Timber for Sustainable Cities

The Bahçeşehir University Wood Construction Application and Research Center and the BAU Faculty of Architecture and Design brought together leading figures from the sector, students and professionals at the seminar titled“Fire and Fire-Resistant Timber Structures for Living in Sustainable Cities”.

Held at the Fazıl Say Stage on Bahçeşehir University's Beşiktaş South Campus, the seminar on the future of timber structures, fire safety standards and sustainable solutions was attended by architects, engineers, students and company representatives who design and build timber structures. Representatives of the Finland-based company Nordtreat also attended.

REGULATION BRINGS NEW MOMENTUM TO THE TIMBER CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

Demet Sürücü, Founder and Director of the Bahçeşehir University (BAU) Wood Construction Application and Research Center,stated that the recently enacted regulation on the design, calculation and construction principles of timber buildings is a turning point for the sector. Noting that the BAU Wood Construction Application and Research Center has undertaken the task of bringing together all stakeholders in the sector, Sürücü said: “Our seminar once again proved how important a role the BAU Wood Construction Application and Research Center plays.By strengthening sectoral partnerships, our Center serves as a vital bridge bringing together those who design, build and produce with timber.”.”

BIOBASED SOLUTIONS AND GLOBAL APPLICATIONS

At the seminar,Nordtreat CEO Quiti Kalliopointed out that sustainability is not only about building with timber but also about producing biobased fire-retardant solutions. The company's specification specialistDavid Topple, in his presentation titled “Building on the Beauty of Wood: Case Studies, International Applications,” shared a wide range of global projects, from fire stations in Australia to the renovation of the London Underground.Toppleexplained that these solutions, which preserve the natural texture of timber and increase its fire resistance, are specially developed for different types of timber.Nordtreat Technical Advisor Pekka Hurri, in his presentation “The Clear Choice: Compliance and Functionality of Flame Retardants”, explained fire safety testing standards and regulatory compliance in detail. His remark, “Standards do not limit creativity; they safeguard it,” was applauded by the participants.

Successful timber construction projects carried out in Türkiye were also widely featured at the seminar.Nordtreat Türkiye representative Architect Alper Nemli explained log construction details in light of examples from Finland. Architect Mehmet Kütükçüoğlu, founder of Teğet Architecture,shared the design and construction processes of buildings such as the Çatalhöyük Visitor Center and Sille Primary School.Kütükçüoğlunoted that thanks to these projects, local authorities, particularly in Konya, were convinced about building with timber, enabling many new timber buildings to be constructed in the region.