Workplace Policies
With a bit of research, everyone can benefit from clear policies. By Emma Watt Well-constructed workplace policies can assist your business by: Ensuring that your expectations about workplace behaviour are clearly communicated in a consistent manner; Providing a set...
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(Re)building Bridges
A custom-made solution fills a gap between budget and need. Kiah Road Bridge in Gillieston Heights, NSW, was still functional, but ageing unevenly, with some of its hardwood deck planks crumbling but many in good working order. A total refurbishment of the bridge deck...
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Mass Timber Talks
The list of experts taking the stage at Frame Australia 2018 ‘Timber Offsite Construction’ continues to grow. For anyone working in the frame and truss, construction, engineered timbers and associated software and machinery sectors, now is the time to organise your...
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Hyne Timber Upgrades
A significant investment in the Tuan Mill is guaranteeing softwood supplies. Tuan Mill, located near Maryborough in Queensland, is a key manufacturing site for Hyne Timber, employing 200 people directly and providing a significant economic boost to the entire area....
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Recycled Timber
Giving old boards a new lease of life has benefits for both consumers and the industry. By Finn Seccombe What is it about gnarly old bits of timber that gets us so exited? Rusty bolt holes, weathered grain, blackened dents and tool marks that were once considered...
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Urban Tree Change
A new Sydney tower puts timber on show. Crown Group recently collaborated with the City of Sydney and a panel of expert judges, including independent architects, in a competition for the design of the tallest tower in their upcoming five-building Waterloo development....
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Timber Towers
The Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2018 features a focus on timber. Some of the finest minds in urban design, architecture and construction will be gathering in Sydney on June 26 and 27 for the second Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit. Topics range from...
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Another rectification?
By Craig Klinge, MiTekFabricator Support Manager/Engineer As I sit down in front of my inbox, I see several emails with subject headings that start with “Rectification required…” And on at least five occasions each week (which averages once every working day), I read...
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Withholding from wages
The law has a strict set of conditions that must be met. A reasonably common question from employers is whether deductions from an employee’s wages are lawful. There are certain situations where an employer is entitled to deduct monies from an employee’s wages. Any...
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High Risers
Around the world, there’s a movement to tall timber buildings, thanks to engineering advances. Here’s how the hype over height can benefit cities and industry. By Donyale Harrison. In 2016, Australia’s National Construction Code changed to allow timber structures to...
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Purpose-built for success
With origins dating back to the 1880s, Provans has been transformed by the Rosenberg family over two generations into a showcase Melbourne timber outlet. During Melbourne’s land and population boom before the turn of the last century, David Provan saw an opportunity...
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And the winners are…
Mitre 10 and Home Timber & Hardware members were among the winners in a night for independents. Kate Cebrano sang. Scott Cam and Catriona Rowntree took on hosting duties, and almost 1500 guests sat back to enjoy a superb dinner and the excitement of the Independent...
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A Fire-Proof Future
Graphene-based fire retardants offer an environmentally safe route to fire protection. In a new occasional series, TTN looks at emerging technologies of benefit to the frame, truss and engineered timbers sector. This month, Dr. Andy Goodwin, Advanced...
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Top Truss Tools
A willingness to let customers guide direction and a passion for innovation powers Vekta. Three things are essential for any truss manufacturer: accuracy, efficiency of plant operations, and quality of timber. Vekta Automation doesn’t go in for forest management, but...
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Political Ply
A new parliamentary office has timber at its heart. The Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO), an independent office of the Victorian Parliament, recently underwent a comprehensive refurbishment. The design had multiple goals: to create a healthy workplace and...
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Fitting the windows and doors regulatory framework
by Bronwyn Foord, General Manager, WADIC. Once upon a time, skilled timber craftsmen plied their trade fabricating timber joinery windows and doors that had been developed by trial and error over many hundreds of years. These craftsmen acquired their trades by...
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Uncovered trusses
What happens when trusses are left in the air. By Brett Bolden, MiTek state engineering manager, Victoria. Lately, I have been called out to inspect installed roof trusses that have been left exposed to the weather for very long periods of time. I’m not referring to a...
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Partnering for success
Jos de Bruin, CEO, MGA TMA, tells how small businesses can thrive together. Independent business operators around Australia continually face challenges to our sustainability but we continue to invest into our businesses, producing strong sales growth and world-class...
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Code updates sought
Industry body is on track to increase timber opportunities under the National Construction Code. Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has put forward proposals that will make it easier to use fire-protected timber in all buildings of up to eight storeys in...
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Designed to inspire
Sophisticated timber construction hits the mark in Massachusetts. It seems logical that the largest and most technologically advanced contemporary wood structure in a US academic setting should be home to three design schools at the University of Massachusetts. Long a...
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Painting timbers
Selecting suitable coatings for Australian timbers takes a bit of homework, but can lead to Grade A finishes. By Finn Seccombe. Having worked in boat building and joinery for many years I have experienced both the pain and joy that choices in timber coatings can...
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Creating the future
It’s time to move on from traditional sawmilling and embrace added value and sustainability, says expert Curly Tatnell. For decades, Dale and Meyers has been one of Queensland’s largest and most respected timber operations. Growing out of a smaller traditional milling...
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Subfloor spaces
Even experienced installers need to carefully consider site specifics when laying floors, say Sharon and Ray Brice. Dynamic developments in modular and panelised building techniques have fostered a resurgence in home renovations, kits and transportable...
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Aged care solution
Timber is the cost-effective answer to a lack of aged accommodation. With Australians living longer than ever, a raft of problems have arisen in our aged care sector. One at least has a straightforward solution. The lack of physical accommodation space can be...
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