The eye-catching feature on TRADA’s stand was a striking plywood pavilion which, like a Russian doll, contained other miniature timber building models within it.
The main structure was the winning entry, by design undergraduate Christian Spendier, in TRADA’s inaugural student design compeitition, run in conjunction with Oxford Brookes university and Timbmet, and the smaller models were some of the other entries.
Part of the idea was to highlight the creative potential of timber, but the main aim was to focus visitors on TRADA as an information and technical resource for the construction sector and, in particular, its developing role in providing advice and educational material to universities and colleges.
“Our university engagement manager Andy Pittman is liaising with architectural and engineering departments around the country,” said TRADA marketing manager Rupert Scott. “We’re working with them to develop bespoke timber modules that fit in with their specific curriculums and want to help establish timber advocates among teaching staff.”
TRADA had invited 150 lecturers from around the country to visit Ecobuild to find out more about its teaching resources and also see latest timber products and construction systems at the show. The organisation also wants to spread its student design competition to more colleges, in association with other timber industry sponsors.
At the show, it was also organising hourly visitor tours of key timber and wood products displays.
