Timber, Inside and Out

The annual prize that is a part of WAF "rewards architects and project teams for using certified timber as the main construction material for buildings outstanding in sustainability, innovation, quality or aesthetics," according to a press release yesterday with the list of the eight shortlisted projects. As can be seen below, each timber building is also shortlisted in one of WAF's completed building categories, meaning they are in the running for the 2021 Timber Prize but also the 2021 World Building of the Year.

Although the use of timber is clearly prevalent, the buildings range widely in terms of geography, typology, size, and form. The variety is reiterated by Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International: "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."

Most recently, in 2019, the Timber Prize was given to Pingelly Recreation and Cultural Centre (PRACC) by iredale pedersen hook architects and Advanced Timber Concepts, with a commendation given to Turo de la Peira's Sports Centre by Anna Noguera and Javier Fernandez. The 2021 Timber Prize will be decided at the World Architecture Festival 2021 in Lisbon in early December, when the architects will present the shortlisted projects to a jury consisting of Keith Bradley of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Carin Smuts of CS Studio Architects, Darryl Condon of HCMA Architecture + Design, and a PEFC representative.

Project: Adohi Hall
Architect: Leers Weinzapfel Associates, lead Architects for consortium with Modus Studio and Mackey Mitchell Architects
Category: Housing - Completed Buildings
Country: United States

Project: Ariake Gymnastics Centre
Architect: Nikken Sekkei + Shimizu Corporation
Category: Sport - Completed Buildings
Country: Japan

Project: Microlibrary Warak Kayu
Architect: SHAU
Category: Culture - Completed Buildings
Country: Indonesia

Project: Mon Repos Turtle Centre
Architect: KIRK
Category: Display - Completed Buildings
Country: Australia

Project: Daramu House
Architect: Tzannes
Category: Office - Completed Buildings
Country: Australia

Project: Harbour Kiosk
Architect: LAAB Architects
Category: Shopping - Completed Buildings
Country: Hong Kong S.A.R., China

Project: Scion Innovation Hub, Te Whare Nui o Tuteata
Architect: RTA Studio and Irving Smith Architects
Category: Higher Education and Research - Completed Buildings
Country: New Zealand

Project: Climatorium
Architect: 3XN
Category: Higher Education and Research - Completed Buildings
Country: Denmark