THEORY IN PRACTICE – TIMBER WORKSHOP FOR EDUCATORS
An immersive timber construction experience for U.S. tenure‑track educators
Travel reimbursement will not be provided to participants who cancel or do not attend.
This 3-day workshop offers a unique blend of theory and hands-on practice. Every practical step is paired with clear, in-depth explanations, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of how CLT and glulam structures are designed and built.
Designed specifically for U.S.-based tenure-track architecture, engineering, and construction management faculty, the program provides educators with the knowledge needed to integrate mass timber concepts into their courses and research.
Hosted at Rothoblaas headquarters in the heart of the Italian Alps, a region with a long-standing tradition in timber construction. This immersive experience allows you to explore the full potential of modern timber systems and bring essential know-how back to your students.
CONTENTS
During the course, we will assemble a full-scale section of a timber building, from foundations to roof structure. Each practical phase is complemented by targeted theoretical sessions, providing essential knowledge on structural behavior and the principles of thermal and moisture performance in timber construction.
This integrated learning approach ensures a deep understanding of both design and execution challenges.
In addition to the practical and theoretical modules, the program includes technical visits, such as a guided tour of the Rothoblaas automated warehouse, the first self-supporting mass timber warehouse in Italy.
- Installation phases through the construction of a full-scale mock-up
- Traditional and innovative connections
- Case studies and site visits
- Principles for building envelope to ensure airtightness and waterproofing
AUDIENCE
This workshop is open exclusively to faculty members from accredited architecture, engineering, and construction management programs in the United States.
It is specifically designed for pre-tenure and tenure‑track faculty, including those who will begin a tenure‑track position shortly before or after the workshop.
ELIGIBILITY AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
Faculty members in accredited U.S. programs in architecture, civil engineering, or construction management
Pre-tenure and tenure‑track faculty, including those beginning a tenure‑track position shortly before or after the workshop
Interest in integrating mass timber topics into teaching and/or research and/or relevant experience
Building or research projects related to timber or sustainable construction
Institutional diversity: no more than two participants per university
A maximum of 30 participants will be selected. If applications exceed capacity, a waitlist will be created.
SPEAKERS
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Andrea CremoniniRothoblaas
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Roberta GottardiRothoblaas
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Walter CorradiniRothoblaas
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REGISTRATION
Choose the option that suits you
The complete experience is sponsored by "Think Wood", a program funded by Softwood Lumber Board.
COMPLETE EXPERIENCE | SPONSORED BY "THINK WOOD"
Free
TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT
"Think Wood" will sponsor travel expenses up to maximum 750 USD per participant.
Rothoblaas will collect all reimbursement requests, which must be submitted using the official expense form provided by Rothoblaas and supported by valid receipts.
Additional personal expenses (e.g., extra hotel services, personal purchases, extended stays,...) are not covered.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Application deadline: May 7, 2026
Notification of selected participants: by maximum May 14, 2026
Deadline for selected participants to confirm attendance: by May 20, 2026
22nd JUNE
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See plan sent by email
BUS DEPARTURE FROM MILAN MALPENSA AIRPORT
MXP at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM | LIN at 12:00 AM | VCE at 12:00 AM | BZO at around 7:00 PM -
Before dinner
HOTEL CHECK-IN
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7:30 PM
WELCOME DINNER AT "PIZZERIA AURA"
Within walking distance from the hotels: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zVxw2efDapkXggZVA
23rd JUNE
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08:05 AM
DEPARTURE FROM HOTEL TO ROTHOBLAAS HEADQUARTERS
Hotel Elefant at 8:05 – bus stop of hotel Mühle / Hotel Amadeus at 8:10 – in front of the hotel -
08:40 - 09:00 AM
PRESENTATION OF THE COURSE
Ing. Sara Belleri - Rothoblaas
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09:00 - 09:45 AM
THE POTENTIAL OF CLT
Material characteristics, production, and site organizationIng. Leonardo Silvestri - Rothoblaas
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09:45 - 10:30 AM
GROUND CONNECTIONS FOR CLT BUILDINGS
Design and installation of the ground connectionIng. Leonardo Silvestri - Rothoblaas
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10:30 - 10:45 AM
COFFEE BREAK
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10:45 - 11:45 AM
LAB - INSTALLATION OF THE GROUND CONNECTION
Structural connection to concrete with steel plates and aluminum profileUwe Amplatz - Styxworks , Ing. Sara Belleri - Rothoblaas
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11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
THE HANDLING OF STRUCTURAL TIMBER ELEMENTS
Advantages, resistances and mistakes to avoidIng. Alessandro Notari - Rothoblaas
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12:30 – 01:30 PM
LUNCH BREAK
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01:30 - 02:15 PM
LAB - INSTALLATION OF THE GROUND FLOOR STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Connection of timber walls and columnsUwe Amplatz - Styxworks , Ing. Sara Belleri - Rothoblaas
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02:15 - 03:00 PM
CONCEALED CONNECTIONS FOR TIMBER STRUCTURES
Correct detailing, minimum distances, installation techniques and resistancesIng. Nicolò Leccardi - Rothoblaas
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03:00 – 03:15 PM
COFFEE BREAK
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03:15 - 03:45 PM
LAB - INSTALLATION OF TIMBER FLOOR AND ACOUSTIC PROFILES
Uwe Amplatz - Styxworks , Ing. Sara Belleri - Rothoblaas
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03:45 - 04:15 PM
LAB - INSTALLATION OF THE FIRST FLOOR AND ROOF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Uwe Amplatz - Styxworks , Ing. Sara Belleri - Rothoblaas
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04:15 - 04:45 PM
PREVENTIVE MEASURES ON FALL PROTECTION
Introduction to fall protection systems and PPIAndrea Cremonini - Rothoblaas
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04:45 - 05:05 PM
MENTOR INSIGHT: EMBODIED ENERGY IN CONSTRUCTION
The greenest building is the one that is already builtProf. Paul Crovella - State University of New York
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05:05 - 05:20 PM
REST AND PREPARE FOR THE HIKING
Bring comfortable clothes and shoes -
05:20 PM
TRANSFER TO THE DINNER EXPERIENCE
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06:30 PM
MOUNTAIN WALK AND NETWORKING DINNER IN A TRADITIONAL ALPINE HUT
IsiHütte: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wzEP2tXgMADbMMcUA
24th JUNE
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08:05 AM
DEPARTURE FROM HOTEL TO ROTHOBLAAS HEADQUARTERS
Hotel Elefant at 8:05 – bus stop of hotel Mühle / Hotel Amadeus at 8:10 – in front of the hotel -
08:40 - 09:40 AM
BUILDING ENVELOPE: WATERPROOFING AND AIR TIGHTNESS OF TIMBER BUILDINGS
Hygro-metric design, correct choice of membranes and tapesIng. Francisco Rodríguez Bejarano - Rothoblaas
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09:40 - 10:30 AM
LAB – MONOLITHIC AND MICROPOROUS MEMBRANES
Ing. Francisco Rodríguez Bejarano - Rothoblaas
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10:30 - 10:45 AM
COFFEE BREAK
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10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
ACOUSTICS IN TIMBER STRUCTURES
Ing. Daniele Cunego - Rothoblaas
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12:00 - 12:40 PM
INTRODUCTION TO FIRE BEHAVIOUR IN TIMBER BUILDINGS
Reaction and resistance to fire, residual section, active and passive protectionIng. Francisco Rodríguez Bejarano - Rothoblaas
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12:40 - 01:30 PM
LUNCH BREAK
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01:30 - 02:30 PM
CORRECT DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF STEEL-TO-TIMBER CONNECTIONS
Humidity and wood swelling: risks and solutions for steel-to-timber connectionsIng. Alessandro Notari - Rothoblaas, Ing. Andrés Reyes García - Rothoblaas
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02:30 - 03:00 PM
LAB - QUALITY CONTROL
Visit to the research and development laboratory with practical demonstrationWalter Corradini - Rothoblaas
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03:00 - 03:15 PM
COFFEE BREAK
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03:15 - 04:00 PM
NEW HORIZONS: HYBRID STRUCTURES
Exploring theory and experiencing a real-scale model in the showroomIng. Ernesto Callegari - Rothoblaas
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04:00 – 05:00 PM
CASE STUDIES IN NORTH AMERICA
Detailing challenges and timber-hybrid potentialIng. Ermanno Acler - Holzpak Engineering
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05:00 - 05:20 PM
MENTOR INSIGHT: EXPLORING TIMBER ARCHITECTURE POTENTIAL
Project and design approach at Shigeru Ban ArchitectsArch. Laura Britton - The Cooper Union | Shigeru Ban Architects
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05:20 - 05:40 PM
MENTOR INSIGHT: MASS TIMBER CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
PhD. George Berghorn - Michigan State University
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05:40 - 06:00 PM
MENTOR INSIGHT: RESILIENCE IN TIMBER
Concepts, tools and case studiesIng. Alessandro Palermo - University of California - San Diego
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06:00 - 06:20 PM
MENTOR INSIGHT: STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE IN TIMBER ENGINEERING
Ing. Weichiang Pang - Clemson University
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06:30 PM
TRANSFER TO THE RESTAURANT
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06:45 PM
NETWORKING DINNER IN A TYPICAL LOCAL RESTAURANT
Tschurschkeller: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oYYrpMpu19UQwiq5A
25th JUNE
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08:05 AM
DEPARTURE FROM HOTEL TO ROTHOBLAAS HEADQUARTERS
Hotel Elefant at 8:05 – bus stop of hotel Mühle / Hotel Amadeus at 8:10 – in front of the hotel -
08:40 - 09:40 AM
DESIGN FOR DURABILITY: WALL-TO-WINDOW DETAIL
Types and solutions for proper design of waterproofing, airtightness, and thermal insulationIng. Alessandro Dauriz - Rothoblaas
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09:40 – 10:30 AM
LAB - DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF THE WALL-TO-WINDOW DETAIL
Ing. Sara Belleri - Rothoblaas, Ing. Alessandro Dauriz - Rothoblaas
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10:30 – 11:00 AM
COFFEE BREAK
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11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
ACADEMIC WORKSHOP: INCORPORATING TIMBER INTO YOUR TEACHING
Participants will develop a framework for integrating a timber construction-related topic into a future classIng. Sara Belleri - Rothoblaas, Roberta Gottardi - Rothoblaas, Arch. Laura Britton - The Cooper Union | Shigeru Ban Architects
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12:30 – 01:30 PM
LUNCH BREAK
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01:30 – 03:00 PM
VISIT AND TECHNICAL EXPLANATION OF ROTHOBLAAS AUTOMATED WAREHOUSE
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03:00 – 03:30 PM
DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES AND COURSE CLOSURE
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03:30 - 03:45 PM
TRANSFER
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03:45 – 05:00 PM
VISIT TO A TIMBER RESEARCH FACILITY
CNR-IBE: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AHsKFbmMet5ws76A8 -
05:00 - 05:15 PM
TRANSFER
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05:15 - 06:45 PM
WINERY VISIT AND TASTING OF LOCAL WINES
Cantina Dorigati: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ePA4oCp8uj7ePone6 -
06:45 - 07:00 PM
TRANSFER
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07:00 PM
VISIT TO A TRADITIONAL TAILOR'S SHOP AND NETWORKING DINNER
Amalia Pernter 1896: https://maps.app.goo.gl/E52p9DwjW9q3uK5H8
26th JUNE
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08:25 AM
CHECK-OUT FROM HOTEL AND TRANSFER
Hotel Elefant at 8:25 – bus stop of hotel Mühle / Hotel Amadeus at 8:30 – in front of the hotel -
09:30 AM
VISIT OF A CLT FACTORY
Xlam Dolomiti: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hKJfmdbwwudY1ddf8 -
11:00 AM
TRANSFER TO AIRPORTS
Estimated arrival time at airports: VCE 12:33 / VRN 12:45 / LIN 14:01 / MXP 14:50