Australian Timber Design Competition 2025
Showcase your innovative design, connect with Country, and rethink sustainable construction for a global audience at the World Conference on Timber Engineering 2025.
The Competition
The Athletes Village is a pivotal element of the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Games, providing housing and facilities for athletes from around the world. This design competition invites architecture, engineering and wood sciences students to conceptualise a sustainable and innovative timber design for the village, utilising principles of sustainability, connection to Country, adaptability and "construct to deconstruct”.
Design teams will receive mentoring from timber industry and design professionals. Students will have access to educational timber design resources. The competition provides students with a unique educational opportunity and brings together a diverse and interdisciplinary collective of researchers, industry partners, and other relevant stakeholders across the timber industry supply chain in Australia. The competition will promote awareness of and engagement with the use of timber in building design and opportunities that exist for the 2032 Games.
Who can enter:
- Open to 3rd-year and 4th-year university students in:
- Engineering
- Wood science
- Other timber-focused programs
- Open to Master’s students in:
- Architecture
- Related disciplines
- Open to Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students in a related field
- Recent graduates may be considered on a case-by-case basis
What’s required?
A design submission, technical report, video presentation, and (for finalists) an A0 poster.
Timeline at a glance:
| Expressions of Interest Open | ||
| Teams assigned and announced | ||
| Final submissions due | ||
| Finalists announced for WCTE attendance and poster presentation | ||
| Attend WCTE in Brisbane (Including welcome, conference, Gala dinner) | ||
25 June | Winning team announced at WCTE Gala Dinner |
Prizes and recognition:
Finalists
All the applicants will be judged according to the judging rubric. Up to three finalist teams of four applicants will receive a $1,500 cash bursary to cover travel and accommodation as well as sponsorship for attendance at the World Conference on Timber Engineering 2025 in Brisbane (Including welcome, conference, Gala dinner).
Overall
The judges will determine an overall winning team. The overall winners will be presented with an award at the World Conference on Timber Engineering 2025 Gala dinner, and a featured video outlining their project. An article of recognition on the WoodSolutions website, a social media campaign to promote their team design across WoodSolutions channels, article released to forest and timber industry media, article released to Architecture, Design, and Engineering media, an article featured on the WoodSolutions Architecture&Design page, and a $1,000 cash prize per team member.
Why enter?
- Hands-on learning opportunity
- Industry mentorship
- Exposure to innovative concepts
- Career advancement
- Networking and industry access
- Financial support
- Portfolio and resume enhancement
- Cross-disciplinary experience
Submission requirements
- Design Submission
- Each submission must include architectural drawings (hypothetical ‘Village’ site plan, floor plans, sections, elevations), 3D renderings, and a detailed narrative describing the design concept, connection to Country, and principles of construct to deconstruct.
- Technical Report
- Brief report (max 10 pages) outlining how the design addresses key principles, the structural system, material choices, and sustainability strategies.
- Presentation
- 5-minute video submission, highlighting key aspects of the design and its potential impact.
- Poster (finalists only)
- Finalists will also be required to provide a digital A0 poster (portrait) of the design submission, which will be printed on their behalf, for display at the World Conference on Timber Engineering 2025 Poster Sessions.
Support and resources
Once you've submitted your Expression of Interest, you will receive an email including the full competition details and requirements in the Student Information Pack.
Time commitment suggestions
From 24 Feb (launch) to 2 May (deadline), students have 10 weeks.
- Week 1-3 (Ideation & Research) → 5-8 hours per week
- Week 4-7 (Design Development & Technical Report) → 10-15 hours per week
- Week 8-9 (Final Refinements & Video Presentation) → 15-20 hours per week
- Week 10 (Final Touches & Submission) → 20 hours
💡 Total Estimate: ~100-150 hours over 10 weeks
👉 Weekly: ~10-15 hours on average, ramping up towards submission
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can enter the competition?
This competition is open to:
- 3rd-year and 4th-year students in engineering, wood science, or timber-focused programs
- Master’s students in architecture and related disciplines
- Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students in a relevant field
- Recent graduates (considered on a case-by-case basis)
2. Can I enter as an individual or do I need a team?
Entrants will be assigned to interdisciplinary cross-institutional teams of up to four members by the organising committee. Teams will include a mix of disciplines, and only one HDR student is allowed per team.
3. How do I register?
Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form by 10 March 2025. The organizing committee will announce teams by 14 March.
4. What do I need to submit?
Each submission must include:
- Design Submission (Architectural drawings, 3D renderings, and a narrative)
- Technical Report (Max 10 pages on concept design, cultural context, structure, and sustainability)
- Presentation (5-minute video highlighting key aspects)
- Finalist Poster (A0 poster for display at WCTE 2025)
5. When is the submission deadline?
All entries must be submitted by 12pm noon (AEST) on Friday, 2 May 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
6. How much time should I expect to dedicate to this competition?
On average, students should expect to spend 5-15 hours per week depending on the phase of the competition. Time commitment may increase as the submission deadline approaches.
7. Will I receive mentorship?
Yes! Each team will have access to industry mentors who will provide feedback and answer technical questions. Teams are responsible for scheduling and leading their mentor meetings.
8. Are there any learning resources available?
Yes. Participants will have access to:
- Educational timber design resources
- A webinar series
- Links to First Nations engagement protocols and timber design tools
9. What can I win?
Up to three finalist teams will receive:
- $1,500 bursary for travel and accommodation
- Sponsorship to attend WCTE 2025 (includes welcome, conference, and gala dinner)
The overall winning team will receive:
- An award presented at the WCTE Gala Dinner
- A featured video showcasing their project
- Recognition on the WoodSolutions website and social media
- Coverage in industry media (architecture, design, and timber sectors)
10. What is "construct to deconstruct"?
It refers to designing modular, adaptable buildings that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and repurposed for future use, reducing waste and maximising sustainability.
11. How does this competition connect with the 2032 Games?
Participants will design a sustainable Athletes’ Village concept that meets the needs of athletes while prioritising environmental and cultural sustainability. This competition is concept design only though and will not be constructed for the Athletes Village.
