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Arjan van Timmeren,
Pablo van der Lugt,
Gilbert Koskamp,
Pierre Jennen,
and
Elizabeth Migoni Alejandre
The way we construct our buildings needs to change! Over 35% of our global greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to the built environment. A third of that amount is specifically related to the production of abiotic (non-renewable) materials such as concrete, metals and plastics. The associated challenges are not only climate related, but also concern resource scarcity, health and housing provision.
Read more
The way we construct our buildings needs to change! Over 35% of our global greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to the built environment. A third of that amount is specifically related to the production of abiotic (non-renewable) materials such as concrete, metals and plastics. The associated challenges are not only climate related, but also concern resource scarcity, health and housing provision.
Read more
The way we construct our buildings needs to change! Over 35% of our global greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to the built environment. A third of that amount is specifically related to the production of abiotic (non-renewable) materials such as concrete, metals and plastics. The associated challenges are not only climate related, but also concern resource scarcity, health and housing provision.
A viable alternative to our current construction paradigm is building with timber. Recent advances in the capabilities of timber manufacturing offer opportunities for large-scale application in the build environment, whilst also going much of the way to solving the aforementioned challenges.
In this course you will learn how we can – and why we should – support the greater use of timber in our built environment by implementing a combined 'sustainable forestry' and 'timber for construction' supply chain.
Sustainable forest management allows us to use timber while preserving forests by taking ecological and social, as well as economic factors into account. Sustainably sourced timber can store carbon, both in forests and in buildings.
Timber is also an ideal material for prefabrication, which allows us to shift the bulk of construction labor to manufacturing halls and make the building process itself cleaner, quicker, of a higher quality, and less of a nuisance on-site.
Additionally, an ideal timber construction process should incorporate circular building practices allowing us to re-use timber structures at individual building and regional level.
Overall, when compared with traditional construction based on heavy abiotic materials, this will result in healthier buildings which store carbon instead of emitting it, while the raw resource grows back in sustainably managed temperate forests.
This course is relevant for all stakeholders in the built environment – architects, developers, engineers, consultants and policymakers – as well as students who want to learn more about the opportunities and cutting-edge best practices for designing and building with timber.
This course has been developed by TU Delft’s Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment and the Circular Built Environment Hub, in collaboration with VIA University College Denmark, FSC Netherlands, the AMS Institute, Ssse | OvO associates architects, Lister Buildings, Material District and geWOONhout in the context of the HOME for the future project.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/9pa5bk/sustainable
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Learning objectives
- Gain fresh insights into the importance of building sustainably with timber from well-managed forests
- Familiarize yourself with the environmental impact and carbon footprint of timber constructions
- Analyze and identify circular timber building design typologies
- Evaluate the cohesion and stability of timber load-bearing structures
- Examine the building physics and design qualities of modern timber buildings
- Discuss the benefits of prefabrication and building processes
- Gain fresh insights into the importance of building sustainably with timber from well-managed forests
- Familiarize yourself with the environmental impact and carbon footprint of timber constructions
- Analyze and identify circular timber building design typologies
- Evaluate the cohesion and stability of timber load-bearing structures
- Examine the building physics and design qualities of modern timber buildings
- Discuss the benefits of prefabrication and building processes
Syllabus
Module 1 – Why use timber for sustainable building?
We will explore the importance of shifting to a (more) timber and bio-based construction industry, within the larger societal context of circularity, sustainability and the move toward a ‘post-carbon’ building sector. You will learn how this includes the entire value chain from sustainable forestry to the socio-cultural and economic aspects of policies that hinder, or favor, timber construction and innovation.
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Syllabus
Module 1 – Why use timber for sustainable building?
We will explore the importance of shifting to a (more) timber and bio-based construction industry, within the larger societal context of circularity, sustainability and the move toward a ‘post-carbon’ building sector. You will learn how this includes the entire value chain from sustainable forestry to the socio-cultural and economic aspects of policies that hinder, or favor, timber construction and innovation.
Read more
Module 2 – Environmental impacts of building with timber
We will explain the relevance of assessing the environmental impacts of building with timber vs. conventional materials, with a method called Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). You will learn the general framework of LCA, and compare results based on an illustrative case study assessing alternative materials. We will then focus on the comparison of carbon footprints, end-of-life scenarios, and the importance of prolonging product lifespans.
Module 3 – Basics & principles in timber construction
You will embark on a journey through the evolution of timber construction, starting with the history of timber products, from traditional sawn timber to modern CNC-milling. We will delve into the basic properties of wood, its structural capacity, fire safety and seismic resistance, and its impact on acoustics and well-being.
Module 4 – Multi-storey timber buildings
Journey through the intricacies of timber structures and components, traversing from basic log construction to advanced space module methodologies. We will define building heights and explore the diverse timber building typologies ranging from low-rise, mid-rise, refurbishments and topping-ups, to the ambitious high-rise and tall timber constructions. Concluding the module, you will encounter hybrid timber systems: both those combining varied wood species into harmonious structures and the innovative composite concrete floor systems setting the standard for multi-storey edifices.
Module 5 – Advanced topics and future trends
You will delve into the historical evolution of joinery culture and the crucial role it plays in timber construction. You will explore timber façades and discover the products that shape their beauty. Water management strategies, the anatomy of skins and the thermal envelope will become your ally as you understand its impact on timber façades. Prefabrication of components and assembly with elements will unlock new possibilities for efficient construction, adaptability and values for change. And as we look to the future of timber construction, you will be inspired by innovations yet to come.
Module 6 – Prefabrication and building process benefits
We will explore the prefabrication potential of building in mass timber. You will go on a short (virtual) tour through a conditioned manufacturing hall to understand how activities associated with construction can easily be moved away from building sites, and why they should be.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Offers a contemporary take on a traditional field, building design and construction
Examines the environmental impacts of building with timber, discussing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Taught by a team of experts in architecture and the built environment from TU Delft
Covers the latest trends and innovations in timber construction
Provides insights into the future of timber construction, including emerging technologies
Requires learners to have a basic understanding of architecture and construction
Save this course
Save Sustainable Building with Timber to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Sustainable Building with Timber with these
activities:
Set Up Your Note-taking System
Show steps
Lay out a well-organized, effective system to keep notes throughout the course.
Show steps
-
Choose a Note-taking App or Notebook
-
Establish a Naming Convention for Your Notes
-
Set Up a Filing System for Your Notes
Attend a Webinar on Sustainable Timber Construction
Show steps
Connect with professionals and learn about the latest developments in sustainable timber construction by attending industry webinars.
Show steps
-
Research Upcoming Webinars
-
Register for a Webinar
-
Attend the Webinar and Participate in Discussions
Write a Summary of the Environmental Impact of Timber Construction
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the environmental benefits of timber construction by summarizing key points from the course materials.
Show steps
-
Identify the Key Points
-
Write a Clear and Concise Summary
-
Review and Edit Your Summary
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Engage in group discussions on sustainable forestry
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of the importance of sustainable forestry and its role in timber construction.
Show steps
-
Join an online or in-person study group or forum dedicated to sustainable forestry.
-
Actively participate in discussions, sharing your knowledge and perspectives while learning from others.
-
Research and prepare presentations on specific aspects of sustainable forestry to share with the group.
Explore Advanced Timber Construction Techniques
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of innovative timber construction techniques by following online tutorials and demonstrations.
Show steps
-
Identify Advanced Timber Construction Techniques
-
Find Online Tutorials and Demonstrations
-
Follow the Tutorials and Practice the Techniques
Solve Timber Structural Analysis Problems
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of timber structural behavior by solving practice problems.
Show steps
-
Review the Basic Principles of Structural Analysis
-
Practice Solving Problems Involving Axial Loads, Shear Forces, and Bending Moments
-
Apply Your Knowledge to Design Simple Timber Structures
Follow tutorials on prefabrication fabrication
Show steps
Enhance your knowledge about advanced topics and future trends.
Browse courses on
Timber Construction
Show steps
-
Identify influential video tutorials on prefabrication fabrication from reputable sources.
-
Delve into the tutorials to understand the processes and techniques involved.
-
Take notes and summarize the key concepts and best practices.
Create a Small-Scale Timber Structure Model
Show steps
Practice the principles of timber construction by designing and building a physical model of a small-scale timber structure.
Show steps
-
Choose a Simple Timber Structure Design
-
Gather Materials and Tools
-
Cut and Assemble the Timber Components
-
Test the Stability and Strength of Your Model
Participate in a Timber Construction Workshop
Show steps
Gain practical experience in timber construction techniques by participating in a hands-on workshop.
Show steps
-
Find a Timber Construction Workshop
-
Register for the Workshop
-
Attend the Workshop and Participate in Activities
Develop a proposal for a sustainable timber building design
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of circular building practices and apply them to the design of a sustainable timber building.
Show steps
-
Research and analyze case studies of sustainable timber buildings to identify best practices and innovative approaches.
-
Develop a design concept for a sustainable timber building, incorporating circular building principles.
-
Create a detailed proposal that outlines the design, materials, and construction methods for the building.
Design a Sustainable Timber Building Floor Plan
Show steps
Apply the principles of sustainable timber design to create a floor plan for a residential or commercial building.
Show steps
-
Determine the Building's Program and Requirements
-
Research and Select Sustainable Timber Materials
-
Design a Floor Plan that Optimizes Timber Usage
-
Create Construction Documents for Your Floor Plan
Set Up Your Note-taking System
Show steps
Lay out a well-organized, effective system to keep notes throughout the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a Note-taking App or Notebook
- Establish a Naming Convention for Your Notes
- Set Up a Filing System for Your Notes
Attend a Webinar on Sustainable Timber Construction
Show steps
Connect with professionals and learn about the latest developments in sustainable timber construction by attending industry webinars.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research Upcoming Webinars
- Register for a Webinar
- Attend the Webinar and Participate in Discussions
Write a Summary of the Environmental Impact of Timber Construction
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the environmental benefits of timber construction by summarizing key points from the course materials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the Key Points
- Write a Clear and Concise Summary
- Review and Edit Your Summary
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Engage in group discussions on sustainable forestry
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of the importance of sustainable forestry and its role in timber construction.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join an online or in-person study group or forum dedicated to sustainable forestry.
- Actively participate in discussions, sharing your knowledge and perspectives while learning from others.
- Research and prepare presentations on specific aspects of sustainable forestry to share with the group.
Explore Advanced Timber Construction Techniques
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of innovative timber construction techniques by following online tutorials and demonstrations.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify Advanced Timber Construction Techniques
- Find Online Tutorials and Demonstrations
- Follow the Tutorials and Practice the Techniques
Solve Timber Structural Analysis Problems
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of timber structural behavior by solving practice problems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the Basic Principles of Structural Analysis
- Practice Solving Problems Involving Axial Loads, Shear Forces, and Bending Moments
- Apply Your Knowledge to Design Simple Timber Structures
Follow tutorials on prefabrication fabrication
Show steps
Enhance your knowledge about advanced topics and future trends.
Browse courses on
Timber Construction
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify influential video tutorials on prefabrication fabrication from reputable sources.
- Delve into the tutorials to understand the processes and techniques involved.
- Take notes and summarize the key concepts and best practices.
Create a Small-Scale Timber Structure Model
Show steps
Practice the principles of timber construction by designing and building a physical model of a small-scale timber structure.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a Simple Timber Structure Design
- Gather Materials and Tools
- Cut and Assemble the Timber Components
- Test the Stability and Strength of Your Model
Participate in a Timber Construction Workshop
Show steps
Gain practical experience in timber construction techniques by participating in a hands-on workshop.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a Timber Construction Workshop
- Register for the Workshop
- Attend the Workshop and Participate in Activities
Develop a proposal for a sustainable timber building design
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of circular building practices and apply them to the design of a sustainable timber building.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and analyze case studies of sustainable timber buildings to identify best practices and innovative approaches.
- Develop a design concept for a sustainable timber building, incorporating circular building principles.
- Create a detailed proposal that outlines the design, materials, and construction methods for the building.
Design a Sustainable Timber Building Floor Plan
Show steps
Apply the principles of sustainable timber design to create a floor plan for a residential or commercial building.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Determine the Building's Program and Requirements
- Research and Select Sustainable Timber Materials
- Design a Floor Plan that Optimizes Timber Usage
- Create Construction Documents for Your Floor Plan
Career center
Learners who complete Sustainable Building with Timber will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Architect
Architect
The field of Architecture will benefit immensely from learning the practice of sustainable building with Timber. As an Architect, it is a necessity to stay up-to-date on the sustainable practices in the field. This course teaches advanced topics in modern timber construction to evaluate the cohesion and stability of timber load-bearing structures, and examine the building physics and design qualities of buildings using Timber, which can translate to career growth and increased opportunities.
Structural Engineer
Structural Engineer
Sustainable Building with Timber is a course that covers the basics and principles of Timber Construction. Structural Engineers will benefit from taking this course to learn about the structural capacity, fire safety and seismic resistance of Timber so that it can be applied to their work.
Construction Manager
Construction Manager
Construction Managers who take the Sustainable Building with Timber course will learn how to use timber for sustainable building and how to assess the environmental impact and carbon footprint of timber constructions. This course will help Construction Managers to understand how to build more sustainable buildings and reduce their environmental impact.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultant
Sustainable Building with Timber may be a useful course for Environmental Consultants to take. The course provides an overview of the environmental impact of building with timber and how to assess the carbon footprint of timber constructions. This knowledge can be useful for Environmental Consultants who work with clients in the construction industry.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
The course Sustainable Building with Timber would be useful for Sustainability Managers who currently work, or are interested in working in the building industry. This course will help teach Sustainability Managers the basics of sustainable building with timber and how to incorporate it into their work.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Sustainable Building with Timber may be a useful course for Civil Engineers to take if they are interested in working in the construction industry. This course provides an overview of the basics and principles of timber construction, which can be useful for Civil Engineers who want to learn more about this topic.
Building Inspector
Building Inspector
Sustainable Building with Timber can be a helpful course for Building Inspectors to take. It teaches sustainable building practices and how to assess the environmental impact of timber constructions.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Sustainable Building with Timber offers applicable knowledge for a Project Manager in the construction industry. The course teaches sustainable building practices and how to assess the environmental impact of timber constructions.
Forester
Forester
Sustainable Building with Timber may be useful for Foresters. This course teaches sustainable building practices and how to assess the environmental impact of timber constructions, which can be applied to forestry practices.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architects may benefit from taking Sustainable Building with Timber. This course teaches sustainable building practices and how to assess the environmental impact of timber construction. This knowledge can be applied to landscaping projects.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
Sustainable Building with Timber can be a helpful course for Urban Planners. It teaches sustainable building practices and how to assess the environmental impact of timber constructions.
Real Estate Developer
Real Estate Developer
Taking Sustainable Building with Timber can provide Real Estate Developers with valuable knowledge. It teaches sustainable building practices and how to assess the environmental impact of timber constructions, which is important knowledge for those involved in real estate development.
Construction Worker
Construction Worker
For Construction Workers who want to advance their career or specialize in sustainable building practices, taking Sustainable Building with Timber can be beneficial. It teaches sustainable building practices and how to assess the environmental impact of timber constructions.
Carpenter
Carpenter
Sustainable Building with Timber can be a helpful course for Carpenters. This course teaches sustainable building practices and how to assess the environmental impact of timber construction, which can improve carpentry projects and increase knowledge of sustainable building.
Roofer
Roofer
Sustainable Building with Timber may be a useful course for Roofers who are interested in improving their knowledge of sustainable building practices. This course teaches sustainable building practices and how to assess the environmental impact of timber construction.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9pa5bk/sustainable
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Sustainable Building with Timber.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of architectural design. It covers topics such as spatial organization, form, and function.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of building construction. It covers topics such as structural systems, materials, and finishes.
Provides a comprehensive overview of construction technology, including the use of timber as a construction material.
Provides an overview of the principles and practices of sustainable construction, including the use of timber as a sustainable construction material.
Provides an overview of the use of natural materials in architecture, including the use of timber.
Provides an overview of the relationship between humans and the natural environment, including the role of timber in the built environment.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/9pa5bk/sustainable
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Effort
4 to 5 hours per week for 7 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Delft University of Technology
Instructors
Arjan van Timmeren
Pablo van der Lugt
Gilbert Koskamp
Pierre Jennen
Elizabeth Migoni Alejandre
Session
February 14, 2024
- November 15, 2024
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Offers a contemporary take on a traditional field, building design and construction
Examines the environmental impacts of building with timber, discussing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Taught by a team of experts in architecture and the built environment from TU Delft
Covers the latest trends and innovations in timber construction
Provides insights into the future of timber construction, including emerging technologies
Requires learners to have a basic understanding of architecture and construction
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