Following the success of the event in Newcastle in December, WoodFest has brought its focus on health and well-being, low carbon, circular economy, building performance, offsite construction and modular design to Sheffield this month.
The month-long event, which is organised by Wood for Good, is featuring wood in design and construction throughout Sheffield and Yorkshire. The programme includes an exciting line-up of events, seminars, exhibitions and challenges celebrating the versatility and sustainability of building with wood. Partners include: Arnold Laver; Bereco; Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber; Halliday Clark Architects; IstructE; JELDWEN; Paul Testa Architecture; PEFC UK; Sheffield University and TRADA.
“WoodFest Sheffield offers a fantastic opportunity to bring all those involved with the built environment to explore what can be achieved when we work together,” said Christiane Lellig, Wood for Good campaign director.
“Each event is a chance to learn and share about the use of timber in architecture, particularly around health and well-being and offsite construction. It provides a platform to discover what’s happening in the region and to be inspired by timber design.”
WoodFest kicked off on February 7 with Small Project/Big Challenge, an evening seminar with sustainability-focused Sheffield architects Paul Testa Architecture and Jon Carr Structural Design along with Sheffield University. They discussed design and structural challenges with examples including the multi-award-winning Hen House.
On February 8 and 9 TRADA will run its annual student challenge at Sheffield University for students of engineering, architecture, architectural technology, quantity surveying and landscape architecture. Judged by high profile engineers, architects and quantity surveyors, multi-disciplinary teams will compete in an intense 48-hour challenge to design an exemplary student accommodation building predominantly from timber.
On February 21, Sheffield-based consultancy, Ollio and experts from the Kollider projects will host a healthy building evening seminar along with a networking and drinks reception.
A tour of the production facilities of timber door, window and stair manufacturer JELD-WEN will take place at 10am on February 28. This will offer the opportunity to see first-hand how timber doors are made in the company’s Sheffield factory, from the timber arriving on-site through to the finished product leaving for distribution. The tour will include a presentation followed by a drinks reception for all attendees.
Also on February 28, the PEFC will deliver a lunchtime CPD to explain how to procure sustainable timber and timber from sustainably managed forests. Managing forests in a sustainable way is vital to protect important ecosystems, reduce the impact of climate change and to preserve plant and animal species for the future.
Further events include window specialist Bereco hosting a CPD session on noise and health in the build environment at its Sheffield showroom. There will be a behindthe- scenes tour with Sheffield timber merchant Arnold Laver including a networking lunch, followed by an afternoon CPD. Visitors will have the opportunity to see Lavers production facilities, including roof truss manufacturing and its treatment plant.
Striking examples of great architecture and design, such as the Hunt House – featured in The Modern Timber House in the UK book, will offer visits focused on sustainability and well-being within the Sheffield region. This will be followed by an exhibition and further evening event on offsite construction and modular design at The Arts Tower.
To book your place, find out more details, confirm dates and see further added events, keep checking the WoodFest Sheffield web page.
