EVENTS
are on a different level through exiting design and
architecture concepts.
Her presentation illustrated how log homes are also
considered durable as Finland has the oldest log homes in
the world – some as old as 600 years. One of the
advantages of log homes that Weckström mentioned, is that
they are recyclable as with modern technology, and can be
disassembled and rebuilt at different sites.
Italian engineer from Rothoblaas, Michele Dal Ri gave an
insightful presentation about modular timber solutions. He
discussed how new solutions for modular timber
construction, which provide efficiency on site as well as
treatments, airtightness and waterproofing for the cross
laminated timer (CLT) building system. Improved air quality
and low waste are among the many benefits of modular
timber constructions.
Lukas Krbec, a structural engineer from the Czech
Republic looked at solutions for architectural vision and
structural elements of design, as well as stress points on
load-bearing structures by analysis through software as
well as manufacturing capabilities.
Dr Nick De Koker concluded presentations in the second
session and presented testing and results of the effect fire
on timber in construction. Depending on the function and
load needs the effect of structural integrity can be
estimated. Wood begins to char at 300°C, which is some
cases can protect structural strength of a beam, for
example. Knowledge of the fire rating of all timber products
is important from design phase.
REFABRICATED TIMBER, WOOD VALUE
CHAIN AND ARK ANGELS SUCCESS
After enjoying a delicious lunch, delegates returned to the
hall to listen to speakers in the third and final session of
the day.
Ulrich Grimminger and Thomas Just, presented together
on the advantages of prefabricated timber houses for
developers. After a steady decline in timber construction
since the 1800s and with the introduction of concrete and
steel, there has been an increase in demand since around
2000. In Germany timber construction is expected to hold
30% of market share. Prefabrication is primarily very
efficient on site but also greatly reduces waste as the
production process is very precise.
Next up was Rosie Goldrick, an engineering director from
MASS Design, who talked about the importance of
strengthening the wood value chain in east Africa to
improve ecological, industrial and community life. She also
gave an overview of the work MASS and associates has done
in Rwanda as well as the challenges of sourcing local
materials in terms of quality. Rwanda is among one of the
most densely populated countries in Africa.
“With this density comes deforestation and food
insecurity,” Goldrick explained.
Although Rwanda is high in natural resources such as
timber, the management of the plantations and forests has
been neglected and therefore affects the timber quality. In
addition, a lack of training, machinery and correct treatment
are also substantial challenges. Timber in Rwanda and other
African countries is primarily used in making charcoal.
14 APRIL / MAY 2019 //
Consul general of Switzerland in Cape Town, Andreas Markus
Maager, welcomes delegates.
Stefan Thomas Rubner from Austria, the penultimate
speaker for the day, showcased a new temporary living
space introduced as ‘Wood-Space’ – a container-like system
that can be adjoined or stacked to two levels.
Wood-Space combines traditional timber construction
with modern and sustainable production techniques and so
block construction is reinterpreted. Rubner explained that
the system can be configured into a variety of solutions for
housing, site offices, lounges or waiting areas.
The last speaker, Warren Papier an architect from
Blueprint Architects, gave feedback on the Ark Angels
Educare Project in the Overcome Heights community
located in Cape Town. He said that Ark Angels integrated a
safe teaching environment for the community. The project
was completed towards the end of 2018 and was handed
over in January 2019.
Papier explained how only 20% of the resources used in
this project were sourced from Europe and the remaining
80% were skills, labour and material from South Africa.
Although there were challenges during the project,
collaboration by private and corporate sponsors which
donated funds, materials and in some instances their
services, made the project a success. Papier expressed
gratitude and appreciation to all that were involved in the
project. “On 14 January 2019, after a three-year process,
the new facility was officially opened by the mayor of Cape
Town, the consul general of Switzerland and a very happy
community, along with Ark Angels Educare,” he added.
A WORD FROM DELEGATES
As the conference came to an end, delegates had an
opportunity to participate in an online survey, where results
indicated that modular timber construction had a moderate
to high probability of implementation in South Africa.
www.timberiq.co.za