If ever evidence were needed that timber has become a major part of today’s architecture, it’s provided by the annual Wood Awards.
This year’s event saw a record-breaking 222 entries from a broad spectrum of applicants, ranging from leading national architectural and design practices to smaller bespoke joiners and furniture makers, and the 31-strong shortlist was unveiled at the 100% Detail exhibition on September 20.
Performing the honours was Matt McGrory, from Glenn Howells Architects, whose Savill Building scored a hat-trick at last year’s Wood Awards, scooping the top Gold Award along with both the Commercial & Public Access and Structural categories. “Winning the Gold Award was the first recognition of what is proving to be a popular and critically acclaimed building, and most recently we’ve made the shortlist for the Stirling Prize,” said Mr McGrory. “Winning the Wood Awards was just the start of great things for us and I hope it will also be for these projects.”
The projects were selected by a panel of independent architectural, design and wood specialist judges, across the five main award categories (the aforementioned, plus Private and Furniture) and the four, discretionary, special awards – Offsite Manufacturing Project, Small Project, Best Use of British Timber and Innovation.
The various entries showcase both native and exotic timber species and feature wood in both traditional and engineered forms. From the multi-coloured RSPB Environment and Education Centre, to the painstaking restoration of the mediaeval doomboard at St James Church, the shortlist encapsulates the very best in wood design and craftsmanship.
“The sheer diversity of entries using almost every type of wood and wood product continues to surprise,” said judges’ chairman Giles Downes, of Sidell Gibson Architects. “Timber is becoming a staple of the designer’s diet, further securing its place as the environmental and sustainable material of choice, both for architects and clients.”
Wood Awards organiser Michael Buckley agrees that the number of projects entering the competition is a true reflection of timber’s current status. “The Wood Awards used to be held every two years and when we decided to increase its frequency there was some concern over whether there would be enough projects for an annual event,” he said. “The answer is a resounding ‘yes’. We were deluged with entries.”
We only have room here to show you a handful of the shortlisted entries, but to see more, log onto www.woodawards.com. The winners will be announced on October 17 at the presentation ceremony in the Carpenters’ Hall in London.
The Wood Awards are sponsored by The American Hardwood Export Council, BRE, British Woodworking Federation, Canada Wood, Carpenters’ Company, ConFor, English Heritage, Forestry Commission, Furniture Makers’ Company, Historic Scotland, Institute of Carpenters, Institute of Wood Science, Malaysian Timber Council, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, TRADA, Timber Trade Federation, TTJ, UKFPA, Western Red Cedar Export Association and wood for good.
