Thermally Modified Wood
From Fibre
to Future.
Follow our journey as we develop new wood products with world-leading technology. Western’s thermally modified Hem-Fir program is an open product development initiative using innovation and industry collaboration to create the next generation of sustainable wood products.
Thermally Modified Wood.
Follow our journey as we develop new wood products with heat and steam. We’ll run pilot projects and product testing with industry partners, sharing the science, field learnings, and collaborations shaping a new market for coastal B.C. fibre.
Sustainability & Stewardship
Thermal modification supports our vision for a sustainable future built with renewable wood products. The process fits naturally within our broader stewardship approach, connecting smarter fibre use, forest science, responsible manufacturing, and long-term value creation.
Technology & Testing
We're partnering with best-in-class global technology providers to bring thermal modification science to Hem-Fir. Through in-house process development, structured testing, and pilot-scale validation, we are learning how to optimize the process to enhance durability, stability, and appearance. Follow along as we gather new insights.
Team & Partners
We've already invested in global-leading technology, created a dedicated team, and launched the platform. Now, we’re inviting architects, designers, value-add manufacturers, and other interested partners to help shape what comes next. Watch the team, the product, and the opportunity grow.
Collaborate with us.
We’re looking for collaboration partners all across the supply chain to take part in thermal modification testing and pilot projects. Interested?
Introducing our Collaborators
This is an open product development program built with collaboration partners across the wood products and design community.
Central Wood Feature Bar
The Interior Design Show Vancouver, 2026
IDS Vancouver is the Pacific platform for all things design, connecting visionary brands with more than 25,000 design professionals and enthusiasts through contemporary design showcases, product discovery, immersive installations, seminars, public programming, and industry networking.
Siding Interior Design
Synthesis Design – Full-service custom home and interior design
Synthesis Design is a North Vancouver-based, full-service, award-winning home and interior design firm, creating high-quality custom homes, renovations, and interiors through a collaborative process that combines creative and technical expertise.
Technology Partner
Jartek – Thermal modification technology provider
Jartek is a world market leader in wood thermal modification equipment, delivering ThermoWood® kilns and process technology for high-quality, consistent production. Its solutions are built around flexibility, precise process control, long-term reliability, and customer-specific testing.
Construction Management
Forte Projects – Passive House expertise for high-performance residential construction
Forte Projects is a Vancouver-based construction management firm specializing in new builds and major renovations, with meticulous attention to detail. Its Passive House Certified team and trained trades build high-performance homes to Net Zero and Passive House standards.
Architecture & Design
Leckie Studio – Creating inspiring, sustainable spaces through architecture and design
Leckie Studio is an interdisciplinary architecture and design studio working across architecture, interiors, installations, and product design. Its practice is shaped by research, material sensitivity, and thoughtful contemporary design across residential, commercial, and cultural projects.
Stay up
to date.
Resources
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Synthesis Design – Partner Profile.
Synthesis Design is a North Vancouver-based design firm known for thoughtful residential work. They are helping us bring thermally modified Hem-Fir into architectural design.
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The Interior Design Show Vancouver – Pilot
The Interior Design Show Vancouver gives Western Forest Products a focused platform to introduce thermally modified Hem-Fir to the people who influence how new materials are understood, specified, fabricated, and adopted.
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Testing Thermally Modified Wood.
Thermal modification changes wood in useful ways, but it also changes wood in several ways at once. That is why testing is a foundation for responsible commercialization.
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Jartek – Our Thermal Modification Technology Partner.
Learn why Western Forest Products selected Jartek as its thermal modification technology partner for Hem-Fir, combining Thermowood® expertise, kiln precision, testing, and scalable production.
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Thermal Modification Testing Methodology for Hem-Fir.
Learn how we validate thermally modified Hem-Fir through fibre selection, process trials, laboratory testing, finishing trials, field monitoring, and pilot projects. See the five stages of our methodology.
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The Science Behind Thermal Modification.
The process also changes the structure of cellulose and lignin. Cellulose becomes more ordered and less responsive to moisture. Lignin softens and re-hardens in a more cross-linked form. Extractives, including some oils, resins, and sugars, are partially evaporated. These changes affect colour, smell, moisture behaviour, stability, and biological resistance.