Egurtek, the International Forum on Wood Architecture and Construction, is preparing for its 11th edition, having established itself as a key event for the sector worldwide. Following the success achieved in 2024, the event will return to the BEC to reaffirm its commitment to promoting wood as a key material in combatting climate change and as a driver of innovation in sustainable building.

This forum continues to be a strategic meeting point for sharing experiences, fostering synergies and promoting the use of timber as a key factor in reducing the carbon footprint. A highlight is its cutting-edge series of talks, which will bring together renowned figures from the global architecture scene to present their most notable works, offering a unique perspective on the innovations and trends shaping this field.

Throughout its history, the Congress has featured speakers such as Shigeru Ban, Cazú Zegers, Michael Green, César Portela, Lone Wiggers, Alex de Rijke, Janne Kantee, Andrea Deplazes, Gion Caminada, Mikio Tai, Julius Natterer, Iñaki Aspiazu, Andrew Waugh, Georg W. Reinberg and Bernardo Bader, amongst others. Aware of architecture’s transformative role, many of the proposals presented place social and individual well-being at the heart of the architectural project. The 2024 edition featured presentations by David Chipperfield, Pritzker Prize winner, Philippe Madec, Anne Cecilie Haug, Beñat Saratxaga and José Toral.

Meanwhile, the Technical Talks, organised by Baskegur, the Basque Wood Association, will address critical issues for the sector’s future. At the same time, the Expo Zone will showcase the most cutting-edge solutions and the latest market trends. This space will once again host the Innovation Workshops, where exhibiting companies will showcase their most innovative products and services in areas such as engineering, structural software, interior design and sustainable construction.

Finally, as one of the forum’s key highlights, a special ceremony will be held to present the Egurtek Awards, which recognise the best projects in various categories: building, interior design, product design, the special BOIS/EGURRA/MADERA (BEM) awards and dissemination, as well as a special recognition for local timber (Basque Quality). The deadline for submitting entries is 4 May 2026 at 12:00 noon, and entries must be submitted online. Full details of the rules and participation are available on the official website: https://egurtek.bilbaoexhibitioncentre.com/premios/premios-egurtek-2026/.

Egurtek is organised by Bilbao Exhibition Centre and is supported by the Basque Government’s Department of Food, Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries as an Institutional Partner, as well as through the collaboration of Infoedita, the Bilbao School of Engineering/University of the Basque Country, Baskegur and the Official Association of Architects of the Basque Country and Navarre.