Are you an architect or building developer who has used Shou Sugi Ban® charred timbers for a recent project? If so, you might be interested in entering your new build or renovation into the 2024 Wood Awards. This British competition showcases excellence in timber architecture.
Promote your Timber Building Project
Competitions offer a great way to put your brand on the map. They increase the exposure of your project and provide a platform to promote your design style and craftsmanship. We know that some fantastic projects have been completed in recent months, so why not share the outcome?
The Wood Awards focus on buildings and products constructed in timber. What’s more, they are free to enter, so you have nothing to lose. The shortlisted projects are shared on the Wood Award website and presented at the Material Matters Design Fair. This event is held at Oxo Tower, London in September and is open to the public. Then, winners are announced at the Awards evening.
The ‘Buildings’ side of the Awards is divided into six categories. These are:
- Education & Public
- Small Project
- Private
- Commercial & Leisure
- Restoration & Reuse
- Interiors
We’ve supplied charred timber cladding for projects in every one of those categories. So, did you use Shou Sugi Ban® to create a dramatic retail or restaurant interior? Did our timeless blackened wood offer the best blend for a sensitive restoration? Or, was a smoother, lighter tone of Shou Sugi Ban® the perfect finish for your new build project?
If so, the 2024 event is now open for entries, so why not put your project forward?
Four additional categories feature if you plan to enter a product. The deadline for all applications is Friday 24 May 2024.
Enter the Wood Awards
To enter the Wood Awards, you’ll need to provide a 350-word description of your project, along with detailed information on sustainability. This includes the volume of timber used, the species, the country of origin and carbon emissions. An outline of circular economy principles is also required.
If we supplied Shou Sugi Ban® for your project, we can provide information on the origin of the timbers. Please let us know if you enter and reach the shortlist. We’ll be happy to further boost publicity with an article on our website.
Highly Commended Small Project in the Wood Awards
In the 2023 Wood Awards, a local garden office was shortlisted. Dark Matter is a fantastic build that contrasts light interior timbers with charred Shou Sugi Ban® exterior cladding. For this project, a skilled carpenter installed the charred timber blocks to create a unique and tactile finish. The result offers an added dimension and is distinct from the usual lengths of wooden cladding.
Once on the shortlist, Dark Matter benefitted from additional exposure. Members of the expert panel of judges came to Hertfordshire to see the building first-hand. The judges are particularly interested in the sustainable and structural merits of the build.
Fortunately, this criteria had been prioritised by architect Ollie Andrew, from Hyperspace, from the offset. Finding local suppliers was one of the many ways in which the project embraced sustainability. And, we’re located just a few miles from this impressive garage conversion.
Dark Matter was Highly Commended in the ‘Small Project’ category. It was pipped to the post by The Boat House. This was the category winner. Both projects champion inspirational design and the inventive use of timber in construction.
Other Building Competitions
Other building competitions that are now open for entries include:
Homebuilding & Renovation Awards – featuring self-build, extension, conversion and renovation categories. The deadline is Monday 17 June.
Structural Timber Awards – With categories for the architect, client, contractor and construction manager of the year. The deadline is Friday 21 June.
Results for the RIBA 2024 Regional Awards will be announced in May, following which the National Award winners will be revealed in July. Applications for the 2025 RIBA Awards open in October.
If you decide to enter any of these or other building competitions, we wish you every success.