Masterclass events

Develop the skills and expertise to envisage, design and realize mid-rise timber buildings in Belgium

What are the guidelines and requirements for multi-storey buildings with timber structures? How can we navigate fire safety in timber architecture? What can be done when a wooden structure gets wet? What are the differences for low- and mid-rise building in wood? What are the dos and don'ts for stability, acoustics, connection design, digital tools, logistics and wood treatment?

Mass timber buildings are becoming increasingly popular worldwide to meet environmental regulations and climate change. Engineered wood products are commonly employed as a building material into sizeable structural components like panels, columns, and beams. Consequently, also in mid-rise buildings, wood can substitute conventional materials such as concrete and steel as the primary structural elements. Still, the circumstances of timber should be taken into account from the start.

This Masterclass connects like-minded researchers and professionals to explore and learn practical techniques for designing, constructing and engineering timber structures. The Masterclass begins with an engaging talk by architect Andrew Waugh from Waugh Thistleton Architects, a highly regarded international practice specialising in the design of tall timber buildings. The company was named Architect of the Year at the AJ Awards, and Mr Waugh will share his extensive knowledge on the topic. Moreover, the day is an exciting update and networking opportunity for anyone with a basic understanding of timber structures. The round-table discussion is meant to be a highly interactive afternoon where participants learn from each other and reflect on the possibilities of timber and construction in Belgium. This first day focuses on knowledge exchange, also between the participants. The second day will explore theory, concrete tools, and hands-on exercises to explore the potential of multi-storey timber construction. The course also looks at changes in the new version of Eurocode 5, which is scheduled to be published soon. These include CLT structures and lateral resistance of timber frame structures. The theory is explained using practical examples and digital tools. We conclude in style on the third day with a practical half-day workshop in which the knowledge is integrated into concrete, realised designs. This last day focuses on this workshop to re-design an existing mid-rise in Belgium.

Attending the round-table discussion the first day of the masterclass is optional, but highly encouraged due to the networking opportunities and the synergy between researchers and professionals it presents.

Wednesday 5 June 2024 13:30 – 18:00: Opening Lecture and Networking - optional

• Afternoon Session: Opening Lecture 
• Opening Lecture with Andrew Waugh, director Waugh Thistleton Architects
• Round Table Discussions: "Challenges in Timber Multi-Storey Building" 
• Guided tour of Mundo-A (Antwerp) by B-architecten
• Networking drink at Eco-café

Thursday 6 June 2024 9:00 – 17:30: Expert Panels - Mid-Rise Timber Basics

• Morning Session: Technical Lectures
• Stability and Connections in Timber Multi-Storey Buildings
• Fire Safety in Timber Construction
• Afternoon Session: Technical Lectures
• Acoustics & Thermal Insulation in Timber Construction
• Moisture and Durability in Timber Construction

Friday 7 June 2024 9:00-17:30: Workshop - A collaborative workflow for architects, contractors and engineers            

• Morning Session: Preparation for Workshop
• Applying Designing for Circularity in Architectural Design
• Digital Tools & Logistics & Prefabrication
• Afternoon Session: Design Workshop  
• Design Workshop guided by experts
• Certificate Distribution and Closing Remarks
• Closing Reception and Exhibition of Innovative Timber Products

Andrew Waugh

Andrew is a Founding Director of Waugh Thistleton Architects, a practice dedicated to delivering beautiful buildings and places that acknowledge their impact on the environment. He is a world-renowned spokesperson for low carbon architecture and innovative construction, and lobbies and lectures internationally, communicating the urgent need for change to mitigate the climate crisis. A pivotal player in the global shift towards renewable, bio-based materials, Andrew’s innovative approach to design has been acknowledged by many awards including the RIBA President’s Award for Research and a Stirling Prize nomination in 2018 and the UK Practice of the Year award for 2023. The practice is currently engaged on both research and design projects throughout Europe and North America.

More info: https://waughthistleton.com/

Bram Vandoren

Bram Vandoren is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering Technology at Hasselt University, Belgium. His PhD research focused on finite element models for masonry failure. Over time, his team expanded their research to assess the mechanical behaviour of structural components, especially timber structures. They emphasize bridging the gap between advanced numerical models and practical engineering tools. Bram leads the Belgian standardization mirror committee for wood structures design (Eurocode 5) and contributes to the European standardization committee for Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures. He also oversees the Master of Science program in Engineering Technology – Construction and teaches courses related to computational mechanics, structural mechanics, and timber mechanics.

More info: https://www.uhasselt.be/en/who-is-who/bram-vandoren

Jan Van den Bulcke 

Jan Van den Bulcke is a full professor at UGent-Woodlab, focusing on the entire forest-wood chain. His research delves into the intricate dynamics of inter- and intra-annual wood formation. His investigations span temperate and tropical regions, analysing tree performance and adaptation mechanisms in function of climate change, among other through the study of wood anatomical traits and dendrochronology. Utilizing state-of-the-art non-destructive imaging methods, with a special focus on X-ray Computed Tomography, he examines wood and wood-based materials to elucidate their structure-function relationships.

More info: https://research.ugent.be/web/person/jan-van-den-bulcke-1/

Stéphanie Collier 

Stéphanie Collier is an engineer-architect and has worked for B-architecten since 2018. She previously worked at a2o architects and HASA architects, where she gained broad experience in the different phases of the construction process. Stéphanie extensively worked on the timber project Mundo A, a bio-based passive office in Antwerp of 2.255 square meters. She has specific expertise as a project leader, particularly in developing tender dossiers, complete site follow-up and communication with construction partners. As team leader, Stéphanie currently manages a cell of eight architects, while following up own projects as project leader. In addition, Stéphanie is 'responsible for sustainability' within B-architecten, where she integrally focuses on making both the organisation and the projects more sustainable.

More info: https://b-architecten.be/

Marcelo Blasco

Marcelo Blasco holds a master degree in civil construction engineering and in architecture, and a doctoral degree in engineering sciences. He has a wide experience in building acoustics. He has been involved as an acoustical expert in more than 500 projects, also from different renowned architects such as Piano, Foster, Rogers, Nouvel, Herzog & de Meuron, etc. Blasco has participated in acoustic standardization, and he is co-author of the Belgian standard on acoustics (NBN S01-400-1). Currently, he is part-time professor at the University of Ghent and assistant professor at KULeuven, Ghent and Brussels. Blasco has tested over 1200 building elements ranging from façades, profiles, panels to walls, floorings and absorption elements in the laboratory and in situ.

More info: https://arch.kuleuven.be/team/blasco-marcelo

Kurt De Proft

Kurt De Proft is R&D expert at Buildwise, focusing on fire safety. After finishing his PhD in numerical methods for simulating quasi-brittle failure, Kurt worked several years in the field of structural behaviour of timber structures. Over the years, the aspect of fire safety of constructions became more and more involved in the work, with a special attention for timber construction. Kurt started in 2023 at Buildwise fully focusing on research in the field of fire safety and implementation of concepts in building practice.

More info: https://www.buildwise.be/nl/

Filip Dobbels

Filip Dobbels is a civil engineer-architect (UGhent). In 1997, he wrote a thesis on mid-rise timber buildings, in which he proposed further development based on knowledge from the European network COST E5 "Timber frame building systems" and TU Delft. Since 1998, he has been working at the Belgian Building Research Institute (now Buildwise), within the R&D Unit "Building Envelope & Finishing". His interest and research activities focus on building details, with particular attention to energy and environmental impact. As an independent engineer-architect, he realised several innovative timber structures, including the first Belgian application of the Lignoforce timber connection (2009) and of the timber concrete floor technology in a timber frame construction (2006). Since 2002, he has been a member of the Expert Group "Building Physics, Building Technology and Architecture" of ie-net, from which he initiated the biennial course "Timber Structures".

More info: https://www.buildwise.be/nl/

Sarah Theeuws

Sarah Theeuws, engineer architect, graduated from KU Leuven in 2002, serves as the director at West Architectuur, a leading firm in sustainable architecture. Based at the Kamp C site in the province of Antwerp, West Architectuur employs eight staff members and focuses on public projects, social housing, and offices. The firm is renowned for its commitment to circularity, sustainability, and aesthetics in every project. The team at West Architectuur guides clients in their choices with a focus on achieving both beauty and environmental awareness. Their approach is one of innovation and community, aiming to make a positive impact on the environment.

More info: https://westarchitectuur.be/

Piet Kerckhof

Piet Kerckhof (°1961) is principal architect at Wood Architects and Engineers. His 38 years of experience in timber started during his studies at Sint-Lucas in 1986, with his essay “2/4, Woodframe construction” exploring technical and artistic possibilities of wood in the past and future. His expertise is focused on bio-ecological building with a postgraduate at KaHo Sint Lieven in 2011. Wood Architects & Engineers is a very atypical Belgian architecture firm, because using concrete, bricks and similar products is minimalized. Only biobased materials have a positive impact on Climate Change, because using those materials extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. All other solutions still emit carbon dioxide. PEFC or FSC labeled wood guarantees the continuity of our forests. The circle is already closed at the beginning by renew our resources. By using wood, we change our buildings into carbon sinks (for many decades). And the recycled wood after a demolition can be used in different products. Wooden buildings are easily prefabricated. This results in less transportation, waste and shorter construction times.

More info: www.wood-architects.be

Pieter Vrijsen

Pieter Vrijsen, a self-made man and innovator, has had an impressive career in the construction industry. His passion for building began at a young age when he assisted his father, grandfather, and uncle in finishing their home in Meise. Nearly 20 years ago, he founded PxP Hybrid Wood Construction, specializing in wooden hybrid structures. The company has grown from a garage operation to a small to medium enterprise with 20 employees with a hypermodern workshop in Zottegem. Pieter has drafted, produced, and installed approximately 300 buildings. His expertise spans technical knowledge and business acumen. Known for swimming against the current and embracing challenges, he draws inspiration from his competitive sports background and intellectual family. Additionally, Pieter’s ability to translate his construction knowledge and solution-oriented thinking into product development for prefabricated elements sets him apart in the industry.

More info: https://pxp.be/over-ons/

A collaboration between the Henry van de Velde Research Group and ArcK Sustainability Group.

Ir. Arch. Esther Vandamme, Doctoral researcher, University of Antwerp

MSc. Arch. Tatiana de Oliveira Chiletto, Doctoral researcher, Hasselt University

Prof. Dr. Ir. Mario Rinke, Henry van de Velde Research Team, University of Antwerp

Prof. Dr. Arch. Rafael Passarelli, Sustainability Research and Education Group, Hasselt University