Australia is now leading the way with some of the best examples of timber design, including three of the world’s largest timber-rich buildings in planning or under development and the largest timber-roofed stadium.
Speaking to Wood Central, Andrew Dunn—the organiser of the Australian Timber Design Awards, now in its 25th year—said that the push to build these exemplary projects comes from the training provided to architects and engineers who want to use timber products.
“Look at last year’s winners—Boola Katitjin (the People’s Choice Award), the Southern Hemisphere’s largest mass timber building, and the Sydney Opera House revival—the overall winner of the awards,” Mr Dunn said.
“Australia has such a strong history and tradition regarding timber design,” Mr Dunn said. “We have always punched above our weight, and the applications we continue to receive year after year are exceptional.”
Both projects were among fifteen celebrated at the 2023 Awards, rising above the most competitive field in the award’s history – with Mr Dunn reporting a further uptick in nominations for this year’s awards.
“For this year, the awards will be celebrated at Sydney’s Walsh’s Bay, Pier 2, on Wednesday, October 16,” Mr Dunn said. “Tickets are selling fast.”
Mr Dunn said Professor Greg Nolan—a professor at the University of Tasmania’s School of Architecture and Design and director of the Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood—would be the special MC.
“Greg has been responsible for training and educating the architects now responsible for some of Australia’s most important timber projects – including (I’m sure) many of this year’s applicants,” Mr Dunn said.
Since 1994, Professor Nolan has taught Architecture and Design, conducting research, development, and extension to improve the use of wood and timber products in sustainable buildings – which he has published widely through books, articles, manuals, guides, and conference publications.
Last year, Professor Nolan spoke to ABC Radio Hobart Mornings host Leon Compton about the potential of building stadiums out of timber—very topical with new stadiums proposed at Macquarie Point (in Hobart), Acton (in Canberra), and Brisbane (home of the 2032 Olympics).
Book now for the Australian Timber Design Awards
Tickets are now on sale for the Australian Timber Design Awards ceremony, which will be held beside the timber cathedrals at Sydney’s Walsh’s Bay, Pier 2, on Wednesday, October 16.
“Come to the official gala dinner on Wednesday, October 16 and enjoy a three-course meal and drinks with your colleagues and friends while watching the winners being announced,” Mr Dunn said.
