WoodSolutions Timber Talks

This is the final episode of Timber Talks with Adam as host. And its a special final episode with Alastair Woodard who is an industry legend and early mentor of Adam's to bring him into the timber industry. We learn about the past & future of the initiatives that have driven the industry forward. People like Alastair are unsung heroes where when they finally decide to retire, we'll take for granted the tremendous amount of initiative that they bring for the industry. Adam is going all in on CLT Toolbox hence can't hedge his bets staying host of this.

Starting and scaling a mass timber factory is no small feat. For Timberlink and NeXTimber, Jeremy Church has been there from the beginning, driving their mission to reshape the construction industry with sustainable solutions. In this episode, Jeremy shares what it takes to make a timber project truly successful—from the nuances of design collaboration to the inner workings of a high-performance factory. It's been a long time coming, and we're thrilled to finally have Jeremy on Timber Talks to discuss the critical role suppliers play in transforming the face of construction globally. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

As EWPs in emerging mid-rise markets are maturing, standardised practices are developing. With every year, new learnings are accumulating in the industry. Robbie Svars has 10 years experience and was one of the earliest adopted in Australia. In this episode we talk about the levers to pull in search of cost neutrality & common sense to achieve project objectives. Sometimes a minor change can have a multiple change on cost. Hence understanding these levers can make all of the difference.

Over the last few decades there has been meaningful change in the design of timber buildings. There are always a few early adopters in each region who are major contributors to the change and Damian Hadley and his team at Cantilever are amongst them. In this episode we have a wide ranging conversation with Damian about the evolution of the industry, sustainability, optimisation & so much more! 

Nick Hewson has been involved for over a decade in mass timber projects. The challenges have evolved over the years and the industry has come along way. The focus now moves onto moisture during construction as one of the priorities for derisking projects. In this episode we learn from Nick from his decade of experience and how to make projects successful. 

Chris Wood is a GM at StandStruct and one of the most experienced influencer installers of timber buildings globally. In this episode we learn from the range of projects that he's been part of. We discuss the things that have made projects successful, but also the things that make a project the occasional disaster. Woody is an industry legend with a lot to learn from! 

In this episode, we're joined by Kevin Peachy to discuss the future direction of WoodSolutions and their strategic plan.  Kevin introduces himself and his role, then explains what WoodSolutions is and its vision. He outlines the major changes in the new strategic plan compared to previous directions, highlighting the goals and aspirations for the future.  We explore the biggest opportunities and megatrends in the timber industry, discussing how WoodSolutions plans to capitalize on them. Kevin elaborates on strategies to boost timber competency across the built environment, emphasizing how these efforts will reduce risk and drive market confidence.  Ensuring expert advice, skills, and education quality is another priority for WoodSolutions. Kevin discusses specific initiatives in place to support skilling and accreditation within the timber industry.  Finally, we discuss how WoodSolutions measures success, providing insights into the metrics and benchmarks used to evaluate the impact of their strategic initiatives. 

We're in a time of rapid innovation in urban development, driven by the need for sustainable use of space. Today, we're chatting with Kelly Harrison from Whitby Wood.  Kelly introduces herself and her role, then delves into the Optoppen Project's mission to transform urban spaces using rooftop extensions. She highlights the benefits of building extensions, such as space optimization and energy efficiency.  We discuss the untapped value on rooftops and address concerns about the structural integrity of existing buildings, examining the reliability of data and drawings. Kelly also shares insights into the growing appetite for mass timber in the UK and her vision for the future of timber construction, emphasizing innovations and challenges. 

In this episode, we're joined by Franco Piva to discuss advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its importance in mass timber projects.  Franco introduces himself and his role in the timber industry. He explains advanced BIM management, highlighting the difference between effective and poor practices. Franco discusses who ensures proper BIM management and the roles of suppliers and engineers in the process.  Franco shares keys to successful mass timber projects from his experience and offers his vision for the future of the timber industry, including emerging trends and advancements.   

One of the key processes of designing safe & efficient timber buildings is the structural modelling process. However, this does require deep understanding & expertise in order to execute effectively. Timber is a material with very different characteristics to concrete and steel. And in this episode, we're speaking with a world leading expert on this topic Zhiyong Chen, Senior Scientist at FPInnovations about the structural modelling of timber buildings. 

We're experiencing a time of fast innovation and growth in the timber industry, driven by the megatrend of decarbonization. Today, we're lucky to be speaking with Dean Lewis, Director of Mass Timber From Skanska.  In this episode, we explore the potential of a mass timber program, discuss key conversations needed at the start of projects, and discuss the most exciting developments in mass timber globally. Dean also highlights recent innovations and shares insights on the future of the mass timber industry.  

In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of insuring mass timber projects with Michael Hastings from M.D. Hastings Risk Consulting. Michael provides valuable insights into how the insurance market operates, the current availability of insurers for mass timber buildings, and the unique challenges that these innovative structures present in terms of insurance. He offers practical advice on achieving the best coverage and price in today's market, explores ways to improve the insurability of mass timber buildings, and discusses how the industry can handle major innovations on the horizon. Lastly, Michael shares his perspective on the future of construction and its implications for the insurance sector.  Michael offers practical advice on achieving the best coverage and price in today's market, explores ways to improve the insurability of mass timber buildings, and discusses how the industry can handle major innovations on the horizon. 

As mass timber continues to innovate the construction industry, it brings both challenges and groundbreaking advancements. In this episode, I sit down with Meike Engel and Ornagh Higgins from Aspect Structural Engineers. They share their extensive experience with tall mass timber projects, discussing key lessons learned, optimal building systems, and the integration of mass timber with concrete and steel. We delve into optimizing design programs for efficiency and explore the promising future of mass timber construction. Join us to gain insights from these industry leaders on navigating and shaping the evolving landscape of mass timber. 

We're experiencing a time of fast innovation & growth in the timber industry on the back of the megatrend of decarbonisation. There has never been a better time to act like an entrepreneur to make the change that you might be looking to see. Today we're lucky to be speaking with Tim Seims, a Global Innovation Leader & Go To Market Strategy specialist. In this episode we speak about fertile ground for innovation, nuances in timber construction & go to market strategy. 

As timber products enter new markets, there are naturally going to be moments with teething pains alongside moments of innovation that the world hasn't seen before. Since 2014 when Andrew Waugh and the project team drove Stadthaus, the world's first mid-rise mass timber building that unlocked the new market we know today. Since then, there has been a variety of hurdles that have popped their head up and in the midst of being overcome to take the industry forward. As always we enjoy learning from the leaders from around the world and not many more fun to speak to than Andrew Waugh! 

Timber is a material that can meet some of the emerging trends in construction; including offsite manufacturing, productization and sustainability. Some people & companies around the world are on the bleeding edge of driving this change to make the future a reality. In this episode, we're lucky to be speaking to Lucas Epp Vice President at Structurecraft. In this episode we discuss the importance of a master-builder mindset, the advantages & disadvantages of vertical integration, the future of software & how to best design with mass timber products.  Lucas is very humble and one of the most intelligent and insightful engineers I've come across in my career so I know you'll enjoy this episode! 

There are pioneers on the cutting edge pushing the boundaries of what's possible in timber design. And luckily today we're speaking to Robert Jackson a Partner at Fast + Epp, a company pioneering the field of timber construction. In this episode we discuss a range of projects that he's been in previously, the prospects of the post & plate system and finally a 10 storey commercial office in a seismic region.   Robert was awesome to speak to and I know you'll love this one! 

Mass timber buildings are maturing fast as a viable option for new projects. In Australia there is a small group of people who have been getting their hands dirty for a while now; Andy Knight (Construction Manager) and the team at Brother Nature are some of them. In this episode, we chat to Andy about some of the scars and lessons he's had since the start of the journey and also speak about the keys for successful mass timber project delivery.  

In this episode of Timber Talks we're priviliged to be speaking with Christoph Kulterer CEO of Hasslacher Timber. Christoph is a seasoned CEO in the industry and iinvestment decisions over his career a big reason the mass timber market is what it is today. We discuss his thoughts & philosophies on leadership, the role of technological innovation going forward and what the future holds for the industry.  Chris is an influential leader and we are very lucky to get to sit down with him. Enjoy! 

Acoustics design is often considered the dark arts of mass timber design. Most importantly, the acoustic solution can be the governing factor for designs and the differentiator for what an overall cost effective solution might be. In this episode we're chatting with Aedan Callaghan about the design principals for acoustic design, how to determine acoustic performance and of course the unfolding future of mass timber construction.

In today's podcast, we're joined by Ashley Cagle, a seasoned structural engineer and Technical Director at Woodworks, specializing in biogenic carbon and sustainability. Ashley sheds light on the transformation of the U.S. landscape for mass timber, focusing on pivotal code evolutions and the conversation encompassing the sustainability of timber. Through candid discussions, we confront pressing enviro-ethical debates, including on biogenic carbon, the scenario of land adequacy, and the eventuality of wood materials. Anticipate navigating the breathtaking progress and denouements defining the impetus and unsurpassed journey of mass timber's grand entrance. 

Today we're speaking with Fabia Baumann from Henning Larsen Architects. Fabia shares her unique perspective on the synergy between these two disciplines, especially in the context of Europe's heterogeneous architectural landscape. We explore the evolution of design practices, tackle the bottlenecks facing designers, and delve into the nuances of measuring sustainability in construction. Fabia also highlights the latest innovations from Scandinavia and shares her excitement for the future of mass timber construction.  

In this episode we speak with Marjan Popovski the Lead Scientist At FP Innovations. Marjan, has been a major driver of some of the major developments in research over the last few years. Subsequently the industry is moving forward based on the hard work of the senior leaders like Marjan. In this episode, we speak about the most exciting research, codes and standards and finally where things are moving. 

In today's episode, we're joined by Marco Huter of KLH to discuss the evolution of mass timber. Marco shares his background and dives into his proudest project, revealing insights into KLH's global reach. He addresses the challenges in mass timber adoption, the sustainability of feedstock with rising demand, and principles for efficient mass timber design. Listen in as we explore the changing landscape of building codes in Europe and Marco's vision for the industry's future by 2030. Join us for a journey into the heart of sustainable construction.   

In this episode we speak with Karl-Heinz Weiss from Weiss Insights, where we delve into the past, present, and future of mass timber. Karl-Heinz, a veteran in the field, shares his extensive knowledge and predictions in this comprehensive discussion.  Historical Evolution and Principles: Discover the journey of mass timber, from its early days to modern advancements. Karl-Heinz shares his personal history and background, providing context and insight into the key principles that have driven successful projects in the industry.  Current Innovations: Learn about the most exciting current developments in mass timber. This segment focuses on the latest technologies and innovative approaches that are shaping the industry today.  Future Trends: Look ahead with Karl-Heinz as he forecasts the direction of mass timber over the next decade. His predictions and insights offer a glimpse into the potential transformations and advancements in the field.  This episode offers a unique opportunity to understand mass timber from a holistic perspective, guided by one of the industry's seasoned experts. 

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 an enlightening discussion that bridges the gap between ancient material and modern innovation. 

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 innovation thrives and elaborates on legislative changes impacting the industry worldwide. Finally we reflect on how conversations about mass timber have matured over the years and what the future holds for this revolutionary building material.  

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 sustainability in private and public sectors. This is the second time we've had Kate on the show and she's a genuine superstar. 

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 construction and the potential cost efficiency of mass timber through comprehensive optimization strategies. Furthermore, we gain an overview of the evolving market in the US and gain Lisa's perspective on the future of the industry.  

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 perspective. Melissa also addresses the tradeoff between operational energy and embodied carbon in building design. We explore the current trends in sustainability and conclude with Melissa's thoughts on the future of the construction industry in the next five years.  

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 buildings. Learn how digital design tools have revolutionized architectural processes and why understanding the entire supply chain is essential for designers. Lastly, Katharina imparts valuable advice for young professionals starting their careers.  

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 problems that can be solved with digital software and gives us a glimpse into the full digital design suite he is working on. We discuss the benefits and opportunities enabled by this suite. Finally, we wrap up the conversation by exploring Ed's perspective on the future of construction. 

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 advice for young professionals interested in pursuing a career in timber engineering.  Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of timber design, seismic performance, and sustainability. 

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-site manufacturing. We explore the future of timber construction and emerging technologies for tall building design. Tune in for this informative discussion with one of the industry's leading experts! 

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 considerations for design teams working with timber suppliers, including lead times and manufacturing schedules, and share exciting new timber products and innovations that ASH is developing. We also explore the company's growth and evolution, the challenges faced in timber construction, and valuable advice for professionals interested in pursuing timber building projects. 

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 ethical sourcing of timber. Ian highlights the steps Timberlink takes to minimize the environmental impact of its operations and discusses the evolving supply chain with increased demand and new technology. Finally, we wrap up with Ian's advice for young professionals. 

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 research being conducted in the industry today. Finally, we look ahead to the future of timber construction and explore the exciting possibilities in this rapidly evolving field.  

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 projects.    If you want to learn more about designing or building with timber, I recommend you go to the WoodSolutions Website and download the Technical Design Guides:  https://www.woodsolutions.com.au/publications  I recommend watching the WoodSolutions weekly webinars. Previous recordings can be found on the WoodSolutions website:  https://woodsolutions.com.au/ 

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 our conversation, we explore the intricate process of designing the world's tallest timber building, from conception to completion, and the critical components that must be in place from the very beginning, including team dynamics, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and more. We discuss the sustainable design principles incorporated into the Atlassian Tower, and how they contribute to its eco-friendly footprint, as well as the major challenges faced during the design and construction phases and how the team overcame them. 

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 old versus new wood and the innovations in the industry, as well as where she sees the industry moving in the next five years. 

 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 thoughts on what can be automated in the construction process, the future of BIM modeling and its impact on offsite construction, and much more. Get ready for an informative and engaging conversation on the future of construction documentation.

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 balance between standardisation and flexibility, and finally, where Oliver sees the industry heading in the next 5 years. Oliver will share his knowledge and insights on these critical topics and provide a unique perspective on the future of construction and building. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of sustainable construction and building. 

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 future of sustainable construction. Christina will share her knowledge and insights on these critical topics and provide a unique perspective on the role of financing in sustainable construction. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of sustainable construction and building.

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 fabrication process, fire compliance and design, and lessons learned across all projects. Finally, Ali will give us his thoughts on how he sees the future of mass timber construction evolving. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of sustainable construction and building.