WoodSolutions Timber Talks

In this episode of "Timber Talks," we're joined by industry expert Ricky McLain. As we explore the upward surge of timber in the architectural landscape, Ricky sheds light on its rising adoption and the evolving cost dynamics. Beyond the traditional uses of timber, we dive into its potential in high-rise constructions and envision the transformative future of timber-infused skylines. Prepare for a...

In this episode we speak with Arnie Dider, COO and Founder of the Forest Business Network. With a rich background steeped in forestry and supply chain expertise, Arnie sheds light on the burgeoning realm of mass timber and its global growth trajectory. We chat how the supply chain is transforming, from ramping up capacity to introducing new products. Arnie offers insights into areas where innovati...

In this episode of Timber Talks, we chat with Kate Nason from Frasers Property. We dive into their sustainability goals and the allure of passivehaus design, a passion of Kate's. We discuss the balance between energy efficiency and embodied carbon, the evolving building codes embracing this design, and the role of modern construction methods. Kate also sheds light on the future interplay of sustai...

In this episode of Timber Talks, we have the privilege of speaking with Lisa Podesto, Senior Business Development Manager at Lendlease. Join us as we explore the concept of whole building componentization and its recent evolutions. We delve into the lessons learned from major players in the industry and discuss the barriers hindering progress. Lisa also provides insights into optimizing cost in co...

In this episode of Timber Talks, we are joined by Melissa Gaspari, an Associate at Andefena. Melissa shares valuable insights on the importance of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and how they are becoming more accessible through new tools and infrastructure. We delve into the role of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and discuss key considerations for timber buildings from a sustainability p...

In this episode of Timber Talks, we sit down with Katharina Lehmann, CEO of Blumer Lehmann. Katharina shares her remarkable journey with the company and highlights her proudest achievements. We explore the unique positioning and contributions of Blumer Lehmann in the industry. Discover the benefits of vertical integration up the supply chain and how timber can address the biggest trends in modern...

In this episode of Timber Talks as we sit down with Ed Bond, Principal Structural Engineer at Robert Birds. Ed provides insights into the trends in embodied carbon-specific requests from clients and discusses how structural engineers can address these demands. We delve into the changing role of structural engineers and explore the concept of "Virtual Design and Construction." Ed explains the probl...

In this episode of "Timber Talks", we speak with Andrew Dunbar, a Senior Structural Engineer at Structex. Andrew is a leading expert in seismic design for timber buildings, and shares his insights on designing resilient and sustainable timber structures.   During our conversation, Andrew discusses his approach to designing timber structures for seismic performance and sustainability, and provides...

In this episode of Timber Talks, Antony Wood, President of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, shares his insights on using mass timber in tall building construction for sustainability and efficiency. We discuss the potential for embodied carbon reduction and the benefits of sustainably managed forests. Antony also describes innovative mass timber buildings and the possibility of off-...

In this episode of Timber Talks, we had the pleasure of interviewing Nathan Benbow, Engineering Manager, and Danny Watson, Structural Engineer at Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH). Join us as we delve into ASH's approach to designing and constructing timber buildings, highlighting the importance of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) in their process. Our experts discuss key considerat...

In this episode of Timber Talks, we speak with Ian Tyson, CEO of Timberlink, about the company's recent investments in engineered wood products (EWPs). Ian shares his insights on expanding into new products and markets and discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with growth. We also explore the potential for exponential growth in the EWP industry and the importance of responsible and...

In this episode of Timber Talks, we speak with David Barber, a Principal at Arup, about the complex considerations involved in fire design for timber construction. We delve into the thought processes behind exposing timber in a building and explore the varying codes and regulations around the world. David shares his insights on how engineering deems acceptable risk levels and the most important re...

On this episode of Timber Talks, we sit down with Rob De Brincat, Head of Strategy and Business Development at Viridi. Rob shares his expertise on the topic of mass timber and its potential for becoming a mainstream construction material. We dive deep into the topic and discuss the importance of team collaboration, as well as the critical things that need to be done right from the beginning of pro...

In this episode of WoodSolutions Timber Talks, we sit down with Ninotschka Titchkosky, co-CEO of BVN, to discuss the groundbreaking Atlassian Tower. As the world's tallest timber building, the Atlassian Tower in Sydney, Australia, stands as a testament to the potential of sustainable construction and design. Join us as we delve into the journey of creating this remarkable structure.   Throughout o...

In this episode of Timber Talks, I had a conversation with Christine Zinkgraf from Lewis Builds about the growth of mass timber buildings and the advantages of this construction method. We discussed topics such as the increase in interest, the speed of construction, the risks involved, and the level of prefabrication that makes sense. Christine also shared her thoughts on the challenges of using o...

  In this episode of Timber Talks, we're speaking with Javier Glatt, the founder of Cadmakers about the future of construction documentation. We'll delve into the issues with traditional documentation processes and how software can offer a solution. We'll also discuss the evolution of the digital ecosystem in construction and how new technologies are changing the game. Javier will share his though...

In this episode of Timber Talks, we're speaking with Oliver Lang CEO of Intelligent City about the future of construction and building. We'll be discussing the vision behind Oliver's work, the key technological advances being used today with a focus on robotics, the process of construction and how it differs from conventional methods, the hurdles to adoption of this new way of doing things, the ba...

In this episode of Timber Talks, we're speaking with Christina Wijeratne from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation about sustainable construction and building. We'll be discussing the goals of the CEFC, the unique challenges of embodied carbon, the mass timber program and why it was deployed, what the money is for and how people can get involved, the dynamics of lending money for projects, and the...

In this episode, we're exploring a case study on the Mass Timber Innovation Hub at the University of Newcastle. Our guest is Ali Habibi from Northrop, who was involved in the project and will share his knowledge and experiences. We'll be discussing why timber was chosen, the challenges faced during the project, the differences in the engineer's role for mass timber projects, the modelling and fabr...

Today's episode is all about finding practical solutions for construction productivity. We have a special guest, Phil  Tondl  from Lipman, who will share his knowledge and expertise on the subject. Phil will discuss design team dynamics, the benefits of standardization, and the evolution of documentation in construction. Plus, Phil will give us his thoughts on what the offsite construction ecosyst...

Today we have a special guest, Lisa Oliver, Project Director at Holmes ANZ. In this episode, we dive into the world of post and beam construction, and Lisa shares her wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry. We discuss the creation of a high-level guide on post and beam construction, the role of the structural engineer at the beginning of the project, the key items to consider, common p...

As the global population continues to grow, our cities are becoming more congested and land is becoming more scarce. In recent years, building extensions has grown as a response to the demands of urban densification and sustainability. A new research project has looked at Urban Densifiaction in a new light with innovative solutions to these complex challenges. Today we're speaking with Paul Kremer...

The German International School Sydney consists of preassembled offsite CLT modules. The project aimed to build sustainable, prefabricated classrooms at a cost and time frame equivalent to traditional options whilst achieving the passive house design standard. In this episode we're speaking with Knut Menden, Principal at Betti & Knut Architects about: Why 3D modular was the preferred construction...

Prefabricated timber buildings require a shift in the design paradigms that are common in construction. Perhaps none more so than the need to have a multidisciplinary approach to professions in order to achieve the high quality and level of detail that is required early on projects. Today we're lucky to be speaking with Nigel Burdon, Technical Director at AECOM about the structural grids, acoustic...

In the past, structural engineers were typically more involved with the construction and erection of their designs. And this might be preferable for the timber buildings of today. Given that the cost associated with the timber structure is closely tied to connection and erection efficiency, following the Master Builder Mindset can set timber projects up for success. In this episode we're speaking...