Innovating New Pathways to Utilize Plantation Species
Published in Western Foresters, page 7
To help strengthen the wood products supply chain and incentivize local manufacturing, the Hawai‘i Wood Utilization Team has put together a cross-sector group of industry experts. One of their recent projects includes the design and build of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) prototype. The ADU will demonstrate innovative uses of Hawaii’s fire prone plantation species and serve as a catalyst for overcoming the economic and legal barriers to building with Hawai‘i-grown wood. Local milling and prefabrication will intersect with an exploration of innovative wood technologies to retool and streamline the project delivery process. The demonstration aims to inspire Hawai‘i designers and contractors to build with underutilized forest resources in future projects.
The Hawai‘i Wood Utilization Team (HWUT) is a group of experts from various wood-related industries creating innovative ways to expand Hawaii’s wood product markets. The team was established in 2018 following an award by the USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations Grant. A keystone project is the design and construction of a 400 ft2 ADU made from Hawai‘i grown plantation timber. The demonstration is an important step in showcasing the potential for underutilized tree species as a solution to environmental and economic sustainability.
Different species of tropical timber plantations were planted throughout the islands of Hawai‘i. Unfortunately, a market for these species has yet to materialize. As a result, a number of these non-native plantations have grown into dense, fire-hazard forests in need of proper management. Additionally, Hawaii’s dependence on imported building materials, along with an affordable housing shortage, are correlated problems which require local solutions. To address these challenges, HWUT aims to incentivize the removal and use of plantation species by building the ADU prototype in compliance with county building codes and publicly displaying the structure in downtown Honolulu. This project highlights the value of innovative and place-based architecture. By intersecting elements of vernacular design with prefabrication efficiencies and modern wood technologies, the ADU prototype retools the traditional project delivery process.
One of the first steps towards using Hawai‘i grown timber is to ensure the wood product is accurately dried. In partnership with the Hawai‘i Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the USDA Forest Service, HWUT curated a dry kiln training course led by wood science experts to enhance local kiln operator knowledge about the proper drying of Hawai‘i-grown wood. HWUT found that demonstrating these skills contributed to an increase in local wood product output and a decrease in Hawaii’s dependence on imported building materials.
The HWUT ADU is scheduled for completion by the end of 2020. The prototype will be displayed at a Hawai‘i state government facility to elevate public awareness and demand for the plantation species. It will demonstrate a viable construction material, while celebrating a beautiful living space, made from locally grown and ethically sourced wood. The ADU will provide Hawaii’s communities with an affordable and sustainably constructed housing option and support the local economy by creating job opportunities and improving forest management in the state.