WoodSolutions Timber Talks

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.