The timber treatment: PEFC sponsors award at World Architecture Festival

Sponsored by PEFC, The WAF has unveiled the Best Use of Certified Timber Prize Finalists.

The World Architecture Festival (WAF) has unveiled the eight finalists for this year’s Best Use of Certified Timber Prize, supported by PEFC. The projects include: a research centre, a flexible gymnastics centre, a biophilic workplace and a climate-friendly retreat. This is the third time PEFC have sponsored this prize.

Stunning projects from around the world
The prize rewards architects and project teams that have used certified timber as a main construction material in an innovative, educational or artistic manner and attracts entries from around the world. More than 22 entries from five continents were keen to show off the innovative ways they had used timber and sustainability measures in their buildings.

Eight projects were selected for the final shortlist:

While all these buildings have used timber as important construction material, their style and purpose vary widely and range from a higher education establishment and research buildings to community spaces and sports facilities.

A unique construction material
The shortlisted projects all showcase the many structural possibilities and aesthetic options that timber offers architects and building designers. The shortlisted projects also explore technical and functional aspects that improve the built environment – from breathing façades to thermal and sound insulation.

Timber is not only a climate-friendly material by storing carbon, but it is also robust and strong, and can withstand the most challenging natural conditions, such as typhoons, earthquakes and corrosive sea air.

“It is inspiring to see the large variety of buildings in the finals, benefiting from the use of certified timber in so many different ways,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International. “While some of the architects chose timber for its flexibility and robustness, others appreciate its natural look and the positive effects it has on people, climate and the planet.”

The finalists will present their projects to an independent jury at the World Architecture Festival in Lisbon, Portugal, on 3 December.

Designing the Future with Sustainable Timber
Across the world, the architecture community is embracing more timber and engineered timber products to deliver high profile, award-winning projects and everyday designs.

Under the theme Designing the Future with Sustainable Timber, a range of stakeholders have come together under the leadership of PEFC to promote the use of timber in construction in general and certified timber in particular. Join and find out more.