Wood In Architecture Issue 2, 2019

Contents
14 28 32
4
6
14
28
32
36
EDITOR’S NOTE: Timber in the megatrends of our times
NEWS
BIG PICTURE
Wood Disruption: Stylish and Iconic Headquarters
ENGINEERED WOOD
Freres Lumber brings to market a new type of Mass Timber Panel – Mass Plywood Panels
Modular in Milan
IN PERSON
The way to truly Green Dwelling
40
44
MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
Saito Wood Industry: An early pioneer in Japan’s glulam manufacturing industry
High Technology and Innovation for CLT construction with the new OIKOS X by SCM

Wood In Architecture • Issue 2, 2019
36 40
47
52
55
59
STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Shanghai Xijiao State Guest Guest Hotel’s Multi-function Hall – Yi Jing Yuan
Lunawood in Architecture
Häring Timber: Bringing Timber Construction Systems to Singapore and beyond
Beauty and the Budget – Engineered wood's appeal is more than skin deep
61
AWARDS
54 winners of 2019 RIBA National Awards announced
64
65
67
68
SHOW PREVIEW
Malaysian Wood Expo 2019 Inaugural edition: Take your business to the next level
CIFF Shanghai 2019, A Paradigm for Global Living
SHOW REVIEW
Over 250 attend the inaugural AHEC’s Southeast Asia Convention in Hanoi
ADVERTISER'S INDEX AND CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Singapore MICA (P) No. 123/05/2018
Editor | Szeto Hiu Yan
hiuyan@pabloasia.com
TIMBER IN THE MEGATRENDS
OF OUR TIMES
The advantages of CLT may have been reiterated many times, but in “The Future of
Timber Construction. CLT- Cross Laminated Timber”, a book released by Stora Enso, it is
interesting to see a discussion of the relevance of wood in the megatrends of our times.
It defines megatrends as “the deep ocean currents of change”, spanning several decades as
ever-present development constants of global society.
These 12 megatrends were identified by Zukumftsinstitut, one of the most influential think
tanks in European trend analysis and future studies. They are: Individualisation, New Work,
Neo-ecology, Connectivity, Silver Society, Health, Gender Shift, Security, Mobility, Urbanisation,
Globalisation and Knowledge culture.
Suffice to say, wood finds its qualities aligning closely with most of the 12 megatrends, such
as urbanisation, knowledge culture, neo-ecology and health – a refreshing take on how we
see wood.
So…has the era of CLT finally arrived? Is a CLT boom coming?
CLT factories have been built across the world – Katerra’s new CLT factory, with the largest CLT
manufacturing capacity in the U.S.(pg. 6), has just been completed; Stora Enso is considering
building its fourth CLT unit in Czech Republic; the Russian government is looking into changing
its building code to accommodate more wooden mid-rise building; In Japan, the number of CLT
manufacturing sawmills has grown to eight.
The South East Asian(SEA) and Middle Eastern regions will continue to see many obstacles,
owing to a lack of production since softwoods aren’t grown in these regions and non-standard
sized panels make transportation by standard containers difficult and costly. Still, it is too early
to rule out these regions. Häring Timber, a Swiss glulam manufacturer and one of the largest
glulam producers in Asia, will be exhibiting in the upcoming BEX ASIA Expo held in Singapore
where its President, Mr Chris H. Häring sees much potential. (pg. 55)
The signs are speaking for themselves.
Hiu Yan | Editor
The same can be said for why CLT is gaining traction and visibility in headquarters of tech and
media companies in western countries. In this issue’s BIG PICTURE, we explore innovative ways
wood is now being used to build the most beautiful headquarters. (pg. 14)
Besides CLT, mass timber continues to see more innovations from around the world. Freres
Lumber has recently launched its new patented Mass Plywood Panels, giving builders a close
alternative to CLT. Do not miss WIA’s interview with Tyler Freres, vice-president of sales. (pg. 28)
Lastly, glulam may not be attracting as much attention as CLT, but the glulam industry in Japan
has seen steady growth. Find out more in my report on glulam manufacturing in Japan, as
well as my interview with Saito Wood Industry’s managing director, Mr Takeshi Saito. (pg. 40)
Editor | Pang Yanrong
yanrong@pabloasia.com
Assistant Editor | Natalie Chew
natalie@pabloasia.com
Deputy Executive Editor (Chinese Edition)
Wendy Wei | pabloshanghai@163.net
Graphic Designer | Edwin De Souza
edwin@pabloasia.com
Admin & Circulation Manager | Shu Ai Ling
circulation@pabloasia.com
Business Development & Marketing | YanJun Pang
yanjun@pabloasia.com
General Manager,
Pablo Beijing & Shanghai | Ellen Gao
pablobeijing@163.com
Associate Publisher | Pamela Buckley
pamela@pabloasia.com
Publisher | William Pang
williampang@pabloasia.com
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4 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE
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NEWS
KATERRA CLT PASSES TESTING FOR FIRST
PROJECT USE, FIRST PANELS TO SHIP SOON
IN early July, Katerra CLT passed a
critical milestone – Katerra CLT products
successfully completed product testing
for first project use, conducted by its
3 rd party agency PFS-TECO. Moreover,
Katerra CLT is manufactured and tested
for its intended uses (structural, fire,
and acoustics), complying with the 2018
International Building Code (IBC) and all
relevant reference standards including
the ANSI/APA PRG 320 (2018) CLT
manufacturing standard.
As an integrated, end-to-end building
services provider, Katerra is one of
the few companies working with CLT
comprehensively, spanning R&D,
design, sourcing, codes and standards
development, manufacturing, and
construction.
Its most significant investment in mass
timber to date is the advent of its
premier CLT factory in Spokane Valley,
Washington. The new 270,000 squarefoot
manufacturing facility will not only
provide a quality product at high volume
in a region embracing wood building;
it will also allow Katerra to scale the
production of mass timber in the U.S..
FACTORY
The factory occupies 29 acres of a
prime 52-acre site in Spokane Valley,
with access to rail lines and interstate
highways – located ideally for the west
coast market, from Los Angeles to
Vancouver, British Columbia.
They are optimising core manufacturing
processes in order to develop quality CLT
panels at the lowest possible cost by:
• Automating factory processes
• Integrating industry-leading
technological solutions
• Operating at the highest level of
standards and quality
LARGEST CLT PANELS TO BE
PRODUCED
Katerra’s initial product offerings
will include both 5-layer and 3-layer
panels, used primarily for floors. Next
on track is the testing and certification
of 7-layer and 9-layer panels, including
CLT shear wall panels to be used
for lateral stability, providing even
faster and less costly construction.
Master panels will come in a format size of
12ft wide by 60ft long – representing the
largest CLT press in the world. The master
panels are then fed for finish fabrication
into three state-of-the-art 5-axis gantry
CNC machines, creating the greatest
possible production flexibility.
LARGEST CAPACITY CLT FACILITY
IN THE U.S.
At scale, one factory alone has the
annual manufacturing capacity to provide
thousands of apartments, student
housing units, and more than 11 million
square-feet of floors and roofs – making it
the largest capacity CLT facility in the U.S..
Hans-Erik Blomgren PE, SE, Technical
Director of Mass Timber at Katerra says,
"Katerra’s CLT factory is the first highvolume
production facility in the United
States. Our ability to supply a highperformance,
quality product to projects
nationwide is a significant advancement
in changing the way we build with mass
timber in North America."
FIRST PROJECT: CATALYST
BUILDING IN SPOKANE,
WASHINGTON
The first project to receive CLT panels
from the factory is the Catalyst Building,
located in Spokane, Washington’s
booming University District. The 150,000
square-foot building will demonstrate
the possibilities of the integration of
economic vitality, regional sustainability,
and energy efficiency by leveraging the
legacy industries of the region (such as
timber) and the innovation happening in
the construction and education sectors.
Catalyst broke ground earlier this year,
and the first CLT panels are on track for
July delivery. Over 500 Katerra panels will
be used in the building as floor elements.
| WIA
Rendering shows CLT floor and
wall panels on the Catalyst
Building, the first CLT office
building in Washington State
(Image credit: Katerra)
6 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

NEWS
STORA ENSO EVALUATES EXPANSION IN WOOD PRODUCTS
STORA ENSO has initiated feasibility
studies for a possible cross laminated
timber (CLT) unit in connection with its
Ždírec mill in the Czech Republic and a
new construction beam unit to be located
at the Ybbs mill in Austria.
Stora Enso continues its transformation
into a leading provider of innovative woodbased
solutions. The transformation
in its Wood Products unit includes
growing its value-added businesses and
consolidation of production to increase
focus on efficient integrated production.
A POSSIBLE 4 TH CLT UNIT
The proposed expansion in Ždírec
would add a total annual capacity of
approximately 120 000 m 3 of CLT. It
would be Stora Enso’s fourth CLT unit,
following the inauguration of the Gruvön
CLT unit in Sweden earlier this year. The
study is expected to be completed by the
end of 2019.
In Ybbs, the planned expansion would
add a total annual capacity of 60 000
m 3 of construction beams. The new
beam product would be offered to
Building Solutions’ customers and sold
as a solution together with CLT and LVL.
The feasibility study is expected to be
completed by the end of the first quarter
of 2020.
If the investments are approved
following the feasibility studies, the
capital expenditure is estimated to
be approximately EUR 90 million. The
transformation in Wood Products also
includes the earlier announced plans to
close the Kitee sawmill with a possible
consolidation of spruce production to
Varkaus, as well as the divestment of
assets related to Thermowood production
at Uimaharju sawmill in Finland. Stora
Enso will consolidate the Thermowood
production to Launkalne mill in Latvia.
“We see extensive potential for our
engineered wooden materials in the
market, and an opportunity for further
growth in the multi-storey building
segment…Our proven massive wood
components as well as our building
concepts is constantly increasing,” says
Jari Suominen, Executive Vice President
of Stora Enso’s Wood Products division.
| WIA
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
7

NEWS
ONTARIO GOVERNMENT INVESTS US$3.8 MILLION IN
PROVINCE FIRST CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER PLANT
JOHN YAKABUSKI, Minister of Natural
Resources and Forestry, announced
an investment of almost US$3.8
million in Element5’s new CLT plant in
Ontario, Canada. The US$24.3 million
manufacturing facility will be one of
North America’s first fully automated CLT
plant and will provide cross-laminated
products used to construct buildings and
other infrastructure projects in Canada
and the U.S.
The government is committed to increase
the use of timber in the home building
industry through the Made-in-Ontario
Environment Plan and the Housing Supply
Action Plan. This includes increasing the
use of Ontario timber in buildings, and
for construction and renovation to reduce
emissions and encouraging mass timber
demonstration projects.
“Mass timber construction will be an
important innovation that can help bring
housing to market faster, while still
meeting the high standards in the Ontario
Building Code to protect public health
and safety,” said Steve Clark, Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This is
all part of our plan to give the people of
Ontario more housing and more choices.”
The investment is being made through
Ontario’s Forestry Growth Fund, which
provides funding for forestry sector projects
that improve productivity and innovation,
enhance competitiveness, support new
market access, and strengthen supply
chains and regional economies.| WIA
SEGEZHA GROUP AND ETALON GROUP INITIATED
THE TESTING OF CLT PANELS IN RUSSIA
SEGEZHA GROUP and ETALON GROUP
(part of Sistema JSFC) have initiated
the process of introducing amendments
to current Russian regulations to
build administrative and apartment
buildings out of timber, as well as to
launch field tests of these structures.
During the discussion of scientific
research and experimental development
works (R&EDW) for broad application
of wooden panels (in particular CLT
panels), participants discussed the
options for outdoor fire-safety testing of
buildings made of CLT.
The participants at the meeting agreed to
prepare a R&D roadmap within the next
two to three months, both for outdoor fire
safety tests and for verification of loadbearing
capacities of framework structures,
walls and ceiling slabs of multi-storey
buildings constructed with CLT panels.
This work should result in development
of specific proposals for amending
construction codes and regulations,
which will allow for expansion of the
usage of wood in houses that are eight
storeys and taller. In the future, the
initiators of the meeting plan to continue
working together as a working group.
After the launch of Segezha Group's
plant in Vologda Region, Etalon
Group plans to develop projects with
partners in Sistema JSFC to construct
several multi-storey buildings of
various functions in Moscow. | WIA
CANADIAN GOVERNMENT INVESTING IN INNOVATION AND
EDUCATION IN BUILDING WITH WOOD
THE Canadian government is making
an investment of $2.5million to support
wood innovation, including educating the
next generation of Canadian engineers
and architects on the benefits of
designing and building with wood.
Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of
Natural Resources announced that
its investment in the Canadian Wood
Council’s Advanced Wood Education
Roadmap to promote the benefits and
opportunities associated with using
wood in non-residential construction.
This project will design and implement
new Canadian post-secondary learning
curricula, resources and tools, as well
as work placements, which will teach
students the benefits of wood, woodhybrid
and non-traditional construction.
Funding for the project is provided
through Natural Resources Canada’s
Green Construction through Wood
programme, which encourages the use
of wood in non-traditional construction
projects, such as tall wood buildings, lowrise
non-residential buildings and bridges.
The programme aims to position Canada
as a world leader in tall wood construction
technologies and the low-carbon economy.
The investment will help achieve Canada’s
2030 climate change goals by training
future leaders in Canada’s design and
construction communities in effective
ways of constructing sustainably
with Canadian wood, while reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. | WIA
8 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

NEWS
JAPAN CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER ASSOCIATION
WANTS TO EXPORT JAPANESE CLT
JAPAN CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER
ASSOCIATION wants to bring Japanese
made CLT overseas The Japan Cross
Laminated Timber Association held its
regular general meeting in June.
At the outset of the meeting, Koichiro
Nakashima, Representative Director of the
association, said, “Five years has passed
since the foundation of this organisation.
During this time, JAS regulations have
been established, factories have been
built and the number of CLT manufacturing
sawmills has grown to eight.”
MORE THAN 300 CLT BUILDINGS
CLT production capacity had increased
to over 50,000 cubic metres. Nakashima
mentioned that the number of CLT
buildings is more than 300, and that
the material was exported to Taiwan
last year. He emphasised that “In
Europe, CLT production has exceeded
the 1,000,000 cubic metre mark,
and in the United States, a new
factory is about to start production.
We would like to turn our attention
to overseas and disseminate CLT made
from Japanese tree to the world.”
In the business policies for fiscal 2019,
the following will be the focus: Support
in designing, implementation of training
seminars and awareness building
activities, technology development
focused on the rationalisation
of construction methods, business
development toward the targets shown in
the road map. Nagashima also announced
that the association would continue
to make efforts in promoting CLT
through forums, design contest and
technology development concerning
CLT usage. | WIA
JAPAN’S DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF LAMINATED
LUMBER FELL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THREE YEARS
ACCORDING to the Timber Statistics
recently compiled by the Ministry of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the
domestic production of laminated lumber
in 2018 went down 2.4 per cent from the
previous year to 1,923,000 cubic metres.
As reported by Japan Lumber Journal, the
ministry started including the production
of laminated lumber and related figures
in the timber statistics since 2017.
Previously, the Japan Laminated Wood
Products Association (JLWPA) kept its
own records. It is the first time in three
years that domestic production fell.
Among the different types of laminated
lumber products manufactured in
2018, structural use laminated lumber
decreased 0.3 per cent to 1,852,000 cubic
metres and those other than structures
such as fixtures dropped 37.2 per cent
to 71,000 cubic metres, showing a
remarkable decline in non-structural use.
Among the structural laminated lumber,
small-dimension items increased
11 per cent to 1,041,000 cubic metres,
medium dimension decreased 9.4 per
cent to 784,000 cubic metres, and
large dimension dropped 51 per cent
to 27,000 cubic metres. In recent
years, the use of small to medium
dimension laminated lumber has
increased as structural material for
general houses, in place of solid lumber.
The small-dimension items, which are
also low in costs, are now preferred due
to the progress in technologies.
Large-dimension items are mainly used
for middle- to large-scale buildings,
and many of them are expensive
custom-made products.
The production of large-dimension
items has not grown lately, as more
technologies and methods have
emerged to construct medium- and
large-scale buildings at reduced costs
through jointing generally-distributed
materials and other innovations.
Under such circumstances, JLWPA
is making efforts to promote large
dimension laminated lumber through
standardisation for cost reduction.
INCREASE IN JAPAN PRODUCED
LAMINA
The amount of lamina used for laminated
lumber in 2018 was 2,691,000 cubic
metres, down 2.3 per cent from the
previous year, with Japanese wood
accounting for 1,051,000 cubic metres,
an increase of 15.7 per cent, and
imported wood amounting to 1.64 million
cubic metres, down 11.2 per cent.
The use of Japanese timber has increased
mainly due to a rise in price of imported
lamina from Europe, its deteriorated
quality, and increased production of
Japanese cedar small-dimension posts.
According to trade statistics by the
Ministry of Finance, Japan’s import of
laminated lumber in 2018 was 918,000
cubic metres, a 5.2 per cent decrease
from the previous year’s record, of which
structural items declined 6.3 per cent
to 813,000 cubic metres. | WIA
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
9

NEWS
MALAYSIAN RESEARCHERS FIND GREAT POTENTIAL IN
ADAPTING CLT TECHNOLOGY USING LOCAL TIMBER
RESEARCH has found that cross laminated
timber (CLT) could be the future of the
wood and building industry in Sabah,
reported the Dailyexpress from Malaysia
in March this year.
However, there is significant headway to
be made before proponents see a wooden
skyline in the state.
The eight-month joint research between
a team of University Malaysia Sabah
wood technology and industry final year
students and Sapulut Forest Development
Sdn Bhd has shown promising results to
suggest that tall buildings can be built
using timber.
CLT however is not a new concept for it
has been used in other countries. For
example, a wood academic building is
set to be built in Nanyang Technological
University (NTU) in Singapore, which will
be Asia’s largest wooden building when
completed.
The research team experimented with
‘laran’ and ‘batai’ plantation timber
species and presented their findings
to various industry players and agency
representatives. It was noted that they
were basically studying strength and
durability. The research covered many
areas from looking at the mechanical
(aspects), fire resistance and so on.
The Associate Professor in the Faculty of
Science and Natural Resources (Forestry
Complex) at UMS noted that the results
are extremely promising – the plantation
timber can be used on buildings and
apartments. The professor added that
the challenge for the academic team
is converting their research data into
something that can be used by engineers.
The researchers know that it is safe
but they need to convert the data into
engineering data for engineers to use to
build buildings with.
This is the challenge, he said, admitting
however that he could not see the building
industry in the state using CLT at the
moment due to various roadblocks, and
current regulations.
In the meantime, the professor agreed
that further research should be conducted
to cover more areas, including CLT’s
contribution to the global commitment
in carbon reduction, in order to convince
both policy makers and the industry.
Among those who attended the
presentation were representatives from
Timber Association Sabah, Sabah Forestry
Department, Malaysian Timber Industry
Board, Forest Research Institute Malaysia
and Malaysia Investment Development
Authority.
The managing director of the wood
technology’s co-developer, a sustainable
forestry company, said that the research
validated the company’s conviction that
CLT could offer the highest value for their
planted timber. However, he emphasised
that if the local industry is to fully embrace
CLT in the future, it is important that the
supply of raw materials always remain
constant.
He also acknowledged that promoting
CLT to industry and policy makers will be
a challenge due to some misconceptions
and lack of awareness about the
material. | WIA
LAMINATE FLOORING MARKET EXPERIENCES DOWNTURN
IN 2018, SALES UP IN ASIA AND LATIN AMERICA
IN 2018, manufacturing members of
the EPLF achieved worldwide sales of
European-produced laminate flooring
totalling 455 million m 2 (2017: 477
million m 2 ). Even with a downward trend
in some regions, the global laminate
market remains at a high level. In Western
Europe, the “home market” of the EPLF,
sales declined further in 2018, whilst Latin
America and Asia once again recorded
the biggest increases. North America
saw a reduction in sales, whereas Eastern
Europe remained stable.
WESTERN EUROPE
In Western Europe (including Turkey),
total sales reached 225 million m 2 in 2018
(2017: 243 million m 2 ). This represents
a drop of -7.3 per cent compared to the
previous year. Germany was still by far
the most important individual market in
Central Europe with 52 million m 2 (2017:
57 million m 2 ) – albeit with a - 8.3 per cent
reduction caused by the continuing trend
towards substitution with alternative
flooring types. France continues to
occupy second place in Europe, with
United Kingdom coming in third.
EASTERN EUROPE
In Eastern Europe, total sales declined
for the first time after enjoying growth for
several years. This region will nevertheless
continue to be an important market for
EPLF producers in future. Sales within
the area reached around 128 million m²
10 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

NEWS
(2017: 128 million m²) in 2018 - another
good result for European laminate floor
producers. The EPLF is aware that in
2017 just under 28 million m² of laminate
produced by Russian members was not
covered by the statistics for various
reasons. In 2018, EPLF members in
Russia reported sales of 39 million m²
(2017: 36 million m²), which corresponds
to a growth rate of 10.6 per cent.
NORTH AMERICA
North America continues to be a profitable
sales region for the European laminate
flooring sector, although weaker figures
from Canada have had a somewhat
dampening effect on the result. At
44.3 million m 2 (2017: 49 million m 2 ),
total sales for North America in 2018
stand at around -10.4 per cent down
against the previous year. With around 30.7
million m 2 sold in 2018 (PY 32 million m 2 ),
the U.S. exhibited a slight reduction of
- 2.4 per cent, whilst Canada recorded
just under 13.6 million m² for 2018 (PY
18 million m²), representing a drop of
-24.5 per cent.
Africa
The biggest increase in 2018 was 7.8
per cent, gained in Africa, although
total sales there only amounted to 5
million m². The region of Latin America
again recorded an increase in EPLF sales
statistics, achieving a growth rate of 4.7
per cent for 2018 with 18.5 million m 2
(2017: 17.7 million m²).
Asia
In the Asia region, EPLF producers
achieved total sales of around
30 million m² (2017: 29 million m²)
in 2018, representing a rise of around
+2.8 per cent over the previous year.
The uncontested number one position
for Asia in 2018 was again held by China
(including Hong Kong), although figures
were down -7.2 per cent compared to
the previous year: sales there reached
8.9 million m 2 (2017: 9.6 million m²).
Meanwhile, it appears laminate has also
gained a foothold in the huge Indian
market: in 2018, EPLF members achieved
sales there of 1.6 million m² (2017 1.4
million m²). | WIA
(Image credit: EPLF)
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
11

NEWS
MJØSTÅRNET IN NORWAY IS NOW THE
WORLD’S TALLEST TIMBER BUILDING
MJØSTÅRNET has been verified as the
world's tallest timber building by the
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
The 85.4-metre or 18-storey-high
tower was built using cross-laminated
timber (CLT), a pioneering material
that allows architects to build tall
buildings from sustainable wood.
It has taken the title of world's tallest
timber building from the 53-metre-high
Brock Commons Tallwood House in
Vancouver, which has a hybrid wood and
concrete structure. 49-metre-high Treet in
Norway, used to be the tallest all timber
building until Mjøstårnet was completed
in March 2019.
Mjøstårnet, the third-tallest building in
Norway, was designed by Norwegian
practice Voll Arkitekter for AB Invest. The
18-storey mixed-use building contains
apartments, the Wood Hotel, swimming
pool, office space, and a restaurant.
Timber specialist Moelven Limitre installed
the building's timber structure, including
elevator shafts made entirely from CLT,
and columns made from glued laminated
timber (glulam).
Mjøstårnet was built four storeys at a time
in five construction stages. An internal
scaffolding and a large crane were used
to lift and fit the pre-fabricated sections
and floor slabs into place.
Materials were sourced locally as
Brumunddal is an area of Norway with a
major forestry and wood processing
industry.
CLT and glulam are strong enough to
support large loads, and using timber
means the carbon absorbed from the
atmosphere by the trees is locked into
the structure permanently.
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban
Habitat (CTBUH) recently revised its
guidelines to recognise timber as a
structural material in response to an
upward trend in the number of tall timber
buildings around the world.
As urban areas grow denser than ever and
more tall buildings being built globally,
many architects have turned to CLT and
other engineered timbers as a more
sustainable building material. | WIA
(Photo is credited to Moelven)
12 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

NEWS
U.S. GOVERNMENT RAISED ANTI-DUMPING RATES ON
CHINESE ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING
THE anti-dumping rates (AD) for Chinese
engineered wood flooring imports have
increased significantly for nearly all
Chinese producers, who were previously
paying zero anti-dumping duties since
3o July, according to the Decorative
Hardwoods Association in the U.S..
“Now, as a result of the Commerce
Department's final determinations,
the anti-dumping duty margins have
increased to 85.13 per cent as a
countrywide rate for 46 companies
and a separate rate of 42.57 per cent
for 59 specific companies. These rates
were announced by the Commerce
Department.
“The rates become effective immediately.
The duty rates are also retroactive for
these Chinese imports from December
31, 2016, which was the start of the
review period.”
“The countervailing duty (CVD) rates,
which address the Chinese government's
subsidies of these multi-layered wood
flooring products, also increased to
between 2.96 per cent and 3.2 per cent.
Most companies will pay an additional
3.1 per cent. These rates are also
retroactive and require additional
cash deposits."
“These AD/CVD rates are separate from
and in addition to the 25 per cent tariffs
which have been recently imposed by
the Trump administration on Chinese
imports subject to the U.S. Section
301 investigation of distortive Chinese
trade practices such as technology
transfer, cyber hacking, and state-owned
enterprises. As such, most Chinese
flooring imports are also subject to those
tariffs as well.” | WIA
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
13

BIG PICTURE
WOOD DISRUPTION:
STYLISH AND ICONIC
HEADQUARTERS
By Szeto Hiu Yan
with contribution from Liu Ejen
14 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

BIG PICTURE
With the new-found wealth of Silicon Valley’s tech
unicorns, came the reinvention of the workplace. These
tech companies want their offices to be unconventional,
charismatic and fun, with new designs and features that
are better suited to their disruptive and flexible nature,
inducing the envy of everyone else along the way.
Google’s offices, for example, are designed to “create
the happiest, most productive workplace in the world”,
or in other words, to motivate employees. It does so by
promoting “casual collision” between employees as well
as encouraging a culture that focuses on its employees
rather than results. Hence, “breakout spaces” for informal
meetings and interactions have since been carved out,
such as huddle spaces and conversation nooks. These
are, of course, just one of the numerous new ideas that
have cropped up in the recent evolution of the work
space.
Besides, more large companies are taking on the
responsibility to spearhead sustainability, and building
sustainably has become part of their corporate
sustainability agendas.
Wood, whether as a building or decorative material,
has therefore become an increasingly popular building
material. New innovations have allowed wood to be
disruptive, flexible, warm, visually striking and sustainable.
As wood innovations usher in the way for sustainable
architecture, let’s take a look at how designers are
experimenting with wood to build headquarters that not
only make an architectural statement but also with the
environment in mind.
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
15

BIG PICTURE
Historically
significant
wood
building
restored
– Google Spruce Goose,
Los Angeles, United States
Once a timber framed hangar that
housed the Spruce Goose, the
229-metre long space is now the home to
Google’s headquarters in Playa Vista, Los
Angeles. Owned by famous businessman,
film director and pilot, Howard Hughes,
the Spruce Goose was a H-4 Hercules
plane that was made entirely out of wood.
While it only flew once, it was the world’s
largest aircraft when it was built.
Paying homage to the hangar’s
legendary past occupant, ZGF architects
incorporated aviation themes into the
open workspaces, elevated walkways,
and exposed timber beams.
16 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

BIG PICTURE
Each of the floors is a different shape, allowing daylight to reach
every level. The 41,806 square metre space contains offices,
conference rooms, cafés, a fitness centre, and a 250- person
event space. Through adaptive reuse, the designers created a
“building within a building”. The original hangar’s Douglas fir
spine and curved ribs were restored and used for the structure of
the building. Leftover wood salvaged from the hangar was used
to create furniture for the interior of the office. The wood ceiling
was kept bare, a beautiful remnant from the building’s past life.
With the help of Google, this historic hangar has been given a
second chance at life. The timber office is nostalgic yet modern,
dated yet timeless. Its new occupants will likely follow in the
footsteps of their predecessor and achieve astonishing feats,
creating their own legends within the wooden walls.
(All images are credited to Google.)
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
17

BIG PICTURE
Mixing traditional
Japanese carpentry
techniques with
French architectural
style
– Tamedia Headquarters,
Zurich, Switzerland
Located in Zurich, Swiss media company Tamedia’s
headquarters boasts an innovative timber design that is
both sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. The building
was designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, who drew
inspiration from his own cultural heritage and European
architecture.
Using traditional Japanese carpentry techniques, he created a
French Baroque style mansard roof similar to that of the Louvre.
The building itself is composed of pieces of interlocking wood
that are able to hold together without joint hardware or glue.
18 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

BIG PICTURE
The design features columns of solid spruce connected by beech wood pins
CHALLENGES
While there are many benefits to using
timber, including low carbon dioxide
emissions and renewability, it also
poses many challenges. During the
process of constructing the building,
Ban had to tackle strict local regulatory
restrictions regarding fire protection
and the implementation of wood-frame
construction. This required extensive
testing of his building materials and
compromises with local authorities.
The final design features columns of solid spruce connected by
beech wood pins that were created using CNC milling machines.
These pins help to provide support, allowing the building to be
rigid and firm despite the lack of mechanical hardware such as
bolts and screws. The thick spruce beams provide one-hour
protection and char on the surface of the wood in case of a fire.
Wood was chosen not only for its sustainability, but also its
aesthetic and sensorial qualities. Its natural smell, appearance,
and texture all helped to create the “pleasant working
environment” desired by Tamedia chairman Pietro Supino.
(All images are credited to Shigeru Ban Architects.)
The building itself is composed of pieces of interlocking wood that are able to hold
together without joint hardware or glue.
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
19

BIG PICTURE
Futuristic
Arches
– Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-
Pathé Headquarters,
Paris, France
On Avenue des Gobelins, in the midst
of mid-rise apartment buildings
lies a 23,000 square foot “armadillo”
encased by aluminum panels. The
Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé
Headquarters, designed by Renzo Piano
Building Workshop (RPBW), was built to
celebrate and preserve the legacy of the
iconic French film company. Situated
in a historic city block, the building has
an abstract, non-intrusive design that is
seamlessly integrated into surrounding
architecture.
The fifth floor of the research centre is
housed in a glass vault, supported by
wooden arches on the interior, and adorned
with aluminium panels on the exterior. On
the inside, 32 exposed parabolic wood
arches decorate the lofty ceiling, with
each beam spanning between 10 to 50
feet. Due to an extra four-inch depth in
some areas, the longest beams are more
curved than the others. Laminated larch
wood was chosen for this design. The
glulam beams, both flexible and beautiful,
could be cut into any size, allowing the
intricate design to be effectively realised.
20 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

BIG PICTURE
Displaying incredible attention to detail,
RPBW architect Thorsten Sahlmann
flew to timber contractor Rubner
Holbau’s fabrication facility in Italy
to approve each arch before having
them sent to Paris to be assembled on
site. The arches are held together by
embedded steel plates and bolts; all of
which are supported by a steel beam,
braced by the double curved steel and
concrete superstructure, which extends
around the perimeter of the building.
The elegant, futuristic building has
been called one of Renzo Piano’s best
works. From the streets, it is rather
inconspicuous, but it is definitely an
architectural feat that should not be missed.
The “armadillo” structure with an
exterior nearly entirely encased
by aluminum panels
(All images are credited to Renzo Piano
Building Workshop and Michel Denancé.)
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
21

BIG PICTURE
A mesmerising
wooden
grid shell like
no other
– Swatch Headquarters, Swatch-Omega Museum and Omega
Production Buildings, Biel, Switzerland
The 220 metres Swatch snake slithers
along the river Schuss in Biel,
Switzerland, a stunning new home to
exhibition spaces, offices, storage units
and a brand new Swatch store.
Shigeru Ban’s design for the project
is an extension to the main campus of
two major watch makers of Switzerland;
Swatch and Omega. The project will
become the new headquarters for
Swatch along with the production
facility for Omega, as well as provide
additional office space and a museum.
The Swatch headquarters building
features a more organic and flowing
wooden grid shell structure with an
intricate timber roof adorned with
11 types of façades. The Omega building
will be more rigid and formal, though it
will be an exemplary showcase of post
22 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

BIG PICTURE
(Photo on left) The newly opened Cité du Temps is home to two museums: Omega Museum and Planet Swatch
(Photo above) The building on the right is the Omega Production Building
and beam construction. The new extension being built connects three
main buildings, each with a distinct function and style. The infrastructure
is slated to open officially in September this year.
The main Swatch building has an organic, innovative design that
fits perfectly with the company’s ethos: playfulness, innovation, and
provocation. Beside it stands the Omega central building, a modern and
sleek five-storey block of steel and concrete. Like the company it houses,
the structure is precise, professional, and solid. The juxtaposition of the
two contrasting buildings makes for a visually interesting display. The
third building was built in 2015, and is currently being used for production
and logistics.
Renderings of the massive timber grid shell
THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
Produced and assembled by Blumer Lehmann AC, the ambitious project
is realised through parametric planning. This has been essential in the
process of designing the cut-outs and details of the timber roof structure.
Coding has enabled them to control production machines using complex
interfaces and techniques.
The Omega Production Building
A combination of spectacular craftsmanship, extensive planning, and
advanced technology, the timber roof is the product of 3D modelling
and 4,600 CNC cut wooden beams. Due to the technically challenging
curvilinear shape of the structure, both 2D and 3D modelling were used
throughout the design and construction process. System details were
created in 2D, then checked and approved before being parameterised
for 3D modelling. Once construction began, they worked from the middle
outwards, taking continuous measurements and assessing deviations
along the way in efforts to achieve better control and balance.
(Source: Shigeru Ban Architects website)
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
23

BIG PICTURE
Timber is the star material in the recently opened Cité du Temps
The entire construction process took 10 months due to the
complex nature of the design that required for collaboration
between many companies, experts, and specialists. Many of
the components were manufactured in Cossau, Germany, while
others required special machines that were provided by partners
in Switzerland. Collaborating with different specialists and
technicians was not easy. Some were not familiar with working
in 3D, and so they had to constantly switch between 2D and 3D
models.
The entire project showcases advanced timber technology
through its innovative design. This sustainable project will
be setting a new standard for the city of Biel and buildings
worldwide.
(All images are credited to Cité du Temps unless stated
otherwise.)
24 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

BIG PICTURE
A wood revolution
– Google King’s Cross,
London, United Kingdom
As the first wholly owned and designed Google building outside
of the U.S., Google King’s Cross in London is designed to
be a truly smart building that is open, dynamic, flexible with the
ambition to be at the forefront of technology. At 11-storey high
and providing more than 1 million square feet of space, of which
Google will occupy 650,000 sq ft, construction of the building
finally commenced in 2018, years after it was first announced.
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
25

BIG PICTURE
The massive structure will feature a “plinth” of
shops punctuated by office entrances along the
King’s Boulevard façade and a slew of culture,
leisure and public spaces besides offices and
facilities, such as a three-lane, 25 metre-long
pool and a massive landscaped roof.
The £1 billion new building, combined with
two other Google offices in London will
house 7,000 Google employees in total.
Heatherwick Studio and Bjarke Ingels Group
(BIG) are the architects of the project.
Sustainbility features are aplenty in the
approved design, such as space for 686
bikes and plans to only have four car parks to
encourage a car-light community, as well as
motorised timber blinds on the building to keep
out direct sunlight all-day.
Aligned with the architects’ natural theme for
the building, and Google’s healthy materials
programme, timber is predictably one of the
main materials used in the building. | WIA
(All images are credited to Google.)
26 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

BIG PICTURE
Key
1 Concrete Floor
2 Cross Laminate
Timber
3 Balcony
CLT AND CONCRETE FLOORS
In order to meet Google’s demands
for a flexible and adaptable space,
Heatherwick Studio and BIG are using
a mixture of concrete and timber to
construct the floors in the building. Prestressed
and precast panels of concrete
span the full width of the building. They
are supported by a steel frame that
help to create the structure for the
floors. Pieces of cross laminated timber
are laid over the concrete structure,
leaving space for inverted integrated
service zones that support the building’s
ventilation system. The two timber
floors are set inwards, creating double
and triple height spaces. Most of the
construction has been completed offsite
in order to maximise efficiency and
eliminate formwork risks.
INTERIOR
Face of Glass Timber Fins Monorail Track in ceiling
SELF ADJUSTING WINDOWS
Timber mullions will be attached to
the windows on the south side of the
building. Designed to minimise the glare
on the screens of the employees, the
shutters can rotate 180 degrees to shield
off direct sunlight as the sun moves
across the sky.
Timber Fins Pivot hinged at center
and capable of rotating 180 degrees
EXTERIOR
PRE-CAST CONCRETE SPANDREL
Early morning Late morning Early afternoon Late afternoon Early evening
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
27

ENGINEERED WOOD
FRERES LUMBER
BRINGS TO
MARKET A NEW
TYPE OF MASS
TIMBER PANEL –
MASS PLYWOOD
PANELS
Established in 1922, Freres Lumber may
be one of the oldest family-owned and
operated businesses in Oregon, United
States, but it is also known for adopting
cutting-edge technologies that transform
and modernise construction practices. As
a premier wood products manufacturing
company known for its innovative, highquality
and sustainable wood products,
Freres Lumber recently developed and
released a new patented engineered wood
product, the Mass Plywood Panels (MPP).
PFA speaks to Tyler Freres, vice president
of Sales.
By Szeto Hiu Yan
A
veneer-based engineered wood product, MPP is a Mass
Timber Panel that is produced by combining extremely
thin 1/8 inch thick Douglas Fir veneers, resulting in a
densely layered, large-format wood platform that can be made
to exact specifications and cut with CNC machines. It is
considered to be a Structural Composite Lumber (SCL), rather
than plywood.
“We call our product Mass Plywood Panels ‘plywood’ as an
homage to the product we have been making for decades. In
reality, the certification codes require the classification of the
panels first as SCL under ASTM D 5456 and then as CLT under
PRG 320. There is a required product path in the PRG 320
standard,” said Freres.
SCL is a family of engineered wood products that includes
laminated veneer lumber(LVL), parallel strand lumber (PSL),
laminated strand lumber (LSL) and oriented strand lumber (OSL)
and is typically used as structural elements such as headers,
beams, joist and columns.
THE ONLY MASS TIMBER PANEL MADE ENTIRELY
OF SCL
MPP is currently the only Mass Timber Panel constructed entirely
of SCL. It has also earned a CLT classification. Simply put, the
MPP is the embodiment of both the SCL and CLT.
Kyle , Vice President of
Operations (left) and Tyler
Freres, Vice President of Sales,
at the Freres MPP Plant
So what is the significance? In manufacturing terms, Freres
explained that “Mass timber panels typically include CLT,
NLT(nail laminated timber), and DLT(dowel laminated timber)
which use lumber as the primary raw material to construct a
panel with definable design values across the minor and major
force directions.”
28 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

ENGINEERED WOOD
Mass Plywood Panels’ panel size can go up to 12 ft in width,
48 ft in length and up to 24 inches in thickness
“NLT and DLT are primarily uni-directional and have the most
strength in the long-grain direction of the lumber. CLT allows for
values in both directions due to the orthogonal layup of lumber
lamellas within the CLT panels. Using SCL in the format designed
and constructed by Freres allows for definable minor and
major force direction design values in each individual lamella,
offering stability across both axis of the panel. This allows MPP
to increase by 1-inch increments instead of by 2-plies for each
increase in structural requirements.”
While its PRG-320 certification allows for MPP to be currently
used in plank orientation, similar to CLT, Freres anticipates the
use of MPP for columns, beams, floors, roofs and walls in the
future, due to its SCL properties.
Freres invested more than US$35 million since 2015 to develop
the product as well as to build its production facility.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES
Versatility is one of MPP’s strongest selling points. With the raw
panel size limited to 12 feet (3.6 metres) wide by 48 ft (14.6 m)
long by up to 24 inches (61 cm) thick, MPP can be cut to almost
any shape and size, with required joints. Current operations limit
cut panel thickness to 12 inches (30.5 cm), although plans are
in the works to allow processing up to 24 inches.
An interesting fact – there are 108 veneer layers within a
12-inch thick panel, which Freres like to think of it as “108 layers
of versatility”. Each veneer layer can be engineered by density,
orientation and grade, allowing flexibility for every panel.
This means that MPP products can go big – used for almost any
structural wood element in a mass timber building; or go small,
where it is available in thickness as thin as 2 inches, potentially
allowing cost effective use in single-family residential structures.
Additionally, MPP panels can be “skinned” with any finished
architectural panel for an aesthetically pleasing wood finish, such
as the small knot appearance of 2 nd or 3 rd growth Douglas Fir.
MPP is also strong, fire-resistant, and lighter per volume than
traditional building materials such as concrete or steel. In
addition, the dense layering of wood veneers in MPP can result
in high levels of thermal insulation. All resins used within the
MPP are CARB-compliant.
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
29

ENGINEERED WOOD
MPP VS CLT
MPP’s strength and flexibility make it a close competitor to the
CLT, and Freres thinks that MPP can be a better product, with
higher sustainability and lower cost.
Some reasons are:
STRENGTH IS EQUAL, IF NOT STRONGER THAN CLT
• MPP can be engineered to be as strong or stronger than a CLT
of equivalent thickness.
Each veneer is electronically graded, and the use of veneer
effectively distributes and reduces the effect of defects such
as knots. As a result, the panels have a more predictable
performance than lumber-based products.
The minimum design values for MPP exceeds the minimum
design values of E2 CLT, defined by PRG-320 in each comparable
thickness in the major force direction. E2 CLT is the most
comparable grade of CLT in terms of engineering and species
to compare to MPP.
“A generic CLT panel constructed according to PRG 320 will
have a stiffness of around 1.4E. Our lamellas are a minimum of
1.6E but have bene shown to be of almost 1.8 E after laminating
into a thicker panel,” said Freres.
LESS WOOD IS NEEDED TO PRODUCE MPP
• MPP uses about 20 per cent less wood than CLT and is
as strong, or stronger than other SCL products. MPPs can
be produced in varying lengths and thicknesses from small
diameter, fast-growing trees, negating the need to use larger
trees to produce larger formatted pieces of lumber.
“We are quoting projects side by side with CLT. The
differences in quotes tend to be the thickness required for
our product versus CLT. We can generally provide a thinner
panel for the same span,” shared Freres.
CHEAPER TO PRODUCE THAN TRADITIONAL LVL
• Another point to note is that MPP is also cheaper to
produce than traditional LVL structural products that are
used for headers, beams, or other applications in an onedge
orientation.
“Traditional LVL products rely upon high density graded
veneers to achieve desired stiffness values for their products.
When a mass timber panel is created in a plank orientation,
a much larger proportion of the panel can be made out of
low-cost and abundant ‘lower density grade’ veneers than
is used in traditional LVL. MPP can achieve greater stiffness
than CLT in equivalent cross-section with lower density
veneer,” explained Freres.
LIMITATIONS
Like plywood, MPP is not meant for permanent exposure to
the elements. Appropriate siding products should still be
used in conjunction with the structural panels.
MPP cannot be curved. Like other mass timber products,
MPP is not designed to be used in more extreme weather and
climate, unless protected by weather proof materials. | WIA
30 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

CAPTURING
WOOD’S ESSENCE
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MultiPly at night. The pavilion becomes a quiet and contemplative space, allowing visitors to
reflect on the beauty of its natural material
MultiPly in the day. The
10-metre high American
tulipwood maze-like
installation led visitors through
a series of stairs, corridors and
open spaces, inviting them to
explore the potential of wood
in architecture
MODULAR
IN MILAN
MultiPly: Carbon-neutral tulipwood pavilion featured
at human spaces exhibition for Milan Design Week.
What is special about this wood structure? It is constructed
from tulipwood cross laminated timber (CLT) panels. CLT
has traditionally been made of softwood trees. However,
together with Arup, American Hardwood Export Council
(AHEC) has been experimenting with CLT made from
fast-grown U.S. tulipwood for the past decade.
32 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

ENGINEERED WOOD
MultiPly, a ten-metre high,
carbon-neutral pavilion made
entirely of American tulipwood,
opened to the public in the courtyard
of the Universita Degli Studi di Milano
(University of Milan) from 8 to 19 April
as part of the curated Interni Human
Spaces exhibition for Milan Design Week
(Fuorisalone).
The installation was originally one of
the Landmark Projects as part of the
London Design Festival and shown in the
Sackler Courtyard of the V&A in London
in September 2018.
MODULAR HARDWOOD CLT
CONSTRUCTION: A VIABLE
SOLUTION TO THE HOUSING
CRISIS
Waugh Thistleton Architects, the American
Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), ARUP,
and SEAM came together to illustrate how
modular cross-laminated construction
in hardwood is a viable solution to the
current housing crisis, and its new
inception in Italy shows how easily it can
be reconfigured to meet the users’ needs.
“The main ambition of this project is
to publicly debate how environmental
challenges can be addressed through
innovative, affordable construction,”
said Andrew Waugh, co-founder of
Waugh Thistleton Architects, a studio
that has been at the forefront of
engineered timber construction for
decades. “We are at a crisis point in
terms of CO2 emissions and we believe
that building in a versatile, sustainable
material, such as tulipwood, is an
important way of addressing this issue.”
MultiPly is comprised of a maze-like series of interconnected spaces that overlap and intertwine
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
33

stay stable in the wind. We then had to
thoroughly review the fixings between
the boxes for the new configuration, and
add new ones where necessary, which
was relatively straightforward due to the
modular form. We had to achieve all this
in a very short timescale with us going
from initial concepts to seeing the boxes
arrive on site in only eight weeks. We were
still able to come up with a structure that
had all of the features which made the
original MultiPly so much fun, including
boxes which appear to defy gravity and
the vertical maze.”
The 40m 3 of tulipwood that make up MultiPly store the equivalent of 28 tonnes of carbon
dioxide and are replaced with natural growth in the American forest in five minutes
“ MultiPly explores a new, more
sustainable way of building, bringing
together a readily available carbonnegative
material – American tulipwood
– with modular design,” said David
Venables, European Director of AHEC.
“The point of this project is to show that
modular, affordable construction, en
masse, in timber, is possible, especially
when you have reusable panels.”
During the day, the 10-metre high
American tulipwood installation promises
to be fun and playful. The labyrinthine
spaces lead visitors through a series of
stairs, corridors and open spaces, inviting
them to explore the potential of wood in
architecture. In the evenings, with subtle
lighting designed by SEAM, the pavilion
becomes a quiet and contemplative
space, allowing visitors to reflect on the
beauty of its natural material.
The pavilion demonstrates how,
through using engineered timber and
modular construction, buildings can
be deconstructed, reconfigured and
repurposed at the end of their life.
Because it is built out of modules, the
pavilion has easily been taken apart in
London and reassembled in a completely
new configuration in Milan.
“Italian architects are just as enthusiastic
about timber construction, and its
potential, as we are in the UK. We are
on the cusp of getting European CLT
industries to see the commercial viability
of hardwood CLT as a more premium
performance product, but as part of the
mix of engineered timber materials used
in construction. When Andrew Waugh
talks about the construction revolution
he’s talking about the whole palette
of different systems in timber,” added
Venables.
TULIPWOOD, SOURCED FROM
THE U.S.
Tulipwood is sourced from the United
States, where the hardwood forest area
is expanding at a rate of one football
pitch every minute, and already exceeds
110 million hectares, equivalent to the
combined area of France and Spain. This
makes the material both sustainable and
environmentally friendly, especially as it
is one of the most abundant American
hardwoods - accounting for 7.7 per
cent of the total standing volume in U.S.
DECONSTRUCTED IN
LONDON AND REASSEMBLED
IN ITALY
The three-dimensional structure is built
out of a flexible system, made of 16
modules of American tulipwood CLT, with
digitally fabricated joints. Like a piece
of flat-packed furniture, the pavilion
arrived as a kit of parts and has quietly
and efficiently been assembled in under
a week.
MORE CHALLENGING
CONDITIONS AWAITED
MULTIPLY AT MILAN
“Bringing MultiPly to Milan in a new
configuration brought with it new
challenges,” said Simon Bateman,
Structural Engineer at ARUP. “We were
building higher than we did in London,
from a narrower base, and on a windier
site: this meant that the first priority
was checking that the structure would
Cross-up of the construction components
34 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

ENGINEERED WOOD
to incredibly high tolerances. It is ideal for
prefabrication and rapid assembly, which
reduces construction times by around 30 per
cent. Tulipwood is an inexpensive and easy to
machine hardwood that is incredibly strong for
its weight.
The prefabrication of the MultiPly’s parts
hardwood forests. Every year, even after
harvest, the volume of tulipwood in the
U.S. forest grows by 19 million m 3 , the
equivalent of over 19 Olympic swimming
pools per day.
CROSS-LAMINATED
TULIPWOOD: STRONGER THAN
STEEL AND CONCRETE
MultiPly uses a wood engineering
technique known as cross-laminating,
where timber planks are laid perpendicular
to one another and glued together to
form very strong, stiff and stable panels.
Cross laminated timber (CLT) has
traditionally been made of softwood
trees. However, together with Arup, AHEC
have been experimenting with CLT made
from fast-grown U.S. tulipwood for the
past decade.
The research and projects undertaken
have proven that weight for weight,
tulipwood CLT is stronger than steel
and concrete and can be machined
The use of tulipwood CLT means that largescale
timber buildings can be constructed
without the use of concrete or steel. These
properties, together with its dramatic marblelike
appearance, make tulipwood a perfect
pioneer hardwood for innovative timber
construction.
Tulipwood planks are imported from the U.S., but
the panels for MultiPly have been manufactured
in the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre
(CSIC). MultiPly is the very first structure made
from UK manufactured hardwood CLT. | WIA
(All images are credited to AHEC)
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
35

IN PERSON
Siritip Harntaweewongsa,
co-founder of GreenDwell
The way
to truly
Green
Dwelling
By Szeto Hiu yan
While architects have been more
mindful about designing sustainably,
GreenDwell, an architectural studio from
Thailand, stands out because it places
sustainability as their top priority, going
to the extent of devising its own “green
research-integrated design”(g.r.i.d)
methodology to holistically integrate
green solutions with architectural design
through the use of building performance
simulations . PFA speaks to GreenDwell's
co-founder, Siritip Harntaweewongsa, to
find out more.
36 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

IN PERSON
GreenDwell was recently awarded
“Emerging Architecture of the
Year 2019” by the Association
of Siamese Architects.
Created by its two founders Siritip and
Raksak Sukontatarm, g.r.i.d is utilised as
early as the conceptualisation stage and
is able to hypothesise how comfortable
people feel after entering buildings,
in order to assess the effectiveness of
green designs.
After all, a green building is only truly
green if people do not have to turn back
to high energy consumption means to
stay comfortable while living inside these
buildings.
In 2009, Siritip started GreenDwell
with Raksak to provide design and
consultancy services for buildings with
sustainable design intents. The company
was founded to fill a gap in sustainable
architecture – to tighten the integration
of green strategies in designs.
Raksak is an architect who has worked
for several international firms overseas.
Siritip herself holds a masters in
sustainable building technology. Her
work focuses on integrating green design
right from conceptualisation and using
simulation tools to verify green concepts,
especially for a hot and humid climate.
Both are LEED AP BD+C certified.
Both of them recalled working in firms
where green design meant to simply
hire a green design consultant, either
external or in-house, and they found the
results to be not as integrated as they
expected.
“To make a building green, it is necessary
to run building performance simulation at
different stages of the design, preferably
right from the conceptualising stage to
make sure the green designs really work.
Green strategies are not one-size-fits-all
solutions. When we were still working at
other firms, we noticed that by the time
the simulations were completed, the
design had already evolved to another
point, and the results were not as useful
to inform design decision-making. With
this, we felt that if we were to have
our own firm, integration is key,”
shared Siritip.
“We want to conduct simulations which
would benefit design decision-making.
This can only happen when it is weaved
within the design process itself. And
not only environmental simulations,
but detailed research of the climate,
context and environment which is specific
to each design brief is needed.
We believe such a process will lead
to better designs that are better for
people and the environment,” Siritip
elaborated.
USING ENVIRONMENTAL
SIMULATIONS TO ASSESS BOTH
GREEN STRATEGIES AND DESIGN
PERFORMANCE
During design stages, the only way to
assess green strategies will be through
environmental simulations. Incidentally,
environmental simulations can also be
used to assess design performance.
Siritip believes that only when designers
are informed of the different performance
of the available options, can they make
informed design decisions. Even if they
may end up not choosing the best option
due to other factors such as function or
aesthetics, they at least have access to
all layers of information required to make
a well-grounded decision.
“We had a project where the site is
long and narrow. The annual wind in
Bangkok is mostly from the South but
at that site, the wind was coming from
a totally different direction due to lot
of obstructions. We would not have
been able provide an effectively green
design if we only relied on intuition and
not data.”
STRENGTHENING THE G.R.I.D
METHODOLOGY
For the past 10 years, Siritip and her
team had initially focused on devising the
environmental simulation methodology.
But eventually, their methodology has
evolved to encompass other research
aspects such as climate, contexts and
people.
“We are studying in detail the space
usage and behavioural patterns
specifically for each project brief.
Simulation helps us to assess the
building in various ways before it is
getting built. The more important
thing is to also assess the building once
it is built to check whether your
simulation results have led you in
the right direction. We would visit
completed buildings after occupancy
to check whether the strategies
we proposed have worked. Energywise,
we sometimes even ask the
owner about their utility bills. We
also interviewed people who live or
work in our designs to see if they lived
or worked comfortably there, or if t
here are any issues so that we could
improve for the next building,”
said Siritip.
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
37

IN PERSON
ADVICE FOR YOUNGER DESIGNERS
Siritip has been a judge for a few runs of the Asia
Young Designer Awards organised by Nippon Paint.
On the advice she would offer to young designers
today, she said, “Designers are mostly focused on
the design and construction phase of green design,
even though this may only contribute to less than
10 per cent of the building’s whole life-cycle. I
think that there is a big gap between green design
and construction, and how users react to the green
design infrastructure, which needs to be bridged.
THE
PIBULSONGKRAM
HOUSE
A building can only be truly sustainable if the
occupants utilise the building as per the intent of
the design. Communication with end users ought
not be left out when handing over a project.”
WOOD IN DESIGN
It is also not hard to notice that wood is used
frequently in Green Dwell’s designs. “Wood is a
very special material. Its look, touch, and feel could
make an architecture or space feel friendlier and
more natural. We prefer not to use wood unless
they are sustainably harvested. As wood materials
are quite hard to procure in Thailand, we use mostly
composite wood which still provides the natural
look and is easier to maintain for a hot and humid
climate.”
Siritip usually uses wood for vertical or horizontal
architectural shading. She feels that the texture of
wood often helps to soften the looks of the tropical
modern exterior, and when used repetitively as
smaller shading elements, it creates a shadow
pattern which is unobtrusive and allows daylight
to enter the interior space.
Over the years, Siritip has come to believe that the
primary reason for architecture is for people to live
comfortably and delightfully.
“An architect plays the vital role in balancing human
needs and protecting the environment,” said Siritip.
“It is our responsibility.” | WIA
The Pibulsongkram House is designed as a dwelling for an extended family who
decided to live together after retirement. A single-story house in a garden with natural
ventilation is preferred. Passive design strategies suitable for tropical climate were checked
during pre-design stage, mainly focusing on shading and natural ventilation.
At 1050 square metres, the site is located in the residential area of Nonthaburi,
Thailand. Shading was not as challenging as natural ventilation, as the
single-story house could be shaded from trees. Ventilation simulations were
conducted to check wind access direction; results have shown that the
wind would access the house from the back side and exit towards the front.
The house consists of a main living unit and a cluster of smaller living
units, each placed with some gap distance to allow wind into the courtyard,
and into the shared living area at the front. Each unit was also raised
at slightly varying height to allow wind access from underneath.
Hardscape is limited in the front area of the house to allow for more green or permeable
areas. The garden area with large trees could provide overhead shades. Water feature
was placed at windward side to enhance evaporative cooling into the main living
space.
The main living unit has shared functions for the entire family such as living and
dining area. Therefore, it is the only unit in the house with one and a half storeys. Long
projecting overhang with large semi indoor-outdoor area connected to the pool help
to enhance comfortable living in a tropical climate. Another layer of operable shading
was proposed to control wind access and privacy for each small living unit.
Siritip shared that composite wood was used for a horizontal louvered
shading panel and the decking floor. “For the louver, which provides privacy
and shading, we adapted the Thai vernacular called ‘fa-lai’ or the sliding
panel, where one can control the amount of openness by sliding the panel.”
Green features
• Landscape for shade
• Shaded semi indoor area
• Solar shading
• Water feature strategically placed to enhance evaporative cooling
All images are credited to GreenDwel
38 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

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Saito Wood Industry
An early pioneer in
Japan’s glulam manufacturing industry
By Szeto Hiu Yan
Saito Wood Industry's glulam factory at Nagato
The first glued laminated timber (glulam or GLT) structure built in Japan was more than
60 years ago 1 in Yotsuya, downtown Tokyo. While the idea of wood as a structural material
entered mainstream in the 1990s, it wasn’t until the last 10 years that structural glulam
took off on a greater scale.
Takeshi Saito,
managing director of
Saito Wood Industry
Saito Wood Industry,
a wood product
manufacturing
company with 157 years
of history, is certainly one
of the early pioneers in
glulam manufacturing in
Japan. For the first 120
years, the company was a
manufacturer of wooden
tubs – for soaking and
making sake, shoyu or miso.
It was only in 1982 that its
fourth-generation owner,
Takeshi Saito, shifted into
glulam manufacturing. The company has
three factories; two in Nagato and one
in Furumachi, all located in the Nagano
prefecture.
One of the two factories at Nagato
manufactures structural glulam with
non-standard dimensions that ranges
from small to large dimension, straight
or curved glulam using a variety of wood
such as Japanese larch, Sugi, Hinoki and
Douglas fir. The largest glulam dimension
can go up to 250 mm in thickness, 24
metres in length and 1.2 metres in width.
One can also find one of the largest pressing
machines in Japan here, which has only
been added to the factory three years ago.
The second factory produces structural
glulam with standard dimensions,
producing small to medium straight
glulam only using Japanese larch; the
third factory in Furumachi manufactures
pre-cut products, specifically the two
types of joint systems used in framework
construction for smaller scale building
such as residences. The two joint
systems refer to the traditional Japanese
framework construction and the joint
system using metal connectors.
STEADY EXPANSION
The capacity of Saito Wood Industry’s
glulam manufacturing facilities has
remained at approximately 3000 cubic
metres per year for the past five years,
supplying mainly for domestic projects.
However, Takeshi is seeing more interest
of late from neighbouring countries such
as Taiwan and Korea, and it has been
involved in one overseas project per year
for the past five years. This will grow in
the coming years, where he is looking at
expanding exports steadily.
“ I am looking at three buildings per year
in Taiwan in the next few years. We have
formed good relationships with some
Taiwanese designers. Annual production
capacity will reach its maximum of
5000 m 3 by then,” Takeshi said in
Japanese. “We are not looking to
expand drastically for now, as it will
be difficult to focus while trying to
increase volume. Also, we are still
not sure if the market condition truly
allows for expansion. However, the
Paris Agreement on Climate Change
has been helpful in boosting demand
for wood materials,” Takeshi explained.
Morever, the Japanese government has
been actively promoting wood usage,
40 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

manufacturing glulam, even though other
types of wood can be processed as well.
For Takeshi, he thought himself lucky
to have larch forests in his prefecture,
as larch is the strongest wood among
Japanese wood.
particularly domestic wood for the past
decade. Takeshi is hopeful about the
future of the Japan’s wood industry.
SUPPORTIVE GOVERNMENT
POLICIES
Currently, more than half of the
10 million hectares, or 40 per cent
of Japan’s forests are mature planted
forests that have reached over 49 years
of age and are fully ready for harvest. 2
The government first implemented the
Forest and Forestry Revitalisation Plan
back in 2009 to increase the wood
self-sufficiency rate in Japan, from 27
per cent in 2009 to 50 per cent by 2020
through a combination of reforms and
subsidies. 3
Policies such as the “Promotion for the
Use of Wood in Public Buildings” act
was also introduced in 2010 to increase
the use of wood by requiring all central,
prefectural and local government building
projects of three storeys or lower to either
be constructed with wood structure or
at least utilise wood materials in interior
applications such as flooring and wall
panels. The aim is to increase wood use
from 7 per cent in 2013 to 24 per cent,
or 750,000m 3 by 2020. 4
Since 2010, building regulations have
allowed wooden structures to be built up
Glulam manufacturing factory at Nagato
to four storeys. New regulations will be
issued in 2020, where wooden structures
will be permitted to go higher.
UNDERSTANDING THE
INDUSTRY’S
CHALLENGES
Also, the Japanese government
recognises the structural weakness in
Japan’s forestry industry, where there is
a mismatch between expansion-oriented
forestry practitioners and forest owners
who are unwilling to invest in active forest
management, for example. Small-scaled
forest ownership dominance, low level
of coordination and consolidation of
forestry practices, under-development
of forestry road networks and inefficient
log production were also reasons cited
by the government to have resulted
in the insufficient utilisation of forest
resources. 5
UTILISING DOMESTIC WOOD
SPECIES
Saito Wood Industry’s factories sit on one
of the most mountainous areas in Japan
where many Japanese larch trees are
found. Also, according to Takeshi, there
is now a government policy restricting
factories to use wood only from their own
prefecture. Japanese larch is therefore
the only raw wood material used at
Saito Wood Industry’s factories for
Currently, the major species of planted
forests in Japan are Sugi(Cedar)
44 per cent, Hinoki (Cypress) 25 per cent
and Karamatsu (Larch) 10 per cent. 6
GLULAM IN JAPAN
According to an article in Journal of
Wood Science 7 , a rapid increase of glulam
production began in mid-1990s. The
main reason was that precise dimensions
and high dimensional stability was
starting to be preferred for the pre-cut
processing system used for conventional
wooden frames. And glulam could offer
that advantage. Another reason was that
housing industries began to require the
strength reliability of structural wood
products after the Great Hanshin-Awaji
earthquake in 1995.
As seen in Table 1, production of glulam
saw a sharp increase in the early 2000s
but went flat after 2015, with small dips
and climbs for the next 10 years until a
sudden surge in 2017.
The share of domestic wood used by
domestic manufacturers has also been
gradually rising. However, the proportion
of domestic wood used to manufacture
glulam has slowed down and remained
at 15 per cent in 2016. 5
Though further related information is
unavailable beyond 2016, judging from
current trends, the volume of domestic
wood produced and used should continue
to grow in the coming years.
Table 1: Number of Glulam Factories and Production Volumes
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
41

MANUFACTURING PROCESS
After kiln-drying, sawn boards lay on the warehouse
for about a month.
Microwave
moisture meter
A moulding/four-side planning machine sands
the surface of the lamina. Next, a microwave
moisture meter is used to check the moisture
content of the lamina.
A grading machine by IIDA grades the lamina,
then sorting the lamina by colours and grades.
The hydraulic pressing machine controls pressure
to press glued laminated timber, keeping a fixed
pressure for over 15 hours.
At the Saito Wood Industry factory, pressers can press
1) straight timbers
2) press timber of up to
18m in length and 2m in
depth
Glulam, after gluing and pressing
3) create wood forms with
large dimensions and
curved glulam. The
company won a prize
for wood processing
technique
The gluing machine
USING A PLANER TO FINISH THE GLULAM
The factory holds one of the largest pressing machines in
Japan, manufactured by Yamamoto. It can press timber of
up to 18m in length and up to 1.25m in depth
Moulder with 6 moulding knives
Planed timber
The straight timber with less than 1 m of
width is processed by a 4-side planer and
a moulder with six moulding knives at the
same time. Timber can also be finished
using an automatic “running planer”.
The “Running Planer”

THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF FIRE-RESISTANT GLULAM
The lamina is lengthened and glued using the finger
jointing system by IIDA to acquire the necessary
length for glued laminated timber.
Stacking the lamina
after gluing
Resorcinol phenolic resin,
which meets the requirement
of “Environment A”, is used
to glue and laminate the
laminas. “Environment A”
refers to a use environment
where the material will come
into direct contact with
weather; be exposed to high
temperatures from the sun
or similar conditions for long
periods; be required to have
high adhesion performance
even in the event of structural
fires; and be required to meet
demands for water resistance,
weather resistance, and heat
resistance.
The different types of glulam beams that can be reinforced with metal or fire resistant designs
USING CAD/CAM MACHINES
FOR PROCESSING
♦
[1][7]
Hayashi, T. & Miyatake, A. Recent research and development on sugi (Japanese
cedar) structural glued laminated timber. Journal of Wood Science (2015) 61: 337.
[Online] https://doi.org/10.1007/s10086-015-1475-x
[2]
Forestry Agency. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery, Japan. Annual Report on
Forest and Forestry in Japan Fiscal Year 2017.
[Online] http://www.maff.go.jp/e/data/publish/attach/pdf/index-95.pdf
[3][4]
Sasatani, Daisuke. Promotion of Wood in Public Buildings in Japan: Opportunities and
Threats, 2015.
[Online] http://www.forestbusinessnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/Daisuke-Sasatani.pdf
5
Japanese Wood Seminars at BIFA Wood Vietnam. Panels & Furniture Asia (Nov 2018), Pg 64.
♦
The factory has three machines by HEIAN which
can process the timber of dimensions 4m by 25m
or 2m by 20m. These machines can automatically
drill, slit and groove timber according to the given
drawing data.
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
43

MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND
INNOVATION FOR CLT
CONSTRUCTION WITH THE
NEW OIKOS X BY SCM
The Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) market, like the entire
timber construction sector, is witnessing new opportunities
in industrial and consumer applications.
Rise in demand for sustainable building materials, positive
developments in the green building movements and changes in
international building code are key factors driving the global cross
laminated timber (CLT) market.
SCM, the world leader in the field of secondary woodworking
technologies, is leading the way in this sector with its decades of
experience and vast knowledge in knowing what the industry wants.
Together with its well-focused R&D, SCM has been introducing more
state-of-the-art technological solutions than ever.
A building constructed with CLT processed with SCM’s Oikos X machining centre
OIKOS X: HIGH
TECHNOLOGY AND
INNOVATION
Among the highly evolved and
flexible machining centres
designed and developed by SCM
for timber construction, Oikos X
takes centre stage. It is SCM's
new 6-axis machining centre
dedicated to the processing of
structural beams, X-lam/CLT wall
panels and insulating panels and it’s designed to offer the
sector an increasingly technological and performing solution.
"Oikos X,” explains Tommaso Martini, BU Manager for
the SCM machining centres for timber joinery, “applies
the principles already widely tested on traditional
SCM machining centres to the technologies for timber
construction. It is the result of a changing process
that involves manufacturing partners, SCM’s timber
construction machining centres and our customers,
the companies who produce elements for the building
Nesting completed with Oikos X
Oikos X
44 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
The excellent ability of the self-centring clamps and pressure
rollers to lock the work piece prevents sliding at the processing
stage and subsequently increases the machine's level of precision.
Oikos X allows for the execution of all the required work,
longitudinal and transversal cuts, including optimisation
operations on beams and the creation of modular elements
from unfinished panels using nesting technology. The operator
can do all kinds of routing, drilling, straight and tilting, in every
size and variation imaginable, as well as special solutions. The
more complex the piece, the better Oikos X performs, thanks
to its precision and operating speed.
Oikos X allows for the execution of all the required work, longitudinal
and transversal cuts
industry. A direction that tends to increasingly improve both the
quality of the end product as well as the production process.”
Oikos X was designed with the aim of maximising performance
in terms of dimensions, dynamics and power.
Fitted with a 13kW standard electrospindle (optional 25 kW),
the machining centre allows machining of beams and panels
with a maximum section of 1,250mm x 300 mm and maximum
length of 19,000 mm, with a weight of up to 4,000 kg. The
operator can produce pieces that are relatively large to pieces
that are very small.
The perfect symmetry of the new 6-axis machining head unit
is ideal for any kind of operation to be carried out on all work
piece sides in a single positioning and in limited space, achieving
high standards of precision and productivity.
The machine is fitted with a laser probe to increase accuracy
in the case of dovetail joints and also with a marker, directly
fitted on the A axis where the electro-spindle moves, so that
the passage from laser to marker and vice versa is very fast.
The system offers automatic lubrication of the linear guides and
highly accurate mechanics that do not require a great deal of
maintenance by the operator.
AREA: INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR WOOD
ELEMENTS
Another CNC machining centre developed by SCM for timber
construction is AREA, which is ideal for manufacturing walls,
insulating panels and curved beams.
Area is fitted with specific machining units to maximise
performance in terms of dimensions, dynamics and power.
AREA, the CNC machining centre for timber construction
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
45

MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
The electro spindle features power up to
30 kW, to perform any type of operation
with maximum stiffness in any condition
and using a saw blade up to 1020 mm
in diameter, as well as a chainsaw with
a cutting length of 480 mm. Maximum
worktable dimensions are 4.5 m in width
and 50 m in length.
Area also allows extremely precise
machining on elements longer than 50
metres.
The equipment developed for the Area
worktable allow the complete machining
of not only walls, but also of curved beams
and thin panels. The former is processed
on a suction cups-worktable whilst
the latter use aluminium multifunction
modules that can be integrated in the
worktable itself.
SOFTWARE AND DIGITAL
SERVICES IN PERFECT
HARMONY WITH FACTORY 4.0
NEEDS
The success of SCM CNC machining
centres for timber construction depends
also by the effectiveness of Maestro
beam&wall software. Its strong point
is complete integration with the most
common CAD systems in the building
industry, and the new multifunctional
and multi-touch eye-M operator panel
which makes everyday work considerably
easier.
Oikos X offers a state-of-the-art video
surveillance system. The operator can
monitor the entire process in real time
as there are wide windows in the cabin
and four video cameras positioned above
the CNC. Furthermore, the commands
console has been positioned near the
machine so the operator can make
changes to the programmes arriving via
BTL file elaborated by SCM's Maestro
beam&wall software. It is possible to
generate work programmes for the CNC
because of the automatic elaboration
of the BTL project files that manage the
simulations, optimisations of waste, tool
nesting work and operator interface data
to manage the entire process.
Lastly, SCM continues to update the
software providing its clients with a wide
range of functions to satisfy the most
complex processing requirements.
Oikos X and Area can also be integrated
into the Maestro smartech glasses that
The electro spindle of the AREA
revolutionise after-sales assistance
thanks to augmented reality technology,
providing customers with guidance from
an SCM expert at their side, no matter
where they are in the world. | WIA
Panels cut by AREA
46 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Shanghai Xijiao State Guest Hotel’s
Multi-function Hall – Yi Jing Yuan
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
47

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Yi Jing Yuan is a multi-function hall at the Xijiao State
Guest Hotel in Shanghai. Since its completion in 1960,
the hotel has been Shanghai's largest and highestranking
national guest house, having received many domestic
and foreign dignitaries including Chairman Mao, Deng Xiaoping,
Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama.
In 2016, the Ministry of Natural Resources of Canada, the BC
Forestry Department of Canada, and the Donghu Group which
owns the Xijiao Hotel reached an agreement to promote the
development of wooden architecture. They hoped to use Yi
Jing Yuan as a prototype for demonstrating the feasibility and
potential of wooden architecture.
After much discussion and research, they engaged Green-A
Architecture & Decoration Design Co., Ltd. for the project,
with Canada Wood providing the structural design and on-site
supervision. Equilibrium Consulting Inc. from Vancouver was
hired to provide recommendations for structural calculations
and connection details.
48 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
The Yi Jing Yuan Multi-function hall occupies an area
of approximately 857 square metres, with the total
construction cost amounting to 2.44 million Canadian
dollars. Located on the east side of the lake and surrounded
by dense trees, the building offers hotel guests an elegant
and private space for dining, meetings, and events.
The single-storey glulam wood building has an
understated profile and blends in with its surroundings.
Many of its components were prefabricated offsite,
allowing for onsite assembling and construction to
be more efficient and less disruptive to surrounding
landscapes. The use of wood, a sustainable construction
material, allowed for the concept of having a green,
environmentally sustainable project to be fully realised.
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
49

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
The architectural form is inspired by the natural structure
of trees. The staggered columns and the triangular roof
are seamlessly connected, creating a visually arresting
structure. Large triangular panels constructed from wood
connects the structural columns to the ceiling, slicing
the upper portion of the space, giving it a dynamic visual
rhythm. The geometric design brings an elegant charm to
the traditional design.
The skylights brighten the space, while reducing the poor
lighting conditions caused by dense canopy of trees nearby.
During the day, sunlight streams in from the overhead
windows, further highlighting the stunning architectural
features.
The designers have managed to create a wonderful space
at a low environment cost. The wood grille brings to mind
the traditional scenic backdrop depicting mountains that
have long been used as a metaphor for the unity of nature
and mankind in Chinese philosophy.
50 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
CANADIAN WOOD USED
The entire building uses about 212 cubic metres of wood
imported from Canada. This has allowed for a total potential
carbon reduction of about 557 metric tonnes. 57.81 cubic
metres of SPF was used to construct the roofs and infill walls,
increasing the overall building insulation and increasing the
building’s energy efficiency. The main structure frame is
composed of 108.57 cubic metres of structural grade Douglas
fir that is both strong and aesthetically pleasing. The ceiling and
wall decorations were constructed using 42.68 cubic metres of
fine-textured Hemlock.
The design process for this building began in December 2016,
and construction lasted from March to October 2018. Structural
engineers from Canada Wood provided active and effective
support in cost consulting, structural calculation, design details
and on-site quality control. They were instrumental in ensuring
the successful completion of the project.
GRACED BY PRESIDENT XI JINPING AND BILL
GATES
During the 2018 China International Import Expo in Shanghai,
the building was selected as one of the main reception and
banquet venues for President Xi Jinping. On 5 November 2018,
the president's wife Peng Liyuan, received Microsoft founder
Bill Gates at the Xijiao State Guest Hotel, gracing the venue as
its first guests. | WIA
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
51

FLOORING
Red School, one of Sam Young Choi’s designs,
using Lunawood panels on its facade
LUNAWOOD IN
ARCHITECTURE
By Antti Ratia
In recent years, Lunawood has made its market entry in South Korea. As
in many other countries with demanding climate conditions, Lunawood’s
Thermowood products have found their way onto the drawing boards of
architects and designers.
MR. SAM YOUNG CHOI
One fan of Lunawood products is South
Korean architect Sam Young Choi, who
has been combining wood with other
materials in a sustainable way. Sam was on
his way with his art studies until he heard
an inspiring story that made him switch
tracks to become an architect instead.
The story belonged to Kim Joong Up. Kim
was a student of the world-renowned 20 th
century architect Le Corbusier. “I changed
my studies at university to architectural
engineering. After graduation, I worked
under Kim Swoo Geun, the mastermind
behind the Olympic Main Stadium and
other modern buildings in South Korea,”
said Sam, explaining the steps he took to
enter the world of architecture.
SOURCES OF INSPIRATION
Most of Sam’s inspiration comes from
his daily activities. “The knowledge that
I lack from travel I supplement with
reading. As an architect, I habitually
contemplate architecture, whether
I’m watching a film or reading a book.
Also, in order to recall all of my passing
thoughts, I have made it a habit to take
Red School in Geumsan-gun, 2012
notes.” Sam is a compulsive note-taker.
He carries an unlined notepad with him
wherever he goes.
Building trends and practices in other
countries are very much in Sam’s loop.
In particular, the traditional ways of
building with wood, such as the “hanok”
houses that use beams and posts in the
framework, are favourites of Sam’s. Still,
he believes that every design is created
for its purpose and he doesn’t follow any
strict guidelines in his projects.
“Because timber is scarce in South
Korea, I rely on imported timber
and materials, which requires me
to continually learn about new building
design. However, I have taken the
traditional hanok building design
and translated it into modern
construction to create a fusion of
modern and traditional architecture,”
said Sam, explaining his use of
wood. This is also why Sam ended up
using Lunawood’s panels in his
designs.
52 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

FLOORING
“So-so-hun” is an individual and sustainable construction
that showcases Mr. Choi’s preferences in design
AWARDS THROUGH
SUSTAINABILITY
The use of wood as a building material
is increasing in several countries. The
amount of wooden designs is growing
throughout Asia, including South
Korea. “Increasing the use of timber
in building design not only improves
individual health, but it is also ecofriendly.
Given the sloping landscapes
of South Korea, the use of wooden
construction allows building design
that preserves the natural surroundings,”
Sam said, explaining the benefits of
wooden building materials. “With
the proper building design, wooden
construction allows for durable
construction that can easilybe
disassembled, reassembled and
transported. In addition, the materials
can be transferred for alternative
usage.”
Sam has won several awards for his
work. Most of them have been for
large-scale public structures and
apartment buildings. When asked
about his most memorable work, he
referred to the “so-so-hun”, an individual
home that showcases his individual
taste. “Instead of levelling the sloping
landscape, which is very common in South
Korea, I used impregnated timber posts
to create an artificial foundation to gently
elevate the home.” In essence, he
was able to preserve the surrounding
forest and create something that
resembled a bird’s nest within the
forest.
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
53

FLOORING
Square House, by Sam Young Choi
these products an excellent choice
as both indoor and outdoor finishing
materials,” says Sam.
The South Korean wooden homes market
is smaller than in other countries, but
it is currently flourishing. “There are
few alternatives for external finishes.
Lunawood is not yet very well known
in South Korea. However, if Lunawood
is showcased and shown to be an
exemplary material, its future in South
Korea will be bright,” Sam predicted.
CHOICE OF MATERIALS
As with many building projects, finances
are set above other standards in Sam’s
designs. “Of course, high quality,
affordable materials are not easy to
come by. However, given the financial
constraints of a designer’s budget, it is
critical to choose economical materials.
Also, the materials must blend well with
the individual characteristics of the
surrounding area,” said Sam, explaining
his standards when choosing the
materials for each project.
It is clear that Sam favours wood in his
designs, but it’s not always possible to
use it. “I choose materials according to
54 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE
the size and function of the home, and
at times I use a combination of different
materials. The ability to use materials
efficiently and effectively is a testament
to an architect’s talent. Not only is it
important to understand the materials and
use them properly, it is equally important
not to overuse quality materials.”
FUTURE WITH LUNAWOOD
Sam has used Lunawood’s Thermowood
products in several designs. He speaks
highly of its structural integrity and
quality, which boasts resistance to
deformation and mould. “The colour,
texture and scent, along with the ability
to withstand changes in humidity, make
According to Sam, Finnish redwood
trees are well known in South Korea. In
his opinion, the introduction of products
from different tree species would add
depth and insight, particularly for South
Koreans, who love wooden building
materials and the beautiful northern
European country of Finland. | WIA
All images are credited to Lunawood
ARCHITECT: SAM YOUNG CHOI
Space Group Japan Waseda University
Dept. of Architecture,
Guest Researcher Gyeongsang
National University School of
Architecture,
Adjunct professor Incheon University
School of Architecture,
Adjunct Professor Korean Institute
of Architects, Governor 2010 - 2011
Guest artist at the Korean Institute
of Architects

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
HÄRING TIMBER: BRINGING TIMBER
CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS TO
SINGAPORE AND BEYOND
Mass engineered timber is an up and coming building material due to its environmentally
sustainable advantage, among other qualities. However, in certain regions where softwoods do
not grow, such as in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, wood buildings are not expected to take
off any time soon. Lack of production, difficulty in transportation and high costs are some of the
reasons commonly cited by the industry.
It is therefore quite surprising to see Häring timber, one of the most experienced timber
construction system manufacturers in Switzerland and the largest glulam producer in Asia,
exhibiting for the first time at the upcoming BEX ASIA 2019.
WIA speaks to Chris H. Häring, President of the Häring Group.
By Szeto Hiu Yan
Established 140 years ago, the
Haring Group is a fifth generation
private-owned leader in innovative
timber construction systems based
in Switzerland. One of the pioneers in
glulam manufacturing, Häring timber
has developed a complete system with
all their know-hows in the production of
glulam structures – from engineering to
construction.
The company specialises in ENSPHERE®
dome structures, bionic freeform
structures, curved structures, earthquake
proof midrise multi-storey tower
structures, as well as in timber element
construction and modular systems. The
quality is expectedly Swiss standard.
Chris H. Häring, President of the Häring Group
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
55

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Large wooden temple project in Hangzhou, China
PRODUCTION FACILITY IN TIANJIN, CHINA
The company truly believes in the immense potential of timber
as a building material of the future. It is therefore not surprising
that Haring Timber already has a presence in the Chinese
market as early as 2003. “After professional collaboration
with a Chinese entrepreneur in 2003, we decided to set up a
Chinese Swiss joint venture that is successfully emerging in
Asia’s growing market. China is the biggest market, but other
operations have been realised in South Korea as well as in the
Kingdom of Bhutan,” shared Häring.
limit is given by road conditions, job site access or transport
regulations,” added Häring.
Since its entrance into the Chinese and Asia market, Häring
Timber has provided its products and services to several
mentioned projects and many more. Recent high-profile projects
include large temples in Hangzhou, strategic defence structures
for the Chinese army in Suzhou and South Korea and specially
designed timber structures in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Häring Swiss Wood Structures,
the production facility based in
Tianjin, China, produces structural
demanding glulam elements and is
one of the largest production lines
in Asia. “Production capacity and
layout allow for glulam dimensions
of 26cm by 220 cm and more
than 35 metres in length. The
Häring Swiss Wood Structures, the production facility based in Tianjin, China
56 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
57

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE
PLANTATIONS OF SOUTHEAST
ASIA
“We recognise and welcome the
strategy and the efforts of Singapore,
as Southeast Asia’s leading innovation
hub, to implement sustainable structures
with wood. Our strategy is to support
architects, engineers, construction
companies and project developers
in demanding project design, and to
support the use of regionally sourced
timber, which, for example, can be
sourced from sustainably managed fastgrowing
plantations in Southeast Asia,”
said Häring.
Saldome, Rheinfelden (Switzerland)
Besides, Häring has plans for the
Southeast Asian region. Understanding
that shipping large structural timber
elements from west to east is not a
sustainable activity in the long run,
Häring thinks that the regional tree
plantations ought to be more utilised.
“It is our conviction that renewable
resources should be used in their area
of growth. The tropical climate has a
huge advantage. Tree growth is much
faster in the tropics than in the temperate
European climate. In 2014, we visited
regional timber plantations. There are
several sustainably managed plantations
with wood that can be processed into
higher added value products such as
Glulam,” Häring stated.
“With our long history and yearlong
practical experience, we aim to support
translational R&D activities, engineering
design and production technologies.”
Sales Centre Ulsan (South Korea)
Even given the common perception that
the warm and humid weather in SEA
as well as higher costs compared to
other highly popular building materials
such as concrete may render wood as
a less preferred choice, Häring remains
optimistic. Singapore will be his first stop
in his venture into the region.
“There is no doubt that cost efficiency with
timber structures will soon be implanted
in Southeast Asia and we recognise
the efforts of Singapore’s ongoing
construction transformation towards
increased productivity and sustainability.
Wood is a renewable resource on any
continent and the western world does not
need to export natural based products
with exported western production cost.
Southeast Asia has sustainably managed
forests with promising resources. For
us, it is fair enough to contribute with
technology transfer,” said Häring. | WIA
(All images are credited to Häring Timber.)
58 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

STRUCTURAL
BEAUTY AND THE BUDGET—
ENGINEERED WOOD’S APPEAL
IS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP
LEVER’s work with wood and mass
timber comes from a respect
for the product. “Our approach
is equally invested in the meaning
behind the material and its sourcing,”
according to Thomas Robinson, founder
and principal at LEVER. The firm’s
Flex building, a 19,000-square-foot
commercial structure in Portland, uses
engineered wood in structural and
aesthetic capacities, like the glulam
beams that serve as a focal point.
The glulam was manufactured by Rosboro,
based in Springfield, Oregon. “To start,
we think a lot about the materials,” said
George Michael Rusch, project manager
for LEVER, “and then we look for an
opportunity to use those materials in a
unique way,”.
The word is out regarding
engineered wood. It’s
strong. Environmentally
responsible. Cost-efficient.
It’s also known for its natural
warmth and aesthetic appeal.
LEVER Architecture, based
in Portland, Oregon, has
developed a reputation for
designing buildings that use
wood’s qualities in new and
evocative ways.
wood allowed for lower labour costs and
increased speed of construction. The
construction time on the Flex building
was just seven months, and the glulam
elements of the building took less than
30 days.
Mass timber fits into the design process
much like any other material. After
ensuring that the material “pencils”
within the project, however, they had
to work with contractors to finalise the
design process as early as possible to
allow time for procurement. “The material
allows you to forecast efficiencies in
the design, which is a real advantage,”
said Rusch.
Once the team thought about the beams,
they chose to make the stairs wood as
well, and to leave the plywood shear
walls, supplied by Hardel Mutual in
Chehalis, Washington, exposed. “We like
to use the materials to tie the building
together in a cohesive way,” said Rusch.
“It’s a real, honest structure.”
THE MANY ADVANTAGES OF
BUILDING WITH WOOD
Those design choices were also strong
budget choices. The two feet on centre
support spacing allowed them to
eliminate the blocking on the roof. The
prefabrication ability of engineered
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
59

STRUCTURAL
LEVER architecture is finding that the
local aspect of the product is popular
with their clients as well. “We’re seeing
clients very interested in working with
local wood in their designs. Especially
in the Northwest where there is such an
emphasis on using local products,” Rusch
noted. “It’s definitely an important issue.”
LEVER’s reputation for using mass timber
and other engineered wood products is
attracting interest from as far away as
New York and Japan, where designers
want to learn how mass timber elements
are used so they can incorporate them
into their own projects.
AWARD WINNING PROJECTS
The Albina Yard building, which serves as
LEVER’s offices, is a showcase. The crosslaminated
timber (CLT) in Albina Yard
was supplied by DR Johnson in Riddle,
Oregon. “We’re excited about mass
timber because it allows us to create
new kinds of architectural experiences
for people,” Robinson said.
The Flex building won multiple awards in
2018, including Architect’s Newspaper,
Best of Design in Commercial + Retail,
AIA Citation and Merit awards and
an Editor’s Choice award from Gray
Magazine, signals that mass timber
products like glulam and CLT are gaining
a wider acceptance. “We’re able to design
with wood in ways that elevate everyday
building types,” Robinson said. “Flex’s
soaring wood interior is a completely
unexpected experience for a simple,
economical building. Innovative use
of wood allows us to create powerful
architecture, even for projects with
limited budgets.”
Rusch agreed, “When you can use
mass timber for its inherent structural
properties, you can make buildings that
speak volumes. It’s about the morality of
the material.”
All images are credited to LEVER Architect.
This case study is provided by APA – The
Engineered Wood Association.
LEVER Architect created a mass plywood pavilion,
using materials from Freres Lumber in Lyons, Oregon
MASS PLYWOOD AS FINE ART
Some of LEVER Architecture’s work with
engineered wood was recently exhibited
at the Portland Art Museum. The firm
created a mass plywood pavilion, using
materials from Freres Lumber in Lyons,
Oregon. The pavilion was designed to
showcase the capabilities and character
of the product and was part of an
exhibit entitled “Quest for Beauty: the
Architecture, Landscapes and Collections
of John Yeon.” | WIA
60 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

AWARDS
54 WINNERS OF 2019 RIBA NATIONAL
AWARDS ANNOUNCED
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) announced the 54 winners of 2019 RIBA National
Awards for architecture. The awards, which have been presented since 1966, recognise the UK’s
best new construction projects and provide an insight into the UK’s design and economic trends.
From a small rammed-stone pavilion
on the site where King John signed
the Magna Carta (Writ in Water) to
the vast redevelopment of one of London’s
busiest transport terminals (London
Bridge); from significant investment
in cultural landmarks (Bristol Old Vic
and V&A Dundee) to a new model for
communal living (Marmalade Lane) – this
year’s award-winning buildings showcase
the extraordinary breadth and brilliance of
UK architecture today.
The RIBA National Awards is also an
exciting event for the woodworking
industry as many winning architectural
projects use timber substantially in their
designs, showcasing wood’s endless
possibilities.
In this year’s 54 2019 RIBA National
Award winners, key trends include:
• Restoration and regeneration of listed
and historic buildings
Consisting of more than one third (20 of
54) of its winners, the winners include:
the refurbishment of a listed 1960s
bus station in Lancashire (Preston Bus
Before restoration
Station); the revival of Battersea Arts
Centre in London which had been left
derelict after a fire in 2015; the restoration
of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Art Deco
tea rooms in Glasgow (Mackintosh at the
Willow); and a new tower at Westminster
Abbey – the most significant addition to
the building since 1745 (Westminster
Abbey Triforium Project).
• Ambition to create high quality cultural
destinations
An unobtrusive visitors centre nestled
in the Yorkshire landscape (The Weston
at Yorkshire Sculpture Park); the subtle
extension of a house-turned-art gallery in
Cambridge (Kettles Yard); a stable block
converted theatre in Leicestershire (Nevill
Holt Opera); and the transformation of a
19th century fire station into a gallery
and community building (South London
Gallery Fire Station) are four of the 16 new
additions to the UK’s cultural scene.
• Pockets of exemplary volume housing
Highly-sustainable terraced housing at
Goldsmith Street for Norwich City Council;
the reinvigoration of a listed post-war
London housing block, Great Arthur
House; and Cambridge’s first co-housing
community, a neighbourhood with shared
facilities (Marmalade Lane).
Some of the winners have been selected
and featured here for their exemplary use
of wood:
BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE
A striking restoration of an old Victorian
Town Hall, the Battersea Arts Centre
brought new life into the 5,625 square
metre space while preserving the spirit
of the building. A combination of past
remnants and new insertions, the outdoor
theatre, rooftop garden, performance
spaces, and artists’ bedrooms are both
beautiful and functional.
Why it won:
“The attitude to the restoration has
achieved a joyous balance between leaving
as found and making new insertions. The
building exudes a huge energy and a
sense of surprise, delight and humour at
every corner. This is astute conservation,
in keeping with the spirit of the building
and its function as an inspiring stage, all
achieved on a challenging budget.”
After restoration
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
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AWARDS
CORK HOUSE
The Cork House takes an innovative
approach to sustainability, and has an
impressively small carbon footprint. The
44 square metre house is made entirely
out of prefabricated cork blocks and
engineered timber, with all components
being reusable or recyclable. The cork
blocks were made using by-product and
waste from cork forestry and cork stopper
industry, making the structure carbon
negative at completion. Designed, tested
and developed in partnership with The
Bartlett School of Architecture UCL, MPH
Architects have delivered a project that
is the first of its kind.
Why it won:
The ‘whole-life approach’ to sustainability
truly sets this project apart. The
inventiveness lies within the structure’s
ease of assembly. The whole house
is ‘designed for disassembly’ and can
be constructed by hand. An incredible
feat by the architects to achieve such a
delicately intriguing home that sits humbly
amongst its surroundings, is sustainably
sound and can be easily assembled.
LONDON BRIDGE STATION
The London Bridge station has been
revamped, modernised, and enlarged
all while remaining operational
throughout the construction process.
The once dark and confined space is
now spacious and airy, providing
passengers with a more comfortable
experience. The redevelopment of
this 86,300 square metre station
has made it more accessible and
efficient.
Why it won:
“Bold, radical interventions have been
delivered efficiently, with the station
remaining operational throughout the
construction period. Dark, confined
passenger spaces have been transformed
into voluminous light-filled spaces
that are a joy to use. The station’s
transformation acts as a catalyst for the
redevelopment of the surrounding area
and sets the standard very high for future
station redevelopment.”
62 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

AWARDS
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE OPEN UP
With Stanton Williams' Open Up project,
the Royal Opera House has become
closer and more accessible to the
public through a series of innovative
renovations. With its new transparent
entrances linked to the Covent Garden,
it invites onlookers to enter the magical
world of opera and ballet. The warm
and enveloping space creates a sense of
intimacy that is simply irresistible.
Why it won:
“Here Stanton Williams has created one of the
most technologically advanced performance
spaces in London, incorporating a high
degree of flexibility with the latest technology,
including variable electronic acoustic tuning.
Taking its cues from the other works, lined
in American Black Walnut, Stanton Williams
have created a rich, warm and enveloping
space that gives a level of intimacy not seen
before on this site.”
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63

SHOW PREVIEW
MALAYSIAN
WOOD EXPO 2019
INAUGURAL EDITION:
TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO
THE NEXT LEVEL
Uniting the latest timber innovation, knowledge and technologies, the Malaysian Wood Expo (MWE) 2019
will bring together industry shapers, technology experts and key decision-makers representing the wood
industry.
The show is jointly organised by the Malaysian Timber Council and Panels & Furniture Group of wood magazines, two of
the powerhouses in Southeast Asia’s timber and woodworking sector. It is endorsed by the Ministry of Primary Industries
Malaysia, the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), Malaysian Wood Industries Association (MWIA), The Timber Exporters'
Association of Malaysia (TEAM), The Malaysian Panel-Products Manufacturers' Association (MPMA), Malaysian Furniture
Council (MFC), Malaysian Wood Moulding & Joinery Council (MWMJC), the Association of Malaysian Bumiputra Timber and
Furniture Entrepreneurs (PEKA), and the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC).
With exports to over 160 countries, Malaysia’s wood products are highly sought-after in many countries. In 2018, the export of timberbased
products was RM22.3 billion with Japan and the U.S. as the main markets followed by India, South Korea, China, Australia,
Singapore, United Kingdom, the Philippines and Thailand. Timber exports in Malaysia are expected to rise further this year and by
2020, Malaysia aims to reach its National Timber Industry Policy target of RM25 billion.
In order to remain competitive on the global stage, the Malaysian timber industry players are looking at collaborations that will
further empower their business. Timber-based manufacturers are also seeking advance solutions with the adoption of automation
and mechanisation to reduce dependencies on blue collar foreign labour, achieve higher precision and quality as well as to boost
profit margins, among others.
MWE 2019 will be the first true coming together of not only top exhibitors but buyers as well.
Mr Richard Yu, CEO of Malaysian Timber Council, said, “MWE 2019 will be the avenue for both suppliers and buyers to tap
into the unlimited business potential of Southeast Asia’s growing economies. ASEAN is a fast-emerging market and Malaysia
being the second “most competitive economy within the 10-nation bloc is an excellent gateway to the member countries.”
ASEAN as the third largest economy in Asia and fifth largest economy in the world, offers great opportunities.
With several Free Trade Agreements under its belt, trading with ASEAN countries will lead to a wealth
of business opportunities with its combined population of over 640 million and a GDP of US$2.8 trillion.
Mr William Pang, managing director of Panels & Furniture Group of wood magazines, said, “With the wood
processing and woodworking sector’s vast potentials, Malaysia’s wood industry is set to be a vibrant and
sustainable one. Our intention is to bring you this unique platform where you can trade, network and
exchange ideas with suppliers and visitors from across the globe to take your business to the next level.”
MWE 2019 is a show that is not-to-be-missed. Head for the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia, from 19-21 November as renowned international wood and woodworking
suppliers and buyers meet to showcase their latest products, network with keydecision
makers who are shaping the industry, learn what the competitors are
doing right and forge new and formidable business ventures. | WIA
64 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

CIFF SHANGHAI 2019
A PARADIGM FOR
GLOBAL LIVING
SHOW PREVIEW
The outstanding success of the
last exhibition boasted a record
37 per cent increase in attendance.
There is therefore great anticipation for
the 44 th edition of CIFF taking place at the
National Exhibition & Convention Centre
in Shanghai Hongqiao from 8 th to 11 th
September 2019 due to its extraordinary
range of furnishing solutions.
CIFF Shanghai 2019 represents the entire
furniture supply chain and therefore
offers a full-scale event capable of
attracting and engaging producers,
buyers, retailers, designers and, of
course, the media. Over 1500 exhibitors
have been selected to represent the
theme ‘A Paradigm for Global Living’. They
will offer visitors new concepts for living
and working while being surrounded by
high quality products and new business
opportunities.
advantages both for exhibitions and for
commerce.
Moreover, attracting thousands of foreign
visitors every year, CIFF Shanghai
demonstrates its strong international
vocation and, thanks to these results,
it provides a golden opportunity for
Chinese export companies to showcase
their products.
The objective of CIFF is to make foreign
markets more aware of the quality and
variety of Chinese design. This is the
concept behind the four main exhibition
areas where the fair is organised.
HALL 4.1 - ‘CONTEMPORARY
DESIGN HALL’
Hall 4.1, ‘Contemporary Design Hall’, will
incorporate innovative modern design
brands for home furnishings. It will
also present a range of exciting design
events offering an in-depth insight into
contemporary Chinese design trends,
providing inspiration for the many high-end
interior designers expected in Hongqiao.
The fifth edition of the EAST Design
Show will be hosted here. This marvelous
exhibition is promoting high-end Asian
design while combining creative and
business perspectives.
The fair will be organised by China Trade
Macalline Exhibition Co. Ltd., a company
which was jointly founded by China
Foreign Trade Guangzhou Exhibition
General Corporation, main Asian trade
fair organisation that has organised the
fair, and by Red Star Macalline Group,
leader for the distribution of furniture
in China. These two companies have
created a new organisation model called
‘Exhibition and Store Alliance’ which
is capable of offering extraordinary
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
65

SHOW PREVIEW
The second edition of the Design Dream
Show (DDS) is a much-anticipated
event that offers the most innovative
trends and highlights the credibility of
Chinese design while promoting the
international competitiveness of Chinese
industry.
During this event held at the Pritzker
Architecture Prize Forum, the renowned
Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza will
hold a discussion about his incredible
career and will provide an insight into
contemporary design as an acclaimed
architect.
In addition to the presence of lifestyle
brands, the M + China Top Interior
Design Award is a journey through
high-end interior design projects for the
Chinese lifestyle and the ATG-Macalline
Life Space. This space is rendered even
more attractive because it presents
different lifestyles and defines future
life scenes.
OTHER HALLS
On the second floor of the exhibition
center, hall 5.2 ‘Sleep Center & Dining
Room / Living Room’, hall 6.2 ‘Sofa’ and
hall 8.2 ‘Fashion Office’ will offer complete
solutions for export to international
markets ranging from home to work
environments.
HALL 3 - ‘INTERNATIONAL &
LIFESTYLE’
Hall 3 ‘International & Lifestyle’ will
focus on international design. Numerous
world-renowned brands will present
new innovations and trends and
introduce collections to take advantage
of the extraordinary opportunity
offered by CIFF to enter the prosperous
Chinese market. Individual brands and
groups of companies from Germany,
Turkey and other countries will
guarantee a very cosmopolitan display
of products.
HALL 6.1 - ‘OUTDOOR & LEISURE,
HOMEDECOR & HOMETEXTILE’
Hall 6.1, will be divided between
outdoor furniture, fabrics and
home accessories, giving life to
‘Outdoor & Leisure, Homedecor &
Hometextile’.
In conjunction with CIFF Shanghai 2019,
the second edition of the Shanghai
International Furniture Machinery &
Woodworking Machinery Fair will take
place in halls 7.1 and 8.1. This fair
was created by a partnership between
CIFF and WMF; all the main production
technologies and all types of process
machinery will accentuate the appeal of
this fair. | WIA
See you at the 44 th edition of CIFF in
Shanghai Hongqiao from
8 to 11 September 2019!
66 ISSUE 2 • 2019 • WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE

SHOW REVIEW
Mr Ha Cong Tuan, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Development, making the opening remarks
OVER 250 ATTEND THE AMERICAN
HARDWOOD EXPORT COUNCIL'S
SOUTHEAST ASIA CONVENTION
IN HANOI
With opening remarks from
Mr Ha Cong Tuan, Deputy
Minister of the Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development
and a welcome from Mr Robert
Hanson, Agricultural Counselor from
the Agricultural Affairs Office of the
U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, the American
Hardwood Export Council’s first
convention in Hanoi was a forum to
facilitate new connections.
Mr John Chan, Regional Director for
the American Hardwood Export Council
Southeast Asia & Greater China spoke of
the importance of Vietnam to the global
timber industry. Commenting on the
goal set by the Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Development (MARD) of
timber product export growth of US$20
billion by 2025, he stated that Vietnam’s
thriving timber products industry’s
appetite for American species is expected
to continue to grow. The volume of timber
exports from the U.S. to Vietnam to feed
manufacturing increased by 17.5% in
2018 with further double digit growth
expected in 2019.
These sentiments were backed up
by Mr Scott Seyler, Chairman of the
American Hardwood Export Council.
He emphasised the important role
of Vietnam in the context of the
Southeast Asia region as the largest
importer of American timber species
(79% share) A later presentation by
Mr Judd Johnson, Managing Editor of the
Hardwood Market Report reinforced this
with data showing that in 2019 Vietnam
overtook Canada as the second largest
market destination for U.S. exports of
hardwood lumber after China. The current
strained trade relations between the U.S.
and China and their adverse impact on the
market were a topic of interest throughout
the day and provided a useful context
for delegates to review and consider the
opportunities this presents for Vietnam.
Mr. Michael Snow, Executive Director
of AHEC and Professor Scott Bowe of
the University of Wisconsin shared with
the audience the story of American
hardwoods including the exemplary
forest management in the U.S. and high
quality processing of the timber. The vast
range of species and their application and
suitability for furniture and architectural
applications alike were discussed.
The aesthetic appeal of various
American hardwood species and
their contemporary application in
furniture design were demonstrated in
a highly visual presentation by John
Kelly, Director of Hospitality for Kaiser,
one of Vietnam’s largest furniture
factories. The presentations concluded
with an entertaining foray into the
topic of lumber grading by National
Hardwood Lumber Association Chief
Inspector Dana Spessert. Mr Spessert’s
informative and lively presentation
made it clear why American hardwood
lumber is of such a high quality given
the demanding standards applied by
the independent grading system that
exists in the U.S.. The day concluded
with a networking session where
35 hardwood exporting companies
from across the U.S. were able to meet
and discuss business with delegates.
Mr John Chan said of the event “It
could not have been more successful.
We were very fortunate to have such
an enthusiastic and engaged audience.
We would particularly like to thank the
Vietnam Timber and Forest Product
Association (VIFORES) and Vietnam
Association of Architects (VAA) for their
support in promoting this event and the
Vice Secretary General of VIFORES Mr
Ngo Hoai for his invaluable contribution
in chairing the convention.
Mr Ernie Koh, the Executive Director of
Koda Ltd and Immediate Past President
of the Singapore Furniture Industries
Council made an excellent co-chair and
I’d like to thank him for his ongoing
commitment to American timbers. We
continue to be excited of the prospect
of the economic growth of Vietnam and
look forward to enduring and mutually
beneficial business partnerships” | WIA
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
67

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2019 WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
MARCH
Architecture + Construction Materials 5 to 9 March Tokyo, Japan https://messe.nikkei.co.jp/en/ac
Build + Décor 2019 8 to 11 March Beijing, China http://www.build-decor.net
International Furniture Fair Singapore 2019 (IFFS) 9 to 12 March Singapore https://www.iffs.com.sg
Export Furniture Exhibition 9 to 12 March Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia http://efe.my
The Big 5 Saudi 10 to 13 March Jeddah, Saudi Arabia https://www.thebig5saudi.com
China (Guangzhou) Door Industry Exposition 10 to 12 March Guangzhou, China http://www.cndoorexpogz.com
Dubai WoodShow & DIFAC 12 to 14 March Dubai, UAE http://dubaiwoodshow.com/en
Delhi Wood 13 to 16 March Delhi, India http://www.delhi-wood.com
Megabuild Indonesia 14 to 17 March Jakarta, Indonesia https://www.megabuild.co.id/en-gb.html
CIDE 2019 15 to 18 March Beijing, China http://www.door-expo.com/en-us/index.jsp
CIFF
18 to 21 March
& 28 to 31 March Guangzhou, China http://www.ciff-gz.com/index.php?s=/Pc/Index/index/sid/1.html
Ecobuild Southeast Asia 19 to 21 March Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia https://www.ecobuildsea.com
Shenzhen Creative Week 19 to 22 March Shenzhen, China https://www.szcreativeweek.com
IndoBuild Tech Jakarta 2019 20 to 24 March Jakarta, Indonesia http://www.indobuildtech.com/Home
Domotex asia/Chinafloor 2019 26 to 28 March Shanghai, China https://www.domotexasiachinafloor.com
CIFM/interzum guangzhou 28 to 31 March Guangzhou, China http://www.interzum-guangzhou.com
APRIL
InaGreenTech 2019 4 to 6 April Jakarta, Indonesia http://www.inagreentech-exhibition.net
Salone del Mobile Milano 9 to 14 April Milan, Italy http://www.salonemilano.it/en
Gulf Construction Expo 2019 23 to 25 April Bahrain http://www.gulfconstructionexpo.com
Interiors Expo 2019 23 to 25 April Bahrain http://interiorsexpo.net
Project Qatar 24 April to 1 May Doha, Qatar http://www.projectqatar.com
MAY
The 11 th Guangzhou International Wooden House
& Wooden Structure Fair 15 to 17 May Guangzhou, China http://www.muwuz.com
Qingdao International Furniture Fair 16 to 19 May Qingdao, China http://www.qiff.net
interzum Cologne 21 to 24 May Cologne, Germany http://www.interzum.com/interzum/index-2.php
LIGNA 27 to 31 May Hannover, Germany https://www.ligna.de/home
Carrefour International du Bois 30 May to 1 June Nantes, France https://www.timbershow.com
JUNE
AHEC 24 th Southeast Asia & Greater China Convention
and Mini-trade Show 20 to 21 June Ningbo, China https://www.americanhardwood.org
AHEC 24 th Southeast Asia Convention 24 to 25 June Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam https://www.americanhardwood.org
JULY
Archidex 3 to 6 July Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia https://archidex.com.my
AUGUST
Builders Myanmar 1 to 3 August Yangon, Myanmar http://www.buildmyanmar.com
SEPTEMBER
Bex Asia 2019 4 to 6 September Singapore https://www.bex-asia.com
Shanghai International Furniture &
Woodworking Machinery Fair (CIFF) 8 to 11 September Shanghai, China https://www.woodworkfair.com
INDEX Dubai 17 to 19 September Dubai, UAE https://www.indexexhibition.com
FMC China 2019 9 to 12 September Shanghai, China http://www.furniture-china.cn/zh-cn/fmc
OCTOBER
ArchXpo 1 to 3 October Singapore https://www.archxpo.com.sg
NHLA Convention 2019 2 to 4 October New Orleans, USA https://nhla.com/networking/details.aspx?aid=1369
NOVEMBER
China Yiwu International Forest Products Fair 1 to 4 November Zhejiang, China http://en.forestryfair.com
FENESTRATION BAU China 2019 5 to 8 November Shanghai, China http://www.bauchina.com/en-us
Malaysian Wood Expo 2019 19 to 21 November Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia http://malaysianwoodexpo.com.my
The Big 5 Dubai 25 to 28 November Dubai, UAE https://www.thebig5.ae
ADVERTISERS' INDEX WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 • 2019
AHEC
OBC
American Lumber 13
Arden Precision Technology Co Ltd 1
Baillie Lumber 7
International Built Environmental Week 2019 57
Chia Lung Machinery Ind Co Ltd 35
Hoon Hsiang Ind Co Ltd 63
Malaysian Wood Expo 2019 5
Panels & Furniture Asia Group 39
Wood in Architecture 31
Softwood Export Council
IFC
Technik Associates, Inc
IBC