THE American Plywood Association (APA) has been exhibiting

timber-frame construction methods in Scotland this week.

Mike McDonnell, APA's UK market manager, said: ''Scotland has led the

way with its appreciation of timber-frame construction and an

understanding of the energy savings it offers.''

APA was demonstrating a ''new generation'' of engineered wood products

like oriented strand board and glued laminated beams which were featured

at their ''American Spirit'' demonstration home at Seville's Expo 92.

''The American Spirit home shows the versatile and elegant way these

products can be used,'' said McDonnell. ''But it is important to note

that these components are doubly effective in social housing programmes

where cost is a crucial factor. Timber is an environmentally friendly

resource and the US reforestation programme ensures that their forests

will continue to provide sufficient building materials for the future.''

APA and the American Hardwood Export Council were exhibiting at the

Scotbuild exhibition in Glasgow this week. Left: The early stages of

construction of the American Spirit home, and (right) the completed

house