In a bid to explore possibilities about the wide applications of legally sourced wood species from the sustainably managed forests of Canada’s British Columbia in the domestic market, Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd (FII) aka Canadian Wood in association with Indo-Canadian Business Chamber, organised a webinar recently.

Titled, ‘Architecture with Wood in India’, the event brought together eminent Indian architects Ar N Mahesh, Ar Gurpreet Singh, and Ar Kamal Malik, who shared their insights and ideas through their acclaimed creations before the woodworking community.

Ar N Mahesh, known for his experience in reviving traditional timber architecture in the country using ‘Green’ reforested timber, presented work that drew inspiration from heritage architecture in Kerala and merged it with the technological prowess of changing times. He cited examples of wooden buildings and visuals of projects across premium hotels and resorts such as the Ananta Spa & Resort, Rajasthan, The Lalit Resort & Spa, Bekal, Kerala, and the Zuri Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala. Besides, he showcased the ‘Bell Museum’ in Thiruvananthapuram. The building’s interiors featured the use of the Canadian manufactured Tongue and Groove panelling made with western hemlock, one of the five Canadian wood species available across India.

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Ar Gurpreet Singh’s projects included the recognised and awarded ventures such as the Royal Academy of Bhutan and large scale on-going projects such as the dining hall for the World School of Environment in Coorg. Also, he showcased Aakar Villa, a luxury private villa displayed at 1970 sft in Himachal Pradesh. The villa exhibited how Canadian Wood specie Douglas-fir was optimally used to build posts-and-beams, multiple doors and windows that created a beautiful open space in oneness with nature.

Ar Kamal Malik’s slides propagated his thoughts of architecture as a synthesis of ‘Ecology’ and ‘Spirit’. ‘Ecology’ implying a seamless, cohesive, and integrated approach to design and ‘Spirit’ implying balance, understanding and tranquillity. His work included a luxury resort in Morgiri in Lonavala and Alibaug where he elaborated how nature united with the applied contemporary architectural elements.

On the webinar, Pranesh Chhibber, country director, FII India said, “Canadian Wood is delighted to have the three stalwarts of architecture together…on this platform. It has been an enriching experience for us to listen and see them share their experience and expertise with the audience on the topic of ‘Architecture with Wood in India’. I assure our stakeholders that we intend continuing to organise more such sessions with eminent personalities connected with wood from India and abroad.”

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