This week in Korea, BC Wood’s in-market representative, Mr. JC Lee, has been very active in wrapping up participation and exhibition at the 28th MBC Construction Expo at SETEC in Seoul. One of Korea’s premier building and construction conferences, the MBC show had over 350 exhibitors and approximately 150,000 attendees.

BC Wood worked closely with Canada Wood partners, Council of Forest Industries (COFI) and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), in displaying a unified booth representing Canadian wood product manufacturers. Five companies participated in the event in a joint effort to market Canadian products to the attendees of the event including Korean builders, architects, home-owners, distributors, and material importers. Exhibitors in the booth displayed products ranging from construction lumber to engineered wood timber products. For some companies, participating with BC Wood in the Canadian pavilion marked a first step into the highly competitive Korean market.

In addition to the highly visible space at the show, BC Wood and CMHC coordinated a wood products seminar for members of Korea’s building and construction industry. Member companies had the opportunity to present information about Canadian wood products and company capabilities to nearly 200 attendees at this event.

South Korea’s interest in wood products and construction reflects a strong wood history and affinity for the material. Korean consumers are growing more sophisticated and are looking into higher quality imported products that are environmentally compliant. With growing affluence and ongoing improvements in living standards, Korea is rapidly developing into a market with high potential for both wood frame construction and value-added wood products in the foreseeable future.

For more information about events in the Korean market, please contact David Pao at dpao@bcwood.com

A few comments, suggestions, and ideas that may be of interest to Industry…

I have always believed that there is a strong and growing market for unique and innovative wood products. The kind of stuff that makes use of end cuts or takes wood of little value and creates a higher value product. Some of the work that Judson Beaumont of Straightline Designs has done with beetle- kill wood making high value wall panels is a prime example of what I’m talking about (picture to the right). It’s unique, innovative, and most importantly in demand by the architectural and interior design sector who are always looking for new and interesting products.

Keeping this thought in mind, I attended the Surfaces 2012 trade event and conference in Las Vegas this past week. What I saw was inspiring as companies from across North and South America, and Asia Pacific showcased innovative products for the residential and commercial construction sectors. Innovative flooring and wall covering were on display throughout the convention center; this year there seemed to be a strong focus on wood products. What caught my eye was the vast array of wall paneling that was available. In discussions with manufacturers, these products are used primarily in the hospitality sector specifically for restaurants, hotel lobbies, and other commercial environments where design is a priority.

An example of this is the Colorado manufacturer, Everitt and Schilling, www.eandstile.com, who were showing a new line of reclaimed wall tile they call “trail mix”. They are taking end cuts and scraps of reclaimed lumber, laying them on a substrate in a variety of patterns with the end result being a 2×3 panel. Their product has been specified in a number of high-end commercial environments throughout North America, including the recent renovation of Gilleys Bar and Grill on the Las Vegas strip.

Offering a similar but more contemporary product line was Canadian manufacturer, Finium Co of Frampton Quebec, www.finium.ca. This firm is producing a wall tile they are calling “Friendly Wall” which utilizes end cuts of high-grade clear black walnut and maple from their flooring and molding operations. These prefinished end-cuts are placed on a lightweight backer strip and can easily be installed on any wall surface. Friendly Wall sells at approximately $12 – $15 a square foot and according to the manufacturer, they are having considerable success with this product in the US market.

Surfaces also provides a great venue to see new and innovative products from wood flooring manufacturers. I wasn’t expecting much “new” since I assumed that I had seen it all with engineered, hand scraped, reclaimed, and prefinished flooring which is readily available by manufacturers worldwide. For the most part that is what I saw, except for one company that in my opinion was the hit of the show. The company, Bole Floor Manufacturers, is a very cool wide-plank flooring company that has a factory in Amsterdam, Netherlands. What separates their product from the myriad of wide-plank solid and engineered product available is that their boards aren’t straight. According to the manufacturer, they are the first company in the world to produce hardwood flooring with naturally curved lengths that follow the trees natural growth. They use a priority optimization technology that scans each board and then individually numbers each piece. Like a puzzle, their technology allows the computer to fit the pieces together providing an individual and truly unique floor. It is a bit difficult to explain, so have a look at their work on their website: www.bolefloor.com

We here in BC are blessed with an abundance of world class fibre which for the most part is readily available. We have exceptionally talented manufacturers, combined with access to high quality fibre, which means we possess a competitive advantage that manufacturers from other parts of the world envy. Making the most of what we have through the design and manufacture of unique and innovative products will certainly help the value-added sector continue to grow and develop market share in the US.

For more information on this show or on the manufacturers reviewed please feel free to contact me at dfarley@bcwood.com

Later this year, BC Wood is planning to return to Moscow, Russia with a group of members to participate in the Holzhaus tradeshow, April 9-13th, 2012. These plans still must be approved by BC Wood’s government funders. However, given the early start to the new fiscal year, BC Wood must start now on the initial planning needed to make this event successful.
In November of 2011, BC Wood led a small, very successful trade delegation to Moscow to explore opportunities for value-added wood products in the Russian market and to participate in the Fall Holzhaus trade show.

Over the four days, approximately 11,000 attendees visited this Wooden House exhibition. BC Wood members were able to engage with industry professionals from all over Russia and surrounding countries. Developers, architects, builders, distributors, importers, and designers were all in attendance at the show, many of whom came specifically to the show to speak to the Canadian manufacturers.

BC Wood’s members showcased log home and timber frame structures, factory built homes, high quality millwork, and specialty Western Red Cedar building materials. Wood is an available and accepted building and finishing material in Russia and for BC manufacturers, the opportunity lies with specialty products. After only a short visit to this market, it also became very obvious that the concept of local partnerships was very important as there are many barriers to overcome in order to conduct business with confidence in this country.

Based on approved funding, space will be available for BC Wood members wanting to participate in the Holzhaus trade show. I would encourage any companies interested in more information to contact me at bhawrysh@bcwood.com or in BC Wood’s offices at 604-882-7100 as soon as possible.

Conifex Timber Inc. (“Conifex” or the “Company”) today announced that it has, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, completed its previously announced acquisition of the commodity lumber distribution business previously owned and operated by Welco Lumber Corp. and the transportation and logistics business previously owned and operated by Navcor Transportation Services Inc. The Company paid an aggregate purchase price of $1,576,476 plus the book value of certain specified inventory on the date of closing, and has agreed to pay certain commissions for a period of three-years thereafter.

Conifex also announced that Brad Johansen has resigned as a director of the Company effective December 31, 2011 in order to pursue other interests.

Ken Shields, Chief Executive Officer of Conifex, commented: “The guidance and advice Brad Johansen provided the Conifex Board of Directors in its formative period was most insightful and greatly appreciated by all of us at the Company. We thank Mr. Johansen for his commitment and contribution to the Company during his tenure and respect his decision to resign so he can focus on other areas of interest.”

About Conifex Timber Inc.

Conifex and its subsidiaries’ primary business currently includes timber harvesting, reforestation, forest management, sawmilling logs into lumber and wood chips, value added lumber finishing, marketing and distribution. Conifex’s lumber products are sold in the United States, Chinese, Canadian and Japanese markets. Upon completion of its bioenergy facility at Mackenzie, British Columbia, Conifex’s business sectors will be expanded to include bioenergy.

Click here to read the entire article

A North Okanagan lumber producer is looking towards Asia for expanded markets.

Tolko Industries​ president Brad Thorlakson recently took part in a trade mission to China led by Premier Christy Clark.

“I definitely saw a lot more wood use on this trip,” said Thorlakson. “And the comfort level in building with wood is on the rise. The construction industry in China is shifting—somewhat slowly but when you consider the potential, it’s really exciting.”

China is expected to drive half of all global construction activity until 2020.

Click here to read the entire article

A few ideas, comments, and thoughts that may be of interest to industry…

October was an extremely busy time for BC Wood in the United States with 4 major trade events taking place in the month. Over the next few weeks, I will discuss the events and the potential market opportunities that arose from our participation.

First up was the AIA Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. BC Wood and 5 members participated in the trade event and the following mission in early October. Like most trade events that target the US residential and light commercial construction sector, this show was down in both participation and attendance. This year, 300 plus exhibitors and 1400 attendees were at the event, down by approximately 20% over previous years and is reflective of the reduced construction activity throughout the State of Hawaii. Nevertheless, this trade event still provides the single best opportunity for BC companies to network with builders, developers, and architects across the state of Hawaii and other countries including Guam, Tahiti, Micronesia, and the West Coast of the United States who have projects on the islands.

Following the event, we spent 3 days travelling between the Islands meeting with architects and builders and visiting construction sites, getting a 1st hand account of the market and potential opportunities that are available. The general consensus from builders and architects working on projects in both Maui and Kona is that the market is showing gradual improvement. Also, a belief that there is a pent up demand developing as their clients – ultra wealthy individuals, building luxury vacation homes – are tired of sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the economy to improve. As one builder described it, “the life quality ratio is starting to weigh on his clients”. Essentially, his target market is older, semi retired or retired professionals who have the financial ability to self-finance multi-million dollar construction projects. A number of his clients are weighing the consequences of waiting for the economy to improve vs. their remaining quality of life and have decided to start construction projects that were stalled after the market collapse in 2008. This is likely a problem most of us would love to have, but certainly bodes well for high-end residential construction projects to resume on the Islands.

Another observation that I found interesting, from one of the top residential and commercial builders on the Islands, was the changing demographic in the secondary vacation home market. The big Island of Kona, he suggests with the luxury resorts of Hualolai and Kukio, are where the “old school money” has vacation homes and property; think for example, Charles Schwab. The new rich, those who have made money in Silicon Valley and the Dot Com market, find these resorts stuffy and instead are investing in new developments on the Islands of Maui and Kauai. This builder is banking on the shift in wealth demographic and is expecting to focus on projects on these Islands.

Finally, most experts that we met expected to see good growth over the next few years as the economy continues to improve in the US and across the State of Hawaii. There are a number of projects that are on the drawing board and are expecting to begin construction in the Spring of 2012. I will continue to follow up with the builders and keep you informed when these projects are announced. As always if you have any questions or comments please contact me at dfarley@bcwood.com.

BC Wood has exhibit space available at the 2011 JLC LIVE Residential Construction Show. This show provides exhibitors with a platform to position their products and services in front of 2400 residential construction professionals including builders, remodelers, and general contractors primarily from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, including Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. In addition to the exhibit floor, the show provides over 50 unique, educational sessions covering a full range of topics from business to construction techniques by industry leaders.

Date: December 7-9, 2011
Location: Portland, Oregon

For more information, please click here or contact Dave Farley at dfarley@bcwood.com.

For over 30 years the Japan Home & Building Show has been one of the most important events in the marketing calendar of foreign companies selling into Japan. However, this year there were many challenges facing the event, some resulting from the 3/11 earthquake while others were self-inflicted.

Several years ago the show organizers decided to change the date of the 2011 show so as to time it with the planned UIA event at Tokyo Forum. I personally expressed my concerns over this numerous times as I have seen how such date changes have hurt other shows. Especially with the JHS’ long history, everyone expects it to take place in November. However, they believed that holding it in conjunction with the UIA event would inject new energy into the show.

These plans were greatly complicated by the March earthquake. By having bumped up the show, the organizers also bumped up the recruiting period of the show to late spring, which was still the dark period when no one knew what tomorrow would bring. As a result, purse strings were tightened and I am sure the JHS had trouble signing up exhibitors.

The earthquake and the nuclear disaster also worried the expected 10,000 overseas UIA attendees. In April there was even talk of cancelling the UIA event. However, they moved ahead with it as the situation in Fukushima gradually improved.

As we set-up for the show, I wondered and worried about how it would turn out. As feared, the attendance fell dramatically, from 87,000 to 43,000. Luckily though the quality of the visitors greatly increased as many more architects came to the show for the first time. This was undoubtedly due to the cross-marketing with the UIA event. We even received many overseas guests who came for the UIA event. Overall, even though the overall numbers were down, we felt just as busy as last year since the architects were spending more time with us asking questions about products.

The other thing that I had been wondering about was how much traffic we would receive related to reconstruction efforts in the Tohoku area. Over the three days, we met with many builders, developers, and distributors from the earthquake/ tsunami affected areas and they seemed to be getting themselves prepared for the big reconstruction projects. I learned that developers from across the region and even other parts of Japan are buying up all the available elevated land near the coast for such projects. However, they are experiencing labour shortages and are thus looking at overseas suppliers that can help with packaged homes and other solutions.

Despite the drop in attendance, our members were very pleased with the results of the show. We were able to make a great number of new contacts including ones involved in the reconstruction efforts. This helps us prepare for the Nikkei Show next March where reconstruction projects will definitely be taking center stage.

For more information on the Japan market, please contact Jim Ivanoff at ivanoff@canadawood.jp

Register now for the 28th MBC Construction Expo in Seoul, Korea, this coming January 27-30, 2012. BC Wood will be taking space at this building and construction show to exhibit member products to Korean builders, architects, distributors, and construction material importers. The four-day event is expected to attract over 150,000 attendees as well as 350 exhibitors.

This trade event offers an excellent opportunity for BC Wood members to tap into the Korean market and take advantage of our expert in-market representative. Members that would benefit from this event include manufacturers and suppliers of remanufactured lumber products, prebuilt homes, kitchen cabinets, log home and timber frame homes, and engineered wood products.

BC Wood will be coordinating space for members at the event; advertising in key industry publications; managing event logistics; and organizing business networking opportunities. Space is limited so contact David Pao ASAP at dpao@bcwood.com to register.

For more information, please click here.

Westminster Industries Ltd. was founded in 1975 by Dave Wasmuth in New Westminster. It is now one of the most respected and oldest, originally owned lumber wholesalers in the Lower Mainland. They are currently located in White Rock and have a distribution yard in Delta.

Westminster Industries works with the majority of the major and medium sized mills in BC and Alberta, distributing Hemlock, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, and SPF to both domestic and international markets including Asia, Middle East, Europe, and Australia. Providing service to purchasers over this broad range of clients is a knowledgeable staff and experienced traders, including two traders fully conversant in all Chinese dialects. Westminster Industries is seen as a valued supplier to its long and growing customer base. They also have strong ties to the community through their various donations and charitable work, with the most recent being donations for the new White Rock Bike Park.

Since their start in 1975, Westminster Industries has been following the trends and adapting to the market. This, coupled with their experienced staff, has been the key to their growth and success. They recently updated their website to reflect current conditions and company adaptions. The website is now easier to function and educates the customer on what Westminster’s products and services are. To view their new website, go to www.westmin.ca

BUILDEX Vancouver is one of Canada’s largest trade expositions with over twelve thousand local design and construction professionals expected to attend this year. All under one roof, over 600 exhibits and more than 50 educational seminars address three distinct professional markets:

• Interior design and architecture
• Property and real estate management
• Construction and renovation

The show features products and services related to the design, construction, renovation, furnishing, and operations of all types of commercial and residential buildings. Reports from all of the companies attending last year’s Buildex indicated that all of their expectations were either met or exceeded.

BC Wood will coordinate a consolidated presence of member companies exhibiting at this year’s BUILDEX show, Feb 8-9th at the Vancouver Convention Centre. For more information regarding exhibition space and costs at the show, please contact me at your earliest convenience by email at bhawrysh@bcwood.com or by phone at 604-882-7100.

Kelowna-based Norelco Cabinets taps into the Business Innovation Partnership (BIP) on all fronts and achieves huge impact to their bottom-line.

Companies that have accessed the BIP services have seen significant payback! For Norelco Cabinets, the market and technical advice delivered through the BIP has dramatically changed the way the company manufactures its products, as well as how it markets and sells those products. Hear from company owner Peter Raja in this short video (link below) as he details some of the changes that dramatically increased productivity, product quality, and sales – along with an increase in profitability.

Some of the areas Norelco focused on were the better use of their manufacturing space and how product moved through the shop. With FPInnovations’ help, the company was able to increase its production without expanding its footprint – a significant capital savings! Along with gains in productivity came increases in product quality, and lower rework costs. Accessing new markets and developing new business approaches helped Norelco expand its sales. With the help of BCWood, Norelco embraced new sales techniques including both online marketing as well as traditional client/vendor interaction, and discovered new sales potential in markets it had not previously ventured in to.

Overall, the biggest benefit for Norelco was working with BCWood and FPInnovations concurrently. As new sales opportunities were discovered, the manufacturing process was being improved with the final result of getting to the market quicker, and efficiently capitalizing on new sales potential.

If you’d like to discover how you can achieve results like these, watch this short video. If you have questions or want further information, contact FPInnovations at (604) 222 5672, or BCWood at (877) 422 9663.

Norelco Cabinets from Rumin Mann on Vimeo.

IDSWest 2011 was held in the New Vancouver Convention Centre, September 29 to October 2, 2011.  The Interior Design Show West (IDSwest) is Western Canada’s annual premiere residential design show featuring 200 exhibitors showcasing quality, cutting edge, and original design products and services to an audience of industry professionals, architects, designers, consumers, and media.

An amazing array of both internationally renowned and local designers, critics, and popular magazine editors spoke throughout the 3 ½ day event, drawing standing room only crowds over the weekend.

We had an excellent representation of BC Wood members participating this year, including:

Barker Manufacturing Inc.
Bertuccio
Brent Comber Originals
Coulson Mfg.
Fine Line
Live Edge Design
Mario Sabljak Design
Martha Sturdy Incorporated
Matthieu LeBlanc
Sabina Hill Design
Stick & Stones
Straight Line Designs Inc.
Wide Plank Hardwood Ltd.

The displays and new products launched were stunning, offering the 30,000+ audience lots of ideas and opportunities to see what exceptional talent we have here in BC. Many of our members have already seen orders and requests from the event, making it one of the most successful Canadian activities that BC Wood participates in. Congratulations to all our members!

To see the program and speaker highlights, as well as listings of all the exhibitors, visit their website at www.idswest.com.

By Daryl Holmes

BC Wood recently led a group of members on a market development mission to Turkey which included participation at TurkeyBuild in the capital city of Ankara.  Product sectors represented included Log Home and Timber frame, Prebuilt Housing, and Remanufactured Lumber Products.

In the Turkish construction materials sector, wood products have approximately 20% market share with consumption mainly in private up-scale villas and some high end commercial resort style development. The consumption of wood in major residential housing projects and light commercial projects is low when compared to concrete and steel (for structure) or PVC (for windows/doors), however, as with most markets in the Eastern European area, the demand for wood is on the rise.  Both private and public sectors in Turkey are engaged in a shift (albeit a slow shift) towards a growth in the use of wood products.  Industry professionals and consumers alike have a keen interest in wood as a construction material, as was evident during the show in Ankara. The earthquake in 1999 has drawn attention to the importance of timber in construction, however; with the economic impact of the global meltdown, progress has been slow in the area of conveying the attributes of wood and educating key decision makers as to the benefits of using wood in construction.  There is without a doubt, an increase in construction taking place right now in Turkey as residents look to build homes on the outskirts of some of the major cities. Accordingly, a select group of builders, developers, and importers are currently involved in projects outside of the main city centres which are being built with wood. During our stay in Turkey, we were able to make contact with many of these industry professionals and discuss opportunities for BC products.

The show itself was very busy, which in the current global market place was encouraging for the members.  Although the Ankara show is a more of a regional show (with the main construction show being held in Istanbul in May), it drew attendees from all over Turkey and some surrounding countries.  Numerous Architects, Engineers, Builders and Designers engaged in discussions with the BC exhibitors.  The outcome of those interactions predominantly showcased the demand and desire for wood, while also highlighting the lack of distribution of products within the Turkish marketplace.  In a jointly hosted event with the Turkish Timber Association, members were also able to showcase their products to key importers and building materials distributors located in and around the construction hub of Istanbul. Response from these professionals was again encouraging, as products including Western Red Cedar, Prebuilt Housing, and Log Homes proved to be of high interest for regions all across Turkey, including the coastal regions of the Black Sea.

Where do the sales prospects lie?

A clear demand for wood products exists within the Turkish marketplace.  Much of the wood imported into Turkey is from surrounding markets of Russia, Ukraine, and Scandinavia. The key to accessing this demand for BC companies is securing partnership with local wood importers and distributors of other building materials.  This process will take some time and investment by BC Wood members and this show in Ankara was a positive step in the right direction.  Turkish building professionals are starved of opportunity to partner with Canadian companies and they are motivated to establish relationships with producers of high quality wood products. As with all new and emerging markets, finding the right partner is crucial in gaining market penetration.  Turkey’s current growth is expected to continue well into the next ten years and those members who continue to put time and effort into the Turkey market will be rewarded with sales and long term partnerships.

What is the market looking for?

WRC Lumber, WRC Shake and Shingles, Hand Crafted Log Homes, MDF, Plywood, Yellow Cedar, Hemlock, Douglas Fir, and Prebuilt Homes.

How do I access these opportunities?

BC Wood will distribute the show leads via the online Wood Supply Network. For more detailed market information contact dh@themataigroup.com

The million dollar Bridge of Dreams has become a well-known landmark to Princeton since its completion in 2010.  Its grand opening celebration on April 15 of 2010 was the beginning of what most hope will be a long run of publicity for the bridge, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, the Trans Canada Trail and for Princeton.  It has been featured in national and international websites, magazines and online social media.

The bare concrete piers that the bridge was placed on once held the train trestle that connected two different branch lines.  After a long and determined search for grant monies then, Vermilion Trails Society president Judy Short was thrilled when the grant writing paid off in a big way and the members were able to announce the news that the Tulameen River would again have a crossing over those same piers.  Once the grant money was secured, VTS decided to go with a B.C. firm.  StructureCraft was chosen.  At the time StructureCraft had already been hired to build the roof on the Richmond Oval.  This project was another highly visible feat that the firm completed with flying colours.

The Bridge of Dreams is not for trains these days, but has become a popular destination for hikers and cyclists through town.  The architecture welcomes visitors for a rest.  It is a highlight of the town and has far surpassed expectations.  Along with the bridge’s completion has come a burst of awards and attention.  StructureCraft won the “2011 Wood Works!” B.C. award for best Engineer 2011 – Gerald Epp.The bridge was featured in the spring issue of Wood Design and Building, on the Trans Canada website, on the Trails B.C. website, on the Green Architecture and Building report out of Oregon and in Western Living magazine.  The bridge is also a feature in Dana Meise’s “The Great Hike” ongoing You Tube blog about his trip along the Trans Canada Trail from coast to coast across Canada.

Click here to read the entire article

Sabina Hill is a Vancouver-based contemporary design studio specializing in art and custom furniture. In collaboration with First Nations artists, Sabina creates limited edition furniture and art pieces that reflect the rich mythology of the Northwest Coast. Sabina has several exclusive collections that feature a variety of design work, and she also does commission pieces for residential and hospitality clients. Her work includes dining tables, coffee tables, sofas, ottomans, beds, and wall panels.

Born in Vancouver, Sabina’s deep-rooted connection with the Northwest Coast is woven into her iconic body of work. With a career that spans three decades, Sabina has collaborated with a variety of designers and manufacturers. Her background in architecture and interior design offers a unique perspective that is evident in her contemporary approach to design.

In 2008, Sabina travelled with BC Wood to England for 100% Design London, representing the Best of BC Furniture Designers at this prestigious show. This trade event introduced her work to an international audience and solidified her relationships with fellow BC Wood members Brent Comber, Judson Beaumont and Michael Trayler. Later that year, Sabina’s work was acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum, an impressive feat for any designer. In 2009, she was nominated for Western Living’s furniture designer of the year and was labeled “One to Watch”. At this year’s IDS West event, Sabina unveiled the Thunderbird Chair, the first piece in the Harvest Collection.

The Harvest Collection is about gathering materials from the earth and incorporating all parts of that bounty into our daily life. The Thunderbird Chair represents a new direction for the designer as she introduces soft goods into her Northwest Coast style. This limited edition chair features the exclusive art of First Nations artist Andy Everson. The chair is made of solid walnut, ebonized inlays and hand-sewn Italian leather with diamond tufted detailing.

This season, Sabina Hill is introducing tanned salmon skins into her work. By integrating elements of this unique material into her functional art pieces, she is adding layers of texture, colour and luxury to her designs.

For more information, please visit sabinahill.com

BC Wood is organizing participation at 28th MBC Construction Expo at the SETEC convention centre in Seoul, Korea from January 27-30, 2012. This building and construction show will have over 350 exhibitors and an expected 150,000 attendees. These attendees will include builders, architects, home owners, distributors, and construction material importers. This trade event offers an excellent opportunity for BC Wood members to tap into the Korean market. Members that would benefit from this event include manufacturers and suppliers of remanufactured lumber products, prebuilt homes, kitchen cabinets, log home and timber frame homes, and engineered wood products.

With a deep rooted history and affinity for building with wood, South Korea remains an important export market for British Columbia’s value-added wood products. In 2010, South Korea represented British Columbia’s fifth largest offshore market with 278,000 m³ of wood product exports. South Korea has experienced strong economic growth and recovery, in light of the recent global downturns, with growing affluence and continuously improving living standards. Korea is far from the labour intensive economy it once was and is now a global leader in design and technological trends. Korean consumers are growing more sophisticated and are looking into higher quality imported products that are environmentally compliant.

For more information about the show, please contact David Pao at  dpao@bcwood.com

StructureCraft Builders is a unique team of engineers and builders who work with clients and architects to design, fabricate, and erect carefully detailed building and bridge structures in timber, steel, glass, concrete, and other materials. Their staff of engineers, modellers, detailers, estimators, project managers, supervisors, and carpenters are all based in their 25,000 sq. ft. FSC-certified shop located in Delta, BC.

Thirteen years ago, Gerry Epp formed StructureCraft Builders to design and explore more building ideas with architects, often in conjunction with their associated firm, Fast+Epp Structural Engineers. The first project they took on was the stainless-steel-and-Parallam trussed roof of the Vancouver Aquarium expansion in 1998. Since then, StructureCraft has been engaged by architects and design-build teams for projects which require exposed structures, usually involving wood in a significant and innovative way.  These 50+ projects cover all types of structures including timber buildings, facades, atria, and hybrid footbridges, as well as WoodWave structural panels, timber panel systems, composite concrete-timber, lathe milling, and custom castings.

As design-build specialists in architectural timber structures, the StructureCraft Builders team combines their significant experience in structural engineering, 3D modeling, detailing, project management, timber procurement, shop fabrication, and site erection of complex wood structures to design and construct each project to the highest standards, throughout North America

They work with their clients from the design phase which begins with understanding both the vision and the overall project constraints. Working together, they introduce ideas which can both enhance the architecture and lead to efficient structural solutions. They also work with the client to develop concepts which, through 3D models and renderings, are eventually developed into drawings. Structural testing is carried out on certain projects before fabrication, which takes place in the controlled environment of their shop. They then erect all of their projects to ensure the final product reflects their high standards. Their unique methodology of pre-planned “constructible” design, timely material procurement, and creation of a custom kit of parts and assemblies results in a rapid and accurate installation for each project.

Many of their projects have won awards for both architect and design-builder, including the unique WoodWave roof of the 2010 Olympic Speedskating Oval; the Arena Stage Parallam-and-cable façade in Washington, DC; the “Footbridge of Dreams” in Princeton, BC; and the Central City timber structures in Surrey, BC.

They are currently wrapping up construction of the free-form, orchid-shaped roof for the VanDusen Gardens Visitors Center (picture to the left). The 71 unique all-wood panels of this Living Building Challenge project were completely pre-fabricated in their shop, including glulam beams, lumber rafters and ceiling joists, plywood skin, sprinkler piping, electrical conduits, thermal and acoustic insulation, and laminated plywood ceiling battens. The Center will open to the public this fall.

StructureCraft Builders are committed to creating excellence in architectural structures for their clients.  The results can be viewed on their recently updated website at www.structurecraft.com where you will find detailed descriptions of their design-build process, their staff, their products, examples of their completed projects, and their awards received.

BC Wood just finished exhibiting at the 10th International China Exhibition on Housing (CIEHI) in Beijing last week with a group of member companies. The show was very well attended and participating member companies reported some very good leads from Chinese builders, developers, and manufacturers that attended the event.

The show definitely had a green building and construction theme and wood was prominently displayed throughout the show. We noticed several log homes and other wood frame houses on display being promoted by other countries including Russia.

Canada was well represented by the joint Canada Wood booth that included partnering associations BC Wood, Coast Forest Products Association, and Council of Forest Industries. Overall, it was a very good event and something to consider for next year. For more information on this event or other activities in the Chinese market, contact David Pao at dpao@bcwood.com.