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.
Siding Manufacturing
Neary and Partner’s and their Son’s Legacy Company
Nuestros programas en diseno, arte y creatividad te preparan para lo que esta por llegar. Porque no tienes. Nulla quam velit, vulputate eu pharetra nec, mattis ac neque.
Siding Manufacturing
Neary and Partner’s and their Son’s Legacy Company
Nuestros programas en diseno, arte y creatividad te preparan para lo que esta por llegar. Porque no tienes. Nulla quam velit, vulputate eu pharetra nec, mattis ac neque.
Siding Manufacturing
Porque no tienes
Nuestros programas en diseno, arte y creatividad te preparan para lo que esta por llegar. Porque no tienes. Nulla quam velit, vulputate eu pharetra nec, mattis ac neque.
Siding Manufacturing
Porque no tienes
Nuestros programas en diseno, arte y creatividad te preparan para lo que esta por llegar. Porque no tienes. Nulla quam velit, vulputate eu pharetra nec, mattis ac neque.
Siding Manufacturing
Porque no tienes
Nuestros programas en diseno, arte y creatividad te preparan para lo que esta por llegar. Porque no tienes. Nulla quam velit, vulputate eu pharetra nec, mattis ac neque.
Stay up
to date.
Resources
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Thermally Modified Wood: Heat, Steam, and the Future of Hem-Fir.
Thermally modified wood is not a new idea chasing a trend. It is a mature wood modification process with a long technical pedigree, decades of commercial use, and a strong track record in exterior wood applications.
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The Interior Design Show Vancouver
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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Western’s thermally modified Hem-Fir selected for local Vancouver house exterior cladding pilot.
Through a residential pilot with architecture by Leckie Studio and construction by Forte Projects, thermally modified Hem-Fir will move from research, development, and trial material into its first built residential application.
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Sepideh Nourian – Product Developer
Sepideh’s experience with thermal modification began a decade ago during her master’s studies, contributing to early North American research on the thermal modification of Western Hemlock.
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Ara Koh – Market Intelligence Manager
Ara works at the intersection of product, market, and customer. She leads Western’s go-to-market strategy, pilot projects, and commercialization planning for thermally modified Hem-Fir.
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Mark Dubois Phillips – Director, Business Development
Mark brings more than 40 years of forest industry experience to Western, witnessing the industry evolve through changing markets, fibre availability, customer expectations, and product innovation.