Cape Town, South Africa
25th February
9.00–17.00
Hybrid Joining Option

The 14th WOOD Conference

Timber Nexus: Integrating Global Ideas for Africa’s Growth 

A knowledge-based platform connecting all architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers, developers, investors and architectural students at “The Forefront of Timber Innovations“.

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Cape Town, South Africa
25th February
9.00–17.00
Hybrid Joining Option

Event Information

We are delighted to invite you to the 14th Annual Wood Conference, an unparalleled gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries dedicated to advancing timber construction and sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa. 

This year’s theme, “Timber Nexus: Integrating Global Ideas for Africa’s Growth,” highlights the unique potential of global collaboration in shaping Africa’s urban landscapes through cutting-edge timber solutions. Together, we will explore how national and international expertise can meet local challenges, creating vibrant, sustainable solutions that respect and adapt to diverse cultural and environmental contexts.

Cape Town, South Africa
25th February
9.00 - 17.00
Join Hybrid Option

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About the WOOD Conference

The Wood Conference is aimed at a specialist audience from the fields of architecture, engineering, timber construction, carpentry, planning, interior design, schools and their students, as well as investors and the public sector. The organizers want to convey ideas and inspiration in sustainable, green and energy-efficient construction with wood, both in the high-end and low-price segment. Participants will not only be shown timber construction solutions, but will also be provided with architectural, urban planning, technological and scientific background information. 

The involvement of South African speakers will institutionalize this networking event.

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Presenting Partners

Main Sponsors

Sponsors and Co Sponsors

News

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Register now: 14th WOOD Conference in Cape Town

Register now: 14th WOOD Conference in Cape Town

This year's Wood Conference, which has the motto "Timber Nexus: Integrating Global Ideas for Africa's Growth", will take…

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Wood Conference – An investment in the future

Wood Conference – An investment in the future

On 25 February 2025, the Wood Conference will celebrate its 15th anniversary.

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Review of the 13th WOOD Conference

Review of the 13th WOOD Conference

Our business activities in South Africa began over 14 years ago and today we are delighted to be able to write another…

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Programme of the 14th WOOD Conference

09.00
Hannu Garny
South Africa – Master of Ceremonies
09.10
Roger Kuratle
Kuratle Group – Switzerland – Opening
09.20
H.E. Mr Mirko Manzoni
Ambassador of Switzerland – South Africa – Welcome Address
09.35
Johann van der Merwe
South Africa – „Timber on the Rise: Shaping the Future of Structural Timber Design and Education in Africa"
10.00
Nick Plewman
South Africa – „Not Seeing the Wood for the Trees – Timber Construction for Biophilic Design"
10.25
Katharina Lehmann
Switzerland – „The Bright Future and Fascination of Wood as Building Material"
10.50
Tea Breakaway / Networking
11.15
Belinda Boyd Duncan
South Africa – „Integrating Sustainability from Forest to Community in South Africa"
11.40
Christoph Meier
Switzerland – „Timber – An Excellent Construction Material – The Only One – All Over the World"
12.05
Shawn Scriven
South Africa - „Pioneering Sustainable Architecture with CLT”
12.30
Hannu Garny
South Africa – „Building and living in a Timber House in SA”
12.55
Lunch Breakaway/Networking
13.55
Wood Student Foundation
„UCT Honours Architecture Student Project: Baphumelele Orphanage in Khayelitsha"
14.25
Kyle Bennett
South Africa – „Timber vs Tradition: Comparing CLT, Steel, and Brick for a Greener Tomorrow"
14.50
Abrie Visagie
South Africa – „Where the Three T’s Meet – Timber, Technology, and Tradition"
15.15
Braam de Villiers
„The Fourth Revolution Is Here – Timber Is the Material for Revolutionary Change!"
15.40
Prof. James Brown
South Africa/Sweden – „Practising Wood: Embedding Live Experiments with Wood in Architecture Education"
16.05
Bettina Franke
Switzerland – „Swiss Innovations for the Next Level of Timber Construction – Feasibility Studies for Heavy Duty Timber Bridges"
16.30
Roger Kuratle
Switzerland – Kuratle Group – „Vote of Thanks and Poll"
16.50
Hannu Garny
South Africa – Closing

Impressions

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What Our Guests Are Saying

The Wood Conference unites experts from architecture, engineering, timber construction, and more, along with students and investors. Hear from past attendees as they share their experiences, insights, and the impact of being part of this inspiring event.

Good day Zaida, thank you again for the wonderful conference you and your team presented! I really enjoyed the whole day and all the speakers.
- Johan van der Watt
Dear Zaida,
Thanks once again for all your hard work in organising such a high-quality event which was of international standard.
It was especially pleasing to see how many young professionals & students were in attendance.
It speaks volumes of the interest in including wood as a viable & cost-effective material in traditional construction.
We need to change our traditional way of thinking and start embracing alternative solutions.
- Japie - JG KEMP ARCHITECTS
Dear Zaida
Many thanks for your hard work. This has been one of the best Wood Conferences that I have physically attended through all the years. WELL, done!!! Kindest regards
- Tertius Smit
Thank you very much for hosting us. It was a wonderful experience that I thoroughly enjoyed! I met a lot of interesting people.
- Christian Greyling
Thank you, Zaida.
The conference was most interesting and entertaining, always learning something new about the use of wood!
Thank you to the team that made it possible!
Looking forward to next year’s 13th Wood Conference!
- Lillian Linares
Thanks Zaida, it was fantastic, as usual Kind regards,
- Smaragda Thalassinos
Many thanks.
I miss not being there in person, but thoroughly enjoyed the online version! Thank you for an awesome even(s), looking forward to being there next year Warm greetings
- Paul C Boshoff - Architect