Tulipwood is the theme for this year’s AHEC pavilion at Interzum

Two years ago, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), had a big impact at Interzum with its red oak pavilion raising awareness for the species and creating a focal point for the US hardwood industry to network with hardwood buyers from around the world.

This year it is American tulipwood that will feature strongly in both, the display and information graphics, as well as the structure itself. “Over the past year, AHEC have been raising the profile for this very sustainable and versatile species and challenging the market to look at it differently. I mean this literally as one of our aims has been to show everyone how exciting it looks and that it doesn’t always have to painted and stained”, says David Venables, AHEC’s European Director.

The “tulipwood challenge” as AHEC calls it, gained extra momentum last autumn when top architect David Adjaye used it for his “Sclera” pavilion for the London Design Festival. The challenge of treating the tulipwood for external use has led to an ongoing cooperation between AHEC and wood treatment specialists Osmose. The latest research results and samples of treated and exposed tulipwood will be displayed on stand.

The AHEC stand will again feature interactive grading areas with industry experts on hand to carryout demonstrations and answer questions on how American hardwood lumber and veneer are graded for export.

The final element will be an internet café area where visitors can come and try the new user friendly AHEC website to learn more about the potential of US hardwoods, order free publications, enjoy a cup of coffee and talk to the experts.

If you trade in US hardwoods or want to know how to develop these species as part of your business make sure you visit the AHEC pavilion, Hall 5.1, C-010, D-011.