Wood Awards

✨ The Best Timber Designs Aren’t Just Seen – They’re Remembered ✨ 📢 Entries for the Wood Awards 2025 are officially open! 💚 For over 50 years, the Wood Awards has set the benchmark for excellence in timber architecture and design. This is your opportunity to gain national recognition and be judged by some of the industry's most influential figures. 🏛 Buildings – Assessed by leading architects, structural engineers, and sustainability experts: Jim Greaves, Lead Building Judge (Hopkins Architects), Andrew Lawrence (Arup), David Morley (David Morley Architects LLP), Nathan Wheatley (Engenuiti), Kirsten Haggart (Waugh Thistleton Architects), Jonas Lencer (dRMM), Dr Neil Smith (Max Fordham LLP), Andrew Trotman (Timberwright), and Ruth Slavid (Architecture Journalist). 🪑 Furniture & Objects – Evaluated by top designers, curators, and makers: Sebastian Cox RDI, Lead Furniture (Sebastian Cox Ltd), Caroline Till (FranklinTill), Hugo Macdonald (Critic and Curator), Johanna Agerman Ross (the Design Museum), and Sophie Sellu (Grain & Knot). 🌳 These leading industry figures will personally visit all shortlisted projects, assessing them based on design, craftsmanship, sustainability, and impact. Their collective expertise ensures that only the best in timber design will be recognised and celebrated. 🗓️ The 2025 shortlist will be revealed in early September, leading up to the Wood Awards Shortlist Exhibition at Gallery@Oxo, which will be in partnership with Material Matters during the London Design Festival. Shortlisted projects will receive exclusive invitations to attend the exhibition’s Opening Night and the Wood Awards Ceremony in November at the iconic Carpenters’ Hall. ✅ Free to enter ✅ Open to UK-based projects completed in the last two years ✅ Deadline: 23rd May 2025 ➡️ Could your timber project make the shortlist? Enter today: www.woodawards.com/enter 🤝 The Wood Awards are made possible by our valued industry partners and sponsors, including the American Hardwood Export Council, The Carpenters’ Company, and Timber Development UK. #WoodAwards25 #TimberDesign #Architecture #FurnitureDesign #SustainableDesign #Craftsmanship

🏡 As we prepare to open entries for the Wood Awards 2025, we’re celebrating the incredible projects that showcase timber’s versatility and sustainability. 🌿 Old School House, highly commended in the Private category of the 2024 awards, is a stunning example of how timber can be used to sensitively extend and restore historic buildings. 🌲 Originally built in 1864 as Pitcombe Village School, this Grade II-listed home in Somerset has been given a new lease of life with a contemporary, sustainable extension designed by Bindloss Dawes Architects. 🪵 Clad in homegrown sweet chestnut, the carefully detailed gabled wing replaces an outdated 1970s addition, seamlessly complementing the locally quarried limestone of the original structure. This project highlights timber’s role in: ✨ Conservation-led design – respecting and enhancing heritage architecture 🌱 Sustainable sourcing – locally grown sweet chestnut for durability and beauty 🏗️ Innovative craftsmanship – precision detailing that bridges past and present 💚 The Wood Awards is proud to celebrate projects like Old School House that push the boundaries of timber design. Could your project be next? Entries open tomorrow – stay tuned! 📍 Location: Bruton ✨ Architect: bindloss dawes Architects 🏗️ Structural Engineer: Momentum Structural Engineers 🪵 Wood Supplier: English Woodlands Timber Ltd 🏢 Contractor: Gregory Renovations 🌳 Species: Sweet Chestnut (UK), European Spruce. PEFC and FSC-certified 🔨 Joinery: JC Joinery 📸 Photographer: Francesca Lovene

🚀 One Week to Go – The Wood Awards 2025 Opens on March 5th! 🏆 The countdown is on! ⏳ Entries for the Wood Awards 2025 open in just one week. This is an unmissable opportunity to showcase the very best in timber design, architecture, and craftsmanship. ✨ Why enter? ✅ Prestige – Be recognised in the UK’s leading timber awards. ✅ Exposure – Have your work seen by industry leaders, potential clients, and the public. ✅ Free to Enter – Submit as many projects as you like at no cost! From groundbreaking buildings to exquisite furniture and sculpted objects, the Wood Awards champions design excellence and innovation. With a distinguished panel of judges – including leading architects, designers, and makers – we’re searching for the most inspiring uses of timber. 📅 Mark your calendars! The call for entries opens on Wednesday, March 5th. 🔗 Find out more at woodawards.com and stay tuned for the official launch!

🌳 As we approach the opening of the Wood Awards 2025 next week, we’d like to spotlight one of the key benefits of entering - beyond the prestige and recognition. Many projects submitted to the Wood Awards are featured as case studies by Timber Development UK helping to drive innovation and demonstrate the transformative potential of timber in construction. 🩵 One such example is Koto House, winner of the Research & Innovation Award 2024 at the Wood Awards. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Designed to harmonise with the dramatic landscape of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, Koto House is a sculptural modular home that represents a remarkable collaboration between Koto Design, Hiraeth Architecture, and Unnos Systems. Built using homegrown Welsh timber, the prefabricated modules were constructed in Wales before travelling 570 miles to their final destination on the island. This project exemplifies the power of timber in low-carbon construction, featuring: 🌱 Passive House-level airtightness and insulation 🏗️ Innovative engineered timber box beams for strength and resilience in extreme weather 🪵 Locally sourced materials, including Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce, British Larch, and Oak 🏗️ The modular construction approach allowed the team to overcome the logistical challenges of building in a remote location, delivering a sustainable, high-quality contemporary home that showcases the capabilities of Welsh timber and offsite construction. 🫶🏻 The Wood Awards continues to support projects like Koto House, helping to raise industry standards and inspire the next generation of sustainable timber architecture. 📍 Location: Isle of North Uist ✨ Architect: Koto Design & Hiraeth Architecture 🏗️ Structural Engineer: Paramount Structures Ltd 🪵 Wood Supplier: Unnos Systems 🏢 Contractor: Unnos Systems 🌳 Species: Douglas Fir (Wales), Sitka Spruce (UK), Larch (UK), Oak. FSC certified ⚜️ Interior Design: Koto Living 🔨 Joinery: Kenton Jones Collection 🧱 Cladding and Decking: IRO/BSW Timber 🪟 Architectural Glazing: Spectrum / Internorm UK 📸 Photographer: OLCO Studios 🔗 Download: https://bit.ly/419Ks1n #WoodAwards #WoodAwards25 #TimberInnovation #SustainableArchitecture

✨ The new 2025 series of designTimber coming this week ✨ 🔎 Want to get behind the scenes of some of the UK's most exciting, sustainable timber projects? Explore award-winning timber design with the designTimber webinars! 💡 The 2025 webinar series features a deep dive into the best of recent timber architecture and construction, these talks provide the opportunity to learn directly from leading architects, engineers and specialist contractors behind a variety of buildings, including a selection from the Wood Awards 2024.   👩💻 These free-to-attend webinars are highly recommended for any designers’ continuing professional development (CPD) who wish to build sustainably, using timber. 🪵 They provide strong insights for anyone whose role touches the timber supply chain, from forest to building site – and all points in between. ✏️ Sign up with Timber Development UK to attend the talks for free (attendees need to log in or create a free account) - https://lnkd.in/ehUXUdb7 Scheduled talks (with more to be announced): 🔸NMITE Skylon – 12 February 🔹Old School House – 12 March 🔸WorkStack – 16 April 🔹Koto House – 14 May

🌳 Wood Awards 2025: Call for Entries Opening Soon! 🌳 The wait is almost over! Entries for the Wood Awards 2025 officially open on Wednesday, 5 March, celebrating the very best in timber design, craftsmanship, and innovation. As the UK’s premier award for excellence in wood, the Wood Awards continues to champion outstanding architecture and design - from renowned architects, engineers, and designers to emerging talent and first-time entrants. If you've created a ground-breaking timber structure, an intricately crafted furniture piece, or an innovative wood-based project, this is your chance to gain national recognition and be part of a legacy that shapes the future of wood. 🏆 Why Enter? ✨ National Recognition – Winners and shortlisted projects gain industry-wide exposure and media coverage. ✨ Prestige & Legacy – Join an elite group of designers, architects, and makers shaping the future of timber. ✨ Free to Enter – No fees, just an opportunity to showcase your talent. ✨ Exhibition Spotlight – Shortlisted projects are showcased in a high-profile exhibition, reaching key industry leaders, potential clients, and the wider public. ✨ Judged by Experts – Entries are evaluated by a distinguished panel of independent judges, ensuring a fair and rigorous selection process. 💚 With thanks to our generous sponsors: The Carpenters’ Company, American Hardwood Export Council, and Timber Development UK.

🌟 Wood Awards 2024 – It’s a Wrap! 🌟 What a year it has been for the Wood Awards! In 2024, we celebrated exceptional design and craftsmanship, with an impressive 33 shortlisted projects across both building and furniture categories. Each project showcased the incredible potential of wood as a medium for innovation, beauty, and sustainability. This year, we introduced the Sculptured Objects category in furniture, shining a spotlight on the artistry and creativity behind sculptural wood design. Led by Sebastian Cox Ltd, our new furniture judging panel brought fresh perspectives to the competition, reflecting the dynamic evolution of the design world. Our annual exhibition at Gallery@Oxo returned for its third year, in partnership with Material Matters, providing the public with an opportunity to experience the talent and creativity behind these remarkable projects. The year concluded with a fantastic awards ceremony, where we honoured the best of the best in wood design. A huge thank you to our sponsors: The Carpenters’ Company, American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), and Timber Development UK, for their invaluable support in making the Wood Awards a success. As we close out 2024, we’re already looking ahead to 2025! Stay tuned for the call for entries and exciting updates in the coming weeks. Thank you to everyone who participated, visited, and supported the Wood Awards this year. Let’s continue to celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainability that make wood such a remarkable material. Full article here: https://bit.ly/3WdJdMU

Celebrating the Highly Commended Projects of the Wood Awards 2024 This year’s Wood Awards highlighted the beauty, versatility, and sustainability of timber. Alongside our winners, we proudly showcase the highly commended projects that exemplify exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design. 🌟 Buildings 🌟 Education & Public: Pembroke Mill Lane (Phase 1) by Haworth Tompkins A thoughtful integration of contemporary timber construction into a historical context, with oak, brickwork, and stone creating warm, light-filled interiors. Private: Niwa House by Takero Shimazaki & Old School House by bindloss dawes Niwa House: A tranquil oasis with sunken courtyards flooding a basement with light, showcasing timber’s structural and thermal benefits. Old School House: A sensitive extension using sweet chestnut cladding, blending seamlessly with its historical setting. Small: The Drying Shed Sauna by Built Works A compact woodland retreat using repurposed timber and clever design details, offering durability and harmony with its natural surroundings. Structural: WorkStack by dRMM Cantilevered CLT panels create visually striking, functional spaces with low embodied carbon, demonstrating timber’s potential for urban regeneration. Sustainability: Liberty Woodland School by Wimshurst Pelleriti Timber structures support year-round outdoor education, incorporating reuse of materials, biodiversity, and energy-efficient designs. 🌟 Furniture 🌟 Bespoke: National Portrait Gallery Bench by Jamie Fobert Architects and Benchmark Furniture A beautifully crafted public bench showcasing CNC precision and thoughtful design. Production: Aran by Morgan Furniture A chair celebrating sustainability through cross-industry collaboration and innovative materials. Sculpted Object: Common Ground by Alison Crowther A stunning piece crafted from fallen timber, celebrating the natural beauty of wood. Student: The Red Loop Windsor by Lucy Steward A vibrant design combining comfort and artistry in a dynamic display of craftsmanship. These projects showcase timber’s transformative power, inspiring sustainable practices and pushing the boundaries of design. Congratulations to all involved for their dedication and innovation. 👉 Explore all the winners and highly commended projects on our website: https://bit.ly/4fA8nNu

🌟 Celebrating Exceptional Innovation: Uist House – Research & Innovation Winner 🌟 The Research and Innovation Award is not always given, making this year’s recognition of Uist House truly special. This sculptural modular home exemplifies ground-breaking design, sustainability, and the innovative use of homegrown timber. Why Uist House Stands Out: 🏡 Built for the Outer Hebridean climate, it harmonises with its surroundings overlooking a tidal lagoon. 🌳 Crafted from Welsh Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce, and Larch, it highlights the potential of undervalued UK timbers. 🏗️ Constructed in a Welsh factory and shipped in seven modules, it combines innovation with local craftsmanship. 💡 With low-carbon materials, airtightness, and cellulose insulation, it sets a benchmark for sustainable homes. 🔬 This project supports UK green jobs, sustainable forestry, and the high-value use of homegrown timber. The judges were in awe of the craftsmanship and integrity of the project, stating: "Uist House redefines what modular construction can achieve, combining extraordinary quality, sustainability, and innovation. From the use of undervalued species to the flawless execution, it’s a testament to the future of green design and UK timber." Congratulations to Koto Design, Hiraeth Architecture, and the entire Uist House team for this outstanding achievement! 📖 View the project here: https://bit.ly/3Y6OXrS 🔗 Find out more about the 2024 winners here: https://bit.ly/4fA8nNu 📍 Location: Isle of North Uist ✨ Architect: Koto Design and Hiraeth Architecture 🏗️ Structural Engineer: Paramount Structures Ltd 🪵 Wood Supplier: Unnos Systems 🏢 Contractor: Unnos Systems 🌳 Species: Douglas Fir (Wales), Sitka Spruce (UK), Larch (UK), Oak. FSC certified ⚜️ Interior Design: Koto Living 🔨 Joinery: Kenton Jones Collection 🧱 Cladding and Decking: IRO / BSW Timber 🪟 Architectural Glazing: Spectrum / Internorm UK 📸 Photographer: Olco Studios

🌱 Haileybury SciTech: Highlighting Excellence in Sustainable Design 🌱 The Sustainability Award celebrates projects that push boundaries in environmental responsibility and innovation - and this year’s winner, Haileybury SciTech, is a shining example. Designed by Hopkins Architects, this groundbreaking Science and Technology campus redefines how science can be taught in schools while championing sustainable construction. Key highlights of Haileybury SciTech: 🏫 Integrates a CLT and Glulam framed extension with existing Grade II listed and modern buildings, creating a cohesive campus. 🌳 Fully embraces timber’s structural and thermal properties, with exposed CLT slabs reducing embodied carbon by up to 56% per square metre compared to conventional methods. 🔬 Includes a two-storey Research Building, home to pioneering projects like the prestigious Stan-X project, alongside a three-storey Teaching Building arranged in a linear block. "This well-proportioned CLT building with brick-clad facades integrates old and new buildings, preserving the existing structure. The cloister arrangement improves thermal performance, and the CLT stair with stone slabs is a brilliant feature. With low embodied carbon, ground-source heat pumps, a large array of PVs, and a focus on sustainability, this project is a strong circular economy success." Congratulations to all involved in this transformative project that sets a new standard for sustainable education spaces! 📖 View the project here: https://bit.ly/3Yz7OgJ 🔗 Find out more about the 2024 winners here: https://bit.ly/4fA8nNu 📍 Location: Hertford ✨ Architect: Hopkins Architects 🏗️ Structural Engineer: Integral Engineering Design 🪵 Wood Supplier: B&K Structures, Hanson & Beards Ltd, UKA Systems 🏢 Contractor: KIER Construction 🌳 Species: Spruce CLT (Austria), Spruce Glulam (Germany), American White Oak (USA). PEFC and FSC-certified 🌟 Client: Haileybury 🛠️ CLT Subcontractor: B&K Structures 👷 CLT Engineer: Engenuiti 📸 Photographer: Airey Spaces & Alan Bennett