Training > CPD for construction professionals > CPD topics for architects 2008
Photo courtesy of the Wood Awards
photographer John Wilkie
The one hour session will be held at your premises and the talk will be delivered by one of TRADA Technology's professional consultants with qualifications including architecture, building technology and wood science.
Lunchtime slots are available, but are limited due to high demand. We do however deliver seminars in the morning or afternoon.
We will endeavour to fulfil your choice of time and topic, but we cannot guarantee to do so.
The talks can be delivered free of charge to groups comprising a minimum of 10 professional staff. For smaller groups a charge of £30 + VAT per head will be made for each unused place (i.e. if only 8 staff attend on the day then the charge will be £30 + VAT x 2).
We encourage smaller groups to get together wherever possible and will endeavour to assist in finding other companies in your locality.
One free seminar is available per practice per location.
If you would like to book a session or have any questions, please contact Janet Cooke by email at
This presentation considers the advantages of using timber for structure, and for other components in today's architecture. It establishes the principles of good practice in design and specification and illustrates the points using examples of recently completed projects.
2. The Code for Sustainable Homes
The new Code for Sustainable Homes was published by the government in December 2006 and becomes effective in England (only) from April 2007. The government has stated that it wants all new homes to achieve zero carbon rating status by 2016. This talk introduces delegates to the requirements of the Code.
3. Getting the best out of timber
This presentation aims to increase the delegates' confidence and ability to specify timber correctly by providing greater understanding of the properties and behaviour of timber and illustrating how these influence design, specification and performance.
4. Achieving durability by design with timber construction
Equips delegates with the ability to define performance and maintenance expectations and then to detail and specify timber construction elements appropriately. Illustrated with examples including some of TRADA's own designs.
Timber cladding provides an attractive and durable finish to buildings but these attributes will only be realised through understanding and adoption of appropriate design principles and material selection. Provides guidance on alternative forms, design best-practice and selection of suitable species.
6. Building sustainably with timber
Explains the fact and fiction surrounding the environmental credentials of timber. Provides the information needed to distinguish genuinely sustainable, certified forest products such as those complying with Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forestry Certification (PEFC) requirements.
7. Environmental awareness & timber products
This talk discusses the environmental issues surrounding climate change and greenhouse gases and how forests and timber products act as a carbon sink and a carbon store. It provides comparisons with other materials by considering production and lifecycle emissions and is supported by data and information from a variety of European authorities.
8. Timber in older buildings
An overview of the historic use of timber in construction and the challenges facing the designer in restoring and upgrading structural timbers using modern low intrusion methods.
9. Decorative timber flooring
Covers design, material specification, preparation, finishing treatments and maintenance requirements to ensure good long-term performance of decorative flooring.
10. Wood windows - design & specification
Establishes the principles of good design of wood windows in the UK. The talk aims to assist architects in the design of specific windows for prestige projects or in selecting commercially available standard windows and includes appropriate details for their installation into buildings.
11. Timber decking - design & specification
Establishes the principles for achieving maximum durability through design and specification, including how to choose timber species and the requirements for preservation treatment. Covers statutory requirements plus connections, fixings and finishes. Looks at maintenance issues and case studies on design projects.
