The record 232 entries received for The Wood Awards 2004 represents a “huge vote of confidence for wood by the architectural profession”, according to chairman of the judges Giles Downes.
Mr Downes, of Sidell Gibson Architects, described entries as of a high standard and said photography of the shortlisted projects will make an impressive display when they go on tour.
He added: “It is also notable that softwoods, hardwoods and sheet materials are all well represented from the homegrown British forest industry and from overseas suppliers.”
This year’s response beats the 208 received last year, when the awards were relaunched.
Award organiser Turnstone Communications said the high level of entries and the exhibition of shortlisted entries would further raise interest in the awards, which it described as the “pre-eminent event for wood in architecture and joinery”.
A shortlist of projects has already been drawn up and final judging will take place soon. The shortlisted entries will be displayed at several events before the awards ceremony at Carpenters Hall, London, on October 19.
Display locations include architectural show 100% Detail at Earls Court on September 23-25; the annual conference of the Institute of Wood Science in Birmingham on September 30; and Woodmex at Birmingham NEC on October 10-13, where the display will be funded by the Amercian Hardwood Export Council.
The event covers use of timber in construction, renovation and general joinery.
