InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM hosted the Hardwood in construction: A path to sustainability and climate adaptation (HICAP) project partners meetings, held 4-6 March 2026.

Dr. Matthew Schwarzkopf, InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM researcher opened the first day by presenting the HICAP project objectives and ongoing activities. He guided the partners through the InnoRenew CoE building and laboratories.

Participants also included Dr. Mohammad Derikvand, InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM  researcher, Mr. Marko Vouk from Stilles CLOT (Slovenia), Dr. Vjekoslav Živković and Dr. Andrija Novosel from Faculty of Forestry and Wood Science, University of Zagreb (Croatia), Dr. Jan Tippner and Dr. Rupert Wimmer from Mendel University in Brno (Czech Republic) as well as Dr. Igor Viszlai and Dr. Peter Balogh from Slovak National Forest Centre – Centre of Excellence LignoSilva (Slovakia).

The next day they discussed recent research developments, potential collaboration opportunities and upcoming Horizon Europe proposal calls of interest. Partners also reviewed the consortium composition, identified missing expertise and defined next steps and project activities.

During the visit they toured also the Servite Monastery in Koper as a potential demonstration site.

The meeting continued at the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, where participants presented their latest research activities, showcased model houses built from alternative wood resources and concluded with a collaborative brainstorming session.

The HICAP project brings together research and industry partners to use hardwoods like beech and oak in sustainable construction. The team adapts wood processing and treatment methods for hardwoods to reduce reliance on spruce and develop climate-friendly building solutions.