Looking to dive into topics that can enhance your projects (and make your clients happier)? Thermory USA has teamed up with AEC Daily to offer three free, on-demand courses for architects, designers, contractors, dealers, and distributors.
Our courses combine practical know-how, sustainability insights, and a touch of Nordic wisdom. Whether you’re curious about thermally modified wood, inspired by sauna culture, or exploring biophilic design, these CEUs are designed to help you expand your knowledge and enrich your projects. And did we mention they’re free?
Here’s a deeper look at each of our current offerings:
1. Using Thermally Modified Wood in Building Design
If you’ve ever specified wood for an exterior project, you know the challenges: warping, shrinking, swelling, pests, constant maintenance. Enter thermal modification. This course unpacks the science behind the process and why thermally modified wood is one of the smartest material choices for modern building design.
What you’ll learn:
- The thermal modification process – Developed in Finland in the 1990s (though the Vikings had their own fiery version centuries earlier), this process uses only heat and steam to transform ordinary wood into a durable, dimensionally stable product.
- Sustainability advantages – No chemicals are used, which makes thermally modified wood safer to handle, more eco-friendly, and easier to dispose of responsibly.
- Real-world applications – From exterior cladding and decking to saunas and even underfloor heating, thermally modified wood performs beautifully in diverse environments.
- Performance benefits – Enhanced stability, resistance to moisture, improved insulation, reduced heat absorption, and a rich, natural tone that rivals tropical hardwoods.
This course is ideal for those wanting to specify wood that looks great, lasts longer, and helps meet sustainability goals without compromising on design.
2. Saunas: Combining Modern Technology with Nordic Traditions
Saunas represent more than just wellness—they’re steeped in centuries of cultural tradition and designed for connection, relaxation, and renewal. This course explores how to bring authentic Nordic sauna design into modern spaces, while also considering durability, sustainability, and customization.
What you’ll learn:
- History & cultural roots – Discover why saunas have been central to life events and daily rituals in Nordic countries for more than 2,000 years.
- Types of saunas – From barrel and square models to modular systems and fully custom builds, you’ll gain insight into what makes each option unique.
- Health & wellness benefits – Learn how regular sauna use can reduce stress, improve circulation, aid recovery, and support mental well-being.
- Design considerations – Explore finishing options, biophilic principles, and how thermally modified wood provides both beauty and long-lasting performance in high-heat, high-humidity environments.
By the end, you’ll know how to design saunas that are not only functional but also meaningful, creating spaces that blend wellness with timeless style.
3. Biophilic Design: Contributions to Green Building Certifications
Biophilic design is much more than a catchphrase—it’s a growing movement that recognizes our innate need to connect with nature. This course explores how integrating natural materials and patterns into buildings supports human health, well-being, and productivity while helping projects meet major green building certifications.
What you’ll learn:
- Origins of biophilic design – From the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to modern-day WELL and LEED frameworks, see how the idea of living with nature has evolved.
- Health benefits – Evidence shows that exposure to natural materials and environments can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost cognitive function, and even improve recovery times in healthcare settings.
- Practical applications – Learn how to integrate wood, natural light, vegetation, and views of the outdoors into your designs in ways that feel authentic and intentional.
- Certification pathways – Understand how biophilic strategies can contribute to LEED® v4.1, WELL Building Standard™ v2, the Sustainable SITES Initiative® v2, and the Living Building Challenge.
If your goal is to create projects that are healthier, more sustainable, and more appealing to occupants, this course gives you the framework to make it happen.
Why Choose Thermory’s CE Courses?
- They’re free. No fine print, no catch.
- They’re flexible. Learn online, anytime— CEUs on your schedule.
- They’re practical. Each course gives you takeaways you can apply to real projects right away.
- They’re relevant. From sustainable wood products to wellness spaces and biophilic design, our topics are designed for today’s design challenges.
So whether you’re checking off continuing education requirements or simply feeding your inner design nerd, Thermory’s AEC Daily courses are a smart (and enjoyable) choice.👉 Start learning today: Explore Thermory USA Courses on AEC Daily
Image Credits: Elvo Jakobson. Mayne Marketing. Jeanett Teigen
