There’s a real buzz about timber right now

If last month’s Futurebuild conference is anything to go by, the world is waking up to the fact that timber really is the future of construction.

We hosted a stand at Futurebuild 2023 for three inspiring days at London’s Excel Centre back in March. It was great to meet TDUK members and talk timber to passers by. But what was most striking about the whole event was how many of the talks and presentations were about timber. It was everywhere.

Quite literally in fact – with many of the exhibitors using timber stalls and booths. After all, timber is perfect for pop-up assembly of temporary structures – no mess, no fuss.

Futurebuild is the UK’s big annual sustainable building expo. Presentation after presentation restated the fact that, if we’re not to overshoot our carbon targets, the industry must embrace timber (and other biomaterials) whenever it can.

This magazine proves that you can believe the timber hype. On p.8 you can read all about what could be the UK’s biggest ever timber development – the Phoenix Development in Lewes. It’s currently going through planning – we’re keeping all our fingers crossed that it gets the green light.

And on p.51, Adriano Amorese, from international law firm Mishcon de Reya LLP, tells us that he is seeing a growing appetite for timber, and suggests ways to make the contractual side of things clearer and a smoother ride for everyone.

Designing Timber wants to promote you, our members. Do get in touch with us at editorial@timberdevelopment.uk if you have any buildings, projects, products or even opinions you’d like to be featured in the magazine.