8 February - 8 April 2027

Sustainable modular housing systems: Structural applications of poplar wood (II) micro-credential

From sustainable design to real construction detail. Take modular housing one step further through applied design, structural thinking and practical workshop experience.

The micro-credential focuses on the structural use of poplar wood in sustainable modular housing systems. It covers the mechanical and structural properties of poplar wood, structural design principles, sustainable construction systems and the use of locally sourced materials.

Itl expands the knowledge acquired in MC1 through hands-on, practice-oriented learning focused on sustainable and context-sensitive building techniques. 

It develops technical competencies in structural systems and sustainable construction using locally sourced materials, particularly poplar wood, and combines online design work with field visits and an on-site workshop in Granada.

The programme develops the project initiated in MC1 through an online phase with design sessions, expert-led seminars and cross-disciplinary reviews, followed by an on-site phase in Granada. This includes field visits to poplar groves, the historic San Isidro Sugar Mill production facilities and the University of Granada timber laboratories, as well as a hands-on workshop on construction detailing, prototyping, mock-ups, physical models and material testing. Assessment is based on online design development, on-site workshop performance, a final project portfolio and a final presentation.

Objectives

  • Expand the knowledge acquired in MC1 through hands-on, practice-oriented learning focused on sustainable and context-sensitive building techniques
  • Develop technical competencies in structural systems and sustainable construction using locally sourced materials, particularly poplar wood
  • Strengthen collaboration between academia, industry and international institutions through fieldwork and applied design projects

Learning outcomes

  • Apply principles of sustainable design to real structural systems and materials
  • Evaluate and select locally available materials for modular housing applications
  • Develop architectural and engineering projects to the construction detailing phase
  • Integrate environmental, technical and social considerations
  • Work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams to deliver practical, research-informed outcomes

Target audience profile

The micro-credential is primarily directed towards students with a technical background, but it is also open to participants from other disciplines with a strong interest in sustainable construction and applied, interdisciplinary learning.

Admission requirements

Priority will be given to applicants who have successfully completed MC1: Sustainable Modular Housing Systems: A Multi-Perspective Approach. 

The course is primarily aimed at students with a technical background, although participants from other disciplines may apply if they have a strong interest in sustainable construction. 

Up to 10 students from outside Granada may be accepted to ensure cultural diversity and multidisciplinary balance.

Teaching dates

  • Part 1 (online): 8 – 19 February 2027
  • Part 2 (on-site): 6 – 8 April 2027

Mode of delivery

Online and on-site

Number of ECTS

4 ECTS. Total student workload: 100 hours, including 40 contact hours and 60 independent work hours.

Language(s) of instruction

English

Participating institutions

University of Granada and University of Graz

Teaching staff involved

  • Coordination: Mercedes García de Quesada (University of Granada)
  • Module for project design: Ignacio de Teresa (University of Granada), Julius Ott and Ralf Aschemann (University of Graz)
  • Project-based MODHO: Ignacio de Teresa, Antolino Gallego, Javier Ordóñez and Manuel Carpio (University of Granada)

Call published on 30 Jul 2026
Newsletter

Don’t miss any news, calls or opportunities from Arqus.
Subscribe now! The future begins today.

    Subscribe


    You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us.

    We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

    Controller: University of Granada (as Coordinator of the Arqus European University Alliance). Legal basis: Arqus is entitled to process your data under the provisions of Article 6.1. (a) of the GDPR: “the data subject has given consent to the processing of his or her personal data for one or more specific purposes”. Purpose: to manage your subscription to mailing lists and to periodically send you the requested information by electronic means. Recipients: Mailchimp. Rights: access, object, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, data portability. Additional information here.

    Select our profile:

    Apart from the general information, what specific news would you like to receive from Arqus?

    Controller: University of Granada (as Coordinator of the Arqus European University Alliance). Legal basis: Arqus is entitled to process your data under the provisions of Article 6.1. (a) of the GDPR: “the data subject has given consent to the processing of his or her personal data for one or more specific purposes”. Purpose: to manage your subscription to mailing lists and to periodically send you the requested information by electronic means. Recipients: Mailchimp. Rights: access, object, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, data portability. Additional information here.

    Arqus
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.