And, as if that wasn’t enough, we also cover two major exhibitions in which the industry showcases its finest products and services.
The highlight of our year is the TTJ Awards. We revealed the results in the previous edition, but in this issue we share some of the highlights of the day.
Just a week after our Awards, the Wood Awards shortlist was unveiled at the 100% Detail exhibition and we provide a sneak preview of a handful of the 33 projects which now have the finishing line within sight.
Also in mid-September, the inaugural Timber Show proved itself to the point that next year’s dates have been set and several exhibitors have already re-booked. And, hot on its heels, W6 Working with Wood, the re-vamped Woodmex, is counting the days until it presents its new format to the timber sector.
It all points to an increasingly dynamic industry, ready to take advantage of the wider, increasing enthusiasm for timber. As AJ Specification editor Ruth Slavid said as she addressed this month’s IWSc conference in her role as chairperson, “timber is hitting the Zeitgeist”.
Now is a great time for architects to become involved in designing with timber, she said, adding that the material’s inherent “sensuality” and eco-credentials were making it an increasingly attractive proposition.
Her caveat was that architects have complex, busy lives which sometimes get in the way of their “hunger for knowledge”.
This month’s activities and, indeed, the IWSc conference itself, demonstrate that the timber industry is determined to raise its profile to the point that specifiers don’t have to think twice about specifying timber for their projects.
As he unveiled the Wood Awards shortlist, architect Simon Conder said this year’s entries would “encourage a new generation of architects to use timber”.
And, as the TTJ Awards show, the timber industry will be there to support them in their endeavours.
