Show speakers spot timber building trends

Cutting-edge European timber-based building will be a key theme at this year’s Techniques et Solutions Bois ( Timber Techniques and Solutions) conference at the Carrefour du Bois International exhibition.

The Techniques et Solutions section of the show itself features latest timber products and systems for the construction sector, and the conference is designed to complement these displays of latest technical developments.

One keynote speaker will be Pekka Heikkinen, architect, and chief editor of PUU, the Finnish timber architectural magazine, and director of the Wood Studio at Helsinki’s Aalto University. He will look at latest trends in Finnish and European timber architecture and projecting where the industry might go next.

New developments and directions in French timber architecture will also be covered, with a presentation on prize winning projects entered for the ‘Prix National de la construction bois’ (National Prize for timber construction) (www.prixnational-boisconstruction.org/les-laureats-aux-prix/laureats-2013).

Among these is the new HQ of show organisers Atlanbois. “French and international visitors will learn about the common elements in timber-based construction and its evolution across Europe, but also the differences from country to country,” said Sam Padden, the show’s international executive.

Other presentations from French forestry sector body France Bois Foret and the Federation National du Bois (French timber federation) will cover new French timber products and the industry’s ‘savoir faire’ (know how).

Carrefour, France’s leading timber trade show, takes place in Nantes from June 4-6 and will cover the full spectrum of timber and wood products, including sawn material, panel products, and products for interior design as well as architecture.

New promotional publications about French hardwood and softwoods will also be launched at the show. The organisers are anticipating around 500 exhibitors at the event this year, of which 30% will be from abroad.

Visitor numbers are expected to be a least as good as the last show two years ago, when around 10,000 people attended. And 20% of these are expected to be from outside France.

The complete conference programme will be available in February.