Faq

Canadian Wood Villa is a new age Wood Frame Construction styled house built using Spruce-pine-fir (SPF), Western hemlock, Western red cedar & Yellow cedar, Canadian wood species.

This Canadian Wood Villa house is part of BTR Greens which is a 300 premium villa gated community project in 250 acres of land at 26th Milestone, Srisailam highway, Thummaluru Village, Maheswaram Mandal, Hyderabad.

Canadian Wood Villa is a joint venture between FII India and MAK Projects Ltd., at BTR Greens Community in Hyderabad, India. The project was led by MAK Projects with assistance in design and technical aspects, oversight, training, project management and material inputs provided by Canadian Wood India..

Yes. The life expectancy of a wood-frame house with a concrete foundation can be well over a hundred years provided the home undergoes proper maintenance and care on a regular basis.

Wood-frame construction (WFC) commonly combines dimension lumber, engineered wood products, and structural wood panels to make walls, floors, and roof assemblies. These structural elements provide rigidity, support the interior finish and exterior cladding, and a cavity for the installation of mechanical systems (Plumbing & electrical mainly) and insulation. There is a world-wide movement to adopt wood construction technologies and Canada is recognized as a world leader in this area.

Yes, WFC technology is now being used in India. Display homes/resort rooms can be seen at Chennai, Mysore, and Bangalore. 

Wood is the most common building material used in the construction of single and multi-family homes in North

America and many other parts of the world. Wood-frame construction is a centuries old and proven building technology that has been applied millions of times. In fact,

well over a million new wood houses are built every year in North America.

Many governments around the world are now recognizing the advantages associated with the use of wood in the construction of safe, durable, energy-efficient, sustainable, and affordable structures.

Yes,

fire mitigation is an integral part of the WFC building system –

These types of homes are well designed and come with a fire- resistant insulation in wall and ceiling cavities

There is a fire-resistant interior wall sheathing such as gyprock, which can be double layered for added assurance

Fire breaks between levels Attention to detail

Good quality window systems with airtight seals, premium hardware, and double glazing

These measures are all part of the timber building system employed around the world and while essential, can be modified in quality and scale in accordance with the clients’ budget.

Yes, this type of construction has been scientifically tested and designed to perform exceptionally well during fire incidents. Wood may ignite quickly but has been shown under controlled testing to self-extinguish relatively quickly after forming a self-insulating charring of the surface. Use of specific (fire rated) materials such as gyprock can add another level of safety against fire.

Wood is a naturally bad conductor of energy, both thermal and sound. Enhanced acoustic performance is achieved by the use of insulation and acoustic panels. Certain species of wood, such as Western Red Cedar, are well known for acoustic performance. 

Termites are a challenging issue for wood in tropics. Termite risk can be addressed by proper soil treatment and periodic maintenance apart from designing structures well by ensuring the use of mechanical barriers along with pressure treated wood at ground level ( joists, base plates, posts, etc.).

Wood buildings have an inherent ductility, which allow them to dissipate energy. The fact that wood buildings tend to have numerous nail connections means they have more load paths, so there’s a lesser chance that the structure will collapse should some connections fail when faced with the sudden loads of an earthquake. Wood’s high strength-to-weight ratio, high energy -absorption capacity, and ductile behavior make it a building material of choice for seismic performance.

Wood’s low mass and high flexibility make wood-frame
buildings more resistant to earthquake damage than concrete or steel-framed buildings which tend to collapse when shaken. Modern wood-frame construction can withstand earthquakes with little or no damage. The fact  that  WFC buildings have numerous nail connections means they have more load paths, so there’s less chance the structure will collapse should some connections fail. This is why wood buildings have inherent ductility, which allows them to dissipate energy when faced with the sudden loads of an earthquake or high wind event.

Light wood frame construction has demonstrated its flexibility to adapt in  differing climatic conditions and differing terrains. The technology has proven its versatility in different parts of the world, from below freezing, heavy rain and snow to very hot and tropical environments across North America, to similar variable conditions in Asia and Australia. And from flat and level sites to steep and almost inaccessible sites, wood frame performs exceptionally well. Considering the reach of WFC technology, we can be assured of its performance when designed and built properly.

Yes! Timber which comes in direct contact with soil or concrete can be pressure treated for a better long term performance. Timber above ground is kiln dried.

Structural grade, Canadian SPF (Spruce-Pine-Fir) is the major wood used for constructing timber frame houses. In addition, Douglas Fir and Hemlock can be raised in all structural applications such as studs, beams, joists, rafts, posts, trusses, fascia and engineered components.

Properly designed and built timber houses give decades of trouble free service with periodic maintenance. Do you know the TAJ MAHAL is built on a wooden foundation?

G+5 structures are common in North America and Europe. The tallest wooden building in the world today is ‘Brock Commons’ which is an 18 story building constructed using engineered wood including glue-laminated lumber and cross-laminated timber panels, located in UBC, Vancouver, Canada.

Yes, Canadian Wood species are well suited for construction in India and the products are available pan India through a network of 41 stockists across 23 locations. Five distinct species of Canadian Wood are available in India, namely, Spruce-pine-fir (S-P-F), Western hemlock, Douglas-fir, Yellow cedar and Western red cedar. As there is a growing interest in India on how green buildings contribute to occupants’ psychological well-being, developers and the hospitality industry in India are increasingly looking at projects with wood specifically in the country homes, farmhouses and resort segments.

Some of the Canadian Wood projects in India include;

• Laminated Tongue & Groove resort style cottage in Goa. S-P-F has been used for structural purposes, Western hemlock for furniture, Yellow cedar for doors and windows. Wood Frame Construction single storey residential villa Chennai. S-P-F has been used for framing purposes & Western red cedar for cladding.

• Takeaway outlet for Kota Kachori Falahaar Jaipur, Rajasthan. Western hemlock used to create flower chandelier, the wall and counter panels.

• Convent  School  of Jesus  &  Mary,  Ambala, Haryana  – Douglas fir used for acoustic panels

• Taj Rishikesh Resort  & Spa, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Douglas fir used for large sofit doors and door frames, Western hemlock ceiling and panelling Interior of  Private Villa, Himachal Pradesh. Douglas fir for post and beams, S-P-F for table top.

  Tongue  &  Groove  resort cottages in Thrissur, Kerala. Douglas fir used for framing, roof, doors and windows.

India as a market has a great appetite for integrating each and every style of construction. However, species of wood would differ based on the location of certain projects.

Savvy consumers in India are increasingly demanding that companies demonstrate a commitment to conserve the environment when producing products. The high demand for wood products in India means producers are searching for sustainable suppliers of wood that can accurately demonstrate their environmental credentials. One way in which the companies are proving their sustainable approach is through the sourcing of wood products from certified suppliers.

Governments, corporations as well as consumers in India are increasingly sourcing forest products from certified and responsibly managed forests. Certification enables them to make informed choices about the products they buy, and drive demand for forest practices that keep forests healthy for generations to come.

Designers and manufacturers prefer to use duly-graded, consistently sized and seasoned lumber to optimize production without having to waste time in sorting out wood, as it used to be in the past. Five years ago, the share of softwood imports was 33% of total wood imports in India. Today, it has increased to 45%. Another encouraging trend being observed is that of lumber imports. Lumber is wood that has been cut to size, in the shape of beams and planks. Over the last five years, the share of lumber imports has increased from 9% to 22% of total wood imports to India.

The acceptance of furniture made with lighter shades of wood as well as lightweight wood has increased due to advantages in logistics, as well as shifting within the premises. There is an upward trend in increased usage of wood in the second home category by architects, manufacturers, and HNIs looking at holiday homes, farmhouses and villas. Similarly, the hospitality industry is building resorts using wood in structural applications.

We offer the following;

• Soil treatment – termite management system
• Physical  barrier – concrete plinth or raised platform, metal flashing, and/or chemically treated wood at ground level or higher.
• Use naturally durable wood such as Western Red Cedar in exposed locations such as cladding and decks or

Yellow Cedar for base plates.

• Clear vegetation and tree roots from the ground adjacent to the foundation.

• Do not grow plants next to walls – plan your garden to mitigate risk with regular checks and monitoring.
• Re-apply soil and spray treatments in accordance with pest control advice

Yes, wood’s strength-to-weight ratio is far more superior to that of concrete. Wood is much lighter by volume than both concrete and steel, it is easy to work with and very adaptable on site. It is durable, results in less thermal bridging than its counterparts, and easily incorporates prefabricated elements. Its structural performance is very high, and its compressive strength is similar to that of concrete.

LCA studies consistently show that wood is better for the environment than steel or concrete in terms of embodied energy, air and water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

• Building with wood is fast and efficient, resulting in reduced labour cost and massive opportunity in cost savings. By saving time on commercial projects like multi-key resorts or bungalow sub-divisions, payback revenue is expedited.

• Wooden structures will take 1/10th time to construct it takes to build in steel reinforced concrete in India, today.

• Wood frame components can be prefabricated off-site in large runs and delivered quickly in a kit form that is relatively easily assembled. This reduces worksite footprint and significantly improves the construction time. Developers typically achieve major cost savings in foundation and infrastructure works when working with wood.

• Wood is an exceptional insulator and energy saver. Whatthis means is less energy ‘leakage’ from a wooden home. If you want the warmth or coolness to remain in your home wood is a perfect alternative to brick, concrete, or stone.

• Due  to  wood’s  thermal insulation  properties, timber frame housing uses less energy.

• Wood can be painted, waxed, and varnished to enhance its natural finesse. It can be carved, shaped, cut, glued, and nailed. Wood is so versatile we are limited in design only by our imagination.

• Wood buildings are more serene and pleasant to live and work in. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence today around health benefits, well-being, productivity, and improved learning. Some of the reported health benefits attributed to wood buildings include:

1. improved emotional state and self-expression;

2. improved air quality by moderating humidity, which encourages easier breathing;

3. Feelings of warmth and comfort;

4. Lower blood pressure, heart rate and stress levels.

Wood is an increasingly popular choice for construction because of its aesthetic qualities, and numerous environmental benefits, including renewability and a lower carbon footprint than other materials. Forest certification provides evidence that wood originates from sustainably managed forests.

PEFC, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, is the world’s leading forest certification system comprising a global alliance of national forest certification systems recognized by green building councils globally. All lumber imported from B.C. Canada to India is PEFC certified.

Using PEFC-certified wood as building   material   means construction projects can obtain both LEED and PEFC-Project Chain of Custody certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was created by U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) as a voluntary, consensus-based, and quantifiable rating system for green building and has become the most widely recognized green building rating system in the world. LEED rated projects are highly prized by architects and developers and with PEFC-certified timber offering the widest choice of sustainable timber available to architects, specifiers and designers. There is a consensus that we are poised to see an increased demand for wood in construction.

India is a wood deficit country and has to rely on imported wood to meet its requirements. The significant applications or segments in India are paneling, cladding, furniture (indoor and outdoor), joinery (doors and windows), and pergolas or gazebos, among others. Additionally, affordable branded furniture is making its presence felt through online and brick-and-mortar stores. Interestingly, constructing villas, houses or resorts using wood is also gaining momentum in the country.

Indian woodworking is in the initial stages of working with certified wood from sustainable sources such as PEFC and FSC. It is also because international buyers are asking the furniture and artifacts exporters from India to use certified wood for making products for them. Moreover, architects and designers are increasingly getting conscious and particular about LEED points in their projects. There is an upward trend among the industry stakeholders to rely on wood that is sustainable and offers various benefits in the long run.

It is observed that the share of softwood lumber imports into India from around the world is growing. Over the last five years, it has grown from 4% to 14%. We expect this share to increase up to 25% for the next three years. Canada’s share of total softwood lumber imports to India has been around 5%.

Canadian Wood is engaged in building awareness about sustainability and certification through educational seminars, workshops, roadshows, and one-on-one presentations among the woodworking industry stakeholders. This is besides supporting manufacturers in the industry in selecting the right grades and sizes to optimize their production. Canadian Wood also helps them with technical support and advisory, handholding and sharing best practices and making available the relevant expertise from B.C., be it in building with wood or just structural engineering or even wood solutions n architecture.

Canadian Wood is doing its bit to support the ‘Skill India’ initiative by the Government of India. We are associating with Furniture & Fittings Skill Council (FFSC) to help carpenters and contractors, by conducting 3-4 training workshops every month in different cities across India.

Canadian Wood has a comprehensive program of educational seminars and training workshops which are conducted every month. Besides, we work with FFSC to equip its members with knowledge and skills that will improve their business, as well as the livelihood of their team members.

Canadian Wood has been consistently conducting webinars with the objective to showcase the benefits of using wood for a variety of applications through its current series on ‘WOODINNOVATIONS’ – what’s new & what’s next. These monthly webinar sessions by Canadian Wood along with the woodworking industry colleagues have been covering a wide range of topics of significance to the wood industry, thus encouraging the use of certified wood from B.C. Canada. Additionally, through these webinars, the company has been actively promoting sustainable softwood and its five legally sourced species, namely Western hemlock, Douglas-fir, Yellow cedar, Western red cedar, and Spruce-pine-fir (SPF) as a sustainable raw material that could be used in various applications in India.

Wood buildings are part of the green building trend, which uses building structures and processes that are environmentally responsible and resource efficient. Cumulative evidence based on occupants’ self-reported outcomes shows that green buildings reduce symptoms of sick building syndrome and contribute to overall better health. There is growing interest in how green buildings contribute to occupants’ psychological well-being. Important human benefits of wood interiors include improved indoor

air quality as a result of wood’s hypoallergenic properties, reduced off-gassing of formaldehyde and other volatile organic substances, and better sound absorption. Wood interiors also help with human’s natural affinity for nature.

Mass timber uses state-of-the-art technology to glue, nail, or dowel wood products together in layers. The results are large structural panels, posts, and beams. These exceptionally strong and versatile products are known as mass timber.

Mass timber construction, in contrast to light-frame wood construction, is built using a category of engineered wood products typically made of large, solid wood panels, columns or beams often manufactured off-site for load-bearing wall, floor, and roof construction. Mass timber is engineered for high strength ratings like concrete and steel but is significantly lighter in weight. Mass timber products are thick, compressed layers of wood, creating strong, structural load-bearing elements that can be constructed into panelized components. They are typically formed through lamination, fasteners, or adhesives. Mass timber can complement light-frame and hybrid options and is an environmentally friendly substitute for carbon-intensive materials and building systems.

Hybrid mass timber systems are a broad category that refers to any combination of wood, steel, concrete, and other possible materials and building systems. Capitalizing on the performance and strengths of each building material, hybrid systems offer lots of flexibility. This can include a nearly all-wood solution that combines light-frame wood construction with mass timber panels, where only the foundation is concrete, and the connectors are metal.