Think Global,
Act Local
Each of Timber Design Initiatives Ltd’s core services is grounded in the philosophy ‘think global, act local’, an approach it has embraced in order to translate the company’s awareness of advances in the world of timber research, design and construction into more local applications in the various European markets it works within. The aim always is to find opportunity for timber processors and product manufacturers to adapt emerging scientific and technological advances to their domestic construction market requirements and, where possible, to locally source the specific raw materials required. Complementing this ambition is the company’s goal of providing Europe-wide professional education and technical advice services to architects and engineers with a view to inspiring them to fully engage with new timber technologies in their design thinking.
Knowledge Transfer
With its focus on innovation, the sharing of internationally-generated ideas and knowledge through a structured approach to Knowledge Transfer is fundamental to the work and success of Timber Design Initiatives Ltd. Through its ongoing programme of conferences, lectures, presentations, seminars and workshops for its target audience of architects and engineers, the company brings together key players in the manufacturing and construction sectors to share their experience of the processes and timescales involved and the obstacles to be overcome in taking first ideas through to market reality. The methodology employed aims to draw out new thoughts and possible solutions to contemporary challenges, whether in the housing or other sectors, and to filter these ideas into applied research and development projects attractive to both industry funders and related government/EU support programmes.
The international environment in which we work
The first two decades of the 21st century have so far witnessed remarkable and significant changes in the construction industry - changes that have impacted internationally - and none more so than in the way new and advanced timber technologies have altered perceptions of how, and what, can be built with engineered timber and other timber-based products and systems. Engineering and scientific developments have also combined to reposition the Earth’s forest resources within the wider drive to sustainably manage the planet’s raw materials. In this context wood, as the primary renewable building material available to us, has huge potential to play a leading role in the construction industry’s engagement in the growing drive to implement Circular Economy principles across all industrial sectors.