About
Growing Timber Connections hopes to inspire South Africans to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of construction.
Timber Construction Events 2026: 14 & 15 September
Future Africa, University of Pretoria
Connected by Timber: From Forests to Future Cities
The Timber Construction Events bring together researchers, students, industry leaders, designers, engineers, policymakers and partners to advance the role of timber in South Africa’s built environment. Organised largely through the York Timbers Chair in Wood Structural Engineering at the University of Pretoria, in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and partners from academia, industry and government, the events connect research, laboratory capability, industrial development and market adoption.
The Colloquium on 14 September focuses on research, innovation and the development of new knowledge, including a visit to the Engineering 4.0 Timber Lab. The Conference on 15 September focuses on industry collaboration, investment, policy alignment and the practical pathways needed to grow timber construction from forests to future cities.
Let timber lead. Let it connect. Let it build the future.
To find out more, send an email to schalk.grobbelaar@up.ac.za
The Timber Construction Events will be hosted by the University of Pretoria at either Future Africa or Engineering 4.0 from 14 to 15 September 2026. The events are envisioned to grow the timber community and promote interest in timber construction and sustainability. Click on the titles below to register for the events.
These events are made possible by the following partners.
The Wood App is South Africa’s leading educational platform for design and use of timber products. The Wood App offers FREE online courses and hosts in-person workshops. Visit The Wood App today, to improve your Timber Construction knowledge.
Visit Sawmilling South Africa’s, Youtube Channel to learn more about timber construction and its benefits.
Book your accommodation at Future Africa - University of Pretoria