Urging industry to make better use of wood that’s wasted or burned for energy, researchers have released the first structural tests of non-straight, forked and double-curved roundwood logs used as columns. In his mission to normalise the use of ‘misfit wood’, Aalto University architect and researcher Jaakko Torvinen (pictured above) has shown how standard, business-as-usual … [Read more...] about A simple calculation could change the way we use misfit wood
Construction
International project targets future coastal defence standards
As rising seas and extreme weather place growing pressure on coastlines worldwide, researchers at the University of East London (UEL) are launching an international project to rethink how coastal communities are protected. The project aims to help shape future international engineering guidance for coastal infrastructure as climate change increases the risk of storm surges, … [Read more...] about International project targets future coastal defence standards
Inaugural Future Timber Design Awards winners revealed
Forest Industries Ireland (FII) has announced the University of Galway winners of the Future Timber Design Awards ─ a new initiative supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The awards were developed by FII to promote sustainable and innovative timber construction and design by bridging academic learning with real-life application for undergraduate … [Read more...] about Inaugural Future Timber Design Awards winners revealed
Regional funding to train new engineering talent and boost housebuilding across the UK
The UK government has announced that £96million will be allocated to train new talent and build more homes, creating tens of thousands of placements on building sites across the country to plug skills gaps and boost housebuilding. Among the initiatives to be funded are plans for new qualifications in construction design, engineering design and engineering manufacturing. The … [Read more...] about Regional funding to train new engineering talent and boost housebuilding across the UK
Project to explore impact of extreme temperatures on housing and health
A new research project led by the University of Strathclyde will examine the impact of extreme temperatures on public health, housing quality and the economy. The STARPOL (Socio-Spatial Thermal Justice) project will combine architectural, engineering, psychological, legal and genetic knowledge to shape new, improved strategies and policies for the housing and public health … [Read more...] about Project to explore impact of extreme temperatures on housing and health