The year 2023 saw a huge increase in mass timber projects in South Africa and at least a 400% increase in interest in complex timber engineering and hybrid timber construction. This is a wonderful sign of the times we live in! Carbon conscious construction is on its way upward. The implications of this awareness and the use of this type of construction are extensive for us in South Africa.
We all understand this statement as we all understand timber, engineering and construction. In short, wood is good, and we increasingly use it for construction. What is new for us (sort of) is “timber engineering”! We have all heard of or met a civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, or mining engineer… and a few more, but a timber engineer? That one, we don’t train in South Africa. It’s a new species, humano lignum mechanicus (Latin for timber engineer). How exciting is this? The rise of mass timber uncovers a new species of human. Darwin would approve, but there will be more about this species later.
Continue to the full article by David Marks – https://www.woodbizafrica.co.za/february-2024-issue-34/#february-2024-issue-34/42/