Organisers of this year’s Wood Awards are delighted by the standard of this year’s entries. Entries closed at the end of May for this highly celebrated award scheme which recognises excellence in architecture and design in wood. Amongst the 200 or so entries across the entry categories were some respected names in the architectural world including Foster and Partners and Alison Brooks Architects.
Commenting at the judging day at Carpenters’ Hall, Giles Downes, Chairman of the Judges, spoke about the fact that the entries continue to be of a very high standard. He said: “Each year the quality of the entries is extremely impressive, and this year is no exception with a very wide range in the commercial and public access category, as well as a fine range of private houses, revealing the continuing design trend for timber cladding and interiors for the home”.
The Commercial & Public Access category formed the largest of the five building categories and attracted projects from swimming pools to grand castles. Interestingly, supermarkets were a recurring theme with ASDA, Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores all featured amongst this year’s line up. Giles says that this reflects the growing appeal of timber in an increasingly environmentally conscious world. “It was particularly interesting to see three supermarkets with structural timber frames entered this year. With the wide spans required for supermarkets, the use of timber structures is new to this type of building, reflecting the growing requirement and willingness of supermarkets to use sustainable materials in their construction.”
The quality of the furniture submissions was also high. Semi bespoke furniture designer/maker Philip Koomen and Lowther Fine Furniture’s offerings featured amongst a whole host of submissions from emerging and established furniture talent.
Furniture judge Luke Hughes commented on the outstanding range of innovative ideas from some new names in the industry. He said: “There are some really exciting entries this year; gratifyingly original pieces, some intriguing and well-executed ideas and, best of all, some promising new names”.
The judging panel, including RIBA Journal’s Hugh Pearman, Hopkins’ Jim Greaves and Alan Johnson of English Heritage, is gearing up for a busy summer of judging trips across the length and breadth of Britain.
The official shortlist will be unveiled at 100% Detail on 18th September in London. For further updates and more information please visit www.woodawards.com.
Photography and images
High resolution digital images are available from Lauren Wyper by calling 020 7738 1900 or emailing [email protected].
The Wood Awards 2008
The Wood Awards aim to recognise, encourage and promote outstanding design and craftsmanship in wood in buildings and furniture made in Britain.
Sponsors of the Wood Awards 2008 are the American Hardwood Export Council, Carpenters Company, Forestry Commission, wood for good, British Woodworking Federation, English Heritage, The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, Malaysian Timber Council, Timber Trade Federation, TRADA, BRE, ConFor, Historic Scotland, Institute of Carpenters, Institute of Wood Science, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, UKFPA, Western Red Cedar Export Association.