Record entries for return of NZ Timber Design Awards

THE finalists for the NZ Timber Design Awards 2023 have been announced with a record number of entries this year.

The awards were last presented in 2020 in an online event however this year they will be celebrated with a gala dinner at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland on November 2.

“The breadth of innovative thinking and really clever use of timber, combined with other materials demonstrated in the 2023 Awards entries is just extraordinary,” Timber Design Centre Director Robert Finch said.

“I congratulate all the entrants and finalists on the wonderful showcase of what is possible with timber in our built environment”

The judges for this year’s programme included New Zealand Institute of Architects president Judith Taylor,

New Zealand Timber Design Society past president David Carradine, sustainable architect at Scion Andrea Stocchero, and Structural Engineer Jan Stanway, from WSP.

As with previous years, the task for the judges is no easy feat; with all entries showing innovation, aesthetic appeal, creativity and practicality made possible through the use of timber; ranging in projects from furniture, to multistorey buildings.

The entries made it obvious that the architecture, manufacturing and engineer- ing sectors in New Zealand are ready to embrace the challenges of creating low carbon timber solutions by incorporating state-of-the-art technology with innovative applications of timber and a variety of engineered wood products.

“It was really impressive to see different parts of the building industry coming together and working collaboratively to develop such innovative solutions using timber,” the judges said.

“The combinations of materials, forms and technological advances will pave the way for the future of sustainable and resilient buildings in Aotearoa New Zealand. Structural systems, interior finishes and exterior applications have all been considered as opportunities for showcasing the unique and beneficial applications of timber.”

To see the finalists go to https://timberdesigncentre. co.nz/2023-timber-designawards-finalists