Timber Construction Course for Housing Associations

Climate action is needed now: start building responsibly with timber

 

Timber construction is gaining momentum rapidly – and for good reason. Wood is a sustainable and circular building material that stores CO₂, is highly suitable for prefabrication, and contributes to comfortable and healthy homes.

For housing associations, timber construction offers significant opportunities. At the same time, it requires a well-considered approach and collaboration with the right partners. During this course, you will gain all the knowledge needed to act successfully as a client in timber construction projects..

Course topics

  • Availability of timber

  • Best practices

  • Laws and regulations

  • Architecture & health

  • Timber construction techniques

  • Building physics

  • Tenants

  • Costs

  • Windows, façades and balconies

Who should attend?

This course is designed for strategy‑level and project‑level professionals, including:

  • Project leaders and development managers

  • Directors and senior advisors at housing associations

  • Asset managers and portfolio strategists

  • Policy and sustainability leads

  • Public‑sector and municipal housing professionals

The course is non‑technical by design: no prior expertise in timber construction is required. The emphasis is on decision‑making, commissioning and collaboration, not engineering calculations.

About the course

    • In‑person delivery in the Netherlands

    • Interactive group size (12–20 participants)

    • Case‑based discussions grounded in social housing practice

    • Optional site visit to a timber housing project or production facility

    • Space for dialogue on risks, doubts and organisational barriers

    The course encourages peer learning and reflection on participants’ own projects and strategies.

  • The course consists of interconnected modules that can be delivered in one or multiple sessions:

    1. Why build with timber?
      Climate impact, circularity, carbon storage and forest value

    2. Timber construction systems
      Timber frame (HSB), CLT, hybrid solutions and building physics

    3. Architecture, health and wellbeing
      Biophilic design and indoor environmental quality

    4. The tenant perspective
      Expectations, communication and living in timber homes

    5. Rules and regulations
      Fire safety, legislation and national differences

    6. Costs and affordability
      Initial costs, TCO, social costs and future developments

    7. Successful commissioning
      Procurement strategies, collaboration and scaling up

  • The course materials are fully adaptable to different national contexts. Regulations, procurement systems and market conditions differ across countries — and the course is designed to reflect that.

    For organisations outside the Netherlands, the HOME for the future team can:

    • Support local trainers or partners

    • Assist with adapting the course content

    • Provide guidance through online Teams sessions

    • Share experience from over 100housing organisations already involved

Interested in the course?
Interested in the course?

“Timber construction is not a goal in itself. Choose the right material in the right place.” 

 Dick van Ginkel, TBI Woonlab