WoodSolutions presents Timber Performance in Practice: Moisture, Fire and Durability in Modern Timber Buildings

Timber Performance in Practice: Moisture, Fire and Durability in Modern Timber Buildings is a practical industry seminar presented by WoodSolutions and hosted by Timber Queensland, bringing together leading experts and practitioners to address the performance challenges shaping modern timber construction.

As timber buildings continue to grow in scale and complexity, understanding moisture management, fire performance and durability has become critical to achieving compliant, resilient and high-performing project outcomes. Through technical presentations, case studies and industry discussion, the seminar will explore proven approaches to design, specification, construction and long-term building performance. 

OPEN TO DESIGN & BUILD PROFESSIONALS 

If you’re involved in design, specification, certification, construction, development or project management, this seminar is for you. We welcome architects, engineers, certifiers, contractors, developers, project managers, government representatives and industry stakeholders.

 CPD POINTS AVAILABLE

EVENT AGENDA

13.30 – 13.50

Registration

Supplier showcase.

13.50 – 14.00

Welcome and opening

Mick Stephens, CEO, Timber Queensland

LIGHTWEIGHT TIMBER FRAMING

14:00 – 14:30

Condensation, Moisture and Durability: Preventing Failure in Timber-Framed Buildings

Condensation and moisture-related failures are emerging as one of the biggest risks in Australian residential timber construction, particularly as homes become more airtight and energy-efficient.

Key topics

• NCC condensation and moisture provisions

• Vapour-permeable versus vapour-impermeable membranes

• Airtightness and ventilation strategies

• Managing moisture in wall and roof cavities

• Weatherproofing and flashing details

• Preventing mould and timber decay

• Lessons from moisture failures in housing

  
  

Vaimiti Rigal, Technical Consultant Engineer, Timber Queensland

14:30 – 15:00

Fire Safety in Timber-Framed Buildings: Understanding the Systems Behind Compliance

Many practitioners still misunderstand how fire performance is achieved in timber-framed buildings. Performance is largely determined by the complete wall and floor assembly, not the framing material alone.

Key topics

• Fire performance of timber-framed assemblies

• NCC compliance pathways

• Fire-rated wall and floor systems

• Fire stopping and penetrations

• Party walls and multi-residential applications

• Common compliance mistakes

Dr David Morrisset & Dr Anwar Orabi, UQFire

15.00 – 15.30

Afternoon tea

Supplier showcase.

MASS TIMBER BUILDINGS

15.30 – 16.00

Keeping Mass & Pre-Fabricated Timber Dry: Moisture Risk Management from Design to Completion

Moisture exposure during construction is now recognised internationally as one of the most critical durability risks for mass timber projects. Proper planning, monitoring and protection strategies are essential.

Key topics

• Moisture risk assessment

• Construction-stage weather exposure

• Temporary protection strategies

• Wetting and drying behaviour of CLT / Glulam

• Moisture monitoring technologies

• Managing mould, staining and decay risks

• Case studies from completed projects

• Contractor responsibilities and quality assurance

  
  

Dr Marcus Strang, Technical Lead (Passivhaus) at HIP V. HYPE

16.00 – 16.30

Fire by Design: Understanding the Real Fire Performance of Mass Timber

Mass timber fire behaviour remains one of the most misunderstood topics in the construction industry. The session will address both misconceptions and emerging regulatory requirements.

Key topics

• How mass timber behaves in fire

• Charring and residual structural capacity

• CLT and glulam fire performance

• Exposed timber design considerations

• Connection and fastener protection

• Regulatory limitations and approvals

• Performance-based fire engineering

• Lessons from recent fire testing and projects

  
  

James O’Neill, Director, Carbon Fire Engineering

CONNECTIONS

16.30 – 17.00

The Weakest Link: Connections, Interfaces and Construction-Stage Risk

Whether a building is lightweight timber-framed or mass timber, failures frequently occur where materials, systems and trades meet. This session examines the industry's most common moisture and fire vulnerabilities, focusing on connections, penetrations, interfaces and construction-stage risks.

Key topics

• Moisture risks at penetrations, junctions and connections

• Fire performance of connectors, cavities and concealed spaces

• Managing moisture and fire risk during construction

Sebastian James, Engineer, Rothoblaas

17.00 - 18.00

 Networking Function & Supplier Showcase

 Canapes and Beverages

Event Exhibitors

Presenting Partner

Proudly presented in partnership with WoodSolutions, helping architects, engineers, designers, builders and other industry professionals make informed decisions when designing and building with timber. Through technical guidance, education, case studies and expert resources, WoodSolutions supports the confident and effective use of timber in the built environment

OTHER EVENT INFORMATION

Interested in exhibiting at this event? See Sponsor guide here.

For further questions please contact Clarissa Brandt, General Manager Strategic Relations & Communications - clarissa@timberqueensland.com.au

Terms & Conditions - Payment, Bookings & Cancellation

• Program subject to change

• If you are unable to attend this event we will provide a 100% refund up to 7 days prior to event. Notification of cancellation must be received in writing to admin@timberqueensland.com.au.

Architects, engineers and project teams - DO YOU WANT MEMBER PRICING?

Register as a member through Timber Queensland’s Building Professionals Technical Subscription Service to unlock discounted event pricing—plus ongoing access to expert technical advice, design resources and industry insights. Join now

Event Photography & Filming

We may be taking photographs and filming during this event for promotional and communication purposes. By attending, you consent to the use of any images or recordings in which you may appear across our website, social media, publications and other marketing materials.

If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please let a member of our team know upon arrival and we will do our best to accommodate your request.