Timber Architecture Design

Stimulated by the ongoing climate crisis, the construction sector is simultaneously rediscovering and exploring new avenues for the use of timber and other biobased materials. Aside from their potential to reduce the environmental impact of construction, biobased materials possess a range of different properties that can add value to the design, manufacturing, construction and use of a building. A good understanding of these properties, the ways to design with and apply the materials, and the environmental impacts associated with them, is crucial to achieve those values.

This course focuses on the use of timber and other biobased materials in load-bearing applications. Through lectures from experts in the fields and a site visit, students learn about the properties and application potential of different biobased materials, from their origin, processing and manufacturing to the different construction methods through which they can be applied. Through workshops they learn to apply (new) computational methods to create high performing and sustainable biobased structures. Finally, working in small groups, students apply the acquired knowledge and skills in a small design project. The project combines aspects of design, analysis and making. The course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to weigh design choices on their environmental impact and critically reflect on the application of timber and biobased materials.

Throughout the course, students will submit small reports that synthesise the results and insights from the workshops. They present their design project in a final presentation at the end of the course.