Dedicated to celebrating and sharing outstanding architecture, the World Architecture Festival (WAF) and PEFC and have teamed up for the second time, to award the Best Use of Certified Timber Prize to project teams that have used certified timber in an innovative, educational or artistic manner.
A total of 39 architects and project teams entered their buildings into the Best Use of Certified Timber Prize 2019. All the projects submitted used certified timber as the principle material in their construction.
The entries vary widely in style, purpose and geography, highlighting not only the versatility of timber as a construction material, but also that the enthusiasm for it has spread around the globe, partly driven by the increased use by architects, building designers and structural engineers of cutting-edge timber technology and products including cross laminated timber (CLT) and glulam.
Projects were entered from 18 countries from Oceania and Scandinavia, to the Americas, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and China. These buildings display the function, emotion and creativity achievable with wood: from capturing the sunlight in the perfect way, to earthquake resistance and the creation of a warm atmosphere.
“The shortlisted buildings once again highlight that certified timber is more than just another construction material. With its very particular features, it gives something special to every building,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International.
From the UK, the Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners is one of the shortlisted projects. Set in the Scottish Highlands, the Macallan Distillery welcomes visitors to see the production processes at the 18th Century Easter Elchies manor estate, in which the famous whisky has been created since 1824. Cut into the sloping contours of the site, the building takes its cues from the ancient Scottish hills.
The unique timber roof, manufactured by Wiehag, is a perfect example of low carbon construction. The undulating structure and the green roof surface maximise the aesthetic beauty, whilst minimising the visual impact on the landscape.
The project has sustainability at its heart: steam generated from an adjacent forestry commission biomass plant is the primary energy source for distillation. Low‑grade waste heat from the production process is then captured to supply hot water for the visitor centre and underfloor heating.
Comprising 380,000 individual components and 1,750 PEFC-certified glulam timber beams, it is one of the most complicated timber roof structures in the world. During construction, 400 people specialising in more than 20 different trades were employed onsite.
On 6 December 2019, the shortlisted teams will present their projects to a WAF jury during the event in Amsterdam. The jury will then present the winner with the prize at a Gala Dinner that evening.
For more information see all the shortlisted entries at www.pefc.org
