The award has been organized annually by Wood Design & Building magazine and the Canadian Timber Council for three decades. The goal is not only to celebrate the best wooden buildings over the past five years, but also to show the exceptional aesthetic and functional qualities of wood in construction, to demonstrate new technologies and ideas, to inspire architects and customers to use wood as the main material in the implementation of projects.
We introduce you to the buildings-laureates and buildings marked with honorable mentions.
Laureates
Odein Museum of Art, Whistler, Canada
Patkau Architects
The museum displays the private collection of businessman Michael Odein and his wife Yoshiko Karasawa. It contains vivid examples of British Columbia art from the late 18th century to the present day, including works by world-renowned artists such as Jeff Wall, Stan Douglas, Rodney Graham and others.
Washington Fruit office, Yakima, USA
Graham Baba Architects
The new office of the Washington Fruit food company was made in accordance with the customer's wishes for the use of warm materials, no concrete and "box" forms.
Private House Georgica Cove, East Hampton, USA
Bates Masi + Architects
The house was built on the ocean shore for a couple who were interested in the opportunity to host their children and grandchildren. The project is based on the folk traditions of New England building.
Private house Casa Curved, Basel, Switzerland
Daluz Gonzalez Architekten
The building was created with a limited budget and time for implementation, as well as in conditions of a lack of land, since there was already one house on the site - built in the 1980s. The task of the architects was to form a single ensemble.
Jean Monnet College, Bron, France
Dietrich | Untertrifaller, Colas Durand Architectes
Located in a semi-rural area, the college is neatly blended into the landscape. The two-storey building, made of wood and concrete, is compact and functional.
Private house Haus B, Stuttgart, Germany
Yonder - Architektur und Design
This project, carried out by a German family of architects, is a restoration of a 1950s building. The authors made the most of the existing structures, while ensuring a better organization of space than before and opening a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes.
Unterdorf Primary School, Höxt, Austria
Dietrich | Untertrifaller
The building has a modern, laconic design and well-thought-out layout. The predominance of glass in the exterior and interior decoration provides natural light and allows teachers to easily observe the students. Public spaces are available not only to students, but also to local residents.
Honorable Mention
Wooden ventilation towers, Stockholm, Sweden
Rundquist Architects
The use of a tree in the implementation of such projects is an infrequent phenomenon. However, this example proves not only the expediency, but also the environmental friendliness of such a solution. In addition, there is a park area not far from the towers, so the architects tried to integrate new objects into the urban environment as discreetly as possible.
Alice Miglia Sports Center, Lyon, France
Dietrich | Untertrifaller, Tekhnê Architectes
The building of the multifunctional sports center "merges" with the surrounding buildings and at the same time attracts attention with its original facade and generous glazing. Simplicity of forms is not only a design decision, but also a reflection of the openness / accessibility of the building for all citizens.
Villa Valley, Vilnius, Lithuania
Arches
An eco-friendly villa in the suburbs of Vilnius has a striking design, while harmoniously blending into the natural surroundings. Modern and traditional architectural techniques coexist peacefully in this project.
Tanguay Store, Trois Rivieres, Canada
Coarchitecutre
This is the largest Tanguay store in the entire 55-year history of this furniture brand. The 7000 m² building is filled with natural light, has clear shapes, and was designed with the needs of the store's customers in mind.
Student Residence Brock Commons Tallwood House, Vancouver, Canada
Acton Ostry Architects Inc.
The 18-storey building is located on the territory of the University of British Columbia. Up to 404 students can live here at the same time. This project is a good example of fast, sustainable and economical construction.
