A biologist turned architect, Steven Ware leads ArtBuild’s internal biomimetic design lab and has overseen numerous pioneering mass timber and sustainable construction projects across Europe. He will provide an overview of the challenges and opportunities of timber construction in Belgium.
A leading figure in contemporary timber construction, Oskar Norelius will present the innovative approach of the Scandinavian firm through inspiring projects, including Stockholm Wood City, a 250,000 m² mass timber development – the most ambitious of its kind worldwide.
Marc Lafont will share the committed vision of WO2, a French developer specialising in low-carbon construction technologies and a pioneer in CLT mass timber development in France.
10–14% of greenhouse gas emissions are directly linked to a building’s structural choices. Drawing on experience from hundreds of projects, Benoit Hargot will provide unique insight into the evolution of timber construction in Belgium, from early experiments to today’s mature practices.
Through innovative and ecological construction methods, Prefabois is a leader in off-site modular construction in Belgium. This approach allows for controlling 70% of housing construction costs and reducing build times by 20–60%. Laurent Riche will present JengaNest, a modular, sustainable, and eco-efficient housing concept designed to adapt to the evolving needs of residents.
Decarbonising architecture is no longer optional; it is one of the major challenges of our time. With the construction sector accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, the choice of materials and methods has never been more crucial. In this context, wood stands out as a flagship of bio-based materials. Despite its favourable carbon footprint and the obvious advantages of off-site methods, its potential remains largely underexploited, especially in Belgium, where the sector remains fragmented, political will is weak, and timber use is still cautious.
Once a year, Woodtopia invites participants to explore and decode the field. By bringing together speakers from different backgrounds, the conference aims to explore opportunities, understand obstacles, and highlight initiatives that can evolve construction practices.
Continuing the spirit of Lunch with an Architect, we aim to inspire the sector, build bridges, and foster collective reflection on timber construction.
Date
Thuesday 13 January 2026
Time
from 17 until 19.00, followed by drinks
Place
Flagey, place Ste Croix à 1050 Ixelles
Price
68 € excluding VAT
Woodtopia is a private initiative made possible by the commitment of partners who wish to promote sustainable architecture.
