EDITOR ' S NOTE
New year , new chapter
The best thing about the festive season – other than the excuse to indulge in all those things we deny ourselves during the year – is that it ends with a clean slate . All the mistakes and drama of the year before are miraculously washed away when the clock strikes midnight on 31 December .
For South Africa , 2016 was a tumultuous year , marked by violent protests , a volatile rand , and an unstable political environment , with finance ministers coming and going like nobody ’ s business . As a result , industry suffered .
But , with the fireworks and popped champagne bottles that heralded in 2017 , so a fresh new chapter begins . A chance to start over , to do better . For many people , New Year ’ s resolutions start on 1 January and end on 2 January . But this year , I plan to stick with mine . Both professionally and personally . What that means for you , our loyal Timber iQ readers , is better content than ever before . Wellresearched , insightful articles that speak to the real issues facing the timber construction industry ; amazing projects both here and overseas ; and innovative products to help you improve your business practises . We plan to make the most of 2017 , and we hope you will too .
On the project front , we ’ ve got three fantastic projects to inspire and enrich you . The Boomslang walkway at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town is a marvel ; a winding , sinuous wooden canopy bridge that stretches through the trees . You can read more about it on page 20 .
We have two international projects for you , one of which is the largest mass timber building in the United States . T3 , as it is known , is a seven-storey , mass timber office building that officially opened its doors in November last year . Read more on page 26 .
Our third and final project is the Maggie ’ s Centre in Manchester , UK , the winner of multiple Wood Awards in 2016 , and the latest in a long line of care facilities that redefine the boundary between architecture and nature . Go to page 34 to find out more about this ground-breaking facility .
We have our usual contingent of features and products , as well as contributed articles on the properties of teak wood and the science behind noise reduction in timber structures respectively .
If you have a product you ' d like to see in Timber iQ , or an idea for a feature , let us know . This publication , after all , would be nothing without the industry it serves .
Happy 2017 . May it be spectacular !
Kelly-Ann Prinsloo Staff writer kellyann @ interactmedia . co . za
// FEB / MARCH 2017 1