The Wood Awards 2024 has been an exceptional year, marked by an impressive number of entries and an outstanding calibre of projects across both building and furniture categories. The competition this year was fierce, with 33 projects making the final shortlist. These were selected from a range of incredible submissions, showcasing the very best in design and craftsmanship.
Visitors to iconic locations, when they took a seat within the National Portrait Gallery, a walk through the history of makers in The Heal’s Building, studied in the outdoor pavilions of Morden Lodge, opened a book in Exeter College, explored the archipelagos of Scotland, or relaxed in a sauna in the High Weald National Landscape, were able to enjoy an experience shaped by one of the projects on our shortlist in 2024.
One of the standout highlights of 2024 was the introduction of a brand-new category: Sculptured Objects in furniture. This category was created to recognise the artistry and innovative use of wood in sculptural pieces. Its introduction reflects the evolving role of wood in design, highlighting how it can be shaped and transformed into something not just functional, but also artistically significant. This addition allows the Wood Awards to celebrate a broader spectrum of work and emphasises the versatility of wood as a medium.
The furniture judging panel also underwent a significant transformation this year, with a completely new team overseeing the judging process, under the expert guidance of Sebastian Cox. This shift in direction brought a fresh perspective to the selection process, reflecting the dynamic nature of the design world and the growing importance of innovation and sustainability in furniture design.
The 2024 Wood Awards saw continued growth in terms of both the quality and quantity of submissions. The competition’s influence and reputation continue to grow, and we are delighted to have strengthened collaborations with key industry partners, including Material Matters. This partnership helped us showcase the extraordinary work of wood designers at our annual exhibition, which took place for the third consecutive year at the Gallery@Oxo. The exhibition served as a celebration of the finest wood design and provided an opportunity for the public to engage with the creativity and craftsmanship of our shortlisted projects.
The year culminated in a highly anticipated ceremony where we had the privilege of awarding the winners in both the building and furniture categories. The event was a moment of recognition for the outstanding achievements in the use of wood, and it was heartening to see so many exceptional projects receive the recognition they truly deserve. Each winner showcased the brilliance and potential of wood in design, proving once again why the Wood Awards are such an important event in the design calendar.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our loyal sponsors: The Carpenters’ Company, American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), and Timber Development UK. Their continued support is invaluable in making the Wood Awards a success year after year, and we look forward to their involvement in the coming years.
As we close out 2024, we are already looking ahead to the Wood Awards 2025. The call for entries will be announced in the coming weeks, and we encourage designers, makers, and architects to start thinking about their projects. The Wood Awards continue to be a platform for celebrating the excellence of wood design and craftsmanship, and we are excited to see what next year will bring.
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The Wood Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the incredible potential of wood, its versatility, and the creativity of those who work with it. Whether in building, furniture, or sculptural objects, the awards celebrate the extraordinary talent and dedication that go into making the most of this timeless material. We look forward to another year of inspiring projects and exciting developments in 2025!
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