Timber-Strong Design Build

Each year we participate at PSWS (Pacific Southwest Symposium) in April. For each competition we design and construct a small wood frame house to meet the given specifications. For example, one year we were required to design the roof to resist a lateral seismic load of 350 pounds per linear foot, design a roof beam that cantilevers four feet and can resist a vertical point load of 135 pounds, and design for other specifications such as windows. Scoring points are divided between strength and durability analysis, sustainability, construction, presentation and display board, and creativity/aesthetics.

The UCLA Timber Design Build team at PSWS 2025 after completing the build!

After the structure has been designed, we begin to cut the raw materials to prefabricate and assemble the walls. On the day of competition, we construct the roof and nail the plywood to the frame, load the structure, and give a presentation aided by our poster.