Another year brings another amazing array of projects demonstrating the best use of wood in British architecture. From 80 entries, after much discussion, the judges shortlisted 20 projects, visiting sites from Ulverston in Cumbria to Mawgan Porth in Cornwall. Choosing seven winners and six highly commended projects was a difficult task because each told its own compelling story. However, the judges’ expertise helped identify winners within each category.
The Urban Nature Project at the Natural History Museum impressed from the start. A travel through geological time delivered the judges to a primeval forest and other outdoor living galleries. It was half term and the area bustled with children. Sitting calmy within this setting were two new buildings, at one with the landscape and complementing the Waterhouse masterpiece behind. The project exemplifies environmental sensitivity and is a masterclass in timber detailing. Likewise, New Wave House – a beautifully detailed rooftop extension to an existing industrial building – demonstrates how reuse and circular economy principles can add genuine value to a commercial scheme. Chowdhury Walk showcases the meaningful use of CLT to deliver high-quality social housing in London, setting a precedent for sustainable, council-led schemes.
Paradise, a low-rise office building, is expertly resolved from both structural and fire perspectives, integrating a mass timber building within a complex site. The Cowshed and Pine Heath highlight how sensitive timber design can revitalise existing buildings. The former jacks up the historic timber frame to its original position, creating a beautiful home within. The latter refurbishes a modernist townhouse to impeccable standards and significantly improves its energy performance.
Sitting in a woodland setting at Houghton Hall, The Armadillo is a thought-provoking demonstration piece combining an elegant, acoustically driven form with material and design innovation. It explores demountable construction and inventively uses a Eucalyptus top layer to test durability. Rafter Walk’s red curving deck provides a popular pedestrian connection that winds across the newly created wetland area within the Canada Dock Basin. The sinuous design skilfully evokes memories of dock rafters shepherding Baltic deal planks for transport out onto the Thames.
The judges praised the commitment of Historic England, the London Borough of Havering and National Highways for their support in restoring the marvellous 15th century Upminster Tithe Barn, not only the restoration of the timber structure but also for funding an impressive new thatched roof. In Suffolk, a cruciform brick construction forms the backbone of Amento: a private house sitting sensitively within its landscape setting.
In Cambridge, Young’s Court Development, part retrofit and part new build, transforms a service yard and car park into a new quarter for Emmanuel College, while Walworth Town Hall has used mass timber to rescue and reimagine a fire-damaged civic building in south London. In Cumbria, the Farmers’ Arms Cold Food Store unveiled a story of community effort, pursuit of craft skills and collaborative production.
Selecting our winners was a challenge, and I would like to thank all the judges for their time and dedication. Their commitment is vital in upholding the rigorous integrity of these awards. My thanks also go to all our winners, commended teams, and entrants for sharing their passion for timber and outstanding achievements with us. Together, they remind us why this remarkable material remains at the heart of innovative, sustainable and inspiring design.
JIM GREAVES
CHAIR OF BUILDINGS PANEL
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