Briefing.
The business of building and furnishing Asia, companies, projects, policy, and people, reported and checked by our newsroom.
Sydney Study: Blue Mountains' Uneven 5-Year Bushfire Recovery
University of Sydney researchers tracked 760 sites in the Greater Blue Mountains, finding wet sclerophyll forests recovered, while rainforests and grassy woodlands did not, five years after the 2019–20 Black Summer fires.
Venezuela Illegal Mining Expands Despite US Reform Efforts
U.S. officials aimed to formalize Venezuela's mining sector after January 2026 changes, but observers report new mine sites covering 30.7 hectares in protected areas and increased criminal control.
AIA South Korea’s First East Asia Symposium in Seoul Oct 16–17
AIA South Korea will host its inaugural East Asia Symposium in Seoul from October 16–17, 2026, exploring the interplay of global urban development and local cultures for design professionals.
New Forests Appoints Sam Rorabaugh Global Head of Investments
Investment manager New Forests appointed Sam Rorabaugh as Global Head of Investments. He will oversee the firm's global investment platform, including its regional teams in Asia, and manage the Global Landscape Opportunities strategy for natural capital.
China, India Log Exports Stable, Prices Up; NZ CLT Plant Opens
Log export markets for China and India demonstrated stability and price improvements over the last six months, according to Allan Laurie, Managing Director of Laurie Forestry. China saw August prices increase by NZ$1-NZ$3 per cubic meter at the wharf gate, with India maintaining steady prices slightly above China. New Zealand also opened a new Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) plant near Rotorua, signaling growth in engineered wood products.
Latin America: Post-China Ban Plastic Waste Surges, 7 Nations Hotspots
Seven Latin American countries now face severe plastic pollution, driven by increased imports of difficult-to-recycle plastics since China's 2018 ban, straining inadequate waste management infrastructure.
Australia's Precinct Seeks A$200 Million for Bluegum Glulam Plant
The Precinct is developing an A$200 million plant in Portland, Australia, to produce glulam and LVL from Australian bluegum and softwood thinnings. This project aims to convert exported timber resources into engineered wood products for construction.
EIU: Asia Liveability Soars, Boosting Healthcare, Infrastructure
The Economist Intelligence Unit's 2026 Global Liveability Index reveals Asia recorded the largest regional improvement in liveability, driven by public investment in healthcare and infrastructure, showing sustained demand for building materials and FF&E across the region.
Jakarta's Great Garuda Project Faces Planning, Social Challenges
Jakarta's ambitious Great Garuda project, designed to protect the capital from floods and create new land, faces complexities in planning and significant social impact on local communities. The initiative integrates coastal defense with urban development, driving demand for materials but also raising concerns about equitable development.
EUDR Delayed 2 Years to Dec 2026, Compliance Simplified
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will now apply from 30 December 2026, a two-year delay from its initial date. The European Commission has simplified compliance rules, removing the requirement for hundreds of thousands of reference numbers in wood and paper products, according to Austria's wood industry body.
Austrian Softwood Exports: MENA Down 24.2%, Asia Down 26.3%
Austria's softwood timber exports to the Middle East and North Africa declined 24.2% in the five months to May, with overall exports to all markets falling 10.6% to 2.51 million cubic meters. Exports to Asia, including Japan, also decreased by 26.3% over the same period. The Fachverband der Holzindustrie Österreichs projects national sawn timber production for 2026 to be the lowest since 2015, reaching 9.3 million cubic meters.
Vietnam Furniture Exporters Face US Market Readiness Gap
A survey reveals 85% of Vietnamese businesses lack readiness for the American market, with market research and sales channels as primary obstacles. This comes as US duties shift Vietnamese wood product exports to other Asian and European destinations.
Effective Construction Risk Management for Asia Procurement
Effective construction risk management requires identifying, assessing, and controlling potential project issues. This structured approach helps procurement teams and specifiers in Asia anticipate challenges and make informed decisions on material sourcing and project delivery.
OMA Completes 62,720 m² Tenjin Business Center II in Fukuoka
OMA has finished the 18-story Tenjin Business Center II in Fukuoka, Japan, adding 62,720 square meters of mixed-use office space to the city's Tenjin Big Bang initiative. Separately, Japanese architect Kengo Kuma will receive the Andrée Putman Lifetime Achievement Award in 2027. The 2026 OBEL Award recognized a Balearic social housing model that integrates local materials and circular construction, while climate events in Nepal damaged 40 kilometers of roads and numerous bridges.
Trunk Co, Ltd opens first hotel outside Tokyo, Sapporo, Sept 2027
Trunk Co, Ltd will open its 107-room Trunk(Hotel) Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan, in September 2027. This marks the brand’s first property outside Tokyo, following its three existing hotels. The new hotel will feature a design based on local craft and natural materials, alongside a debut spa and multiple dining options.
AtkinsRéalis, BCA International Partner for Middle East Urban Development
AtkinsRéalis and BCA International have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to explore urban development and infrastructure projects across the Middle East. The partnership aims to combine Singapore’s built environment expertise with AtkinsRéalis’ experience in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, focusing on sustainable development and construction productivity for future regional projects.
Nepal Glacier Collapse Destroys Roads, Bridges, Hydropower
A Himalayan glacier collapse on August 26, 2026, triggered flash floods along the Trishuli River in Nepal. The event destroyed 40 km of roads, dozens of bridges, and critical hydropower infrastructure in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, prompting urgent calls for rebuilding and relief supplies.
Japan to Boost Domestic Construction Wood Use to 23M m³ by 2030, Up 5M m³
Japan’s government aims to increase domestic construction wood consumption to 23 million cubic meters by 2030, up from 18 million cubic meters in 2024. This initiative, outlined in the new Forest and Forestry Basic Plan, seeks to bolster local timber supply and reduce reliance on imports. Total domestic wood supply is projected to reach 40 million cubic meters by 2030.
US Confirms Duties on Hardwood and Decorative Plywood from China, Indonesia, Vietnam
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has confirmed duties on hardwood and decorative plywood imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This follows a unanimous ruling on August 19, 2026, finding that US domestic producers were materially injured by dumped and subsidized imports.
Powerhouse Parramatta Opens 7 November 2026, Features Moreau Kusunoki, Genton Design
Powerhouse Parramatta will open on 7 November 2026 in Western Sydney, Australia. The $915 million cultural institution features architecture by Moreau Kusunoki and Genton, with Arup and Lendlease on the project team. It will launch with five major exhibitions, presenting over 3000 objects.
Bangkok, Miami, Singapore Luxury Towers Integrate Automotive Design: Carbon-Fibre, Aluminium, Car Li
Luxury residential projects in Bangkok, Miami, and Singapore are integrating automotive design elements, from car elevators to interior material specifications. Developers are incorporating vehicle access directly to apartments and using materials like carbon fiber and leather, influenced by brands such as Porsche Design, Bentley, and Aston Martin.
Responsible Wood Extends 2026 Leadership Award Deadline
Responsible Wood has extended the nomination period for its 2026 Richard Stanton Memorial Leadership Award to August 28. The award recognizes individuals for contributions to sustainable forest management and certified supply chains in Australia and New Zealand.
Sumitomo Forestry, SCA, Navigator Company Join PEFC Alliance
Sumitomo Forestry, SCA, and The Navigator Company have become international stakeholder members of the PEFC Alliance. These three entities manage millions of hectares of forest globally, bringing their sustainable forest management and wood product operations into the PEFC framework.
Minor Hotels Opens 352-Key Avani Kota Kinabalu in Q1 2027
Minor Hotels will open the 352-key Avani Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia's Sabah state in Q1 2027. This property forms part of The Logg Luyang integrated development and introduces the Avani brand to the region.
Minor Hotels to open Avani Queenstown New Zealand flagship
Minor Hotels will open Avani Queenstown in New Zealand by September 2026. The property, formerly Oaks Shores Resort, will become the Avani brand's national flagship and its second hotel in the country, following a transformation into a full-service offering.
Singapore to Host IBEW 2026 with Focus on AI, Built Environment Sustainability
Singapore's International Built Environment Week (IBEW) 2026, scheduled for September 2–4, will address artificial intelligence adoption, environmental sustainability, and workforce development. The event, organized by BCA International and RX Singapore, gathers industry leaders to discuss emerging technologies and sector challenges.
Altendorf F 45 Panel Saw 120th Anniversary Edition Launch
Altendorf will release a limited-edition F 45 sliding panel saw from August 17, 2026, to mark its 120th anniversary. Only 120 individually numbered machines will be produced worldwide, available until November 30, 2026, or until sold out.
TMX 2027 Bangkok to Detail Exhibition Design, Sustainable Booth Construction
Thailand MICE X-Change (TMX) 2027 in Bangkok will cover exhibition design, booth construction, and sustainable practices. The event targets the business events supply chain, including materials and FF&E suppliers.
Beijing Named World Capital of Architecture 2029 by UNESCO-UIA
UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA) designated Beijing as the World Capital of Architecture for 2029 on August 5, 2026. The city will host a year-long program of events culminating in the UIA World Congress of Architects, focusing on inclusive design and urban resilience within the built environment.
Langham Custom House Bangkok, 75-Key Property, Targets December 2026 Opening
Langham Hospitality Group will open The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok in December 2026. The 75-key hotel, located on the Chao Phraya River, integrates a restored 1888 Custom House building with a new contemporary structure, featuring 60 guestrooms and 15 suites.