The World Architecture Festival (WAF) has recently unveiled the 2021 Best Use of Certified Timber Shortlist, supported for the third year in a row by Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). Total of eight projects are shortlisted from Denmark to Tokyo for using certified timber as the primary construction material for buildings exceptional in construction, innovation, sustainability, quality and aesthetics. These eight shortlisted architecture projects were chosen from 28 architects and project teams from 13 countries who entered their projects into this year’s special prize category. Read SURFACES REPORTER (SR)’s complete report below:
Also Read: Mass Timber Architecture: Benefits and Common Misconceptions
“It is inspiring to see the large variety of buildings in the finals, benefitting from the use of certified timber in so many ways. While some of the architects chose timber for its flexibility and robustness, others appreciate its natural look and the positive effects it has for people, climate and the planet, said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International- an international non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Management through independent certification.
Microlibrary Warak Kayu by SHAU
“Our expertise lies in managing forests sustainably, PEFC is pleased to partner with WAF to promote responsible timber sourcing helping architects and their clients to request full traceability as well as reduce the carbon footprint of the buildings,” he further added.
Paul Finch, Programme Director of World Architecture Festival commented ‘Sustainable timber construction is making a big impression on architecture and design across the world, and we are delighted at the interest the prize has generated among practices entering the WAF Awards. Judging will be tough, given the wide range of geographies and building types that have made the shortlist. We look forward to celebrating the winner at the Festival in Lisbon.’
The 2021 World Architecture Festival (WAF) theme comprises:
- A thematic conference programme, based on the theme: ‘Resetting the City: Greening, Health and Urbanism’
- Electronic gallery of all Award entries
- Exhibition area
- Live judging of finalists ‘projects
- Networking and social events including partner fringe events
- Winners Dinner
Full List of WAF Certified Timber Prize 2021 shortlisted projects:
This is the largest cross laminated timber (CLT) building in the United States, and first large-scale mass timber residence hall, Adohi Hall, University of Arkansas by Leers Weinzapfel Associates lead Architects for consortium with Modus Studio and Mackey Mitchell Architects.
Category: Housing - Completed Buildings
Country: United States
The Ariake Gymnastics Centre is a purpose-built venue for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games by Nikken Sekkei + Shimizu Corporation. The 12,000-capacity building is defined by a striking timber floating vessel that wraps around it, and extensive timber throughout: a commitment to sustainability and an homage to the district’s historical connection to the timber industry.
Category: Sport - Completed Buildings
Country: Japan
This is a micro-library designed by Indonesian architects SHAU, a community space constructed from environmentally conscious materials and designed to serve low-income neighbourhoods.
Category: Culture - Completed Buildings
Country: Indonesia
The shortlisted research, conservation and visitor centre dedicated to nesting sea turtles on Mon Repos Beach is an impressive glulam timber structure by KIRK architects.
Category: Display - Completed Buildings
Country: Australia
Located in Barangaroo, Sydney, Daramu House by Tzannes has a distinctive sculptural form which features an impressive 18m span in timber, pushing the limits of timber construction and making it a world leader in sustainability.
Category: Office - Completed Buildings
Country: Australia
The Harbour Kiosk in Hong Kong features 49 robotic arms behind the profiled timber fins, creating an engaging kinetic piece of public architecture.
Category: Shopping - Completed Buildings
Country: Hong Kong S.A.R., China
It is a workplace located on the edge of the redwood forest in Whakarewarewa Forest Park. Its curated exhibition of wood-fibre technology is curated beneath a trio of glulam timber ‘peaks’, making it a cutting-edge showcase for engineered timber.
Category: Higher Education and Research - Completed Buildings
Country: New Zealand
This is an educational climate centre on the west coast of Denmark by 3XN, featuring a wave carved into the façade, clad in light wood, resembling the ribbed hull of a boat.
Category: Higher Education and Research - Completed Buildings
Country: Denmark
These eight shortlisted projects will showcase their building projects to the jury entailing Carin Smuts of CS Studio Architects, Darryl Condon of HCMA Architecture + Design, Keith Bradley of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and a PEFC representative.
The winner will be announced live on the last day of the festival.
Last year, Pingelly Recreation and Cultural Centre (PRACC) by iredale pedersen hook architects and Advanced Timber Concepts won the prize while Turo de la Peira's Sports Centre by Anna Noguera and Javier Fernandez received a high commendation.
About World Architecture Festival (WAF)
WAF is the world’s largest annual, international, live architectural event. It includes the biggest international architectural awards programme in the world, dedicated to celebrating excellence via live presentations to an audience of high-profile delegates and international juries.
The festival will take place at the FIL exhibition centre, Lisbon, on the 1-3 December 2021.
Keep reading SURFACES REPORTER for more such articles and stories.
Join us in SOCIAL MEDIA to stay updated
SR FACEBOOK | SR LINKEDIN | SR INSTAGRAM | SR YOUTUBE
Further, Subscribe to our magazine | Sign Up for the FREE Surfaces Reporter Magazine Newsletter
Also, check out Surfaces Reporter’s encouraging, exciting and educational WEBINARS here.
You may also like to read about:
The Wonder Wood Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)
Worlds Tallest Hybrid Timber Tower by SHoP Architects and BVN Design in Sydney
and more...