January Edition
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The Wood Innovation Group

Welcome to the TWIG Monthly Newsletter, a dedicated space crafted to inspire and guide professionals like you to gather, connect, and share knowledge. Our curated events bridge the realms of tradition and innovation, taking a deep dive into the origins of our industry and propelling the value-added wood sector forward. Join us as we cultivate connections, foster learning, and collectively grow in this ever-evolving landscape 🌲

At TWIG, we recognize the potent force within our community. Your voice holds significance, and we're genuinely excited to showcase and support your contributions. If you have compelling content to share, send it our way at info@twigbc.ca.

Wood-First-Wednesday

January 10th, 6:00 - 8:00
Electric Bicycle, 20 E 4th Ave, Vancouver

The Vancouver TWIG network continues its brewery hopping in Vancouver for its 24th event. More Info+

Vancouver Island Wood Network

January 10th 6th, 6:00 - 8:00
Toolpath Design Shop, 2110 Store St, Victoria

The Vancouver Island group heads back for a shop gathering at Toolpath Design More Info+

Sea 2 Sky Wood Network

January 10th, 6:00 - 8:00
Free Bird Oyster Bar, 40900 Tantalus Rd, Squamish

The TWIG network in Squamish continues with a social gathering to kick of 2024. More Info+

Timber Tech Connect

February 13th, 6:00 - 8:00
Concept Lab, 397 W 7th Avenue, Vancouver

The second edition of Timber Tech Connect kicks off in February. Mark the date - more details TBA More Info+
**All of the up-to-date TWIG events can be found online at twigbc.ca/events/

TWIG News

Happy 2024 TWIG Community

We trust everyone had a delightful holiday season and is gearing up for a fantastic beginning to the new year in 2024.

As we reminisce about the holiday gatherings, consider the myriad conversations that unfolded at family get-togethers, community events, and work parties. These occasions, set against tables laden with food and drinks, hold a unique power to unite people. The dynamics of such events ignite a spectrum of discussions, debates, storytelling, and the sharing of experiences from the past year. Year after year, these gatherings cultivate growth, fortify relationships, and unveil new possibilities for the year ahead. At TWIG, our essence lies in community, and it's your involvement in our events that makes our endeavors possible. We firmly believe that innovation is rooted in relationships and interconnectedness. With each new connection, fresh ideas sprout, and we are committed to nurturing spaces where innovation can truly flourish.

"The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable."
- Robert Henri

At TWIG, we're reaffirming our commitment to our core "Wood-First-Wednesday" events, actively expanding our networks in Victoria and Squamish. After exploring various event formats over the past few years, our WFW meetings have proven to be the winning formula. The casual nature of these monthly gatherings consistently draws an incredible mix of familiar and new faces. Last month alone, around 45 people collectively participated across our three networks. We're excited about the prospect of growing these events further and envision adding new chapters to the TWIG networks in 2024.

To usher in the new season and set the tone for growth in 2024, here's a captivating time-lapse video showcasing the transformation of a pinecone into a pine tree over 300 days.
Watch Video +

Wood-First-Wednesday

January 10th, 6:00 - 8:00
Electric Bicycle, 20 E 4th Ave, Vancouver

Reflecting on the incredible journey, it's astonishing to realize that we've been gathering nearly every first Wednesday for the past two years, marking our 24th Wood-First-Wednesday (WFW) in Vancouver. This event sprouted from the seeds planted during the British Columbia Timber Building Tour, sparked by the enthusiasm of participant Will Millard from Naikoon Contracting. Eager to sustain the energy and dialogue, Will initiated the inception of Wood-First-Wednesday, and it's truly remarkable to witness its growth, shaping our extended networks in Victoria and Squamish. Our heartfelt thanks go to Will for his invaluable contributions to TWIG and the profound impact it has had on our community.

As time has progressed and Will has shifted his focus to his new family, we've welcomed a new organizer to steer the ship for Vancouver's WFW events. Enter Tanya Pilon, a longstanding attendee and architect working with LWPAC — Lang Wilson Practice in Architecture Culture and Intellgent City. Tanya has seamlessly taken on the responsibility, infusing the event with fresh ideas and enthusiasm, propelling it into the future. In the upcoming months, we'll shine a spotlight on the dedicated organizers behind our events, providing you with insights into the individuals going above and beyond to ensure the success of TWIG.

Events and information about Wood-First-Wednesday in Vancouver can be found online here
🌲 WFW as part of the TWIG Network is made possible through the efforts of Tanya Pilon

Vancouver Island Wood Network

Shop Visit - Toolpath Design

January 10th, 6:00 - 8:00
Toolpath Design, 2110 Store St, Victoria

Embarking on its mission to cultivate a thriving community of wood professionals on the south island, the Vancouver Island Wood Network (VIWN) invites you to join in the camaraderie. Each month, these gatherings provide a platform for networking, sharing invaluable insights, and enjoying the delightful company of like-minded individuals. From breweries to workshop spaces and studios, the events traverse diverse venues, all with a shared focus on the artistry of wood.

To kick off the new year we are taking it back to Toolpath Design to the shop where VIWN organizer Marc deMontigy runs his company, offering full service custom CNC work, millwork, prototyping, product development and anything else to the Toolpath team is willing to tackle.

Food and drinks will be provided. See you there!

Once you attend one of the events, make sure you join the WhatsApp group where you can stay informed about the monthly events and other activities on Vancouver Island.

We are always on the lookout for spaces and shops to host these events so if you are someone on the island that wants to open your doors, please reach out or show up at one of the VIWN events and let Marc know your down to host.

Events and information about the Vancouver Island Wood network can be found online here
Photo taken at the last event hosted at Herald Stree Brew Works

🌲 VIWN as part of the TWIG Network is made possible through the efforts of Marc deMontigny and Donna Shaw

Sea to Sky Wood Network

Wood-First-Wednesday

January 10th, 6:00 - 8:00
Free Bird, 40900 Tantalus Rd, Squamish

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Lenny Rubenovitch, the Sea to Sky Wood network (S2S) is now up and running! Our recent event at Howe Sound Brewing saw a fantastic turnout of 25 individuals, bringing together a diverse group of participants. Among them were members of the Squamish Men’s Shed, local wood experts, emerging wood artists from various disciplines, representatives from construction companies, hobbyists, and a dynamic mix of professionals spanning various fields.

Lenny has been actively engaging the Squamish community, spreading the word about TWIG, and connecting with more wood professionals in a region rich with a long history in working with wood. Future events are already in the works, with visits hosted at local manufactures and a Festool demo where you can get your hands on the latest tools.

Check out Lenny's recent interview with the Squamish Chief.

After the first event, be sure to grab a link to join the WhatsApp group, as this has become the primary means of connection for our localized TWIG networks.

Events and information about the Sea to Sky wood network can be found online here

🌲 S2S as as part of the TWIG Network is made possible through the efforts of Lenny Rubenovitch

Timber Tech Connect

February 13th, 5:30 - 7:30
Concept Lab, 397 W 7th Avenue, Vancouver

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for an e-mail in 2 weeks with details and registration for this event as we narrow down our speakers and the topics we will focus on.

Timber Tech Connect offers an up-close look at the latest innovations in timber design and the individuals driving progress in wood-based design, engineering, architecture, and construction. Through these events, our aim is to provide a platform for networking, learning, and exploring the possibilities of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA), sustainability and low carbon construction, building systems and the overall methodologies of timber construction

We hosted the inaugural event of this timber innovation series , in partnership with Fast + Epp's Concept Lab and UBC CAWP. Our first event had an incredible turnout, and we greatly appreciated the conversations that emerged at our round table discussion leading us to launch our next series of events to take place quarterly. The events we are planning are are based around the following themes:
  • Sustainability + Building Performance
  • Building systems + Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA)
  • Offsite Construction, Project planning + Integration
  • Project case studies
Our purpose with these events is to establish a consistent series that brings together experts from various fields, and those eager to learn more about timber construction. As the mass timber industry continues to grow, our mission is to support individuals and firms throughout the innovation process, equipping them with the knowledge needed to excel in wood-based construction. Additionally, our goal is to inspire you by showcasing case-study timber projects from local firms and manufacturers based right here in British Columbia.

🌲 TTC is made possible through the efforts of Brandon Sullivan @ Fast + Epp Concept Lab

UBC Workshops + Events

Online Industrial Wood Finishing Certificate Course

Last Opportunity to register!

The UBC Certificate in Industrial Wood Finishing is designed to provide professional learners from the woodworking industry with a broad understanding of the field of wood finishing. The program involves a comprehensive review of the various dimensions of wood finishing, including wood properties, colour theory, the physical and chemical processes associated with the applications of stains and coatings, application methods; pre-treatments; coatings; application and curing equipment and automation; safety; environmental considerations; quality control and testing methods; and costs/economics. Throughout the course, workplace examples and case studies are referenced as much as possible, to provide real-world context to the discussions.

We understand that it can be difficult for technical staff and managers to take time away from a production environment to attend training. For this reason, the program is structured in two distinct parts;
  • Part 1: learn all of the theory online through our e-learning website. Requires approximately one hour per day for 12 weeks. Study at home or at work, whatever fits your schedule. Get ongoing phone and email support from an online tutor, and interact with other trainees via online discussions
  • Part 2: come to a 6-day practical session, normally in Vancouver or at an alternate facility (depending on where most participants are located). Includes hands-on practice, demonstrations from industry experts, plant tours
Program begins January 8th 2024. More details on schedule can be found in the link.
More information about this program can be found here
REGISTER

DFMA WORKSHOP 2.0

Mass Timber - Design for Manufacturing and Assembly Workshop (DFMA)

February 8, 2024 - February 10, 2024

Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) is a design approach that focuses on ease manufacture and efficiency of assembly. In North America, due to the fragmented nature of construction whereby the designers, engineers, manufacturer, and contractors all work independently, the bridging of the knowledge gap will help improve the success rate of projects. DFMA will improve projects by reducing time, waste, cost and labour, while increasing quality and efficiency.

This 3-day hands-on workshop will be a lecture/design/build format. It will be led by UBC Centre for Advanced Wood Processing (CAWP) and UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA) faculty and staff. The expertise from industry leaders in design, engineering, fabrication, and installation will also be called upon to discuss lessons learned in mass timber construction. Participants will be guided through the process of designing mass-timber projects with the consideration of manufacturing technologies.

The use of digital technology in design and manufacturing are aiding the realization of mass-timber projects. The participants will be supported through a design-build exercise utilizing Computer Aided Design (CAD) software for design and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software for manufacturing of components. The project will culminate with the fabrication of components and the assembly of a mass-timber structure.

For more information, please contact Jason at 604 822-0082 or by email at jason.chiu@ubc.ca

DFMA Workshop Description

Link to the workshop on the CAWP site

REGISTER
Photo taken on the last day of the DFMA workshop 1.0

Kiln Drying Seminar - POSTPONED

April/May 2024 - Dates TBA

Essentials of Wood Drying

A 5-day comprehensive, hands-on introduction to drying technology taught from a practical, real-life perspective and backed with solid explanations into the scientific background of drying.
This highly-regarded workshop discusses the key processes and concepts involved in drying wood. Beginning with wood properties and moisture movement, students become familiar with kiln design considerations, drying schedules and kiln loading considerations. Other topics include drying with air, drying degrade, lumber storage and handling, control systems and power plants.

Visit the link to download the course PDF and to register for the workshop.

MORE INFO +

Job Postings

We can help you promote open positions, contracts and other jobs that you are seeking to fill. Just reach out to us at info@twigbc.ca with the details and we can add it to our monthly newsletter.

TWIG Futures

As we step into the new year, this space will present news and updates from the ongoing collaboration between TWIG and the British Columbia Organizational Design Network (BCODN). TWIG is participating in the Building Community Organization mentorship program, an initiative nurturing the growth of BC community organizations.

In the weeks ahead, our focus turns to crystallizing our Vision and Mission, reflecting on the past decade of our endeavors, and distilling the essence of TWIG's functionality. With a proud legacy of impactful events, our commitment lies in their continuous growth and expansion across various regions in BC. The ongoing journey involves a thorough stakeholder analysis, plotting our course as we construct the framework for the next steps.

We extend a warm invitation for you to join our continuous conversation, reaching out to individuals passionate about organizational development. Whether you bring expertise in board governance, organizational leadership, or offer vital services beneficial to Non-Profits, your time and energy are pivotal during this crucial evolutionary phase in TWIG's progress.

If this resonates with you and you are passionate about our mission, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out and connect with us at info@twigbc.ca, and we can schedule a call to explore your interests and time commitments.

Got an idea?

Do you have a concept, product, or prototype that you want to realize? TWIG can work with you to make this happen with financial support through The Wood First Program. Carried out through the Center for Advanced Wood Processing (CAWP) and its team of technical staff, we are able to provide an array of support on various wood-based projects. We already have some projects underway from this past year that will be ready to present in 2022.
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