Structural Timber Conference

February 21, 2023

High-quality engagement, business networking and informative discussions will be the name of the game at the first Structural Timber Conference, taking place at the ThinkTank, Birmingham on the 28 March. This much-anticipated event will see expert speakers and award-winning industry figures take centre stage to talk about the ideas and innovations that have led to some of the most iconic and visually stunning timber structures in the UK.

Featuring in-depth presentations and panel discussions throughout the day, the conference and exhibition celebrates the successes of timber construction with Structural Timber Award winners, highly commended, and finalists attending as part of the guest speaker line-up.

Professor Alex de Rijke, Director of dRMM, will deliver the keynote speech, offering a fascinating insight into the pioneering Forest of Fabrication exhibition that took place in London and Liverpool. The exhibit, which featured 24 dRMM projects, provided an extensive overview of the research, testing, and design innovations pushing the boundaries of what timber structures can achieve.

Delegates can also look forward to learning more about low energy timber structures with a selection of case studies devised to appeal to architects, engineers, clients, contractors, local authorities, housebuilders, and developers.

Andy Heyne, Director of Heyne Tillett Steel will present The Gramophone Works. As part of a phased development, this landmark, commercial scheme located adjacent to the Grand Union Canal in Kensal Rise – champions the use of engineered timber to sustainably refurbish the existing concrete-framed building. Alongside Studio RHE, Heyne Tillett Steel refurbished the existing structure by installing lightweight CLT and glulam beams, increasing the building from two to six storeys.

The aim of the redesign of the Eton College Sports and Aquatic Centre was to provide students with the highest quality facilities – in keeping with the prestigious college’s status. John Spittle, UK Representative for Wiehag will describe how the structural timber beams and columns resonate with the college’s design inspiration and sustainability ethos.

The 2023 Structural Timber Conference offers delegates the chance to witness the ‘best of the best’ in the sector while getting a first-hand look at the cutting-edge technologies, products, and designs shaping the future of UK timber construction.

Delegates will have the opportunity to meet market leaders to gain valuable insights while developing integral business relationships, with time scheduled for exhibitor networking and refreshments at various points throughout the day.

The Structural Timber Conference is presented in partnership with the Structural Timber Association (STA), the UK’s organisation for the structural timber industry. The STA works to support the collective objectives of the structural timber sector, championing and showcasing the many benefits of this highly sustainable, diverse material.

Read the rest of this exclusive feature in our latest issue here.