow, Russia
www.holzhaus.ru OUTDOOR DESIGN BUILD & SUPPLY SHOW 25th - 27th March Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center Dubai, UAE
www.theoutdoorshow.ae
54 www.timberdesignandtechnology.com | February 2013
Dubai WoodShow 9th - 11th April Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center Dubai, UAE
www.dubaiwoodshow.com Residue to Revenues 2013 10th - 11th April Auckland, New Zealand
www.woodresiduesevents.com
27th - 30th March China Import and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex) Guangzhou, China
BWS
www.interzum-guangzhou.com
www.bwsmesse.at/en/index.html
UMIDS 2013 3rd - 6th April Kuban Expo Centre Krasnodar, Russia
www.umids.ru/home.aspx
10th - 13th April Messezentrum Salzburg Salzburg, Austria
DREMA 16th - 19th April Poznan International Fairground Poznan, Poland
www.drema.pl
American red oak Hakkasan Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Keeping carbon out of the atmosphere. Naturally. American hardwood.
Each kilogram of U.S. hardwood product stores the equivalent of 1.835 kilograms of CO2 for as long as it remains in use
For more information visit: www.americanhardwood.org Follow us on Twitter