Over the last nine years since its re-launch, the projects entered in the Wood Awards competition have ranged from exquisitely designed and executed staircases and furniture to iconic public buildings from the UK’s leading architectural practices. As Britain’s premier architecture and furniture competition celebrating excellence in design and craftsmanship using wood, the aim of The Wood Awards is to recognise, encourage and promote outstanding design, craftsmanship and installation in wood. Previous high profile Gold Award winners include the Weald and Downland Museum by Edward Cullinan Architects, Norwich Cathedral Visitors Centre by Hopkins Architects, Pinions Barn by Simon Conder Associates, The Savill Building by Glenn Howells Architects and last year, the Rothschild Foundation by Stephen Marshall Architects.
In 2012, the Wood Awards Call for Entries will be launched at an 80m2 stand at Ecobuild in March, and the 2012 Shortlist will be showcased at Timber Expo in Coventry in September, alongside a unique programme of seminars and talks supported by TRADA on a selection of the competing projects vying for a top spot in this year’s milestone competition.
The timber industry’s sustainability and promotion campaign, Wood for Good, has this year become a lead sponsor of the Wood Awards, alongside long standing supporters the American Hardwood Export Council and the Carpenters’ Company.
John Kissock, chairman of Wood for Good, said that the Wood Awards provides an unprecedented platform to showcase some of the most creative and imaginative ways to use wood. He said: “The Wood Awards are an ideal vehicle for us to help promote both the practical and innovative applications of timber to as wide an audience as possible. There are clear synergies between the core principles of the Awards scheme and our focus on driving demand for wood and wood products by highlighting the versatile, practical and sustainable qualities in a wide range of uses.”
Other sponsors include American Softwoods and TRADA. These awards continue to provide a unique and exciting opportunity to see some of the very best in today’s buildings and furniture. Full details can be found on www.woodawards.com.