Next steps in the development of the European Wood Construction Observatory
The European Wood Construction Observatory (EWCO), which is being developed by WoodStock in collaboration with the TIMBERHAUS project, represents a significant step towards consolidating knowledge in timber construction across Europe.
A particularly powerful feature of the EWCO is its dedicated AI chatbot. It allows users to interact with the domain-specific knowledge database. This transforms access to complex and dispersed information: instead of manually navigating extensive documentation, users can ask targeted questions and receive concise, context-aware answers that are supported by relevant sources. The chatbot is built on a robust retrieval framework, which ensures that all responses are grounded in curated and trustworthy information. Importantly, users receive concise references with assigned trustworthiness levels. This allows the chatbot to support users with varying levels of expertise — from researchers and engineers to practitioners and policymakers — making advanced wood construction knowledge more accessible, interpretable, and actionable in everyday decision making.
Currently, significant efforts are focused on integrating EWCO functionalities into a unified web interface. This would offer users a seamless and intuitive landing page. This integration connects various components of the observatory, including project results, the AI-supported knowledge system, and an expanding database of monitored buildings. The platform is further enriched with data sourced from IoT (Internet of Things) devices that were deployed in buildings. Such monitoring enables real data analysis of building performance. In parallel, the EWCO is being extended to include information on relevant research projects and educational opportunities, such as New European Bauhaus Academy courses. Together, these elements position the EWCO not only as a knowledge repository but also as an interactive platform that supports learning, collaboration and innovation across the timber construction community.
The EWCO web service is nearing a key milestone, with public access planned for the summer of 2026. This release will open the platform to a wider audience, inviting professionals, researchers and interested individuals to explore its features and contribute to its ongoing development. Users will be able to test the AI chatbot, browse curated knowledge, and engage with real building data. Their feedback will help refine the system. As EWCO transitions from development to deployment, it aims to become a cornerstone of digital infrastructure for advancing sustainable, knowledge-driven wood construction in Europe. The community is warmly invited to get ready, explore, and actively participate in shaping the future of the built environment.