Timber iQ June - July 2018 // Issue: 38 | Page 3

EDITOR'S NOTE Chill out: it's been great T he cold season is officially here, and I bet it is the season that construction favours considering there are less disruptions owed to rain and climatic conditions. Anyway, I still can’t fathom how the industry keeps going in temperatures below 20 degrees. I for one would prefer to hibernate but, alas, duty calls! We will be at the WoodEx conference (page 10) mingling with the who’s who of the industry. We can’t wait! Judging by how well the Wood Conference went, there’s no exception this one will be anything less than amazing. There seems to be an uptick in the number of events compared to the same time last year. It’s assuring to see positivity in the industry. Clearly 2018 is better and the industry is hopeful about what lies ahead. As sustainability continues to get traction, we are seeing more and more of it in construction. Timber reduces the carbon footprint of any building more than any other material out there, yet it is underutilised for this purpose. Our feature on the affordability of timber on page 48 unpacks why timber is least chosen for construction. We also look at the role fasteners play in binding wood together on page 26. Versatile in its use and versatile in its application, why isn’t timber being used more often in construction? Great projects continue to go up worldwide and locally. House Memel (page 16) is a home built for all seasons. Oooh, I would love to cosy up in that house. The New York Presbyterian David H. Koch Center combines wood and stone to create a seamless patient experience (page 20). Goodbyes are always hard to do, and it is something I’d rather avoid. This will be my last issue as writer as I move onto other publications; my colleague, Candace Sofianos King, takes the reins next month. Candace is no stranger to the construction industry and is looking forward to getting to know you all. Please welcome her with open arms to our Timber iQ family, contact [email protected] It’s been wonderful getting to know you all and to learn what I have from this industry; keep it going, pass it on. Ntsako Khosa | Staff writer [email protected] Until next time.