The latest on Timber Framers

Source: TheNewsTribune.com (subscription) ()

“This is going to put an awful lot more volume out there,” said Tom Savage, district forester for Oregon Department of Forestry’s Astoria district.

Judging from aerial surveys, the damage was particularly severe within 10 miles of shore, with Clatsop County being particularly hard hit.

“Those winds were just mowing everything down,” said Savage.

The number of snapped and uprooted trees is estimated to be greater than after the December 2006 storm that knocked down roughly 20 million board feet of timber in the Clatsop State Forest alone, he said.

That amounted to about $17 million dollars of salvageable timber, said Ron Zilli, assistant district forester for the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Astoria District.

Exactly how much revenue can be derived from the most recent blowdown remains to be seen. The recovered value will depend partly on timber quality, which will likely be compromised, he said.

On Oregon Department of Forestry land, the affected stands will be sold to the highest bidder, who will then pay loggers to extract the fallen trees, explained Zilli.

Existing stands that have been put up for sale will need to be reappraised to assess whether they’ve retained their value after the storm, he said. Planned thinning projects will also need to be re-evaluated, since wind gusts might have rendered the operations unnecessary, said Zilli.

As for private landowners – both timber companies like Weyerhaeuser and family forest owners – the outlook is even more complicated.

The price for softwood framing lumber has plummeted to about $260 per thousand board feet from the most recent high of about $460 in May 2004, according to Random Lengths forest products information service.

Log prices have fallen accordingly, which has left owners questioning the economic sense of salvage efforts, said Michael Bunch, president of the Clatsop chapter …

Source: CNNMoney.com ()

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 19, 2007 (Thomson Financial delivered by Newstex) — Sweden’s SCA AB said it is raising the value of its forest assets by 5.2 bln skr to 23.3 bln skr, based on sustained higher timber prices.

It further said it expects annual synergies from the acquisition of Procter & Gamble (P&G)’s European tissue operations this autumn of 700 mln skr.

The synergies are expected to have full effect after three years, and arise both within sales and marketing, and by improving the production structure.

SCA also said it will book a 4.9 bln skr cost in the fourth quarter due to efficiency improvements and impairment of assets in conjunction with restructuring.

The decision follows on a review of tissue operations not directly affected by the P&G (NYSE:PG) acquisition, the group said.

Copyright Thomson Financial News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

The copying, republication or redistribution of Thomson News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Financial News.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner ()

Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
Marcus Nunes and his wife Ava at their Kingston 11 home.
Although the Nunes family is very happy about the brand new bedroom given to mother and father, we must admit that the family has other pressing needs, which we hope the public will come forward and help with. They obviously need a larger home, but even more urgent is their need of a rehabilitated roof.We extend our grateful thanks to Anthony Holness of Hardware and Lumber in Kingston, who without hesitation provided lath boards and plyboard to replace dilapidated ceiling material in the couple’s bedroom.We are hoping, however, that sponsors will be found to redo the roof of the home, for which the following overview was done by Stephen Hodges, architect attached to the Women’s Resource and Outreach Centre sustainable Roofing Project:An inspection of the above house, notes Mr. Hodges, revealed: Building has a very flat pitched roof with zinc covering. Many of the zinc sheets are rusted, with some showing holes. Some were disturbed by hurricanes and some have been replaced. The roof leaks in many places and has destroyed the ceiling below, a solitex or hardboard ceiling on a suspended frame. The building is approximately30×40 foot, that is, some 1,200 square feet of roof. Leaks have rotted some of the roof timbers, particularly the ends of the rafters, some of the sarking under the eaves and (it is suspected) some of the laths and wallplates. There is some evidence of dry wood termite infestation ‘chi chi’ were not seen. It is a safe assumption that there is some termite damage in a building where the timber has been soaked by leaks. It is quite sheltered, with small overhangs, so that hurricane straps recommended, may not be needed, except in bad storms.According to Stephen Hodges, the main goal is to prevent the roof from leaking, which would allow replaced ceilings to survive protect the remaining roof timbers. He also notes:FaciaThe facia board on the gable end is rotted …

Source: PR Web (press release) ()

Timber Frame Company Demonstrates Commitment to Conservation by Building Environmentally-Friendly Manufacturing Facility

Davis Frame Co., a well-respected timber frame home company, revealed plans to build an environmentally-friendly timber frame manufacturing facility in Claremont, New Hampshire.

Claremont, NH (PRWEB) December 22, 2007 — Davis Frame Company Inc., an established New England manufacturer of timber frame homes, has revealed plans to build an environmentally-friendly timber frame manufacturing facility in Claremont, New Hampshire. The Davis Frame Company is designing their newest building to meet the high energy conservation and environmental standards required to be Silver-Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.

"The Davis Frame Company is committed to environmental conservation and stewardship. By designing and building the most energy-efficient and environmentally responsible shop that we can, we are trying to set a new standard for manufacturing," says Jeff Davis, cofounder of Davis Frame. "Aside from generating excitement and pride within our organization, we'll be preserving natural resources, reducing energy costs, improving workplace comfort and well-being, and limiting the impact of construction in our local environment."

Aside from generating excitement and pride within our organization, we'll be preserving natural resources, reducing energy costs, improving workplace comfort and well-being, and limiting the impact of construction in our local environment.

"We also hope to demonstrate to others how far environmental design has come," adds Rick Bascom, co-owner of the company. "All of the methods we are incorporating in the construction of our new facility be applied, in part or in whole, to the construction of beautiful, traditionally constructed timber frame …

Source: phillyBurbs.com ()

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On collision course
Burlington County Times
The Burlington County Institutes of Technology will meet each other tomorrow in the quarterfinal round of the NJVTAC tournament. Both the Westampton and Medford Tech squads advanced with victories yesterday.
Westampton Tech got by Penn-sauken Tech 51-46 behind 19 points by Kemaal Brooks and 17 by Lance Albritton. The victory raised the Panthers’ record to 3-1.
Medford Tech — a day removed from its first-ever win over Willingboro — trumped that achievement by ringing up 93 points on Camden County Tech. The Jaguars improved to 2-1 with a 93-45 victory. They outscored Camden Tech 54-19 in the second half.
Antuan Rowe led Medford Tech with 29 points. Jonathan Jernigan and Jalen Armstead had nine each.
Cherry Hill East 57, Shawnee 49: Eric Kessler had four 3s and 21 points, but the Renegades fell to 1-2. Doug Holcombe added 15 points for Shawnee.
Delran 50, Florence 41: Florence led 11-0 after the first quarter, but the Bears took command with an 18-4 run in the third quarter. Darius Ingram scored 21 points for Delran, which also got 13 from Travis Hill.
St. Mary’s 42, United Christian 25: The Spartans jumped out to a 16-2 first-quarter lead and played even after that. Christian Powe scored 14 points for St. Mary’s.
Timber Creek 62, Cherokee 59: The Chiefs suffered a nonleague loss despite 23 points from Nelson Torres.
Life Center 114, LEAP Academy 42: Dylan Talley’s 18 points led six Warriors in double figures.
Holy Cross 45, Burlington City 30: The Lancers jumped on top 16-5 in the first quarter. Justin Swidowski’s 20 points led Holy Cross.
Camden Catholic 49, Seneca 30: Seneca trailed by 11 at the half and couldn’t fight its way back into this one.
Lenape 46, Triton 41: Isiah 11 points led the Indians. Pete Dinich and Kendall Peters added eight points each.
Rancocas Valley …

Source: AlterNet ()

If a tree falls in the forest, will Wal-Mart hear the sound?Apparently not, according to an environmental investigative report released this week on Wal-Mart’s unsustainable timber procurement practices. The new study says Wal-Mart’s “good wood” procurement policy only looks good on paper.Last month, Wal-Mart released a 59-page “Sustainability” progress report, in which the company said “we want to provide our customers with the assurance that not only are they getting value and quality, but they are getting a product that was produced in a socially responsible manner.” But the retailer’s wood procurement policies are basically all bark, and no bite.Wal-Mart sells wood products ranging from furniture, to picture frames, candle holders, tooth picks and popsicle sticks. The typical Wal-Mart supercenter can carry more than 900 different wood products. Wal-Mart tells the public that “an area of forest the size of a football field is cleared every second. That’s 86,400 football fields a day. In tropical forests, it’s estimated that 50,000 species become extinct each year because of deforestation.” The retailer has a “Forest and Paper Network” that seeks to get its suppliers to convert to certified wood, and to give preference to suppliers who can verify the use of sustainably harvested wood fiber. “When we discover sustainable factory issues, we are committed to seeking alternatives,” the company says, “or even removing products from shelves.”Based on this pledge, the Simplicity corporation should expect a call any day now from Wal-Mart, pulling Simplicity’s wooden cribs from its shelves. An undercover study released this week by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), a non-profit research agency based in Washington, D.C., says that despite the company’s rhetoric about sustainable wood products, “Wal-Mart is turning a blind eye to illegal timber sources in supply chain which threaten some of the world’s last great natural forests.”According to EIA, Wal-Mart does …

Source: CNNMoney.com ()

(updating with full report)
STOCKHOLM, Dec. 19, 2007 (Thomson Financial delivered by Newstex) — Shares closed flat in continued nervous trading, with Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERICY) giving up early gains and finishing lower, and banks also pressuring the index but with Hennes & Mauritz gaining following recent sales data.

The OMX Stockholm index closed down 0.08 pct at 345.99 points, while the OMX Stockholm 30 index closed 0.01 pct lower at 1,064.47. Turnover was 21.957 bln skr.

Index heavyweight Hennes & Mauritz underpinned the market closing up 1.19 pct at 382.50 skr in a delayed reaction to the retailers positive Nov sales data released this week. Analysts said the company has now had three straight good months which should allow it to end its financial year on a high.

SCA B closed up 2.49 pct at 113.25 after the company said it is raising the value of its forest assets by 5.2 bln skr to 23.3 bln skr, based on sustained higher timber prices.

The revaluation will be reported in the results for the fourth quarter 2007.

It added that it expects annual synergies of 700 mln skr from the acquisition of Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) (P&G)’s European tissue operations this autumn.

Holmen B also closed up 2.12 pct at 240.50.

Ericsson B closed down 0.67 pct at 14.77 after early gains for the stock in Stockholm were undone by US investors selling it on the Nasdaq.

The telecom operators had a positive session with TeliaSonera (PINKSHEETS:TLSNF) closing up 1.29 pct at 58.75 and Tele2 B up 1.95 pct at 130.50.

The banks closed mainly lower amid international nervousness around the sector. Yesterday’s announcement that the ECB has pumped almost 350 bln eur into the banking system has failed to bolster bank stocks amid fears the Fed, ECB and other central banks are running out of Analysts continue to stress that Swedish banks have relatively low exposure to the US sub-prime crisis, …

Source: Newswire Today (press release) ()

NewswireToday - /newswire/ -
Kenilworth, Warwickshire, United Kingdom, 11/29/2007 - Following a report issued earlier this month by WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) regarding off site construction (OSC), The Construction Centre.co.uk today announced it was in full support of the potential cost and environmental benefits.

WRAP commissioned a series of case studies to assess which methods of off site construction could potentially reduce the most amount of on site waste. The government has set a target of reducing landfill waste by half by 2012 and the construction industry is a major contributor to this. As a result the report could provide answers for contractors when considering how to reduce on site waste. It also might provide alternative solutions for them to meet the code for sustainable homes or site waste management plans which both focus on sustainability.

Case studies were undertaken to create the report and involved four major companies in the industry; Yorkon, Bison, Stewart Milne and Framing Solutions. The study revealed that from 40 to 90 percent of site waste could be reduced by using various off site construction methods.

Firstly volumetric construction was found to reduce site waste produced by traditional methods by 90 percent. Volumetric construction involves the construction of units in a controlled factory environment. The units can be shipped to site in basic format or with internal and external wall finishes completed. This method of construction reduces the likelihood of errors or snagging which can produce site waste.

Secondly the use of light steel frame structures was found to potentially reduce waste from between 40 and 70 percent. The manufacturing process along with savings in terms of how complex the foundation or substructure designs need to be in order to support the frames.

The of precast concrete was also found to significantly reduce waste by up to 50 percent. Much …

Source: Huffington Post ()

If a tree falls in the forest, will Wal-Mart hear the sound?

Apparently not, according to an environmental investigative report released this week on Wal-Mart’s unsustainable timber procurement practices. The new study says Wal-Mart’s “good wood” procurement policy only looks good on paper.

Last month, Wal-Mart released a 59 page “Sustainability” progress report, in which the company said “we want to provide our customers with the assurance that not only are they getting value and quality, but they are getting a product that was produced in a socially responsible manner.” But the retailer’s wood procurement policies are basically all bark, and no bite.

Wal-Mart sells wood products ranging from furniture, to picture frames, candle holders, tooth picks and popsicle sticks. The typical Wal-Mart supercenter can carry more than 900 different wood products. Wal-Mart tells the public that “an area of forest the size of a football field is cleared every second. That’s 86,400 football fields a day. In tropical forests, it’s estimated that 50,000 species become extinct each year because of deforestation.” The retailer has a “Forest and Paper Network” that seeks to get its suppliers to convert to certified wood, and to give preference to suppliers who can verify the use of sustainably harvested wood fiber. “When we discover sustainable factory issues, we are committed to seeking alternatives,” the company says, “or even removing products from shelves.”

Based on this pledge, the Simplicity corporation should expect a call any day now from Wal-Mart, pulling Simplicity’s wooden cribs from its shelves. An undercover study released this week by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), a non-profit research agency based in Washington, D.C., says that despite the company’s rhetoric about sustainable wood products, “Wal-Mart is turning a blind eye to timber sources in its supply chain which threaten some of the world’s last great natural forests.” …

Source: Market Wire (press release) ()

Shenandoah Log Home Plan by Mountain Architects
Highlighted Links Custom Log Home Plans & Design Log Home Resource Center

MERIDIAN, ID–(Marketwire - December 4, 2007) - PrecisionCraft’s newest log home floor plan is
here! This month, Mountain
Architects releases a single level design with lots of interest.

The inspiration for the Shenandoah log home floor plan
comes from the cozy log cabin ideal of yesteryear. Even though this design
is a single level with only 2,136 sq. ft., the plan is open and has an
abundance of character. From the handcrafted log columns in the picture
window to the extensive use of vaulted ceilings lined with log rafters,
this plan is designed to turn heads.

With the Shenandoah log home plan, entertaining guests outside is an
effortless adventure. Designed with over 300 sq. ft. of outdoor living
space and a rustic stone fireplace, guests will feel right at home.

Every new floor plan, like the Shenandoah, is professionally rendered to
help clients envision what the exterior of their homes will look like. Each
new design is based on past experiences with clients, Mountain Architects’
own unique log & timber home vision, and the latest trends in the log home
industry. The ultimate goal is simply to inspire.

As rendered, the Shenandoah shows how a combination of materials — square
milled log, handcrafted log, glass, & stone — can be used together in the
design of any home. If a client prefers a rustic handcrafted log home or a full timber frame home, the Shenandoah
can be designed with any product in mind. In addition, the Shenandoah can
be customized in size and layout. PrecisionCraft’s log home floor plans are simply
starting points for many clients.

As drawn, the estimated turnkey cost of the
Shenandoah is $500,000. This reflects average construction costs
generated by 3rd party, national data. With customization, the Shenandoah
may turnkey …