In today’s world, the desire for self-sufficiency is no longer a fringe idea but a practical response to the uncertainties and challenges we face. Whether it’s economic instability, rising costs of living, environmental concerns, or the simple desire for greater independence, more homeowners are seeking ways to gain control over their basic needs. The homes…
[Cape Town, 10 August 2017]: Buildings, be they domestic, commercial or industrial, are major consumers of energy the world over and this applies to much more than just their day-to-day running. From basic components, transport, construction, operation and final decomposition after its useful life, a building has significant potential for a gentler environmental footprint. Werner…
Timber frame construction has been gaining popularity in recent years as a method of building sustainable and energy-efficient homes. Estimated percentages of new homes built of timber frame are in the USA approx 35%, Canada approx 65%, the UK approx 25 % and Australia and New Zealand approx 55%. And in the EU, while varying…
Many people have asked why it is that I prefer to design timber frame homes, and more specifically, what the advantages of a timber frame home are. Here are 10 good reasons to build your new house using timber frame. 1. Touch the Earth Lightly The choice of a timber frame home is going…
PRESS RELEASE The timber industry in South Africa and the Western Cape specifically has been fighting a desperate battle this past year to keep the pine plantations upon which so much depends, alive. The issue, which pertains to the afforestation and management of already planted tracts of land, has a huge economic, environmental and socio…
The Better Living Challenge called on designers, architects, residents, inventors and students to submit new or exiting products, services and systems that can be used for low-income home improvement. One of our supporters and great ambassador for forestry in South Africa, Vernon Collis, entered three proposals through his company Collis & Associates and their California…
Trees naturally convert carbon dioxide into a light, strong and versatile building material. Trees sustain life, cool the environment, are renewable and require very little maintenance. The entire tree can be utilized, from sawn timber to chips and biomass for energy. Building with renewable timber is therefore an effective way for the construction industry to…