Fire Retardant Timber and the Intricacies of Testing

Ben Campbell | Head of Innovation | Abodo Wood

An advanced preview and exclusive introduction to Vaaro®, a groundbreaking fire retardant timber launching in Mid 2025.

Synopsis: In this webinar Ben will introduce you to Abodo's game changing new product, Vaaro®, and outline the complex process in developing a world leading fire retardant timber that's optimised for compliance, performance integrity and long-term durability.

Learning outcomes:

• Insight into the need and why that lead to the creation Vaaro.
• An overview of the research and development process involved in the creation of thermally modified and fire retardant timbers.
• An understanding of the performance testing requirements and rating process, with country differences, for fire resistant timbers.
• Vaaro® timber features, best application, and the proprietary system.

Speaker BIO: Ben Campbell is Head of Innovation at Abodo. He is responsible for Abodo’s new product research and development programs, including global architectural specification. Though design thinking, user-led insights and rigorous testing, Ben and the Abodo team continue to lead the field in the creation of breakthrough timber products.

Ben has been involved in the timber and building products sector for over 15 years, specifying and delivering sustainable timber solutions to numerous multi-million-dollar projects in New Zealand and worldwide.

Ben was awarded a Prime Minister’s Scholarship in 2012, during which he completed his studies in design thinking best practice at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts from the University of Auckland and is a Living Building Challenge Ambassador.

Andy Pitman | FILROS

Best practice in specifying and installing exterior timber cladding in the UK.

Synopsis: Historic use of Timber Cladding in UK buildings. Best practice in specifying and installing exterior timber cladding in the UK.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the benefits of timber cladding - sustainability (certification and EPD) & aesthetics relating to profile, finish, and weathering.
• When selecting timber for cladding, durability, dimensional stability, visual grade, density, and extractives must be considered.
• Understanding how to protect the cladding through modification, preservation, and coatings.
• Understanding the fixing and detailing requirements to achieve performance.
• Understanding the requirements in terms of fire performance.

Speaker BIO: Andy is a wood scientist specialising in assessing the performance of wood products in service. He has a PhD in wood protection, is a Wood Protection Association Technical Committee member, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials (IOM3). He has spent 25 years undertaking research and consultancy relating to wood products and has provided CPD talks on exterior timber cladding to specifiers on behalf of Wood for Good and RIBA. Andy has helped specifiers select appropriate timbers, profiles, and fixings for cladding projects and provided guidance on their installation. Andy has also acted as an expert witness in disputes relating to timber cladding in the UK.

About Abodo:

Abodo crafts timbers with lasting beauty that are safe for people and the environment. Many exterior timbers are harvested from unsustainable old-growth forests or treated with harmful chemicals.

Our timbers are harvested from New Zealand’s Forest Stewardship Council® certified rapidly renewable plantation forests.

They are ethically crafted with respect from beginning to end, allowing us to meet today’s increasing needs without disadvantageing future generations.

Designed to age gracefully, our timbers have exceptional weather ability and maintain their durability and beauty for a lifetime.

Formed in 2001 by the Gudsell family, Abodo remains a New Zealand-owned family business with a purpose.