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The Wood Innovation Group
Welcome to the TWIG Newsletter! We're working to help shape the future of the value-added wood products industry. Our events and programming provide a dynamic platform for professionals to connect, learn, and share innovative ideas. Our newsletter is dedicated to those interested in using creativity and design to transform wood into finished products while blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.
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Your voice matters. If you have events, projects, or ideas to share, reach out to us at info@twigbca.ca
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Sea 2 Sky Wood Network
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Royal Canadian Legion Branch 277, 40194 Glenalder Pl, Squamish
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Our Squamish-based network heads back to its local spot at the Legion for casual networking More Info+
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Wood-First-Wednesday
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September 11, 6:00 - 8:00
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Superflux Brewing, 505 Clark Dr, Vancouver
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The Vancouver group meets as usual, touring local craft breweries in the city More Info+
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Falling forward
Things are back in full swing here at TWIG as our regional events and regular programming resume. Following our successful participation in last year’s IDS Vancouver, we are excited to return as exhibitors. This time, we’ve gathered a selection of wood-based artists, craftspeople, and designers who leverage their creativity to add value to wood. The work on display, primarily sculptural and artistic, is designed to spark conversation about wood, BC’s industry, and TWIG’s contributions to shaping the future of the Value-Added wood sector.
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Our presence at IDS highlights the crucial role creativity plays in adding value to wood. While machinery, technologies, and business strategies are essential, it’s creativity—the ability to combine elements into new solutions—that truly unlocks the potential of this material. It’s also about the relationships we build, bringing together people with complementary skills, resources, and capacities to elevate the work we do.
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We are excited to officially launch the next edition of our Shape program, now called Shape & Structure. This program challenges participants to imagine designs and solutions for wood waste, industry by-products, and underutilized wood species. With monthly online meetings and open educational programming, we aim to support participants as they flex their creativity and put their skills to work in developing innovative solutions. More information about this exciting program is available below!
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With forest-felt regards,
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Patrick Christie and The TWIG team
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Call for Participants
Wood Design Challenge
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January to September 2025
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A reimagined version of our Shape program held in 2023, the Shape & Structure (S&S) Program for 2025 offers a unique opportunity for designers, makers, and wood industry professionals to collaborate and innovate fresh ideas for BC’s wood industry. Over 8 months, participants will reimagine waste materials, by-products, and underutilized wood to create high-value products with real market potential, contributing to both a sustainable circular economy and the future of BC’s wood industry.
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Shape & Structure gives participants the chance to engage with experts in wood innovation, materials science, and design while developing eco-friendly, higher-value products. You’ll build connections, expand your skills, and contribute to shaping the future of BC’s diverse wood sector. Whether you’re looking to challenge your creativity or gain industry knowledge, the program provides hands-on opportunities to drive personal and professional growth.
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Participants will take part in monthly online sessions, guided by professionals with experience in wood product design and supported by UBC’s Centre for Advanced Wood Processing. The program culminates in a final showcase in September 2025, where participants will present their work to demonstrate what’s possible for BC wood products.
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Impact of Your Participation
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Your involvement in the Shape & Structure Program could have a lasting impact on BC’s wood industry. By tapping into your creativity and applying your skills, you’ll help reduce waste, promote sustainable practices, and drive economic growth in the wood sector. The products you help create will demonstrate what’s possible for a future where higher-value products lead to more efficient resource use, benefiting both BC’s local communities and the environment.
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Prefabricated Building Tour and Conference to Austria & Germany
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December 1 - December 7, 2024
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Cost – $2995 (BC Companies) $4295 (non-BC)
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CAWP, in partnership with BCIT, is organizing a technical tour for general contractors, home builders, land developer building manufacturers, public sector officials and policymakers. The tour commences on Sunday, December 1st, 2024.
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A group of 15-20 industry participants, accompanied by ‘tour guides’ from UBC CAWP and BCIT, will visit state-of-the-art production facilities of innovative manufacturers of prefabricated homes and building systems, and building components.
The tour culminates at the 28th Holzbau Forum, the world’s largest international conference on wood building and design, in Innsbruck, Austria (Holzbau Conference Program).
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The aim of the tour is to give participants the chance to visit state-of-the-art prefabricated panelized and modular home manufacturing facilities, as well as visits to completed low to mid-rise multi-family projects
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DFMA Workshop 3
Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) is a design approach that focuses on ease of manufacture and assembly efficiency. In North America, due to the fragmented nature of construction whereby the designers, engineers, manufacturers, 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.
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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 while considering manufacturing technologies.
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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.
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For more information please contact Jason at 604 822-0082 or by email at jason.chiu@ubc.ca
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UBC - Industrial Wood Finishing Certificate Course
A unique Industry Training Program
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One-week intensive practical - April 2025
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Part-time online training program with a one-week hands-on practical session
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North America’s most comprehensive wood finishing certificate program.
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The certificate program provides participants with a broad understanding of the field of wood finishing. Its designed for individuals who have some general experience in wood finishing and would like to expand their knowledge.
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Once completed, learners will have the knowledge and experience to do the following:
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- Understand why finish is applied to wood and how wood properties affect finishing
- To be able to identify the best finishing system based on the end-use
- Trouble-shoot wood finishing problems
- Design a safe and efficient finishing facility
This course will provide you with the knowledge and tools to start a finishing business or to improve an existing one.
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Expanding regional networks
We are seeking leaders and community builders to expand TWIG's regional networks in the communities where they live. We currently operate in Squamish, Victoria and Vancouver and are looking for new places to expand our networks. We would love to see new networks grow in Northern BC, the interior and the Sunshine Coast, so if you know anyone who's a fit or if there are groups already gathering together, help us in making the connection.
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If this resonates with you and you are passionate about creating community, 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 what might be possible.
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Got an idea?
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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.
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