One-day workshop on 14 September 2026 will give architects, engineers and quantity surveyors a detailed insight into timber frame and mass timber construction
PRETORIA, South Africa — Once a traditional choice, timber is now at the forefront of modern construction yet knowledge on its benefits, performance and application is still lacking among building professionals. On 14 September 2026, a one-day workshop at the University of Pretoria will bring together some of South Africa’s most respected voices in timber design and construction to share their expertise, experience and practical insights.
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. The programme will host two complementary sessions covering both timber frame and mass timber systems.
Session one — 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 Dr Philip Crafford, TheWoodApp Manager at Stellenbosch University’s Forest and Wood Science Department.
Session two — 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.
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 1 CPD point.
- The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) has accredited it for 1 ECSA CPD point.
- The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) has accredited it for 5 Category 2 CPD hours.
Event details
- Date: 14 September 2026
- Time: 8:30 – 16:30
- Venue: Future Africa Campus, University of Pretoria, South Street
- Cost: R950 (lunch included)
- Bookings: via Quicket
- Booking deadline: 11 September 2026
Places are limited, and built-environment professionals across Pretoria and Gauteng are encouraged to book before the 11 September deadline.
About TheWoodApp
TheWoodApp was initiated to help support the growth and development of a South African wood building culture through online educational resources. The initiative is coordinated by the Department of Forest and Wood Science at Stellenbosch University, with individual online courses developed by a range of subject experts. Financial support from Sawmilling South Africa, the South African Wood Preservers Association (SAWPA) and Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP&M) SETA made the creation of TheWoodApp possible.
Media and booking enquiries
Philip Crafford
Email: pcrafford@sun.ac.za
Source: The Wood App
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