Build Better Now
Compiled by Tarren Bolton The Virtual Pavilion for COP26 opened to the public in November 2021, showcasing pioneering building projects and tackling global sustainability themes. […]
Is graded South African pine the best structural wood in the world?
By Brand Wessels This question might elicit a condescending smile from our northern hemisphere colleagues who might believe the wood of their slow-growing pines and spruces are far superior to structural timber from that of [...]
Looking for renewables? Look no further than wood
Timber plantations in South Africa were originally established to provide an alternative timber supply, in order to protect our few natural forests from further deforestation. Photo by Captureson Photography By PAMSA, edited by [...]
Wood is good
Compiled by Leon Louw This ambitious undertaking reflects a growing global trend to take wood to new heights in the built environment. […]
Are mass timber buildings viable?
A recent study by Stephanus van der Westhuizen, structural engineer at Zutari, looked at the economic viability of a multi-storey mass timber building for South Africa through a development cost comparison. […]
The potential of engineered wood as a sustainable construction material
By Chrisna du Plessis, Department of Architecture, University of Pretoria Despite wide-spread use around the world, South Africans still regard timber construction with suspicion, best left to holiday log cabins and Wendy houses. [...]
The potential of engineered wood as a sustainable construction material
By Chrisna du Plessis, Department of Architecture, University of Pretoria Despite wide-spread use around the world, South Africans still regard timber construction with suspicion, best left to holiday log cabins and Wendy houses. [...]
Wood-based housing market possible in SA
By Dr Alec Basson | All images: Stellenbosch University Researchers at Stellenbosch University (SU) found that South Africa has sufficient log resource options for a sustainable wood residential building market. […]
A South African case for mass timber
By Jamie Smily, owner of XLAM South Africa (Presented at the Wood Conference 2020) | All photos by XLAM The construction industry is in the midst of a paradigm shift, which promises to revolutionise the [...]
The search for that classic beauty
By Tarren Bolton Wooden decks have many unique benefits including longevity and beauty that makes wood one of the most popular deck building materials on the market. […]