Featuring shining examples of what can be achieved using the most
natural and sustainable of materials, the Structural Timber Awards has
always celebrated the best that timber offers across the built
environment – what happened in 2021?
Since the inaugural
event in 2015, the Structural Timber Awards has seen some of the finest
examples of timber construction in the UK rewarded and championed as
inspirational design and sustainable thinking. The number of outstanding
projects and the talented teams involved in their creation has seen the
event become a central part of not only the timber calendar, but also
the wider construction world.
The 2021 Awards
The
2021 Awards was a celebration of not only outstanding projects but the
coming together of an industry after many months in isolation due to the
COVD-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges of the last two years and the
many pressures on global supply chains – that have seen timber in
particular under pressure with delays and shortages – innovation and
excellence was not sidelined and the array of exceptional projects
surpassed all expectations.
Importantly, construction
professionals were once again able to congregate at a prestigious awards
ceremony to network in person, away from zoom calls and virtual
meetings, and celebrate the many super architectural achievements and
engineering ingenuity in timber construction. The awards were hosted
once again by Mark Durden-Smith, who ensured that the celebrations were
highly entertaining as well as highly efficent. 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 IQL
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 (STA),
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."
There has already been a large amount of attention
focused on the 2022 awards. "The event goes from strength to strength
every year," adds Julie Williams, Sales Director of the Structural
Timber Awards. "It is always amazing to see the number and quality of
the entries growing each year. Some of the winning projects we have
seen, such as Dalston Lane, the Macallan Distillery and the Cambridge
Mosque, have since gone on to become iconic examples of timber design.
Obviously COVID-19 caused complications for everyone, so it was
wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves properly at last year's
event. With 2022 already shaping up to be a bumper night out, I would
encourage everyone to save the date of 12 October in their diary."
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.
2021 STRUCTURAL TIMBER AWARD WINNERS
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: Arup for International Quarter London (IQL)
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: Ove Arup & Partners 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 International Quarter London (IQL)
The Structural Timber Awards 2022 will take place on 12 October 2022
at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham. 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
The 2022 Entry Platform is
now open. Please note that the submission deadline for entries into the
2022 Structural Timber Awards is 10 June 2022. You can find all the
entry details at: www.structuraltimberawards.co.uk
