Future Framing Initiative: Transforming the Future of Timber Construction Across Australia
25th February 2026
By Future Framing Initiative
Australia’s timber industry has taken a major step towards reshaping the future of lightweight timber construction with the launch of the Future Framing Initiative (FFI) in March 2025. This national collaboration is designed to streamline compliance, reduce costs, and expand the opportunities for timber framed buildings up to 15 metres high, creating simpler pathways for builders, designers and manufacturers to adopt modern timber construction systems at scale.
The initiative is led by Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) and supported by a Project Management Committee chaired by Ian Tyson. A specialist Technical Committee is driving the development of new standards, recommending updates to existing ones, and overseeing a coordinated suite of research projects. Member companies contributing to this work represent a broad cross section of the industry. These include AKD, Dindas, Hyne Timber, Multinail, MiTek, OneFortyOne, Meyer Timber, Pryda, Stora Enso, Timberlink, Timber Truss, Wesbeam, and Wespine.
Addressing Compliance Bottlenecks
At present, any project that exceeds the limits of AS 1684, typically buildings over two storeys or many non-residential structures, requires project specific engineering. This creates additional cost, complexity, and delays, and often discourages the use of timber in mid-rise or commercial construction where it could otherwise be highly competitive.
The FFI aims to eliminate these barriers by supporting the creation of prescriptive, codified design solutions that can be directly referenced by building regulators. These provisions will allow more schools, offices, industrial buildings and multi residential projects to use lightweight timber framing without needing bespoke engineering on every job. The outcome: faster approvals, lower design costs, and a clear compliance pathway for builders and designers.
Developing New Standards for a Growing Market
A major focus of the initiative is the development and refinement of standards that govern lightweight timber framing. The first new standard underway is the Multi storey Lightweight Timber Framing Design Standard, which will extend design guidance beyond the scope of AS 1684. Work has also commenced on two supporting standards, Design Criteria and Building Practices, to create a unified and practical design framework.
In addition, significant revisions have been proposed to AS 1720.1, the primary timber design standard. The proposed updates, submitted to Standards Australia’s TM 010 committee, will help facilitate multi storey timber framing across all building classes. Key proposed changes include:
• Detailed connection design methods to support modern construction approaches.
• A new seismic design section, including simplified methodologies.
• Restructuring the document with national appendices to create a joint AS/NZS standard.
Evidence-Based Research and Testing
A strong evidence base is essential to ensure that the new and updated standards reflect both safety and performance requirements. This research effort is being advanced through the AFWI Productivity Project, and a suite of targeted research programs.
Current research streams include stud distortion and restraint, safe work considerations, offsite detailing, composite panel behaviour, shear wall performance under wind and earthquake loads, and staple capacity testing.
As findings are validated, they will be incorporated into the evolving standards framework, ensuring all design guidance remains robust, practical and evidence‑based.
Building a Stronger Future for Timber
The Future Framing Initiative represents a significant opportunity to improve productivity, reduce compliance burdens, and expand timber’s role in midrise and commercial construction. By combining industry expertise, coordinated research and targeted standards development, the initiative is laying the groundwork for a modern, scalable and competitive future for timber construction across Australia.
For more information visit the FFI webpage or contact the FFI team here.
