Is timber about to transform South Africa’s construction industry? Once regarded as a traditional building material, timber is increasingly emerging as a modern construction solution, from timber-frame structures to innovative mass-timber systems.
Source: Supplied.
Yet, despite its growing potential, knowledge around its performance, application and regulatory requirements remains limited among many built-environment professionals.
A one-day workshop at the University of Pretoria on Monday, 14 September 2026 will bring together leading experts to unpack the practical realities of building with timber and offer valuable insights into where the industry could be heading.
Presented by TheWoodApp in partnership with Stellenbosch University and the University of Pretoria, the Timber Frame & Mass Timber Construction Workshop is aimed at architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and other building professionals who want to grasp how to design and build with timber in the South African context.
TheWoodApp was established to support the growth and development of a South African wood-building culture through accessible online educational resources. The Timber Frame & Mass Timber Construction Workshop workshop builds on this educational focus, translating that knowledge into practical insights for professionals working with timber in the South African construction environment.
Timber takes shape
The programme will host two complementary sessions covering both timber frame and mass timber systems:
Understanding Sans 10082: Timber Frame Construction for Built-Environment Professionals: Led by Werner Slabbert, founder of the Green Block Group, a seasoned timber-frame builder and guest lecturer at South Africa's top universities, this session will offer an introduction to Sans 10082 and compliant timber-frame construction.
The focus falls strongly on deemed-to-satisfy timber structures – buildings that can be designed and constructed largely within the prescriptive requirements of Sans 10082. Attendees will learn where the standard can be applied directly and where additional engineering input becomes necessary.
“We hope to leave professionals with a strong working overview of Sans 10082 and the confidence to start applying timber-frame principles to real-world projects,” says Philip Crafford, TheWoodApp Manager at Stellenbosch University’s Forest and Wood Science Department.
Mass Timber in South Africa: The Engineering Behind CLT and GLT: The use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glue-Laminated Timber (GLT) is progressing in South African construction; however, making the engineering case for mass timber on a real project takes more than enthusiasm for the material.
Presented by consulting structural engineer Michael Kloos, who specialises in timber design and construction, this session digs into the structural thinking that makes it work.
Kloos will examine the structural behaviour of CLT and GLT, and share how a comprehensive understanding of mass timber – from manufacturing to logistics to detailing – leads to effective design.
Arno Cilliers of Rothoblaas will run a practical demonstration, adding a hands-on dimension alongside the design discussion. Alongside its practical and technical focus, the workshop also offers recognised professional development value.
CPD accreditation
The workshop is a recognised CPD activity across three professional bodies. The Cape Institute for Architecture has validated it as a Category One CPD Activity worth one CPD point, while the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) has accredited it for one ECSA CPD point. The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) has accredited the workshop for five Category 2 CPD hours.
With timber increasingly finding its place in modern construction, the workshop offers professionals an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge and engage with the practical realities of building with the material. Bookings on Quicket close Friday, 11 September 2026.
