Contemporary South African architects, engineers, wood scientists, builders and manufacturers are embracing cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction while grappling with a critical challenge: preserving the wood effectively while adhering to stringent building standards.
Willie Conradie believes surface-applied supplemental wood preservatives are key to unlocking CLT’s potential without compromising safety. Willie is the Technical Director of Timberlife, a specialist wood preservation company he cofounded 44 years ago. He is an approachable scientist, researcher, inventor, innovator, patent-holder, entrepreneur, and astute business owner whose reputation in the wood preservation industry reaches far beyond South African shores.
In this Q&A, we discuss the industry-led solution to balancing engineered timber innovation and wood preservation: getting the Registrar to accept and approve the treatment of CLT with registered surface-applied supplemental wood preservatives.
Continue to the full interview – https://www.woodbizafrica.co.za/april-2024-issue-36/#april-2024-issue-36/36/