THE TIMBER TRUTH
Foreword
The Timber Truth is both a reference and a call to action, an open dialogue led by Pablo van der Lugt based on latest insights from industry and academia alike. The book tackles sixteen enduring misconceptions, from questions of strength, fire and durability to forestry, economics and climate. It also transparently addresses some of the over-optimistic myths surrounding modern timber construction. Enriched with practical insights from the most recent and innovative mass timber projects across Europe, it offers the much-needed knowledge base that allows policymakers, investors and builders to act with conviction, not caution.
The climate emergency has forced us to rethink not only what we build but also how we build, and why. Timber offers us a route forward: a regenerative, circular approach that reconnects architecture with living systems while decarbonizing the act of construction itself. Dispelling myths is a crucial first step towards that transformation.
We know how to build better. This book reminds us why we must.
Andrew Waugh
Table of contents
- Building quality and performance
- Environment and climate
- Forestry and availability
- Economy and market
The Author
TEDx speaker, author and architectural engineer dr. ir. Pablo van der Lugt obtained his PhD at Technical University Delft in 2008 for his research about the environmental impact (LCA) of engineered biobased materials. Since then he has been active in the mass timber industry as senior consultant on the themes sustainability, circularity and biobased building, ever maintaining a connection with the academia through Delft University of Technology as guest lecturer / researcher, see profile.
Van der Lugt is the author of several popular books on biobased building, including the best-seller Tomorrow’s Timber (2020), also translated to Dutch and Spanish, and the fully revised version of Booming Bamboo (2024). He regularly publishes his research findings about timber construction and biobased materials in popular magazines and scientific journals and conference proceedings (his full publication list can be found here).
He is a highly demanded speaker following several formats, ranging from TED and Pecha Kucha talks, to keynote presentations at high-level international conferences, including the International Climate Conferences in Paris (COP 21), Katowice (COP 24) and Glasgow (COP 26) and PEFC Tomorrow’s Timber Talks (since Autumn 2020). See his speakers profile through professional speakers agency Speakers Academy here.
Publication Information
ISBN: 978-90-83429-3-1-1
Paperback: 128 pages
Published: November, 2025
Available in: English
Edition: First Edition
Publisher: Jeroen van Oostveen
Tomorrow’s Timber Talks
The Tomorrow’s Timber Talks are an initiative of our partner PEFC to inspire architects, designers, construction developers, builders and policymakers to update on the latest developments with wood and wood products for construction.
The Tomorrow’s Timber Talks workshops can be provided at your office or, if desired, at another location. Talks are given by wood-biobased experts Dr. ir. Pablo van der Lugt (TU Delft / Green Matters) and ir. Atto Harsta (Aldus bouwinnovatie / Bouwcampus).
The Timber Truth
What we can do for you
Be amazed about what Timber can do for you! We are happy to share our knowledge and network with you towards a more sustainable world.
The Timber Truth Lecture
The Timber Truth Exhibition
Timber Consultancy
