Incorporating timber into your structure – how to ensure success

The importance of timber design cannot be overstated when it comes to addressing climate change. It can sequester carbon, reduce embodied energy, support sustainable forestry, and promote energy-efficient buildings. The incorporation of timber into construction practices is a notable advancement towards creating a more environmentally friendly and durable built environment.  

In this three-part IStructE webinar series speakers will explore designing multi-unit timber housing, integrating mass timber in commercial buildings up to seven stories, and seamlessly incorporating timber into hybrid structures.

In the final webinar in this three-part webinar series presenters will share how to:

• Understand client expectations and educating them on the benefits and challenges of using timber

• Strategies for aligning client vision with timber's capabilities

• Explore how timber affects design parameters such as grid layouts, detailing requirements, and span distances

• Best practices for integrating timber into your design process from the beginning

• Case studies and examples of successful timber office fit outs

• Design and construction considerations for hybrid structures to maximize the strengths of each material

​Reasons to attend

• Analyse the latest industry insights and evaluate expert knowledge to predict future trends and opportunities

• Implement sustainability practices and assess their environmental impact to enhance corporate responsibility

• Develop regulatory and policy updates to ensure compliance and adapt to changing legal landscapes

• Explore innovative design approaches through case studies and real-world examples to inspire creative solutions

• Evaluate economic benefits and promote inspiration and motivation for future sustainable initiatives

Intended for

• Structural engineers from practices of all sizes, wishing to understand timber better

• Timber specialists

• Those working in the wider built environment community

• Structural engineering students

• Architects

• Construction Managers

• Project Managers

Speakers

Kelly Harrison

Director at Whitby Wood

Kelly specialises in timber structures, as well as refurbishments and working on historic buildings. She has a keen interest in sustainable design, resource efficiency and good communication. She has completed the detailed design of several large timber framed buildings and is an active member on the Board of Directors at Timber Development UK.

Mark Porter

Managing Structural Engineering Director at StructureCraft

Mark leads StructureCraft’s engineering team across all offices. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, he has directed multidisciplinary teams across North America and the UK, specialising in prefabricated, low-carbon systems and materials including timber, concrete, and steel. A recognised leader in sustainable engineering, Mark is a Fellow of both the Institution of Structural Engineers and Engineers Canada. His portfolio includes award-winning projects, and he consistently champions sustainability and mentorship within the field. In his commitment to impactful design and leadership, he serves on several committees, including as founding Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Group for Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Mark also contributes to the Wood First Advisory Committee, CSA Code Development Committees, and currently sits on the Board of Directors for Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia.

Sanja Buncic

Associate Director at Elliott Wood, Chair

Sanja is a strong advocate for collaboration among colleagues, stakeholders, and future building users. With a deep understanding of the physics of building construction and certification as a Passivhaus consultant, she is passionate about environmentally sustainable and low-carbon construction. This expertise not only enhances her own project work but also adds valuable knowledge to the practice as a whole. She is particularly committed to the conservation of existing structures and believes strongly in the importance of extending the life of our building stock. She approaches this challenge with a perfect balance of imagination and pragmatism.