Timber-clad glamping units set among mature trees at Qurtuba.

Research · knowledge · built applications

New possibilities for reclaimed pallet timber.

The Timber Institute is a public platform for documenting and advancing reclaimed pallet timber. Its first body of built prototypes comes from Qurtuba Precinct in Johannesburg.

Explore the Institute View prototype library

Material enquiry

One reclaimed material. Many built applications.

Discarded pallets are deconstructed into stringers and blocks, then explored through stacking, infill, cladding and block arrangements. The Institute brings this evolving body of knowledge into public view through built work, photography, renders and written documentation.

Founding prototype library

Built evidence from Qurtuba.

The founding collection records reclaimed pallet timber across hospitality, workplace, community and design settings.

Architectural render of a timber glamping unit set among planting.

Qurtuba ResortGlamping UnitsA diamond-on-diamond hospitality prototype combining steel, brickwork and reclaimed pallet-timber stringers.

Architectural render of a multi-storey timber office building with large glazed openings.

Qurtuba PrecinctSponge Bob OfficesA cube-shaped, double-volume office prototype with stacked timber stringers, generous glazing and a prominent timber stair.

Front architectural render of Baytul Arqam with stone base walls and a timber entrance canopy.

Qurtuba PrecinctBaytul ArqamA musallah at Qurtuba Resort where stone, steel, stained glass and reclaimed timber meet in one interior.

Founding address: Qurtuba Precinct in Linbro Park, Johannesburg.

Named prototypes in the current public record.

Documented application techniques: stacking, infill, cladding and block arrangements.