• Gain fresh insights into the importance of building sustainably with timber from well-managed forests
• Familiarize yourself with the environmental impact and carbon footprint of timber constructions
• Analyze and identify circular timber building design typologies
• Evaluate the cohesion and stability of timber load-bearing structures
• Examine the building physics and design qualities of modern timber buildings
• Discuss the benefits of prefabrication and building processes

Module 1 – Why use timber for sustainable building?

We will explore the importance of shifting to a (more) timber and bio-based construction industry, within the larger societal context of circularity, sustainability and the move toward a ‘post-carbon’ building sector. You will learn how this includes the entire value chain from sustainable forestry to the socio-cultural and economic aspects of policies that hinder, or favor, timber construction and innovation.

Module 2 – Environmental impacts of building with timber

We will explain the relevance of assessing the environmental impacts of building with timber vs. conventional materials, with a method called Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). You will learn the general framework of LCA, and compare results based on an illustrative case study assessing alternative materials. We will then focus on the comparison of carbon footprints, end-of-life scenarios, and the importance of prolonging product lifespans.

Module 3 – Basics & principles in timber construction

You will embark on a journey through the evolution of timber construction, starting with the history of timber products, from traditional sawn timber to modern CNC-milling. We will delve into the basic properties of wood, its structural capacity, fire safety and seismic resistance, and its impact on acoustics and well-being.

Module 4 – Multi-storey timber buildings

Journey through the intricacies of timber structures and components, traversing from basic log construction to advanced space module methodologies. We will define building heights and explore the diverse timber building typologies ranging from low-rise, mid-rise, refurbishments and topping-ups, to the ambitious high-rise and tall timber constructions. Concluding the module, you will encounter hybrid timber systems: both those combining varied wood species into harmonious structures and the innovative composite concrete floor systems setting the standard for multi-storey edifices.

Module 5 – Advanced topics and future trends

You will delve into the historical evolution of joinery culture and the crucial role it plays in timber construction. You will explore timber façades and discover the products that shape their beauty. Water management strategies, the anatomy of skins and the thermal envelope will become your ally as you understand its impact on timber façades. Prefabrication of components and assembly with elements will unlock new possibilities for efficient construction, adaptability and values for change. And as we look to the future of timber construction, you will be inspired by innovations yet to come.

Module 6 – Prefabrication and building process benefits

We will explore the prefabrication potential of building in mass timber. You will go on a short (virtual) tour through a conditioned manufacturing hall to understand how activities associated with construction can easily be moved away from building sites, and why they should be.

Efe Berberoglu (Structural Engineer, Natural Builder Carpenter – Turkey):

“I wanted to enroll because of the high-quality lecturers and it’s a topic that is relevant to my work area. After taking this course, I understand more fully the current and future potential of timber in the building sector. This gives me a clearer vision for my career. It was a great experience because, although I was traveling, I was still able to participate in this online course anywhere I wanted. My advice to anyone who is thinking of taking this course is: read all the book sources and watch every video recommended in the course.”

Alex (Architect – Netherlands):

“This course was highly informative, and it has motivated me to try to design almost exclusively with timber and biobased materials! As part of my traineeship with Dutch architects, this course was a great motivator to reflect on what kind of professional I wish to become either at the office I currently work at or in the future as an independent designer. I now feel more confident in pursuing the latter option at some point in the future along with other like-minded colleagues of mine. It was nice to learn from the comfort of my home and follow the course at my own pace. If you are interested in taking this course go for it! It’s easy but makes you think a lot when completing the assignments. Therefore such a course achieves its learning goals!”

Shyan (Woodworker – Malaysia):

“I was interested in sustainable timber and I enrolled to learn more about the timber possibilities in the world. I got to know more about the material ability and joinery system. As a furniture maker, looking at the building perspective brought me from the tiny detail to the large-scale construction. The experience was great. You could take the course at your own pace to go through all the content, and get information from different countries, especially on the first assignment when we shared about wooden buildings from our own areas. If you take this course make sure you have good time management because you will delve into a lot of side research if you are willing and eager to learn even more!”

Anna (Architect – Netherlands):

“I wanted to learn more about building with timber sustainably so I could apply this to the built environment with credible knowledge. Since I am striving to become a specialist in timber construction, bio-based materials, and nature inclusive design, this has added greatly to my ambition. As an online course, I was able to take it and use my time productively during my one-hour commute by public transport. I was excited to be exposed to the insight of learners from all over the world and gain new tools that I can apply to my workplace. The content had a solid and necessary foundation and the videos on existing timber buildings and the modular timber construction process were really effective!”