Workshop Held in Korea to Introduce Chaebol Builders to Hybrid Systems
Canada Wood Korea launched its first technical workshop on May 21 at J.W. Marriott Shinhuwa in Jeju-do to promote industrialized construction using wood systems with a particular focus on prefabricated wood infill walls, midplyTM and NLT (nail-laminated timber) assemblies.
The Korean construction industry is dominated by large conglomerates such as Hyundai Engineering, Daelim Industrial, SK E&C, Samsung C&T and GS E&C, who play leading roles in pioneering the advancement of building industrialization in Korea and overseas. The seminar was held in partnership with Korea Institute of Building Construction (KIC)* to leverage its influence and network to target Chaebol builders in an effort to encourage the application of wood construction in Korea’s mainstream construction market. Prof. Y.D. Lee, Honorary Chair of KIC opened the workshop and Prof. T.W. Kang of Dankook University moderated the event.
Wood building systems were introduced as innovative, disruptive, modern, and sustainable choices to be used in synergy with concrete and steel buildings. S.H. Wang of Sosol Architects, S.J. Shin of Bold Architects, and Joseph Park, Director of Case R&D delivered keynote presentations to over 90 professionals. Their presentations covered best practices in wood design, use of hybrid construction and lessons learned from their involvement in Canada Wood supported demo projects in Korea.
South Korea has recently amended its fire code to open the door to larger and tall wood buildings. Later this year, we plan to hold a second workshop in Seoul with KIC to introduce the latest developments in mass timber methods and their potential in Korea’s tall wood construction market. Stay tuned for more exciting news!
*KIC was established in 2001 with 5,000 members and its membership represents the big builders in Korea. (Refer to http://kic.or.kr/main )