Celebrating Architectural Brilliance: WIDE Trust-Supported Projects Shine at Timber Design Awards
At the recent Timber Design Awards, the University of Auckland's School of Architecture and Planning stood in the limelight, showcasing outstanding projects that received support from the WIDE Trust. The recognition not only highlights the design prowess of the university's staff and students but also underscores the impactful contributions of the WIDE Trust to innovative timber construction in New Zealand.
Learning From Trees, designed by Professor Andrew Barrie, won the Interior Design Award at the Timber Design Awards.
Learning from Trees: A Pavilion for Climate Change Advocacy
The Interior Design Award was bestowed upon the Learning from Trees pavilion, a remarkable project that skillfully addresses the pressing challenges of climate change. Designed by Professor Andrew Barrie, with collaboration from Associate Professor Mike Davis, Associate Professor Paola Boarin, former staff member Kathy Waghorn, postgraduate students, administrators, and the School's workshop staff, this pavilion earned accolades for its innovative approach.
Drawing inspiration from New Zealand's rich history of timber building, the lattice-like structure incorporates elements from both colonial and Pacific architectural traditions. Resembling a ball of string or a woven basket, the pavilion stands as a testament to the School's commitment to low-carbon architecture within the constraints of a small, geographically isolated economy.
L to R: Vincent Heijnen, Associate Professor Mike Davis, Dylan Waddell, Gregory Mann, Professor Andrew Barrie, Cass Goodwin (Batchelar McDougall Consulting), Thomas Nguyen and Lalitpat Chomchoei.
Venice Benches: A Commendable Design
Associate Professor Mike Davis received high commendation in the New Zealand Speciality Timber Award category for his Venice Benches furniture design, another component of the Biennale exhibit. The 1.8m long Venice Benches recall the waka and hollow log drums of the Pacific. This recognition further solidifies the School's dedication to pushing the boundaries of timber construction.
Associate Professor Mike Davis was highly commended for his 1.8m long Venice Benches, which recall the waka and hollow log drums of the Pacific.
Innovative Timber Manufacturing and Technology Award: Lightweight Timber Research Structures
Professor Andrew Barrie, in collaboration with Batchelar McDougall Consulting, emerged victorious in the Innovative Timber Manufacturing and Technology Award for their Lightweight Timber Research Structures. Developed alongside postgraduate students, this research seeks to create sustainable, lightweight structures that expand the possibilities of timber construction - a vital response to the current climate emergency.
Student Design Award Triumphs
The School of Architecture and Planning dominated the Student Design Award category, with Gregory Mann winning for his project, "The Vertical Stage." This project, inspired by the hākari stage used by Māori for large gatherings, addresses extreme density scenarios with innovative design.
Gregory Mann won the Student Design Award for his project The Vertical Stage.
Thomas Nguyen received high commendation in the same category for "The Saucer - A Timber Pavilion for Summerhill Charitable Trust." This visionary project aims to blur the boundaries between the built environment and the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless integration with the natural world.
Thomas Nguyen’s project aims to replace an existing structure with a new timber pavilion that reflects Summerhill Charitable Trust's values of recreation, education, and connection to the neighbouring regional park.
These Timber Design Awards triumphs underscore the success of collaborative efforts supported by the WIDE Trust, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in timber construction within the University of Auckland's School of Architecture and Planning.