The Center for Timber Innovation in the Built Environment at the University of Washington advances the understanding and adoption of mass timber as a sustainable, carbon-smart building material. Through interdisciplinary research, hands-on learning, and community partnerships, CTIBE drives innovation that supports both resilient communities and the natural systems that sustain them.
With Washington’s forests at a crossroads, responsibly managed second- and third-growth softwoods can provide affordable, climate-smart solutions for our state’s growing housing and infrastructure needs.
Download the CTIBE Two-Pager (PDF)
Our Work
Research
The center unites experts across disciplines to advance timber innovation in response to housing and climate challenges.
Education
CTIBE prepares the next generation of sustainable-building leaders through interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on learning.
Community-Engaged Action
We partner with communities, Tribal Nations, municipalities, and producers to link forest management with sustainable development.
Research
The center unites experts across disciplines to advance timber innovation in response to housing and climate challenges. Our work focuses on:
- Designing and testing next-generation timber assemblies and systems.
- Partnering with industry and public agencies to expand use of mass timber across the Pacific Northwest.
- Producing applied research that supports broader adoption in housing and infrastructure.
Education
The center prepares the next generation of sustainable-building leaders through interdisciplinary coursework, design studios, and hands-on fabrication. Students gain direct experience in:
- Design, construction, forestry, and policy integration.
- Real-world projects and career pathways within the mass-timber sector.
- Collaboration across disciplines to strengthen Washington’s timber workforce.
Community-Engaged Action
CTIBE partners with communities, Tribal Nations, municipalities, and producers to link forest management with sustainable development. Engagement opportunities include:
- Site visits, tours, and community events.
- Collaborative projects that bridge research and practice.
- Education grounded in place—connecting people, landscapes, and design.
Shared Values
- Climate-sensitive innovation and collaboration.
- Interdisciplinary research and openness to diverse perspectives.
- Equitable, community-focused engagement.
- Partnerships across academic, professional, Tribal, and civic sectors.
Join Us
Rooted in the University of Washington’s legacy of innovation, CTIBE brings together the College of Built Environments, the College of the Environment, and the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences to lead the next generation of timber research and education.
Contact
Tyler Sprague
tyler2@uw.edu
Savannah Ledgerwood
ledges@uw.edu