WIA Issue217

www.panelsfurnitureasia.
com Issue 2 | September 2017
THE WAVE, NTU

CANADA BRINGS TIMBER EXPERTISE TO ASIA
LUKE HUGHES' LATEST PROJECT TAKES HIM TO BEIJING
MAGGIE'S OLDHAM, A BREAKTHROUGH IN HARDWOOD CLT
2018 25 – 27 June 2018
by Panels & Furniture Group Shanghai, China
ASIA’S SPECIALISED WOOD MATERIALS

WOOD PRODUCTS TRADE SHOW
ORGANISER CO-ORGANISER ENDORSED BY
Shanghai American APA-

Shanghai Pablo Timber Trade French Hardwood American Softwood Thai Timber Malaysian The Engineered
Exhibition Co., Ltd. Association Timber Export Council Softwoods Export Council Canada Wood Association Timber Council Wood Association
www.sylvawoodexpo.com
The Park Hyatt Hadahaa, Maldives - Batutta Restaurant
featuring timber strips and flooring made of Malaysian timber.
Reasons Why
Malaysian Timbers
are the Preferred Choice!
Sustainable
Renewable
Versatile
Durable
Diverse
Malaysian timbers, exported to more than 160 countries, have continued to be favoured and featured
in building applications in many parts of the world. The remarkable performance characteristics of
many Malaysian timbers have allowed architects and designers to feature timber in extraordinarily
imaginative ways and time-transcending designs that match beauty with functionality.
To learn more about Malaysian timbers and timber products, and the Council’s 2017 events and programmes,
please visit www.mtc.com.my
CONTENTS
14 36
04 20
EDITOR’S NOTE THE BIG PICTURE
Wake up call Spirited Away
14 28
ENGINEERED WOOD IN PERSON
The Wave, Nanyang Technological Softwood lumber, more than just a
University shared interest between two old friends
2 WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE ASIA • ISSUE 2 • SEPTEMBER 2017

48
32 44
FIT-OUTS MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
32 Furniture befitting the learning 44 “ONEWOOD” fit for all purposes
space of the future 48 Maggie’s Oldham: The world’s
36 Where plywood and innovation first permanent hardwood CLT
mix, ingenuity comes forth structure
40 51 SHOW REVIEWS
FLOORING 60 SHOW PREVIEWS
New Oasis: A diversified flooring 62 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
producer in China 64 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
ISSUE 2 • SEPTEMBER 2017 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE ASIA 3

| EDITOR’S NOTE
Wake up call
Singapore MICA (P) 020/07/2017 • ISSN 2251-1520
Editor | Lee Zhuomin

zhuominlee@pabloasia.com
Assistant Editor | Pang Yanrong

yanrong@pabloasia.com
how structural complexities could be Assistant Editor | Sarah Si

sarahsi@pabloasia.com
Lee Zhuomin | Editor re-imagined into a striking
masterpiece of architecture. In a Deputy Executive Editor
J
ust three years ago, it would way, it also fueled the global race (Chinese Edition) | Wendy Wei
be far-fetched to even suggest for going higher with wood. pabloshanghai@163.net
that Asia Pacific would one Forte still stands tall, but it is no Graphic Designer | Liu Yu
day warm up to the idea of a longer the tallest. Vancouver’s liuyu@pabloasia.com
city built on timber. Ignorance, 18-storey Brock Commons now
Admin & Circulation Manager | Shu Ai Ling
cost and disbelief aside, sweltering is. The Canadians are more than
circulation@pabloasia.com
hot weather, humidity and over- happy to introduce this know-how
crowding rendered the thought a to Southeast Asia. In May this year, General Manager,
pipe dream. the Minister of International Trade Pablo Beijing & Shanghai | Ellen Gao
The material would hardly last visited Singapore for this purpose, pablobeijing@163.com
under such oppressive conditions, expressing his intention to exploit the Associate Publisher | Pamela Buckley
much less survive the next 100 years, “Gateway to Asia” as a springboard pamela@pabloasia.com
so they say. But time has since for promoting softwood in the
Executive Director | Alistair Bryson
proven naysayers the contrary, region (p. 28).
pablogermany@t-online.de
turning “what if” into “it is finished”. The city-state is ready and eager
Timber answers the wake-up call for a wood renaissance in favour of Publisher | William Pang
williampang@pabloasia.com
to climate change because it has quicker construction times as jobs are
a much lower carbon footprint plentiful but workers, few. The new
than other apparently eco-friendly sports hall at Nanyang Technological Wood in Architecture Asia is a member of
materials such as recycled plastic University is an engineered wood
(p. 57). wonder that stands as an example of
The first few notable projects that this commitment (p. 14). One home-
turned heads were actually from the grown company is also introducing
region: 10-storey Forte and Library a wood composite material that
at the Dock in Melbourne, both has great strength and durability for
made from cross-laminated timber. flooring and fit-outs (p. 44). 3 Ang Mo Kio Street 62
#01-23 Link@AMK
(Arguably, Australia is not ‘Asia’, but Elsewhere, years of experimenting Singapore 569139
some cities are within a four-hour with tulipwood CLT have culminated Tel: (65) 6266 5512
E-mail: info@pabloasia.com
flight away, close enough.) into Maggie’s Oldham, the first
Forte was inspiring at that time permanent structure made of Company Registration No: 200001473N
All rights reserved. Views of writers do not necessarily reflect the views of
(c. 2012) not only for its record as hardwood CLT (p. 48). the Publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form
or by any means, without prior permission in writing from the Publisher
the tallest timber superstructure in In the infinite space of imagination, and copyright owner. Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy of
the information in this publication, the Publisher accepts no liability for
the world; it showed the rest of us all is yours to harvest.

damages caused by misinterpretation of information, expressed or implied,
within the pages of the magazine. All advertisements are accepted on the
understanding that the Advertiser is authorised to publish the contents of
the advertisements, and in this respect, the Advertiser shall indemnify the
Publisher against all claims or suits for libel, violation of right of privacy and
copyright infringements. Panels & Furniture Asia is a controlled-circulation
bi-monthly magazine. It is mailed free-of-charge to readers who meet a set of
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criteria. Paid subscription is available to those who do not fit our terms of control.
Please refer to subscription form provided in the publication for more details.
Front cover: The Wave/ Credit: NTU Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd

PANELS & FURNITURE GROUP
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delivers world-class stories from the global timber and woodworking sector. We Asia and Wood in Architecture Middle East & North Africa.
bring you stories and in-depth analyses that power trends and shape opinions
Every year the Group publishes the American Hardwoods Southeast Asia
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| NEWS
THE global cross laminated

timber market is expected to CLT MARKET The global cross laminated
timber market reached US$470
reach US$880 million by 2022.
According to the latest report
FORECAST TO REACH million in 2016, growing at a
CAGR of over 16 per cent
by IMARC Group entitled Cross-
Laminated Timber Market:
US$880 MN BY 2022 between 2009 and 2016.
Although CLT has largely
Global Industry Trends, Share, been concentrated in Central
Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2017-2022,
Europe, it is now spreading to other regions as well.
robust growth can be attributed to the green building
Europe is the largest producer of CLT, accounting
movement that is gaining momentum around the world.
for the majority of global production. Within this block,
Changes in building codes to encourage the use of
Austria is the largest producer. Other major producers
CLT have also facilitated expansion in its applications.
Increasing awareness on the advantages of CLT through are Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Top players are Stora
conscientious marketing efforts by manufacturers have Enso, KLH, Binderholz, Mayr Melnhof and Hasslacher. WIA
also boosted its popularity. Other growth drivers include
improved distribution channels, increasing construction *See also p. 51 on technology for manufacturing CLT
activities and rapid urbanisation. and timber structures
HYBRID structures made from

a combination of concrete WHAT WOULD construction. The process is
also suited for prefabricated
and wood components
have become increasingly
HAPPEN IF CONCRETE units.
“They weigh at most half
popular in contemporary
architecture. But what kind of
AND WOOD MIXED of what normal concrete
weighs, the lightest of them
possibilities would open up for
the construction sector if both
TOGETHER? even floats!” Zwicky said.
Moreover, as the materials
materials were combined as one? are largely made from renewable resources, they can
Swiss scientists are now exploring a load-bearing be recycled as a source of energy after dismantling.
concrete which itself consists largely of wood. In many However, Zwicky admits that it will be several years
blends, the volume of the wood is over 50 per cent. before the first buildings are erected using lightweight
Daia Zwicky, head of the Institute for Building and wood-concrete material. “The level of knowledge
Environmental Technologies at the School of Engineering required for widespread application is still too limited.”
and Architecture of Fribourg, experimented with the Further experiments will see the Fribourg group
content and granularity of wood as well as diverse conducting a broader range of tests, for example what
additives, and subsequently subjected the various blends wood-concrete ratio is best for which application, and
to rigorous tests. The main difference from classical how they can be manufactured efficiently. WIA
concrete is that the gravel and sand content is replaced
with finely ground wood. In other words, sawdust rather
than small stones is mixed in with the cement.
The research is part of the National Research
Programme “Resource Wood” (NFP 66), which studies
practical solutions for wood use in Switzerland.
Cement-bonded wood products have been around
for decades but the radical approach could see a more
ambitious use of wood-based concrete as a structural
material instead of its traditional non-load-bearing
purpose, such as insulation.
The research team found that the new building
material demonstrated good flame retardant properties
and acted well as thermal insulation. Initial 1:1 stress tests
showed that the material is suitable for slab and wall An 8-metre long timber and wood-cement composite slab is tested to
elements and can provide a load-bearing function in rupture at the School of Engineering and Architecture Fribourg

NEWS |
MALAYSIA’s building and construction industry is set for
a boost as government initiatives that promote local MALAYSIA: BUILDING
expertise and reduce reliance on foreign professionals
are expected to climb in the next few years.
SECTOR SET FOR
Against a robust economy, the country’s construction
sector saw growth rate rising to eight per cent in 1Q/2017
GOOD GROWTH
from 6.5 per cent in 1Q/2016, driven by increased civil The annual trade event in July draws Southeast Asia’s
engineering activities. building and construction sector together.
Residential buildings expanded to seven per cent from She added, “SMEs should utilise these opportunities
4.9 per cent in 2016 as new high-end serviced apartments by adapting to new technologies and ways of doing
and affordable housing developments come up in Klang business in order to compete for businesses globally to
Valley and Johor. survive.”
The total value of construction work done rose 9.7 Some notable projects in the pipeline are the Forest
per cent to RM35 Bn, totaling 9,572 projects in 2017 City and Petroliam Nasional Bhd in Johor, the Bandar
compared to 11.1 per cent worth RM31.9 Bn. Malaysia and Tun Razak Exchange in Kuala Lumpur, the
Malaysia’s economy registered a strong 5.6 per Melaka Gateway projects and the East Coast Rail Line
cent growth in 1Q/2017 compared to the 4.1 per cent project from Malaysia to Singapore.
achieved in the same period last year. They are in various stages of progress with a few
“Malaysian firms and SMEs should be ready to compete beginning as early as 2018.
with international firms to gain benefits from mega projects,” Archidex was held from 19 - 22 July at the Kuala Lumpur
YB Datuk Rosnah Binti Abdul Rashid Shirlin, Deputy Minister Convention Centre. Organisers expect the event to
of Works, stated in a speech at Archidex 2017. generate over RM1 Bn in sales transactions. WIA

| NEWS
Singapore Sustainability Academy is made from CLT and glulam.

Photo credit: CDL, VMW Group
NEW SINGAPORE
SUSTAINABILITY ACADEMY
LAUNCHES, CHAMPIONS
CLIMATE ACTION,
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS,
AND SOCIAL CHANGE and Coordinating Minister for National Security, and Mr
Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for the Environment and Water
PERCHED above City Square Mall, the new Singapore Resources, in June.
Sustainability Academy is reminiscent of a worldwide The zero-energy building features about 3,200 square
trend in managing the urban population crisis— feet of photovoltaic panels which will yield over 60,000
constructing new wooden units above existing buildings. kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy, more than the estimated
The Academy however, is not a residence. Instead, annual energy consumption of 50,000 kWh. The building
the one-storey 4,300-square-foot space comprises also has an automation control and energy monitoring
classrooms, a veranda, an office, and an exhibition system that adapts lighting and air-conditioning to
gallery. situations, providing maximum energy savings while
It is made from cross-laminated timber (CLT) and maintaining full comfort.
glulam, all of which were pre-fabricated and then Sherman Kwek, deputy chief executive officer of CDL,
assembled on-site. (The timber is verified by the said, “Sustainability creates immense value for businesses,
Nature’s BarcodeTM system as coming from responsible stakeholders, the community and the environment. It is
sources.) Wood is an ideal material because it is light; it strategically integrated into our business.”
minimises load on the structure. This method also raises Edwin Khew, SEAS Chairman added, “Our partnership
productivity—in this case, by 30 per cent, saving about with CDL for the SSA will provide a platform for the industry
130 days of work. It also reduces on-site pollution to a and community to learn and collaborate on sustainable
minimum, resulting in a cleaner and safer worksite. development, as well as climate change and its effects.”
The Academy is a joint project between City Under the Green Building Masterplan, Singapore aims
Developments Limited (CDL) and the Sustainable Energy to green 80 per cent of all buildings by 2030. It has also
Association of Singapore (SEAS). It was officially opened pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 36 per cent by
by Mr Teo Chee Hean, Singapore Deputy Prime Minister 2030. WIA

NEWS |
CHINA GETS TOUGH ON

AIR POLLUTION WITH GREEN
Rendering by Stefano Boeri Architetti
ARCHITECTURE PROJECT
SOUTH of China, a living, breathing city blueprint produce approximately 900 tonnes of oxygen per year.
designed by Milan-based Stefano Boeri Architetti It is located in a mountainous region in Guangxi, an
envisions all buildings covered in greenery. The utopian area that covers 175 hectares along the Liujiang River.
urban dream, now under construction, will become a It will connect to the main Liuzhou City via a fast rail line
reality in 2020. run on electricity.
The futuristic city follows the success of the architects’
Commissioned by the Liuzhou Municipality Urban
Vertical Forest in Milan. The immediate benefits of a green
Planning, the Liuzhou Forest City will be home to 30,000 city are not just an improvement in air quality; it will also
people, 40,000 trees, and over a million plants. Energy self- drop temperatures, create sound-proof barriers, and
sufficiency needs are met by renewables: geothermal provide a haven for flora and fauna.
energy for interior air-conditioning and solar panels over The Milan model will also be replicated in other parts
the roofs. The buildings are designed to absorb almost of the world. In China, Nanjing, Shanghai and Shenzhen
10,000 tonnes of CO2 and 57 tonnes of pollutants, and are earmarked for the next project. WIA

| NEWS
SINGAPORE STUDENTS
RE-IMAGINE UTOPIAN
SOLUTIONS FOR A
SUSTAINABLE,
LIVEABLE CITY
An artist’s impression of the interior of an 80-storey timber tower proposed
for Singapore. Rendering courtesy of WEIJENBERG.
The future belongs to the young and those who dare to dream, as this year’s graduating class of
Singapore University of Technology & Design demonstrate.
WHAT does the city of the future look like? No long queues The proposed design is for a building in the CBD but
at the bank, or perhaps a more equal world in which the can also be applied to public housing—or Housing
less mobile can live, work and play like everyone else? Development Board homes—where 80 per cent of the
Or maybe a Central Business District that, instead of steel population reside.
and concrete, is one of tall timber buildings? Weijenberg’s prototype responds to an urgent need for
For their final year project, graduating students from eco-friendly, ‘intelligent’ architecture using sustainable
the Singapore University of Technology & Design re- building materials, following a recent announcement
imagined an urban landscape that solves some of our by the Singapore government to install 5,500 HDB blocks
most pressing issues in everyday life. These ideas tie in with with solar panels by 2020.
Singapore Sustainable City 2030, an ambitious initiative “Our research is a step further towards a greener
which aims at developing innovative infrastructure for Singapore and meeting Singapore’s ‘Sustainable City
next-generation living. 2030 Agenda’,” Mr Weijenberg said. “The greatest
Over a period of about nine months, project teams breakthroughs in architecture, I believe, come about
worked with corporate actors to identify and solve a through research.”
design problem. These solutions are ultimately presented As Asian cities expand at an unprecedented rate,
at the annual Capstone Showcase. overcrowding, traffic congestion and urban sprawl
One team proposed a multi-modal and sustainable highlight the urgency for sustainable, dense and resilient
transportation system for the Greater Southern Waterfront urban development solutions.
in 2030 in consultation with French software systems Renewable, lightweight and natural, timber in high rise
company Dassault Systèmes. The vehicles are shared, towers substantially reduces a building’s carbon footprint.
autonomous and amphibious. A flying vehicle prototype The process of photosynthesis, which occurs throughout
can soar mid-to-long distances to avoid traffic congestion. the growing life of a tree traps atmospheric carbon to
There are wearables for reducing spinal injuries, futuristic release oxygen and acts as a carbon sink. In contrast,
air purifiers, producing
smart rubbish traditional
collectors, ideas structural
for road safety materials such
and stacking as concrete
public bicycles and steel
neatly. releases CO2
A n o t h e r and consumes
team, advised far more fossil
by Dutch fuel energy. On
a r c h i t e c t the completion
C a m i e l of its life-span,
Weijenberg, timber can be
came up with a re-introduced
blueprint for an i n t o t h e
80-storey timber ecological raw
superstructure. The project team with Malte Herrmann, APP Timber, at the Capstone Showcase material cycle.

NEWS |
Elswhere, the concept of tall timber buildings is taking different types of visitor groups: opinion builders, industry
root. Last year, PLP proposed London’s first ‘plyscraper’, leaders and the curious person,” Malte Herrmann, Sales
standing at 80 storeys in Barbican. Proposals such as director of APP Timber, said.
21-storey Haut in Amsterdam and 52-metre 5 King in The team explored various scenarios such as over-
Brisbane are also all competing to go higher. Could the crowding, whether the gallery should have a guided
next generation put Singapore on the map for the next path or should people be allowed to roam freely. To get a
architectural marvel? sense of space, they visited museums around Singapore.
Apart from urban problems, project teams also worked “There were some things that Malte told us would be
with companies to solve business problems. A six-member good to include, such as touch—allowing people to feel
student team designed an interactive discovery space the wood, that’s what the display wall is for,” Pauline
for APP Timber’s new Wood Distribution & Training Centre Siew, a project member, said.
in Semarang, Indonesia. The Kuala Lumpur-based wood While students are taught materials in class, wood is
distributor requested a space that would educate and not a huge part of the syllabus.
engage visitors on sustainable harvesting practices, Siew added, “We definitely learnt a lot about wood.
wood species, procurement and processing methods. It is more sustainable than other materials like plastic or
Throughout the design process, the team, comprising aluminium if you source it properly from a well-managed
architecture and engineering majors, also came up with forest.”
an interactive mobile application for this purpose. “It was a great process working with the students, and
“We wanted to teach people about forestry and I’m rather impressed,” Mr Herrmann said.
sustainability. The challenge was to maximise the space, The Capstone Showcase was held from August 4 – 5
create an interactive experience and cater to three at the Singapore University of Technology & Design. WIA

| NEWS
EGGER ANNOUNCES
STABLE RESULTS FOR
FY2016/2017 The EGGER Group, headquartered in St Johann, Austria
THE EGGER Group announced new records for the sales, which was largely compensated through exports.
financial year 2016/2017. Group sales rose 1.7 per cent The panels and engineered wood products company
to EUR 2.38 Bn while EBITDA climbed four per cent, hitting also announced significant investments in Poland,
EUR 363.7 Mn, a record for the company’s 56-year history. Argentina, and the USA, an amount totaling EUR 259.2
The volume of raw boards (including timber) produced Mn (previous year: EUR 302.7 Mn).
increased to 7.9 million m3 (+3 %), suggesting that all Some projects announced are the acquisition of
primary production capacities were maximised. Masisa’s Concordia plant in Argentina, a first outside
There is optimism in the coming years as positive Europe; a new chipboard plant in Biskupiec, Poland,
sales developments were achieved and market share, which will be completed in end 2018; and another
secured in almost all regions. Despite uncertainties green field investment in a wood-based materials plant
following the Brexit vote, business in the UK over the past in Lexington, North Carolina.
12 months was positive. Lower earnings were due to a EGGER expects revenue and results to continue
weaker British Pound. The unrest in Turkey also led to lower growing in the current business year. WIA
METSA WOOD PIONEERS

OPEN INNOVATION
PROJECT TO ENCOURAGE
MASS WOOD
CONSTRUCTION
METSÄ Wood’s Open Source Wood initiative is a call to
action to architects, designers and engineers to share
knowledge on large-scale, modular wood construction.
“Not enough knowledge about modular wood design
and building is shared, so wood construction remains
niche. There is plenty of innovation but it is difficult to
find, so Open Source Wood is our solution. We believe Additionally, Metsä Wood will award innovation
that with open collaboration the industry can achieve in modular element design by offering EUR30,000 to
significant growth,” Metsä Wood’s Executive Vice exceptional designs, submitted as part of the initiative,
President, Esa Kaikkonen, said. using its Kerto® LVL material.
Eric Karsh, an engineer at Vancouver-based Equilibrium Today only five to 10 per cent of global urban
Consulting, added, “We fundamentally need to construction is wood, due in part to the fact that the
challenge the way we build. Timber technology is now industry is fragmented and local. Wood is an optimal
progressing so fast that knowledge transfer is often the material for urban construction as it enables faster
bottleneck. Those of us who have expertise have a building processes; its lightness leads to more affordable
responsibility to share, and the fastest way is an open structures and it is the most environmentally-friendly
source approach promoting knowledge and innovation building material, mitigating climate change through
from all corners of the world.” carbon storage.
Metsä Wood is taking the first step by sharing its own Open Source Wood is a continuation of Metsä Wood’s
intellectual property for modular Kerto® LVL (laminated project Plan B, launched in 2015 as an ambitious blueprint
veneer lumber) wood elements, making them available to explore the possibilities of using wood in urban
freely for everyone. construction. WIA

NEWS |
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT
HEXION Inc. has introduced

a new two-component HEXION RELEASES American Business Director
for Adhesives. “To ensure
adhesive system that
reduces waste and
NEW ECO-FRIENDLY the lasting durability and
performance of these
clean-up costs, enhances
durability and supports
ADHESIVES sustainable engineered
wood materials, we have
indoor air quality. This adhesive system, which includes had this new adhesive tested by multiple third party
the Ecobind™ 6500 resin and Wonderbond™ Hardener organisations.”
M650Y, is ideal for applications like cross-laminated In addition to structural durability, the Ecobind
timbers for tall wood buildings and glue-laminated wood 6500/ Wonderbond Hardener M650Y resin system has
beams. also achieved UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification.
The two components are extruded separately and GREENGUARD Gold demonstrates that a product has met
then mixed when the wood is pressed together. This some of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive
unique feature provides the user with reduced costs for standards for low emissions of VOCs into indoor air and
adhesive waste and clean-up of equipment. Ecobind to account for children and the elderly.
6500/Wonderbond M650Y also exceeds all strength, Ultra-low emitting EcoBind resins are formulated
exterior exposure and high temperature requirements of to meet global emissions standards, such as the U.S.
the North American Structural Wood standards. Environmental Protection Agency, California Air
“Hexion provides the enabling lamination technology Resources Board (CARB), and Japanese standards as
for one of the most sustainable products on earth well as the specifications recommended by the Green
– engineered wood,” said Scott McIntyre, North Building Initiative and U.S. Green Building Council.

| ENGINEERED WOOD

ENGINEERED WOOD |
An inspiration from nature to

champion sustainability
NTU’s new sports hall, which uses mass-engineered
timber, reflects the university’s determination to
become the greenest eco campus in the world.
All images: Nanyang Technological University

| ENGINEERED WOOD
Hoisting of the engineered timber
Installation of the engineered timber

ENGINEERED WOOD |
scaffoldings to support the weight,
and their size is usually limited if
built without the internal columns.
To orient the shorter side of the
structure, beams may be used,
which will add to the weight and
complexity of the roof, hence,
restricting the overall size.
At The Wave, external columns are
constructed to support the seven
long-span timber arches of the
roof, which weighs over 440 tonnes.
As the building process involves
assembling prefabricated parts,
construction is sped up, resulting in 25
per cent savings in manpower, and a
reduction of 33 per cent in structural
construction time, even though the
building is larger than the average
sports hall in Singapore.
Minister Lawrence Wong inspecting the samples of the mass engineered timber
T
he Nanyang Technological
University (NTU) in Singapore
has always been known for its
green credentials. And adding on
to its green list is the new sports hall
named The Wave.
The mega sports hall is the first
large-scale building in Southeast Asia
built using mass-engineered timber
(MET), which comes from Austria. A
showpiece of innovation, The Wave
is constructed with a continuous
72-metre wave-like roof without the
need for internal columns.
Inside, it opens up a cavernous
three-storey space with no internal
pillars and “can host 13 concurrent
badminton games, or three
basketball games, or as I would like
it, a full-fledged rock concert for
almost a thousand students,” said
Professor Bertil Andersson, President
of NTU, at the opening of The Wave. The official opening of The Wave on April 24, 2017
Championing the importance of

sports, The Wave also doubled its spaces are also added to create a MET also provides five times better
seating capacity with about 1,000 vibrant campus life for the students. heat insulation than concrete.
mechanised seats that can be Computer-modelling of the sun
retracted. Its multi-purpose courts CHAMPIONING THE POTENTIAL and wind patterns on site are used
can be converted for games such IN SUSTAINABILITY to harness natural winds so as to
as badminton, volleyball or netball Typical buildings with large provide good ventilation.
while gym, activity rooms and other roofs usually require columns or In addition, each external wall is

| ENGINEERED WOOD
The Wave’s multi-purpose courts can be converted for games such as badminton, volleyball or netball.
“double layered” with a pocket of air between them However, as MET is relatively new to Singapore, it is
that insulates the heat on hot days. Special metal coils inevitable that some industry practitioners are unfamiliar
with chilled water flowing through them cools the wind with MET design and construction, according to the
that enters the hall so as to allow warmer air to escape Building and Construction Authority (BCA). Furthermore,
through convection. given the low cost of foreign labour in Singapore, MET
This unique ventilation system helps the sports hall to construction is expected to be more expensive than the
stay cool without air-conditioners or fans, thus, saving conventional labour-intensive methods of construction,
over 40 per cent of energy. or at least in the initial years of adoption.
Students are also able to play badminton in this draft- To overcome these initial challenges, the BCA has been
free environment as there will be no wind disruption from working with government agencies and the industry to
fans while still being able to stay cool. create sufficient lead demand for DfMA technologies
(including MET). It is also helping the industry build up
THE NEED TO INNOVATE technical competency in MET by engaging specialists
According to Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for National to conduct workshops on its design and construction.
Development and Second Minister for Finance, The Wave
marks a new milestone in Singapore’s push to be more NEXT ON NTU’S GREEN LIST
productive in construction. The Wave is one of the many green buildings on campus.
If the construction sector continues to rely on The University has a record number of 53 Green Mark
labour-intensive methods, there may be a far bigger Platinum awards given out by BCA.
pool of foreign workers than what Singapore can It is “no surprise that NTU is the first recipient to receive
accommodate, Mr Wong said, at the opening of the the BCA Green Mark Platinum STAR Champion award
Wave on April 24. last year,” said Mr Wong.
This could become a bottle-neck and constrain the In fact, the campus was also named as one of the
country’s development and infrastructure plans, which World’s Most Beautiful Universities.
will then see projects being deferred or held back. “With the opening of The Wave, I say that the most
With the use of MET, “we can potentially carry out beautiful has become even more beautiful,” Professor
billions more projects with the same number of workers,” Andersson said. WIA
he said.

ENGINEERED WOOD |

| BIG PICTURE

BIG PICTURE |
Structural glulam arches sourced from Douglas fir trees soar up while also hearkening back to the fundamental elements of Gothic Architecture. Photo credit: George King
Spirited Away
Wood soothes the soul and calms the anxious
heart. In these sacred spaces, the warmth
and beauty of this organic material offers all
who walk through their doors peace and rest.

| BIG PICTURE
Arguably a product of faith and prayer, St Edward Catholic Church is a beacon of light to the faithful,
lifting the spirits of those who look upon it.
The interior of St Edward Catholic Church, with the altar. All images are credited to George King
WHERE INNOVATION, FAITH,

AND PRAYER CONVERGE
Exterior of St Edward Catholic Church at night
I
t can be argued that St Edward in the form of DiLoreto Architecture, white-concrete pedestals they stem
Catholic Church, a 2015 U.S. based in Portland, Oregon. from and hold up the roof, lower roof,
WoodWorks Wood Design Award Structural glulam arches sourced and lofty clerestories.
Winner, sitting on a 20-acre campus, from Douglas fir trees create a Harkening to the congregation’s
is the product of the unwavering sense of warmth while hailing the request to have their church represent
a beacon in the community as
faith and prayer demonstrated by fundamental elements of Gothic
historically common in Gothic times,
the parishioners from Keizer, Oregon. architecture, and utilises the building
there is a ‘glass lens’ encompassing
The 1,085sqm church lacked the structure itself to produce plenty the sanctuary below that allows
finances to build the intricate Gothic of natural light and space. Six natural light to stream in during the
cathedral the members of the main structural pointed arches day, and serves as a reminder of a
church had in mind, but their US$4 strategically scattered around the lantern and uplifting the spirits of the
million budget was nonetheless met nave soar into the air from the tall parishioners at night. WIA

The Buddhist International Society Retreat pays homage to ancient Buddhist architecture
while staying true to the contemporary building methods and culture of British Columbia.
BIG PICTURE |
A
t first glance,
the Buddhist
International
TRADITION MEETS AND MELDS
Society Retreat on Bowen
Island, British Columbia, WITH THE CONTEMPORARY
Canada, and designed Tucked away in British Columbia, the Buddhist International Society Retreat
by James Tuer of JWT is a hidden gem, providing all those who walk its halls with quiet sanctuary.
Architecture and Planning,
would not look out of place
in the local municipality’s
climate, culture, and setting.
Constructed almost
entirely of western red
cedar, the winner of
the 2016 Wood Design
Awards in the Western
Red Cedar category pays
homage to the Buddhist
architecture of ancient
times while staying true to
the contemporary building The gate echoes traditional Buddhist architecture All images are credited to Wood WORKS! BC - 2016 Wood
methods and culture of that can still be found in the modern world. Design Awards in BC
British Columbia.
The exterior and ceilings metaphor that resembles a western red cedar ceiling are reminiscent of the
within the main sanctuary boat, carefully balancing finish subtly underscores traditional Buddhist
are clad in cedar that serenity and tension in the the contrasting maple architectural forms that
are clear and free of primary sanctum. floors and gypsum can still be found in places
knots, offering a stunning Deeply-curved glulam wallboard wall finish. such as the Kyoto Imperial
architectural form on beams from the Douglas fir The perimeter gates Palace gates in Kyoto,
the outside and giving tree were used in the roof’s and fencing, also made Japan, today, but with a
the interior a Zen-like curvature, and inside, the of western red cedar, modern twist. WIA

| BIG PICTURE
CLEAN, CALM,
AND TRANQUIL
The newly built Stanbrook
Abbey is the new home of the
25 Benedictine nuns from the
Conventus of Our Lady of
Consolation, who devote
their lives to study, work,
and prayer.
Stanbrook Abbey was completed over two phases – 2009 and 2015. Photo credit: Tim Crocker
L
ocated in the North over the Vale of York, but repair bills, the need for
Yorkshire Moors also a peaceful setting for a new location that was
National Park, the new their contemplative life. economic to run and
site for the Conventus of As the nuns’ original sensitive to ecological and
Our Lady of Consolation monastery, built in the environmental concerns
was chosen for the “special 1 9 th c e n t u r y , r a p i d l y grew increasingly evident.
quality of silence and light” became too expensive And Stanbrook
that could offer the nuns and restrictive with Abbey fulfilled all their
not only far-reaching views its substantial fuel and requirements.
Indigenous and natural The materials used in the
The abbey takes full advantage of natural light and views. materials were chosen construction of the abbey are
Photo credit: Tim Crocker renewable, recycled, or have low
where possible. To minimise embodied energy. Photo credit:
the use of structural Peter Cook
steel, locally-sourced
timber was adopted.
In addition, sandstone, demonstrates a thorough
formed by recycling off ethos carried through from
cuts from a local paving the sisters’ brief. They live a
manufacturer, was simple disciplined lifestyle
also incorporated into and the building reflects
the design and used for this in every statement,”
cladding in conjunction commented the judges at
with oak boarding. the RIBA Yorkshire Awards
“Its straightforward 2016, where the building
palette of materials; won the RIBA Stirling Prize
oak, stone and copper, Midlist. WIA

POWERFUL
SIMPLICITY
A quiet sanctuary, St Henry’s
Ecumenical Art Chapel is
named for Finland’s beloved
patron saint.
St Henry’s Ecumenical Art Chapel quietly and proudly points to its ecumenical roots, reminiscent of the symbol of the fish early Christians used.
All images are credited toJussi Tiainen
T
he 300sqm St Henry’s Ecumenical Art Chapel in Turku, Finland, is named after
one of the Nordic nation’s most recognisable figures, and sits unobtrusively on
one of the many islands that form the rolling Turku archipelago.
It is a place of contemplative peace and quiet for the visitors and patients of the
nearby cancer care centre, and also hosts art exhibitions, music performances,
weddings, baptisms and funerals, among others.
With the walls dramatically converging at a steep angle, the structure shows its
ecumenical roots, echoing the symbol of the fish early Christians used.
Architect Matti Sanaksenaho designed the chapel in such a way that the exterior
is covered by copper, and the interior lined with untreated timber. Nearly every
surface inside the building is made of pine planks.
Gradually, the copper’s colour will change into a turquoise hue, slowly integrating
with the surrounding trees, while the timber will slowly redden as it ages. Laminated
pine lends the edifice strength and draws the eye to the front of the church.
Glass panes situated at opposite ends of the structure let in light and shadow,
allowing them to play with each other, and forcefully enunciating the power of
the space. WIA

| BIG PICTURE
FORM AND FUNCTION

The Sayama Forest Chapel, open to all religions and
denominations, contemplatively rises out of the
forest, offering tranquillity to those who seek it.
Sayama Forest Chapel melds form and function

to create a tranquil space facing the deep
forest, “which is essentially the subject of prayer.”
Photo credit: Koji IN
Fujii/Nacasa & Partners
ASIAInc.
26 WOOD ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • SEPTEMBER 2017
BIG PICTURE |
The
gentle
inclination
of the Sayama
Forest Chapel walls
create a structural
form that is reminiscent of
the shape of palms pressed
together in prayer. Photo credit:
Koji Fujii/Nacasa & Partners Inc.
T
he breathtaking Sayama Forest
Chapel in Saitama, Japan, is a
stunning combination of form and
function, creating a tranquil space facing
the deep forest, which is, according to
architect Hiroshi Nakamura, “essentially
the subject of prayer.”
Though a chapel by name, the 114sqm
building is a contemplative space that
is built in such a way that the structure
avoids the branches of surrounding trees
planted in the area, allowing them to
grow freely.
The curvilinear roof highlights the
structure’s form, and is made up of
Photo credit: Koji Fujii/Nacasa & Partners Inc.
251 laminated larch beams held by an
unseen steel plate. Inside, the larch wood
presents a rolling, ribbed framework, and
outside, 21,000 handcrafted aluminium Timber structures cast cadenced designs along the walls that emphasise
panels measured to an exacting 4mm of the height and curves of the building. Hidden ridge beams affixed to the
thickness make up the roof and protect structure’s concrete foundations soar nine metres into the sky, becoming
the beams. narrower the higher it goes and drawing eyes upward unconsciously. WIA

| IN PERSON
Softwood lumber,
more than just a shared interest
between two old friends
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canadian Minister of International Trade, signing the guest book in the Singapore Ministry of Foreign
Affairs during his visit to the city-state on May 22nd.
Over the past 50 years, Canada and Singapore have enjoyed warm and friendly bilateral
relations, characterised by cooperation in trade and sectors such as education, finance,
and defence. But trade in softwood lumber was, until recently, unexplored by both
nations. Now, both countries are upping their game in this area, and will likely leave an
impression in the history of Singapore architecture in more ways than one.
C
anada is home to one of the 2015, employed more than 200,000 faces average duties of about 27
most globally competitive workers. per cent.)
forestry industries, producing But in April 2017, the United States, But while the country’s other main
lumber that meets stringent one of Canada’s main export export markets in Northeast Asia look
international standards and that are markets, placed a 19.88 per cent
to maintain shipments of Canadian
exported to more than 140 countries. tariff on softwood lumber, another
softwood lumber, exports to Southeast
In fact, forestry is one of the main hefty blow dealt to the nation after
Asia have been on the rise since
drivers of the country’s economy. the U.S. withdrew from the Trans-
According to the Government Pacific Partnership. (An additional 2002. Singapore, viewed by many
of Canada, in 2016, Canada’s 6.87 per cent tariff in preliminary as the gateway to Asia, is one of the
lumber industry accounted for average anti-dumping duties was countries Canada has decided to
some CAD$22 billion in GDP and, in added in June. The industry now establish softwood trade with.

IN PERSON |
PROMOTING CANADIAN to the slow-growing Canadian Brock Commons at the University

EXPERTISE species.” of British Columbia, for example, is
The journey will not be smooth; while Furthermore, Canada has the tallest wood-framed building in
there is room to develop Singapore’s the benefit of one of the most the world. It is not only a genuine
lumber market alongside Asia’s, comprehensive and diversified example of how wood can compete
there are competing products such innovation ecosystems on earth, – and hold its own – against concrete
as Radiata pine from New Zealand. replete with leading research and steel construction, it is also a
But Canadian softwood is very scientists and institutions. high profile showcase of Canadian
competitive too. As the second “Canada is a leader in the building technology.
largest producer of softwood lumber design revolution that allows Tall wood buildings offer
in the world, the nation has an for the construction of very tall tremendous economic and
abundant supply of wood that is buildings made almost entirely of environmental benefits. With a higher
sustainable, stable in volume, and renewable wood products rather strength-to-weight ratio compared
of high quality. than concrete,” Mr Champagne to what concrete or steel can
“I think that Canadian softwood continued. “And we will continue to offer, the 18-storey building was
has superior properties to Radiata actively promote these attributes in completed barely 14 months after
pine,” Mr Champagne said. the local market. We will also support the first wood elements arrived on
“Radiata pine is very fast-growing initiatives to demonstrate the value site, saving time and money.
and therefore weaker compared of the use of wood in construction.” While concrete emits nearly its
Brock Commons, the tallest wood-framed

building of its kind in the world as of the
writing of this article. Image credit: Forest
Innovation Investment (FII)

| IN PERSON
urban density is not well-suited for the

low- or mid-density North American
style of wood construction.
Still, Mr Champagne is certain that
tall wood buildings have the potential
to revolutionise a construction
industry when it comes to urban
intensification and environmental
impact reduction.
The main issue isn’t the durability
of Canadian softwood lumber.
(The wood is more than capable
of weathering the two contrasting
climates as well as the variety of
tropical insects.) Instead, it is the lack
of general knowledge surrounding
the lumber.
“Canadian exporters will need
to work harder to reassure clients in
Singapore and Southeast Asia that
softwood in construction projects
can withstand the tropical climate
and insects prevalent in the region,”
Wood is commonly used with other materials to create a hybrid, such as Shigeru Ban’s Terrace
House in Vancouver. Image credit: PortLiving
Mr Champagne said.
“Canada is open to business and
looks to Singapore as the strategic
own weight in carbon dioxide during architects, builders, and engineers gateway to Southeast Asia. We
production, the raw material for tall remain. After all, Canada and will work with interested parties to
wood buildings literally grows on Singapore have vastly dissimilar develop the demand for quality
trees. Fire-resistant, the timber can climates. Furthermore, Singapore’s softwood lumber from Canada.”
also be protected against moisture
and termites, arguably wood’s
greatest adversaries.
“I believe that the tremendous
advantages of these innovative,
safe, and sustainable products
will help convince Singaporean
architects, builders and engineers to
work with mass-engineered timber
and consider Canadian wood,” Mr
Champagne stated.
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE,
SINGAPORE STYLE
Already, Singapore is adopting
the use of wood to construct
high-rises: The Wave, a sports hall
located on the grounds of Nanyang
Technological University (see p.14), is
one example. It is the first large-scale From left to right: Mr Ho Shian
Ching and Mr Champagne at
building in Southeast Asia built with ETH Enterprise, one of Singapore’s
timber construction technology. leading timber trading companies
However, apprehensions among

IN PERSON |
CURRENT EVENTS AND the local industry develop its own

COLLABORATIONS capabilities.
Already, Canada is actively “Singapore could also position
promoting its softwood lumber in itself as a centre of knowledge
Singapore, as well as supporting and expertise on the use of wood
initiatives to demonstrate wood’s that could then be exported to the
use and value in construction. In region,” Mr Champagne explained.
fact, a local company is in talks “I am convinced that once
with a Canadian firm to develop Singapore adopts wood in high-rise
a demonstration project. And construction and demonstrates the
following a visit by Parliamentary benefits of using that material, other
Secretary Pamela Goldsmith-Jones countries in the region will follow suit.”
to the nation, ETH Enterprise Pte Ltd, And as a trendsetter, Singapore
a timber firm in Singapore, decided is certainly well-placed to lead the
to open an office in her hometown wood construction revolution. WIA
in Vancouver.
Canada is also looking to bring its Unless otherwise stated, all images
Mr Champagne with Dr Koh Poh Koon,
experts to Singapore to share their are credited to the High Commission of
Singapore Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and
knowledge and expertise to help Canada. Industry & Ministry of National Development.

| FIT - OUTS
Furniture befitting
the learning
space of
the future
Eminent British designer Luke
Hughes’ latest project takes
him to China. The team was
tasked to design a library that
melds modernity with history
and heritage.

FIT - OUTS |
E
ngineering furniture that fits the ‘now’ into history,
that bridges east and west, and that respects a
clients’ artistic and practical needs has always been
challenging.
But Luke Hughes’ latest project for Keystone Academy,
a Beijing-based international school, seems to have
checked all the boxes. The firm was commissioned to
design the school’s new library, a space that would not
only enable inquiry-based learning but also function as an
extension of the school’s cultural identity.
“Famous libraries have captured the imagination of
writers for millennia, especially those that have been
ruined, burnt, or in other ways destroyed,” Malcolm
McKenzie, the school’s principal, said. “One of the
main things we have learnt about school libraries is the
importance of preparing students for the next stage of
university learning.”
Keystone Academy was founded in 2014, on three key
principles: bilingual immersion in Chinese and English;
building character and community; and promoting
Chinese culture and identity. Classrooms and offices are
designed to be conducive for learning: High ceilings, large
windows, and intelligent layouts.

| FIT - OUTS
A pair of bronze dragons—one Welsh, one Chinese—for the library’s door handles, Calligraphy by Dong Han
designed by British sculptor Jill Watson
Luke Hughes approached the project with function, space planning and
provision for robust use in mind.
“
He said, “The library can be as eye-catching and striking as you like but if
it does not work for those who have to use it on a daily basis - the staff, the My agreeable task
students, the occasional visitors - it will be abandoned within a few years.” has been to [create]
The visionary British designer also believes in designing for 50 – 100-year life
expectancy in favour of “the possibility of locking up carbon for long periods.”
somewhere to work and
His firm has fitted the interiors of well-known buildings around the world, study, which imbues them
including the UK and Scottish Supreme Courts, five royal palaces in the UK, with the essence of western
Oxbridge colleges, as well as the new chairs for Westminster Abbey, on which
the royal couple was wed in 2011.
university libraries whilst
also respecting their own
THE APPROACH traditions. This has been
The aim was to create a library that not only conveys the values of university
libraries in the west, but also projects Keystone Academy as a Chinese
less about imitating the
institution with an international outlook. past but more about proving
The new library would also have to keep up with the evolution of reading the past’s relevance to the
”
habits. From hallowed, whispery sort of places to social spaces where people future.
can access electronic resources and work comfortably in well-lit surroundings.
“From the start, we wanted to make the library a place where students – Luke Hughes
want to go, where it’s cool to be seen, conducive to work, easy to gain
online access but also somewhere to browse, ponder, graze and stumble
on the unexpected,” Mr Hughes said.

FIT - OUTS |
“It should also be an environment stone by Caroline Webb. A signage students commented ‘there must be
that stimulated imagination, through designed by Brian Webb displays a magic glue on the carpet - I can’t seem
colour, historical reference and hundred quotations in Latin, English, to want to leave!’”
selection of artworks. These are and Chinese, attesting to the cultural Not all learning takes place in the
important for stretching young value of libraries over the last two classroom and the library should be
minds, as are subjects such as music, millennia. where students can explore areas of
design, drama and sport.” “We have also consciously taken interest, make connections and enjoy
The end-result reflects the best some of the furniture forms illustrated unexpected discovery, Mr McKenzie
of both worlds: a work-study-and-rest in silk paintings from the Ming and added.
environment that encompasses the Song dynasties and given them a “When we talk about student life at
essence of western university libraries contemporary twist,” said Mr Hughes. Keystone Academy we talk about the
whilst also respecting Chinese tradition. Song Jingming, Director of Libraries, heart and soul of our school community.
In total, 24 tonnes of furniture, 85 also helped address questions on Luke Hughes has turned our vision into
per cent of which were made in the Chinese and Western cultures. a beautifully conceived, versatile,
UK, was installed by the end of August studious and stimulating environment,”
2016. Apart from the usual shelves THE RESPONSE he said.
and reading corners, the new library The Eastern Jin dynasty poet Reflecting on the design principles
provides for temporary exhibitions, Tao Yuanming wrote in The Peach of the East and West, Mr Hughes
specialist teaching rooms and a rare Blossom Land about a fisherman who concluded that while there may be
books section. Spaces can also be stumbled on a magical village where, stylistic differences, the values and
reconfigured to host events. on entering, visitors lose their sense of intrinsic merits are very much the same:
Art installations created by British time and forget to leave. “First, something you like the look
artists also have a place in the library, “That is what the library feels like,” of; second, something that is well-
such as the bronze door handles—a Ms Song, remarked. She was a vital designed for its purpose and context. If
Welsh/Chinese pair of dragons—by member of the library’s design and it looks easy and inevitable, you know it
sculptor Jill Watson and calligraphy in development team. “One of our G11 has taken a lot of effort.” WIA
The library captures the essence of

western university libraries, with brightly-
lit spaces for working and studying.

| FIT - OUTS
WHERE PLYWOOD AND

INNOVATION MIX,
INGENUITY COMES FORTH
Named Fabricwood, the structure in Xtra’s Herman Miller Shop-in-Shop is made
of moulded plywood and is reminiscent of a sail fluttering in the breeze.

FIT - OUTS |
T
wenty metres long and seven
metres wide, Fabricwood owes
Fabricwood, the overarching structure located in Xtra, Marina Square,
Singapore, was designed by 2012 World Architecture Festival winner
its concept and inspiration to
and co-founder of PRODUCE, Pan Yi Cheng, and a team of architects. Herman Miller’s philosophy as well as
Photo credit: Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS)
material and structural innovation in
their products.
Pan Yi Cheng, co-founder of
PRODUCE, the architectural firm
behind the overarching plywood
structure in Xtra’s Herman Miller Shop-
in-Shop, said that the entire design
stemmed from one simple question:
“How [can we] shape large pieces
of plywood to form doubly curved
surfaces?” From there, lead designer
Pan Yi Cheng – as well as the other
eight members in the architectural
team – dug into their client’s work
chairs, the core products.
Fabricwood is Pan’s second effort
at using plywood in Xtra’s Herman
Miller Shop-in-Shop; the first attempt
was at the XTRA’s Herman Miller
Shop-in-Shop previously located in
Park Mall in 2012.
The design, shaped and stitched
together with a multitude of various
triangular plywood panels, won
the prestigious World Architecture
Festival award in the retail category
in 2012.
The second version, situated in
Marina Square, shaped the plywood
with a tailoring technique known
as darting, far more challenging to
conceptualise and model. Recently,
it won the Gold Prize in the inaugural
Singapore Interior Designer Awards
(SIDA).
THE CHALLENGES
While the team’s greatest challenge
was figuring out the “geometrical
logic” of the structure and how to
render the flat pattern drawing into
a three-dimensional model, the
physical properties and behaviour
of the plywood used also had to
be accurately digitalised in order
to minimise any misalignments and
dimensional distortions.
“The plywood quality and
constitution are important factors

| FIT - OUTS
Inspiration for Fabricwood came from a simple question,

which led the design team to Herman Miller’s work chairs.
Photo credit: Edward Hendricks/CI&A Photograph
that [determine] the curvature of the elastic mesh materials used in the
panels,” Pan added. Ergonomics line.
“Later, when we had to meet the As a result, the structure is a
installation deadline, priorities were comfortable and porous “skin”
less on perfection and accuracy. that has been “moulded” to its
To maintain the quality, we simply host, catching the substance of
worked overtime.” the Herman Miller brand through its
experimental geometries.
APPROACH AND DESIGN “The design process was an
PROCESS iterative loop between physical
Energised and inspired by the comfort experiments and computational
Herman Miller’s main chair products simulations, taking small steps
engendered, the architectural to improve the model in every
team delved into the Eames and iteration,” Pan explained.
Ergonomics furniture ranges and The shaping of the plywood,
their design processes in order to where the wood’s natural elasticity
better understand their client’s use played a huge role, was improved
of materials and techniques. with every repetitive cycle until
Armed with their new-found Fabricwood’s coveted curvature
A close-up view of the circular cut-
knowledge, the team integrated the outs on Fabricwood where the darts was achieved.
pioneering Eames furniture made of converge, enabling the plywood to A tailoring technique known as
bend without tearing. Photo credit:
lightweight and gracefully moulded PRODUCE workshop darting – used to shape textiles to fit
plywood with the innovative doubly- the human body – was employed on
curved, frameless, and suspended the plywood.

FIT - OUTS |
On a flat piece of plywood, the together without formaldehyde – with shaping and structuring the plywood.
darts and their specific angles would their in-house computer numerical Creativity and practicality had their
determine the final curvature when controlled (CNC) machine. respective places in the structure,
the structure was closed. The team also had a hand in and as Pan put it, “I think that
Circular cut-outs located where managing and coordinating [creativity and practicality] are the
the darts converged to enable the the edifice’s installation on-site, same in the sense that non-creative
plywood to bend without tearing, working closely with Xtra to settle solutions are not practicable.”
though if any alterations were made Fabricwood’s final positioning.
In the completion of Fabricwood,
to the types of plywood material In terms of environmental and
Pan hopes that he has paid homage
used, the dart angles had to be cost sustainability, the team used
to Herman Miller’s brand image and
modified. When put together, the green materials and light-emitting
honoured Xtra’s concept of a Shop-
edifice forms an undulating surface diode (LED) lights while also keeping
not unlike crimping fabric. wastage to a minimum. in-Shop.
Pan said in conclusion, “The
SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION REALISATIONS structure is a direct and clear
The architectural team procured The ultimate goal Pan had when communication of Herman Miller’s
the plywood from sycamore designing and constructing brand identity and philosophy as well
trees in a managed forestry, and Fabricwood was to lay the as Xtra’s aspirations as a multi-brand
manufactured all their panels – glued groundwork in this new way of store.” WIA

| FLOORING
James Ho, Sales Director, shows

the diversity of flooring on offer
NEW OASIS: A DIVERSIFIED
M
By Michael Buckley anufacturing both solid Australia, India and the Middle East
wood and engineered and USA, but with current targets also
flooring, the New Oasis plant in Europe and elsewhere. The parent
A couple of hours drive in Banfu draws hardwood species group is engaged in manufacturing
from all over the world, including building products such as doors,
out of Guangzhou in
American red and white oak, walnut, stairs and cabinets, maintaining
the small town of Banfu,
hard maple, elm, ash and hickory. marketing offices in USA, Europe and
is the substantial plant
The company also produces flooring the United Arab Emirates.
of Zhongshan New from species as far afield as Brazil, The flooring production itself
Oasis Wood Industry such as Ipe and from local species represents diversity with a great
Co. Ltd., essentially a like Chinese ‘teak’; though not choice of finishes in several series
flooring company that tectona grandis. with many colours, including hand-
is diversified in many Marketing is also diversified with scraped, distressed and brushed
respects and member of about 55 per cent of sales made surfaces in narrow and wide boards
the larger Susfor-Oasis domestically all over China by an as well as custom and standard
Wood (Zhongshan) Co., Ltd army of sales staff through retail parquet panels.
group, which also operates outlets and directly to developers The company, now quoted on
in China’s hungry property market. the Hong Kong stock exchange
overseas forest resources.
The balance 45 per cent is shipped (Stock Code: HK-00692), is about
to a diverse range of as many as 30 16 years old and situated on a
international markets, particularly spacious site in the town itself.

FLOORING |
Flooring stock for “just in time” delivery American oak

veneers being laid up
FLOORING PRODUCER IN CHINA

That facilitates relatively easy Product development is central to still trendy in China. Oak hardwood
recruitment for the current the company’s programme, such flooring comes in various colours and
establishment of 400 workers and 200 as the contoured profile flooring almost fits any decoration scheme
administrative and sales staff. Working which it introduced to the Domotex and elm hardwood flooring is a
in three shifts, the company produces Shanghai flooring show some years superb alternative to oak.”
both to order and for its extensive ago, having pioneered “curved The unique processing in tongue
stocks to respond rapidly to “just in surface” flooring as a means of and grooved (T&G) can prevent
time” business in the Chinese market. reducing deforming and arching maple flooring from deforming and
when encountering damp. Working arching when damp is encountered.
A UNIQUE BUSINESS MODEL to CE standards, the company has Curved black walnut and oak
James Ho, Sales director responsible received many awards and is FSC flooring is a high-tech product which
for international sales and widely certified. has won Gold Prizes at the 7th and 9th
travelled, graduated from New Oasis says in its sales pitch Patent Technology Exhibition of new
Guangzhou University in international “Curved hard maple flooring is a products in China.
trade and is proud of his eight years key product, matching many kinds
with the company being determined of furniture and is used to create OFFERING VARIETY AND
to take it forward in export markets. a bright, cheerful, and elegant CHOICES
That is somewhat against the trend ambiance. Black stain is trendy. Flooring production is heavily slanted
of many other Chinese flooring Maple can also be stained with towards engineered, including
companies now concentrating only rich colours – black, yellow, grey- some laminate flooring, which is
on domestic sales. brown and more. Dark colours are the leading wood flooring type

| FLOORING
demanded in China. That necessitates an extensive

use of veneer in different thicknesses according to
the products.
Nevertheless New Oasis also buys large quantities of
solid lumber, much of it in fixed sizes. Procurement by
the Purchasing Department tends to be from landed
stocks in the markets in China; although some sawn
lumber and logs are sourced direct from overseas
suppliers. The Banfu plant has kilns in house for its own
lumber imports.
The solid flooring is considered a luxury item in
China says James Ho, “preferred by the more wealthy
customers and developers of luxury real estate.”
The showroom of New Oasis is impressive and so
Domestic buyers inspecting Oasis flooring
is the warren of fully furnished showrooms where
developers are able to choose flooring designs and
a complete system of coordinated interiors, including
doors. It was noticeable in this part of Southern China
that light colours, majoring on white, are very much
in vogue if these showrooms are anything to go by.
In addition to many types of flooring Oasis
manufactures outdoor decking. It has had more
than 20 different series of products over time, with
300 kinds of individual products and a world-wide
curved flooring production technology patented with
independent intellectual property rights. The company
is open to new trading partners. WIA
This article was first published in Wood Purchasing

News, Memphis, TN. Part of the Banfu plant

FLOORING |

| MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
Addition and alteration roofing works for a project at Bencoolen

by Pacific Forest Products. Almost every component must be
pre-fabricated to precision so that they can fit around the
existing interior structure.
“ONEWOOD” FIT FOR ALL PURPOSES

A new eco-friendly wood-based material may be the solution to addressing wood scarcity in future.
O
ne may be mistaken into wood substitute suitable for a wide on to the timber construction business
thinking that ONEWOOD is a variety of applications: structural at the turn of the millennium when
real solid length of lumber. It elements, doors, windows, paneling, the Internet all but made trading and
looks, feels and even acts like wood; furniture, flooring and fit-outs for both procurement jobs redundant.
it is flexible, versatile and easy to cut, indoors and outside. It is one of the first in Singapore to
machine, profile, bend and carve. ONEWOOD is the product of many invest in robotics and many other
But the “reconstituted timber”— years of trial and error, invented, integrated software to achieve
as inventors call it—is actually researched and developed by accuracy and precision for pre-
compressed cellular wood fibres Singapore-based timber construction fabrication works. “Anything that
sourced from sustainable and fast- company Pacific Forest Products. goes out of the factory and up on a
growing plantations in Asia. It is a Started in 1988 as timber traders, roof must fit well,” says Jason Chang,
high-density, homogenous, reusable this small-medium enterprise moved founder of Pacific Forest Products.

MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
In Singapore, luxury residences

are fitted with wooden windows,
doors, decking, louvres; elsewhere,
plush resorts in Maldives, Tahiti and
Bora Bora are testament to the
company’s design and engineering
capabilities.
Business Development Executive
Sharon Chang, the eldest daughter
who works alongside Mr Chang,
shares that the eco-friendly,
sustainable material was born out
of the realisation that despite the
scarcity of timber sources, most logs
tend to be poorly utilised for grade
lumber. Many timber alternatives
only satisfy a few aspects of using
timber but a product that can
substitute natural wood entirely can
significantly reduce the dependency
on lumber supplies.
“We have been in the wood ONEWOOD for a decking project at Market Street, Singapore
business for almost 30 years, so

our expertise in hardwood has accreditation like the Singapore products and will soon debut in Japan
been a great contributing factor Green Label and Singapore Green once it complies with the market’s
when engineering this product. Building Product. A Class One fire- strict environmental standards.
We wanted to develop a material rating as well as termite and water- Sharon and her father are also
with enhanced properties of timber resistance are some of the key pushing for ONEWOOD in the
and can fully replace timber in features of this new breed of timber commercial and residential projects
every way possible. ONEWOOD has substitute. they take on to demonstrate the
been profiled into many types of material’s strength and versatility.
wood products such as odd-shaped STRETCHING OUT POSSIBILITIES Production used to be based in
handrails and people have no idea Since its launch one year ago, Singapore but all of it is now shifted to
that it is man-made,” Sharon says. ONEWOOD has had glowing Johor Bahru, Malaysia, where a larger
This patented product is also FSC- reviews. It has started to penetrate factory space allows the team to take
certified and carries environmental into Thailand in the form of flooring on more projects.
Because of its density, ONEWOOD is very durable for flooring especially in high traffic areas.

Every curved
lamella in this roof
canopy is different. To
create this, Pacific Forest had
to create individual moulds. A total
of 270m3 of Balau was installed for this
luxury condominium in Singapore.

MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
And the number of projects are streaming

in indeed, as architects, builders and end-
users now understand wood, appreciating it
for its beauty, structural strength and carbon
sink properties. ONEWOOD’s invention is thus
timely, as the demand for solid timber goes
up in building, construction and fit-outs.
Meanwhile, the research team is still
working to stretch their limits to produce
different versions of ONEWOOD such as to
achieve class zero fire-rating and expand its
potential for commercial use.
“Once the product gains recognition
in the market, we will approach furniture
manufacturers and traders too,” Sharon says.
“There are many ways we can use
ONEWOOD… Some clients of ours have even
commented that ONEWOOD has tonal sound
qualities which would be perfect to make
instruments like guitars!” WIA
“
Pacific Forest Products has worked on many luxury hospitality projects
around the world, such as this one in Bora Bora.
O N E WO O D h a s b e e n
profiled into many types of wood
products such as odd-shaped
handrails and people have no
”
idea that it is man-made.
65-year-old Jason looks after the company’s long-term

strategy, production, and research and development.
In 2011, he was awarded EY Entrepreneur of the Year.
His eldest daughter Sharon, 31, is responsible for business
development, and sales and marketing. Yvonne (bottom),
the youngest, takes care of accounts, finance, marketing
and design.

The exterior of Maggie’s Oldham

is made of thermally-modified
American tulipwood cladding.
Photography: Alex de Rijke
Maggie’s Oldham: The world’s first permanent

hardwood CLT structure
The building’s success is a pivotal moment for modern architecture and construction.
T
he world’s first building made people and for the beauty, strength 1.1m3 of American ash, equivalent
from hardwood cross-laminated and warmth inherent to American to around 55.22m 3 and 2.1m 3
timber (CLT) has opened in the tulipwood. Wood is known to respectively of sawn wood before
UK. Designed by dRMM Architects significantly reduce blood pressure, processing, which in turn comes from
and supported by the American heart rates and recovery times. It has around 115.7m3 of logs.
Hardwood Export Council, Maggie’s more health and well-being benefits Maggie’s Oldham is also
Oldham “proves that a building than any other building material, significant in that it demonstrates the
made of tulipwood CLT is possible, according to Wood Housing benefits of building with tulipwood
and it can be done on a strict Humanity Report 2015. This makes CLT—its unparalleled strength and
budget and in record time,” David the material the right fit, structurally lightness, speed of construction and
Venables, European Director of and conceptually. sustainability. American tulipwood is
AHEC, said. This pioneering piece of approximately 70 per cent stronger
Maggie’s is a charity that provides permanent architecture is in bending than a typical CLT grade
practical and emotional support to constructed from more than 20 softwood.
people living with cancer. panels of five layer cross-laminated Tulipwood CLT is one of the most
dRMM chose tulipwood for the American tulipwood, ranging in size sustainable timber species because
design of Maggie’s Oldham for from 0.5m – 12m long. It contains of how fast it replenishes, through
the positive influence wood has on 27.6m3 of American tulipwood and natural growth alone. All the logs

MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY |
The main kitchen area features a slatted

ceiling made from American tulipwood.
The table top was left over from the Wish
List and the base is made from off-cuts
of CLT that came from the windows and
doors of Maggie’s Oldham.
Photography: Alex de Rijke

Thermo-treated American ash decking.

Photography: Jon Cardwell
(tulipwood and ash) will be replaced only structurally and visually, but commissioned by Prof de Rijke and
in just 120 seconds. conceptually. An elevated, open AHEC for the Wish List project for
The material was first invented plan, all-timber and glass building London Design Festival 2014. It is
in 2013, a collaboration between - with trees growing through it, and built by Benchmark Furniture from
dRMM Architects, AHEC, and Arup, every detail considered from the recycled tulipwood CLT. The top was
for a London Design Festival project, perspective of use, health, and left over from the Wish List and the
The Endless Stair. Arup’s engineering delight - was always going to be base is made from off-cuts of CLT
calculations showed the structure special,” Prof de Rijke commented. that came from the windows and
could have supported 100 people “Maggie’s Oldham has a built-in, doors of Maggie’s Oldham.
at any one time. This was the first very visible holistic design message For AHEC, Maggie’s Oldham
time a hardwood species was used that supports the central aims of is one of the most important
to make CLT. the design – to uplift and offer developments in a decade of
The boundaries of this material hope to people living with cancer. research and development into
were further tested in The Smile, a The applications for sustainably structural timber innovation and
structurally ambitious installation for grown hardwood, particularly fast- one that could broaden the use
the 2016 London Design Festival. growing tulipwood CLT is endless. The of CLT in the construction industry.
environmental, structural and visual The creation of this product and
DESIGN ELEMENTS qualities are demonstrated explicitly significant use of hardwood will
dRMM co-founder Prof Alex de at dRMM’s Maggie’s; a manifesto transform the way architects
Rijke’s experiments with engineered for wood as the natural choice and engineers approach timber
timber have progressed during 30 for contemporary architecture construction.
years in practice and academia. of physical and psychological “This structure proves that
“From the Oldham project well-being.” hardwoods have a role to play in
inception we knew it was the The main kitchen table is a the timber construction revolution,”
right material for Maggie’s, not design by Barnby Day that was Mr Venables concluded. WIA

SHOW REVIEW |
L
IGNA, held every two years in Gruchow, Deutsche Messe Managing
Hannover, is the world’s largest Board member in charge of LIGNA,
woodworking machinery fair for a said.
reason. Spanning Manufacturers
129,000sqm, and
1,500 exhibitors,
LIGNA 2017: Technology offering machines
for timber
participating construction,
companies
always take this
for timber construction flooring, windows
and doors, pre-
opportunity to launch new innovations and solutions. fabricated panels were also represented, completing
This year, “Industry 4.0 concepts for the wood industry the wide range of products on show. Featured here
were the dominant theme, with a major emphasis on are some of them, shedding light on how CLT or glulam
digitalisation, integration and automation,” Dr Andreas panels are manufactured.
Hundegger: Exceptional flexibility and reliability
V
isitors were presented with a wide range
of processing machines for timber
construction.
One of the highlights was the ROBOT-Drive, which
offers many processing possibilities with a 6-axis
ROBOT unit and 16-fold tool changer. Equipped
with an additional sawing unit, the ROBOT-Drive
performs all trimming tasks right up to mass
trimming. It is a machine that is profitable for all
types of timber construction companies, including
those manufacturing large prefabricated panels.
The second highlight was the SPM-2 automatic
plate processing machine. Equipped with a 5-axis
circular saw, finger milling cutter, drilling and
labeling unit, the “Speed Panel Machine” not
ROBOT-Drive
only performs the fully automated panel cutting,
TURBO-Drive
but also mills and drills all the openings required
in practice. Its high precision and sensitivity to
surfaces also makes the SPM-2 a machine of
choice for facade builders.
The TURBO-Drive cutting machine is flexible
and precise cross sections of 20 x 40mm to 160 x
450mm can be cut very quickly. In addition, the
machine can also perform drilling and milling work
and all types of marking, making it an all-rounder.
At the heart of the TURBO-Drive is the flexible
saw unit for any angle and inclination cuts. The
5-axis saw unit, which can be rotated 360 °
and 180 ° at the same time makes it possible to
produce fast, precise and high surface quality in
addition to all conceivable saw cuts. WIA

| SHOW REVIEW
MINDA:
Maker of the
The TimberPress X 331 is designed for a
world’s largest production volume of 15,000 – 20,000 m³ per shift.
CLT press
The world’s biggest CLT press,
capable of pressing boards of 20 x 6m
M
INDA is currently building the world’s biggest glue application or board geometry are completely
CLT press for an European manufacturer of recorded for every CLT board.
prefabricated houses with a maximum board
size of 20 x 6m. HYDRAULIC PRESS FOR GLULAM: PRESSING IN
The TimberPress X 160 is the present enhancement of FIVE CHAMBERS
MINDA’s hydraulic CLT press system. The rotor press with five chambers can be used for
Edge-glued cross and length layers are pressed to CLT customised or bulk production.
elements with 0,6 N/mm² (or a total pressing load of 7200 • Max glulam dimensions 18,100mm x 300mm; pressing
tonnes). In case of a capacity of 16 cycles per shift the height up to 1,200 mm
material handling, the glue application and the press • Minimum cutting and planing waste due to
are designed for a yearly production of 120,000 m³ for adjustable pressing length and hydraulic side
a 1-shift operation. pressure within a grid of 1,000mm
• Flexible production of glulam with different lengths
MINDA CONTROL SERVER (MCS) CONTROLS in one pressing chamber
THE LINE • Perfect quality and highest level of process reliability
The MINDA-Control-Server (MCS) is a master computer by pressing force monitoring and regulation during
system that links production planning and computers. pressing operation
All production data are held in the server. All machines • Optimal cleanliness and accessibility due to vertical
involved in this production process can read this data. All package assembly; separate stations for feeding
relevant pressing data such as duration, pressing force, and discharge

SHOW REVIEW |
TimberPress R 512

| SHOW REVIEW
THE BMG 500 FOR SOLID WOOD COMPONENTS

The BMG 500 series, a CNC processing centre is perfect for staircases, doors,
windows, and furniture manufacturing. Its benefits are: optimum processing
quality thanks to vibration damping; extremely robust thanks to the basic
machine construction from solid SORB TECH composite material; damage
to the trimming spindles is avoided thanks to the regulated main spindle with
electronic speed monitoring including vibration sensors.
It is configurable with up to three processing units, consists a console table,
automatic setup A-table or aluminum grid table and has energy-saving
features. Drill change without tools is possible thanks to high-speed drill
technology with patented quick-change system.
BLOW-IN TECHNOLOGY 4.0

WEINMANN The combination of multifunction bridge and blow-in plate represents
a quantum leap in timber construction. Loose insulating material is
and HOMAG automatically blown into timber frame elements, insulating exterior walls,
roof and floor elements, gable triangles as well as special elements. The
present CNC-controlled multifunction bridge moves the blow-in plate exactly over
the frame work compartments.
solutions for All frame work related data, such as position, shape and size of the
compartments, are stored in the CAD and transferred to the blow-in plate
the prefab via an interface. Different kinds of insulation material are blown-in such as
wood fibre, cellulose and mineral wool. Other insulation materials like hemp
industry fibre can be used without any problems.

Depending on the required capacity, there are various options for fully
automated blowing-in, starting with the multifunction bridge WMS 150
blowTEC, which does not only blow-in automatically, it also takes care of
various fastening and machining processes, to a separate blow-in bridge
which only performs the insertion of the insulation material.
The advantages of that new technology lie in the simplified material
logistics as well as material savings. It is also ergonomic, since dust exposure
is significantly reduced. In addition, the value-add
for companies is the guarantee of consistently high
quality, since all filling quantities are verifiable, so a
complete documentation is provided.
ROBOTICS IN TIMBER CONSTRUCTION

In early 2017, a WEINMANN production line was
delivered to Bien-Zenker, a German company.
The line consists an integrated industrial robot,
which automatically inserts the studs into the
frame work structure. Thus, all types of studs
4 and 5 axis combination with automatic table for

the production of doors and staircases.

SHOW REVIEW |
are inserted at any angle. Inner,

outer, gable and miter walls, as well
as window and door structures are
manufactured fully automatically.
The 6-axis technology makes
it possible to adapt the insertion
method for different studs, Integrated in the frame work station, the robot
automatically inserts all studs at any angle.
which increases the operating
system’s reliability and addresses
problems such as crooked wood Holes for paling at narrow angles
without manual intervention. This

combination of man and machine
achieves a degree of flexibility,
precision and speed, which is so far
not common in timber construction.

| SHOW REVIEW
1 7
2 0
ia E
cobuild
( S E A )
As concluded
with 14,068 attendees, an
st increase of 16.52 per cent

compared to last year.
ea Held from April 12 – 14 in conjunction
h with International Construction Week
ut
(ICW) 2017, the event was hosted by
the Construction Industry Development
So
Board (CIDB) Malaysia, and organised by UBM
Malaysia.
l d It was co-located with Greenbuild Asia, Construction

Showcase, Asean Solar, Ecolight ASEAN and the
i Construction Career Fair. Also lending their strong support
bu to the event were 34 stakeholders, which included Gamuda

Berhad, MRCB Builders Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian Timber Council and
c o Malaysia Philips Lighting Commercial (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Yusof, Minister of Works Malaysia, officiated the
E opening. “Quality and safety have always been of utmost importance in the
construction industry,” he said. “Under the Construction Industry Transformation
Programme (CITP), quality, safety and professionalism comprise the first strategic
thrust on the industry’s transformation agenda.”
More than 120 exhibitors provided visitors opportunities to explore product
innovations, market trends and solutions. The event also served as a platform
for companies to forge new partnerships and business opportunities. After
Malaysia, the top 10 nationalities that visited were from Singapore,
China, Indonesia, India, Turkey, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria
and Brunei.
A series of seminars and conferences was also held in
line with ICW 2017’s theme, “Towards Enhancing Quality
and Safety in Construction”. Keynote speakers
included representatives from CIDB, DOSH,
Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), Public
Works Department Malaysia (JKR Malaysia),
Project Management Institute Malaysia
Chapter (PMIMY) and the Malaysian
Photovoltaic Industry Association
(MPIA).
The next Ecobuild SEA is
scheduled to take place
at the Kuala Lumpur
Convention Centre
from 27 to 29
March 2018.
WIA

Promoting wood: Its trade,
sustainability, beauty and value
Celebrating its third edition this year, the annual Sylva Wood in Shanghai sees new participation from
timber companies, confirming the need for a specialised wood and wood products trade show in Asia.
“
Where the world of wood meets” was the launch PROMOTING WOOD
slogan for Sylva Wood at the inaugural event in 2015. As part of the two and a half day event, a full programme
From June 26 – 28, that became a reality as exhibitors of seminars was presented by experts on a range of
from 13 countries participated, entirely focused on wood wood-related subjects.
as a material. Mike Snow, executive director of the American
American, Russian, Malaysian and local Hardwood Export Council, presented data
wood distribution companies were the on the American hardwood trade with
leading groups of exhibitors followed by China and explained some of the recent
Scandinavian, European, Australian work by AHEC in the field of technology
and Canadian suppliers to the and innovation. In particular Snow
huge Chinese market. Hardwoods, drew attention to the importance of
softwoods, wood-based panels and creating strong demand for wood
veneer all ranked strongly without the products in order to ensure the
distraction of machinery and services incentive to maintain all the world’s
that so many international shows suffer. forests and avoid their conversion to
The annual show is also unique in other uses, such as palm oil plantations.
that it attracts participation from furniture Showing science-backed data, he
and flooring manufacturers from the also stressed that wood has a far lower
Lance Tao, Marketing &
region; it is here that anyone in the timber Communications Director, carbon footprint than other apparently
profession can stand to benefit from debate, Canada Wood environmentally-friendly materials such as
dialogue and discourse; it is also Asia’s only recycled plastic or aluminium. He also pointed out the
specialised show. environmental benefits of hardwood CLT insofar as it

| SHOW REVIEW
A visitor studying the bedside lamp-and-vase creation, Visitors and exhibitors stand to benefit from
winner of the Sylva – CX Joy Wood Awards. debate and dialogue at the show

SHOW REVIEW |
provides a new structural use for fit-outs. A predominantly Chinese
lower grades that otherwise might audience benefitted from his
be wasted. experience in the species’ grading,
Lance Tao, Marketing and and knowledge of wooden buildings,
Communications director of Canada codes and standards in China.
Wood, shared how the 18-storey Celebrating young design
Brock Commons was erected in talent, the second Sylva – CX
an impressive four months. The Joy Wood Design Awards
world’s tallest wooden building in received 39 submissions this year
British Columbia featured Canada’s from students all over China. 17
innovative building technology shortlisted pieces of furniture—
and drew much interest from the all in American h a r d w o o d s —
audience. were displayed at the company’s
“One of the reasons for booth. Visitors were invited to vote,
joining this show is to and the winner was Yu Kebo from
Mike Snow, Executive Director, American expand our market the Guangdong Industry
Hardwood Export Council
outreach efforts Technical College, with
especially in the furniture her bedside lamp-
and interior decoration and-vase creation
business segment. We made from white
believe that oak.
Sylva Wood is a “What is
good platform interesting to
to attract see is that
wood traders the finalists
and furniture have made
manufacturers,” Mr very good use of short
Tao said. pieces of wood, which is
“Feedback has often discarded as waste. Utilising
been very positive… We are trying to these short pieces is innovative
educate the market on innovative and environmentally-friendly,”
wood solutions and products Mr Buckley, one of the Awards’
from Canada.” judges, commented.
On the second day, Michael The Awards aimed to expand
Buckley, international wood interest and knowledge on working
industry consultant, provided a with American hardwoods, the main
detailed insight into the use of material used by the Qingdao-
oak in architecture with both based company.
technical information on many Apart from being educated,
oak species, especially the proven there were also opportunities for
sustainability of American oaks. He networking—characteristics that
then demonstrated inspirational define a good event, Lorna Christie,
oak projects from around the world executive director of the National
and concluded with a case study of Hardwood Lumber Association,
Portcullis House in which laminated offered.
white oak had won out over steel She said, “There’s good marketing,
on strength-to-weight ratio for a audience identification, and
geodesic atrium glass roof, following understanding in this emerging
tests by one of the world’s leading market.”
engineers. The global timber industry will meet
Xu Fang, director of American at Asia’s only specialised wood
At the Qingdao CX Joy Hardwoods
booth, visitors decide which of the Softwoods, presented on U.S. materials show again next year from
17 shortlisted prototypes to vote for. softwood applications in interior June 25 – 27. WIA

| SHOW PREVIEW
area. In addition, a total of 250 exhibitors from 20

countries and a turnout of 9,000 trade professionals
ArchXpo returns to from 50 countries is expected of this event.
ArchXpo 2017 will spearhead ABS 2017, which will
include five other established exhibitions: International
Singapore for 4th edition Facility Management Expo 2017, LED+Light Asia 2017,
Safety & Security Asia 2017, Fire & Disaster Asia 2017
in October and Work Safe Asia 2017.

A host of exciting conferences will also take place
throughout the three-day event: SIA Conference 2017,
ArchXpo 2017 returns with the SIA Conference and Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore Building
Unique Presentation Awards 2017, making it the must- Information Modeling (REDAS BIM) Symposium 2017,
attend event of the year for all industry insiders. International Facility Management Conference 2017,
Fire Safety Seminar 2017, Security Industry Conference
A
rchXpo 2017 will arrive at just the right time to (SIC) 2017 and SIC Master Class 2017.
cater to the needs of the growing building and ArchXpo 2017 will be a one-stop networking hub for
construction scene as the industry looks set for exhibitors and buyers to grasp the opportunity to interact
investments in the coming years. and network with fellow industry professionals. Exhibitors
The 4th International Exhibition of Architecture & the can utilise ArchXpo to market and launch new solutions,
Built Environment will be held at Marina Bay Sands from technologies and products to trade buyers.
October 4 – 6. It is co-organised by the Singapore Institute The organisers expect exhibitors to clinch over an
of Architects and Conference & Exhibition Management estimated $31 million of sales over the next 12 months. WIA
Services Pte Ltd (CEMS).
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) projects
the total value of construction contracts to reach
between S$28 – 35 Bn.
Occupying both convention halls B and C, the
exhibition is part of the Architecture & Building Services
(ABS) 2017 show and will occupy 10,000sqm of exhibition

SHOW REVIEW |

Calendar of
Events 2017
August
2 – 5 Aug The Hotel Show Manila, Philippines www.hotelshowphilippines.com
3 – 5 Aug Builders Myanmar Yangon, Myanmar www.buildmyanmar.com
23 – 25 Aug VIFA Woodmac Vietnam 2017 Binh Duong, Vietnam www.vifawoodmacvietnam.com
September
12 – 14 Sep BEX Asia 2017 Singapore www.bex-asia.com
12 – 14 Sep International Green Building Conference 2017 Singapore www.gevme.com
October
4 – 6 Oct ArchXpo 2017 Singapore www.archxpo.com.sg
24 - 26 Oct Build Tech Asia 2017 Singapore www.buildtechasia.com
November
1 – 4 Nov China Yiqu International Forest Products Fair Yiwu, China www.forestryfair.com
7 – 10 Nov Fenestration BAU China Shanghai, China www.fenestration.com.cn
8 – 10 Nov The Big 5 Construct Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia www.thebig5constructindonesia.com
9 – 12 Nov Korea Wood Show Seoul, Korea www.koreawoodshow.org
December
7 – 10 Dec Fensterbau Frontale India Mumbai, India www.frontale-india.com

Calendar of
Events 2018
January
12 – 15 Jan DOMOTEX 2018 Hannover, Germany www.domotex.de
15 – 21 Jan IMM Cologne Cologne, Germany www.imm-cologne.com
19 – 21 Jan AceTech Hyderabad, India www.etacetech.com
March
6 – 9 Mar Architecture + Construction Materials Tokyo, Japan www.messe.nikkei.co.jp
8 – 11 Mar IFFS Singapore www.iffs.com.sg
8 – 12 Mar India Wood Bangalore, India www.indiawood.com
9 – 12 Mar Build+Décor 2018 Beijing, China www.build-decor.net
14 – 17 Mar Shanghai Design Week Shanghai, China www.designshanghai.com
18 – 21 Mar CIFF Guangzhou, China www.ciff-gz.com
20 – 23 Mar Domotex Asia/ China Floor Shanghai, China www.domotexasiachinafloor.com
21 – 23 Mar International Building and Construction Trade Fair Shanghai, China www.shfair-cbd.no4e.com
21 – 24 Mar CIDE 2018 Beijing, China www.door-expo.com
28 – 31 Mar CIFM/ interzum guangzhou Guangzhou, China www.interzum-guangzhou.com
April
17 – 22 Apr Salone de Mobile Milano Milan, Italy www.salonemilano.it
27 – 29 Apr EcoBuild Southeast Asia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia www.ecobuildsea.com
May
2 – 6 May IndoBuildTech Jakarta 2018 Jakarta, Indonesia www.indobuildtech.com
15 – 17 May Guangzhou International Wooden House & Wooden Structure Fair 2018 www.muwuz.com
30 – 1 Jun Carrefour Int’l du bois Nantes, France www.timbershow.com
June
13 – 15 Jun Chengdu China Building & Decoration Materials Expo Chengdu, China www.cdjbh.cn
25 – 27 Jun Sylva Wood 2018 Shanghai, China www.sylvawoodexpo.com
August
20 – 23 Aug World Conference on Timber Engineering Seoul, Korea www.wcte2018.kr/home

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
COMPANY PAGE
American Hardwood Export Council OBC
American Lumber 7
ArchExpo 43
Baillie Lumber 11
BEX Asia 2017 19
BuildTech Asia 2017 61
Chia Lung Machinery Ind Co Ltd 39
Extend Light Machinery Co Ltd 13
Hoon Hsiang Ind Co Ltd 31
Kuang Yung Co Ltd 9
Malaysian Timber Council 1
Panels & Furniture Group 5
Technik Associates, Inc IBC
Sylva Wood 2018 IFC

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com Issue 2 | September 2017

THE WAVE, NTU

ASIA’S SPECIALISED WOOD MATERIALS

ORGANISER CO-ORGANISER ENDORSED BY

Shanghai American APA-

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Editor | Lee Zhuomin

Assistant Editor | Pang Yanrong

how structural complexities could be Assistant Editor | Sarah Si

the world; it showed the rest of us all is yours to harvest.

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OUR GROUP OF WOOD MAGAZINES

CONNECT WITH US:

Pablo Publishing Pte Ltd

THE global cross laminated

HYBRID structures made from

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Singapore Sustainability Academy is made from CLT and glulam.

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CHINA GETS TOUGH ON

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METSA WOOD PIONEERS

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HEXION Inc. has introduced

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An inspiration from nature to

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Hoisting of the engineered timber

Installation of the engineered timber

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Championing the importance of

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WHERE INNOVATION, FAITH,

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FORM AND FUNCTION

Sayama Forest Chapel melds form and function

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PROMOTING CANADIAN to the slow-growing Canadian Brock Commons at the University

Brock Commons, the tallest wood-framed

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urban density is not well-suited for the

However, apprehensions among

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CURRENT EVENTS AND the local industry develop its own

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The library captures the essence of