Timbercraft taking timber to new heights

摘要

I am of the opinion that before we tackle the timber building method, we should explore the thinking around this industry, how it is embraced by the rest of the world and how we South Africans can learn. Privileged to be invited as a guest speaker at the ninth Wood Conference held at the CTICC a few weeks ago, I was amazed to see what our European and American friends are producing in their respective countries. We explored the world's top five timber buildings in Norway, Canada, Australia and England and was introduced to a building system, CLT (cross laminated timber) and glulam (laminated structural beams). The extensive use of these components took the buildings to more than 20 floors, towering heights of ±30m. We explored Zanzi Bar just off Africa where entire villages are being built with timber frames. Sadly Timbercraft, the company I manage, and many other timber builders in South Africa can only be accredited with our projects at three storeys and only 10 to 12m high.