Timber iQ August - September 2020 // Issue: 50 August - September 2020 | Page 4

WOOD FOR THOUGHT Unique woodgrains sure to emerge following pandemic Any editor entering a market amidst a pandemic such as COVID-19, which has essentially consumed the world’s headlines for months, would have quite a unique experience. Most businesses and lives have received disruption in some or other form. If you are an avid news follower, you would have noted the various (and vast) opinions and stories around this global-affecting, fatty-cell-walled virus which has been labelled from a chemical weapon, to nature’s way of ‘getting back at humanity’ for the vast devastation that continues to ravage continents across the globe, and even referred to in terms of the start of the religious ‘end times’. Who knows, perhaps we are in the middle of some mad scientist’s plan to give the world a break as we see the negative effect humanity has on the world take a back seat for a couple of months. For me anyway, it has indicated a number of things, for example, leadership, managing new circumstances, realising the holes many systems and procedures have, but more significantly the select few who have shown great adaptability and resilience over this time. The depth of the economic impact this pandemic will leave behind has not yet been determined – it will no doubt be extremely challenging, however, one thing is for certain as I have learnt over and over in my own life – the world will carry on, the sun keeps coming up and the seasons will change, new ways of doing business will emerge and with that new innovative ways of thinking – which is ultimately what drives the world to the next of each step in its existence. One very fortunate thing about the timber industry (and related by-products such as this great publication) is that it will continue to grow, so to speak, and its own unique grain will be formed as the world has time to review, revise and re-implement strategies for continued sustainability, where the timber industry as a whole will play a significant role in the future. Sustainability has never been more important than it is now as recovery paths will seek out ways to manage all costs, and as construction plays the major role in energy consumption, timber provides not only significant energy benefits but continued health benefits too that designers could seek out for future projects as new norms come about. In this issue, we continue to cover the valuable information obtained from the 10 th Wood Conference, we look at both local and international projects where timber is the star of the show in construction, and we also profile timber architectural technologist and product designer, Jacques Cronje – who has been working the industry since the late 80s. This issue’s features include tiny homes and tooling. We also look at part 1 of timber as a dominant construction material for residential building in South Africa. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Leon Louw to the team who will be taking up the reigns as editor of Timber IQ as of the upcoming issue. Leon has many years’ experience as an editor and has worked across many industries with a special focus in mining. As we once again get glued into the industry, we really do welcome your input, comments and suggestions – whether compliment or complaint – we appreciate all feedback to know when and where we are doing things right, or if we can do better as we continue to develop with the sector and aim to be a world-class brand. You can also join our social media channels: @ Timber IQ @Timber_iQ @timberiq I trust you find this issue informative as you page through, and that it grows your knowledge! Leon can be contacted as follows: Email: [email protected] Office: [phone] All the best, Ben 2 AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2020 // www.timberiq.co.za