Panels & Furniture Asia March/April 2024

MARKET REPORT
challenging, we are lucky that in
many markets in the region the
importers, manufacturers, designers
and architects are very sophisticated
in their understanding and use of
different species and are willing
to consider the opportunities that
different species present. They also
recognise the shifting demands of the
global consumer and so particularly
value the strong and proven
environmental credentials of US
hardwoods. We are delighted that our
industry can supply raw materials that
meet their exacting needs.”
GOING INTO 2024
Chan hopes that inflation will plateau
and the world economy would return
to a normal growth trajectory in the
new year. Regardless, AHEC remains
committed to South East Asia, and
will cater to the region’s needs with a
“multi-pronged approach” into three
areas: trade exhibitions, design, and
technology.
wood, a sustainable material, and with
a focus on making furniture and design
more accessible to the consumer
community.
In Singapore, AHEC will display 10
pieces of furniture at the Red Dot
Design Museum in May. These pieces
are made of red oak, maple and cherry
— aforementioned wood species that
are underutilised.
Lastly, on the technology front, AHEC
is looking to promote the use of
technology to increase the possible
applications of American hardwood.
A good example is thermally modified
timber (TMT).
The TMT process is essentially a
high intensity kiln schedule that
lasts between three to four days.
The temperature reaches between
180-215°C and the vacuum of the kiln
provides an oxygen-free atmosphere
which prevents combustion from
occurring. During the process, the
chemical and physical properties of the
timber undergo permanent change.
The cooking process removes the
hemicelluloses and carbohydrates from
the timber making it more resistant to
pests and fungi and lowers the moisture
absorbency of the wood so it does not
need further chemical protection.
It also means that the timber has
greater dimensional stability, it is not
susceptible to warping, swelling and
shrinking, regardless of variations in
temperature and humidity and hence is
excellent for outdoor applications. P
LEGEND
1 The Hoa Mai
Design Award
participants
2 Naguri Side
Table, designed
by Jarrod Lim
and collaboration
with Indonesian
manufacturer
Omega Mas,
uses thermally
modified wood
For trade, AHEC will continue to
participate in trade shows across the
region over the course of the year,
while also continuing to do trade visits.
On the design end, they believe that
educating the specifier community on
the benefits on American hardwood
is crucial in promoting its usage. They
have a few design projects lined up this
year. For example, the Hoa Mai Design
Award in March recognises young
Vietnamese talent who use American
hardwood in their designs. Eleven
designers have been chosen to feature
their designs at the White Palace
Convention Center during the HAWA
Expo from 6-9 Mar 2024, according to
AHEC’s press release on the Hoa Mai
Design Award.
1
The award is in its 20th iteration.
Over the past two decades, they have
inspired an entire new generation of
young designers in Vietnam, said Chan.
This year’s competition took a different
approach compared to previous years,
aiming to retell the award narrative by
advocating sustainable design using
2
MARCH / APRIL 2024 | PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA 15