Best Use of Certified Timber Prize: shortlist revealed

13 September 2022 Sustainable construction

A pub, a stadium, a bridge, and much more: the World Architecture Festival (WAF) has unveiled the eight finalists for this year’s Best Use of Certified Timber Prize, supported by PEFC.

The prize rewards architects and project teams that have used certified timber in an innovative, educational, or artistic manner.

Teams from around the world entered their buildings into the prize. We received 30 projects spreading from America and Europe to Asia and Oceania.

Also in the fourth year of supporting the Prize, we are impressed by the quality of the shortlisted buildings, and how timber was used to achieve function, design, and sustainability.

We will be presenting the eight projects in more detail over the next two months. The winner will be announced on 2 December.

Sustainable timber in the spotlight

While all finalists use certified timber, their style and purpose vary widely.

The pub, stadium and residential buildings, train station, office building and wooden bridge highlight the material’s versatility.

The reasons for choosing timber are as diverse as the buildings themselves, ranging from design and sustainability considerations to the material’s robustness in harsh weather conditions, and the wish to pay tribute to traditional local construction techniques.

“Timber is not only a sustainable choice, it is a robust and reliable material, and gives a special feeling to every building,” said Fabienne Sinclair, Head of Marketing at PEFC International.

“It is inspiring to see how construction with certified timber is developing, from new modular and circular construction systems to building higher and higher. What were still dreams of the future just a few years ago is now a reality.”

The World Architecture Festival will take place as a hybrid event from 30 November until 2 December in Lisbon, Portugal.