Thursday, January 1, 2026
Timber Development UK (TDUK) revealed the return of its top instructional program, the 2026 designTimber webinar series, as the UK construction industry focuses more on decarbonisation and biophilic design. Starting in February 2026, this monthly lunchtime series offers a deep dive into the technical and aesthetic triumphs of the UK’s most celebrated timber structures. By bringing together the architects, engineers, and master timber specialists behind the Wood Awards 2025 winners, the series provides a vital platform for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) tailored specifically for modern specifiers and designers.
The 2026 series kicks off on February 11 with a spotlight on a project that has captivated the industry: the Urban Nature Project at the Natural History Museum. Awarded the prestigious Gold Award, this project serves as a definitive case study in how timber can bridge the gap between historic landscapes and future-facing sustainability.
Participants will hear from the lead architects at Feilden Fowles and their structural partners about the intricate material palette used to create a new public café and educational pavilion. The project is a sophisticated blend of:
This project isn’t just a building; it is a blueprint for supporting local supply chains while achieving a radically low embodied-carbon footprint.
Running through September, the series highlights that timber is no longer a “niche” material but a versatile solution for every architectural challenge. The curated selection of projects includes:Project Name Key Innovation Collaborators Chowdhury Walk High-density social housing on a complex infill site in Hackney. Al-Jawad Pike & Momentum Rafter Walk A pedestrian bridge using durable hardwoods in a rejuvenated dockland. Asif Khan & Whitby Wood New Wave House Pioneering private residential timber design. Thomas-McBrien & New Wave London Westminster Coroner’s Court Innovative extension and reuse of a sensitive civic building. Lynch Architects Armadillo Design for disassembly and temporary timber structures. Unknown Works
The designTimber series is meticulously designed to address the most pressing technical questions facing the timber industry today. Each session moves beyond high-level aesthetics to explore the “how” of timber construction, focusing on:
The primary goal of TDUK’s educational mission is to build “timber confidence.” Despite the material’s benefits, many architects and engineers remain hesitant due to evolving building regulations and insurance complexities. By presenting successful, insurance-approved, and award-winning projects, the designTimber series provides the evidence base needed for professionals to advocate for wood in their own practices.
“These talks form a critical part of our mission to educate and inspire,” says a TDUK representative. “We aren’t just looking at pretty buildings; we are dissecting the engineering, the supply chain, and the site-level craftsmanship that makes intelligent timber design possible.”
The webinars are free to attend and are conducted via an interactive online platform, allowing for real-time Q&A with the design teams. Each session counts toward a professional’s annual CPD requirements, making it an essential resource for RIBA and IStructE members.
For those looking to stay at the forefront of the UK’s “Timber Revolution,” these sessions offer an unparalleled look at the craftsmanship and innovation defining the built environment in 2026.
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Tags: designTimber webinar series 2026, TDUK CPD, timber construction UK, Timber Development UK
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