The Wood Awards: Excellence in British Architecture and Product Design call for entries 2020 will launch on 18th March.
A most recent winner – Maggie’s at the Robert Parfett Centre by Foster+Partners. Image credit: Light4Cundall
The Wood Awards is the UK’s premier competition for excellence in architecture and product design in the world’s only naturally sustainable material. The Awards aim to recognise, encourage and promote outstanding design, craftsmanship and installation using wood.
The competition began in 1971 as the Carpenters’ Award ‘for the very best work in joinery or other woodworking’. Originally run by Terence Mallinson, a Liveryman of the Company, the Carpenters’ Company has supported the Awards from their beginning. The annual award winners’ presentation ceremony is held at Carpenters’ Hall. The competition was relaunched in 2003 as the Wood Awards.
The Awards have had an impact on the architectural and design landscape, becoming a ‘mark of excellence’ in wood with past Gold Award Winners including Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft by Adam Richards Architects, Niall McLaughlin’s Fishing Hut in Hampshire and, most recently, Maggie’s at the Robert Parfett Centre by Foster+Partners.
Award categories
There are eight main categories:
- Commercial & Leisure
- Education & Public Sector
- Interiors
- Private
- Small Project
- Bespoke Furniture
- Production Made
- Student Designer
A Structural Award is given to the building project that the judges deem most worthy. Special Awards are given at the judges’ discretion. The Arnold Laver Gold Award, the winner of winners, is chosen by the judges from the winners of all eight categories.
How to enter
With permission from the owner, anyone associated with a building or product completed in the last two years, can enter. The competition is free to enter, and entrants may submit more than one project.
When submitting your project please bear in mind that the judges are particularly interested in the story behind the design, the use of timber and why you think your project deserves a Wood Award. Good quality images are essential.
Buildings must be located within the UK whilst furniture and other products must have been either designed or manufactured in the UK. Fitted furniture must be in the UK. There are no restrictions on the size or budget of a project. Unfortunately, we cannot accept musical instrument entries. Read the full competition Terms & Conditions.
The shortlist will be announced in July and the winners at the ceremony in November. The shortlisted projects will be on display at the ceremony and during the London Design Festival in September.
Take a look at previous winners
More information can be found on the Wood Awards website.
