Supreme winner of the 2017 NZ Wood-Resene Timber Design Awards Cathedral Grammar Junior School Christchurch. One of the first to have structural components engineered off-site to within 0.5mm tolerances and assembled on site.
New judges and new categories ensure the prestigious 2018 NZ Wood-Resene Timber Design Awards are even more exciting, says NZ Wood’s Promotion Manager Debbie Fergie. Source: Timberbiz
Monday, April 30 is the last day to enter.
“Entries are already coming in, but if we don’t have yours it can’t be considered, and nor can it provide a showcase for your expertise,” Ms Fergie said.
This is New Zealand’s only timber design award which allows engineers, architects, architectural designers and builders to showcase their innovative projects using locally-sourced timber.
Entries must be of a building or structure completed between 1 March 2016 and 28 February 2018 that includes a significant amount of timber, be it structural or decorative.
However, the judges recognise that wood and wood products can be used in many innovative ways, and this year the “Wood and Fibre Creativity Award” category has been revised and expanded.
This can include original uses of wood fibre properties, perhaps applying chemical or process innovations to form new products. Last year, the winner of this category produced essential oil from wilding pines, for example.
This year, a new category of “multi-storey timber building design” has been added to reflect the growing acceptance of wood, particularly engineered wood, as a viable and cost effective construction material.
This makes 10 categories in total that are offered, including the very popular “Innovation of Student Design Award” that was introduced last year.
Other categories open for entries are Residential Architectural Excellence, Commercial Architectural Excellence, Engineering Innovation, Excellence in Engineered Wood Products, Interior Innovation, Exterior Innovation and Infrastructure, and the NZ Specialty Timber Award.
2017 winner Residential Architectural Excellence award, commended in the Interior Innovation category – the Point Wells Gables home with its seamless use of structure, linings and cabinetry using a range of timber species and finishes.
The speed of construction that wood offers helps meet accommodation and office space demand across the country and New Zealand is recognised as an international leader in the field.
“Both local and international companies are looking to New Zealand for timber design inspiration,” Ms Fergie said.
Judges this year will be Pamela Bell, Prefab NZ; David Carradine, Timber Design Society; Tim Melville, NZ Institute of Architects; and Andrea Stocchero, Sustainable Architect, Scion.
Finalists will be announced on Monday, 21 May and will have until July 20 to prepare their final submissions.
A cash prize of NZ$2000 will be awarded to the winner of each of the nine categories, and student winners will each receive NZ$1000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to the awards.
Winners will be announced at a gala event at the Grand Millenium Hotel in Auckland on Thursday, 20 September.
For a full list of entry criteria, and a timeline of entry submissions and judging announcements, call Debbie Fergie on 021-807 002, email [email protected] or go to http://www.nzwood.co.nz/news-and-events/nz-wood-resene-timber-design-awards-2018/
