As timber projects grow in scale and complexity, effective moisture management, fire performance and durability are essential. Hear from industry experts through technical presentations and practical case studies, exploring proven strategies across design, specification and construction.
About the event
Timber Performance in Practice: Moisture, Fire and Durability in Modern Timber Buildings is a practical WoodSolutions seminar designed to help built environment professionals confidently deliver high-performing timber projects.
Bringing together industry leaders, technical specialists and project practitioners, the seminar will explore the real-world challenges and opportunities associated with moisture management, fire performance and durability in modern timber buildings. Through expert presentations, project case studies and industry discussion, attendees will gain practical knowledge to support better design decisions, reduce project risk and improve long-term building performance.
Who should attend?
Whether you're designing, specifying, approving or delivering timber buildings, this seminar will provide valuable insights for:
- Architects
- Engineers
- Certifiers
- Builders and contractors
- Developers
- Project managers
- Government representatives
- 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