We are on the cusp of a wood revolution that will transform the way we design and build many residential and commercial structures, according to a leading Canadian architect.

Michael Green, principal with McFarlane Green Biggar Architecture in Vancouver, says that innovations in engineered wood products and wood’s environmental advantages are driving new applications for the material.

Mr Green is one of the major drawcards for the inaugural WoodSolutions 2010 one-day forums to be held in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in September. He is also guest architect judge for the 2010 Australian Timber Design Awards.

“The materials we build with are something we can easily address to make an enormous difference that will lead us to carbon neutral and, in time, carbon negative buildings” – Michael Green.

An impressive line-up of international and Australian experts in engineering and architecture will address the forums to discuss the increasing use of structural wood in contemporary designs.

“My talk in Australia will tackle the significant negative environmental impact of concrete and steel in building and in turn the significant benefits of wood,” Mr Green said. “Architects have a duty to address the problems of our profession as it relates to climate change. I believe the materials we build with are something we can easily address to make an enormous difference that will lead us to carbon neutral and, in time, carbon negative buildings.”

Other international speakers confirmed for the forums are Andrew Lawrence, associate, Arup Advanced Technology & Research Group, London; Andy Buchanan, Professor of Timber Design, University of Canterbury New Zealand and research director, Structural Timber Innovation Co; and Owen Griffiths, marketing director, McIntosh Timber Laminates, Auckland, NZ. Australian speakers will include Allen Kearns, theme leader, Sustainable Cities and Coasts, CSIRO Climate Adaption Flagship, Australia, and Richard Leplastrier, renowned Sydney architect.

WoodSolutions 2010 is sponsored by Wood. Naturally Better and supported by Forest and Wood Products Australia. FWPA managing director Ric Sinclair said he hoped attendees would be informed and inspired to use more wood in their designs.

“For environmental, aesthetic and economic reasons, contemporary designs are incorporating wood in structures ranging from public to multistorey residential buildings,” he said.

“We’ve structured the program as an educational forum which will inspire delegates with ideas and an understanding of how they can make the most of wood as a building material.

The environmental benefits of wood, including its low embodied energy and ability to store carbon for life, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a built structure.”

The wide range of topics and case histories make this a ‘must-attend’ event for any professional interested in keeping up with the latest information about this naturally versatile, sustainable material.

Most attendees will be able to claim CPD points for their respective professional association or industry group. WoodSolutions 2010 will be held in Sydney on September 7; Melbourne, September 9, and Brisbane, September 15.

Registration and further information is available at woodsolutions2010.com.au.

Source: Timber and Forestry eNews