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Growing Timber Connections hopes to inspire South Africans to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of construction.
2026 Timber Design Competition
Growing Timber Connections, in partnership with York Timbers, the dtic and the University of Pretoria, is glad to announce the National Timber Design Competition 2026.
The Competition is open to current students enrolled at South African universities (or other Higher Learning Institutions) in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Urban Design, or any related built environment discipline.
Additional Eligibility:
• Open to Students enrolled in the academic years 2026 and 2027.
• Students may enter individually or in teams of up to three.
• Cross-disciplinary and cross-institution teams within South Africa are encouraged.
• Entries are restricted to South African institutions
• Work submitted to other competitions may be entered here, provided this is disclosed in the team declaration.
• Work developed from academic coursework is eligible, provided it meets the brief’s core criteria.
Whether you’re passionate about sustainable design, timber construction or eager to test your creative boundaries, this is your chance to shine on a national stage.
Why Participate?
Recognition: Stand out among your peers and gain recognition for your work. Your designs will be evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges from the industry.
Skill Development: The competition challenges you to think critically and creatively, helping you to refine and expand your design skills.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, professionals, and fellow students who share your passion for timber design.
Innovation in Sustainability: Timber design is at the forefront of sustainable architecture. Showcase your ability to create eco-friendly designs that are both beautiful and functional.
More information can be found in the brief on the registration page.
In 2025 competition, students were invited to submit projects that pushed the boundaries of timber in architecture. Entries ranged from self-initiated conceptual designs to academic coursework and showcased the distinctive attributes of engineered timber and its capacity to address the urgent challenges of climate change and the rapidly evolving built environment. Projects explored climate-sensitive rural contexts, resource-constrained urban environments, and anything in between. Participants were encouraged to seek out novel design opportunities and leverage engineered timber’s unique properties to solve “wicked problems” and complex challenges, using Timber as the primary material. In 2026 we are challenging participants to go further into showing how “Timber Responds” to today’s pressing real life challenges near you.
