EVENTS
Record-breaking
9th annual Wood Conference
Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) was a hive of
activity on 26 February 2019, when delegates from across the world
attended the ninth annual Wood Conference.
By Dineo Phoshoko | Images by HWZ International
Delegates register at the ninth annual Wood Conference.
E
very year, the conference hosts public professionals
from different industries such as architecture,
engineering, wood construction, carpentry and interior
décor. The event is a platform to discuss topical issues
involving sustainable, green and energy-efficient
construction with wood – both high-end and low-end.
The day was divided into three sessions where different
speakers gave presentations which offered ideas on how to
build with wood. Some of the presentations also provided
background information on wood in relation to architecture,
town-planning as well as science and technology. “Since it
is a neutral platform many architects, engineers and others
in the build environment attend the conference, so we try
to incorporate ideas for all,” explains Zaida Davids,
event organiser.
MC Hannu Garny kicked-off proceedings, by welcoming
guests to the conference.
“Here we are nine years later.” He explained that nine
years ago the conference started with just under 100
delegates. Since then the number of delegates has grown
significantly to a record number of more than 700 delegates
in 2019.
According to Davids, the conference brought many
newcomers and late registrations after the closing date.
12 APRIL / MAY 2019 //
Delegates listen attentively to one of the presentations during
the conference.
“We then extended the registration to almost the very last
day,” she adds.
OPENING AND WELCOME
For the event’s opening address, head of corporate
development at the Kuratle Group Roger Kuratle, expressed
his excitement for the ninth conference.
“Every year when I get the opportunity to open the Wood
Conference, I realise how fast time goes. Another year has
passed, and we look at what we have achieved, what has
been done and what still need to be done,” he said.
One of the achievements of the family-owned enterprise,
was the completion of the Ark Angel kindergarten project in
Cape Town.
“I am very proud and happy that we can announce the
completion of the kindergarten project and it is up and
running. Just going there and seeing the kids play, run, eat
and sleep in an environment that is safe, healthy and
sustainable gives me a lot of gratitude,” he said. He also
took the opportunity to express gratitude to all the
sponsors, supporters and friends involved in the project.
Another important achievement was the completion and
opening of a new facility in Switzerland. Kuratle explained
how the 10 000m² complete wood structure building took
www.timberiq.co.za