Featuring compelling examples of what can be achieved using the most natural and sustainable of materials, the Structural Timber Awards this year was a celebration of not only outstanding projects and inspiring individuals but the coming together of an industry after many months in isolation.
Despite the challenges of the last year or so, innovation and excellence has not been suppressed and the abundance of exceptional projects surpassed all expectations. Construction professionals were once again able to congregate at this prestigious awards ceremony on 06 October at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham - to celebrate architectural achievements and engineering ingenuity in timber construction.
The awards were hosted by Mark Durden-Smith, who ensured that the celebrations were not only inspirational but also highly entertaining. With 16 categories, nearly 250 entrants and over 60 companies shortlisted, the Structural Timber Award judges had an unenviable task. The big winner on the night was Arup for International Quarter, London (IQL) picking up the trophy for Engineer of the Year and the coveted Winner of Winners award.
The judge’s decision was unequivocal, and their commendations for the International Quarter ranged from: ‘excellent delivery from first principles to supply chain management to the realisation a great design’ and ‘a creative addition to the local community that showcases the potential for wood in novel applications’ to plaudits for the Winner of Winners sustainable credentials with comments such as: ‘the environmental impact is well documented and very impressive.’
The head of the judging panel and Chief Executive of the Structural Timber Association, Andrew Carpenter said of the night: “The depth of expertise across all categories was impressive and the exceptional number of entries clearly demonstrates that the industry is thriving despite the current challenges. The Structural Timber Awards have clearly demonstrated yet again that sustainable timber buildings are not only the optimal way of reaching zero carbon targets but are also aesthetically and structurally outstanding.”
The full list of award winners includes:
- Architect of the Year: Mæ for Sands End Arts and Community Centre
- Client of the Year: University of Warwick for Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building (IBRB)
- Commercial Project of the Year: Heyne Tillett Steel for 16 Chart Street
- Custom & Self-Build Project of the Year: Greencore Construction for Springfield Meadows
- Education Project of the Year: Hewitt Studios for The Brunel Centre
- Engineer of the Year: IQL Pavilion, London
- Healthcare Project of the Year: Constructional Timber for The Green at St Richard's Hospice
- Installer of the Year: Eurban for The New Library at Magdalene College
- Low Energy Project of the Year: SNUG Homes for Forest Road SNUG Home
- Pioneer Award: Heyne Tillett Steel & Arup
- Private Housing Project of the Year: Innovaré Systems for Little Kelham
- Product Innovation Award: Hewitt Studios for K:Port Electric Vehicle Charging Station
- Project of the Year: Maccreanor Lavington Architects for The New Refectory, Ibstock Place
- Retail & Leisure Project of the Year: Arup for Ebury Edge
- SIPs Project of the Year: Innovaré Systems for Little Kelham
- Social Housing Project of the Year: TopHat for White Road
- Solid Wood Project of the Year: Maccreanor Lavington Architects for The New Refectory, Ibstock Place
- Timber Frame Project of the Year: Greencore Construction for Springfield Meadows
- Winner of Winners: Arup for IQL Pavilion, London
There has already been a large amount of attention focused on next year’s awards, which will be returning October 2022. The awards once again will reward excellence, celebrate expertise in timber technology and the ways it contributes to an attractive, energy efficient and sustainable built environment.
For the hundreds of construction professionals who have attended the Structural Timber Awards, there is no need to explain the promotional opportunities that go hand in hand with this event. The awards provide one of the most effective platforms to promote brands or companies alongside the best of the best.
For details on sponsorship packages and promotional opportunities and to register interest to either sponsor the 2022 Structural Timber Awards or to enter your project, please contact Amy Pryce - amy.pryce@radar-communications.co.uk
Please note that the submission deadline for entries into the 2022 Structural Timber Awards is 10 June 2022.
