Building Solutions for a Changing World
The UW Center for Timber Innovation in the Built Environment envisions a future where locally sourced, carbon-smart timber helps build more sustainable, resilient communities.
Through interdisciplinary research, hands-on learning and community partnerships, we advance timber as a powerful solution to housing, climate and economic challenges. Our work strengthens both the built environment and the natural systems that support it.
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From forest to building: UW launches Center for Timber Innovation
The University of Washington has launched the Center for Timber Innovation to advance sustainable timber construction through research, hands-on learning and partnership.
The launch also marked the inaugural Washington Timber Forum.
Where timber innovation takes shape
The Center expands timber innovation at the University of Washington through three connected areas: Research, Education and Community-Engaged Action.
Research
The Center brings together diverse expertise to advance timber solutions for Washington’s housing and climate needs. Our interdisciplinary research spans carbon, efficiency, sustainable forestry, seismic performance, material innovation and more.
Education
We offer learning experiences that prepare students to lead in sustainable building. Through coursework and hands-on practice, students engage with timber systems in design, fabrication and performance.
Community-Engaged Action
The Center partners with communities across Washington to explore how timber can support more resilient and inclusive development. From forest to fabrication, students and collaborators engage the full lifecycle of timber.
From ideas to application
Ideas have greater impact when they can be tested, taught and put into practice.
The Center connects research with hands-on learning and real-world application. A question can begin with a material study, develop through design and testing, and grow into a prototype, installation or new building solution.
Why timber innovation matters
Washington’s forests, communities and building industry are all facing change. Thoughtful forest management and timber innovation can help turn renewable resources into climate-smart building solutions while supporting local economies and more resilient communities.
We explore timber as part of a connected system. Forest stewardship, material sourcing, fabrication, design and construction all shape what is possible. Understanding those connections can lead to healthier forests, stronger communities and better ways to build.
Built for collaboration
The future of timber cannot be shaped by one discipline alone. The Center creates connections across the University of Washington and with partners beyond campus.
Researchers, students, designers, engineers, foresters, fabricators and community partners bring different perspectives to the same questions. Working together makes it possible to explore ideas across the full lifecycle of timber, from forest to building.
Work with us
Partnership fuels progress. Bring a research question, share your expertise, support student learning or help create new opportunities for timber innovation.