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- Wood Design & Building Awards Winning Projects Announced
Toronto, ON – The Canadian Wood Council is pleased to announce the winning projects of the 40th annual Wood Design & Building Awards program. This prestigious awards program recognizes and celebrates the outstanding work of architectural professionals from around the world who achieve excellence in wood design and construction.
“We’re proud to recognize leading innovators in wood design through our awards program,” says Martin Richard, Vice President of Communications and Market Development at the Canadian Wood Council. “This year’s submissions were remarkable in their scope, quality, and variety. They reflect a rising interest in biomaterials and highlight the importance of wood as a versatile, low-carbon, high-performance material, driving the next generation of sustainable buildings.”
The jurors for the Wood Design & Building Awards were:
- Marlon Blackwell, Principal at Marlon Blackwell Architects
- Veronica Madonna, Director and Principal at Studio VMA
- Alfred Waugh, Principal at Formline Architecture + Urbanism
A total of 19 winning projects from a diverse group of creators were selected from the impressive field of entries.
New this year, the regional WoodWorks program awards from Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta were integrated with the Wood Design & Building Awards.
The jurors for the WoodWorks awards were:
- Duncan Bourke, Vice President of Development at Cityflats
- Melissa Higgs, Principal at hcma
- Steve Oosterhof, Partner and Structural Engineer at Dialog
Fifteen winning projects were selected, with five from each regional program. The creativity and talent of these winning teams, as well as the beauty and diversity of their wood projects, are transforming the built environment.
In total, 33 award winners from around the globe were celebrated for excellence in wood design at the Wood Design and Building Awards celebration hosted at the WoodWorks Summit on October 22, 2024.
COMPLETE LIST OF AWARD-WINNING PROJECTS FOLLOWS:
Honor
- Arbour House (Victoria, BC) | Patkau Architects
- Hilltop Cottage (NB) | MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Ltd.
- Mohegan Trail (Block Island, RI, USA) | Bates Masi + Architects
- The Nest (Bayfield County, WI, USA) | SALA Architects, Inc.
- Prepared Rehmannia Root Crafts Exhibition Hall (Houyanmen Village, , Henan Province, China | Luo Studio
- Wisdome Stockholm (Stockholm, Sweden) | Elding Oscarson Architects
Merit
- Covered ice rink in Saint-Apollinaire (Saint-Apollinaire, QC) | ABCP architecture et urbanisme
- Cheko’nien House (Victoria, BC) | Perkins&Will
- House In A Garden (Coconut Grove, , FL, USA) | Atelier Mey Architects
- Quantum Institute (Sherbrooke, QC) | Saucier + Perrotte
Citation
- Cunard Street Live / Work / Grow (Halifax, NS) | FBM
- Des Cerisiers Elementary School (Maskinongé, QC) | Lucie Paquet architecte, Paulette Taillefer architecte, Leclerc architectes
- LP Hotel with a View (Lodeynoe Pole, Russian Federation) | RHIZOME
Sansin Sponsored Awards
- Galien River Retreat (New Buffalo, MI, USA) | Wheeler Kearns Architects
- Arbour House (Victoria, BC) | Patkau Architects
Sustainable Forestry Initiative Sponsored Award
- 619 Ponce (Atlanta, GA) | Handel Architects
Western Red Cedar Sponsored Award
- Bunkie on the Hill (Muskoka, ON | Dubbeldam Architecture + Design
Wood Preservation Sponsored Award
- #Ferndale_Flightdeck (Ottawa, ON) | 25:8 Architecture + Urban Design
WoodWorks Ontario Category
- Bunkie on the Hill (Muskoka, ON | Dubbeldam Architecture + Design
- Centennial College A-Building Expansion (Toronto, ON) | DIALOG in collaboration with Smoke Architecture
- New Tecumseth Municipal Offices Adaptive Re-Use (Alliston, ON) | +VG Architects
- Queen’s University Indigenous Gathering Space (Kingston, ON) | Smoke Architecture
- Science Collaboration Centre at Chalk River (Chalk River, ON) | HDR
WoodWorks BC Category
- Arbour House (Victoria, BC) | Patkau Architects
- Nuxalk Mask, song and dance (Bella Coola, BC) | Mackin Architects Ltd.
- Pyrrha (Vancouver, BC) | Birmingham & Wood Architects Planners LLP
- Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre (Burnaby, BC) | hcma architecture + design
- təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre (New Westminster, BC) | hcma architecture + design
WoodWorks Alberta, Prairie Category
-
- Canopy (Edmonton, AB) | Jonathan Monfries
- Olds College, Werklund Agriculture and Technology Centre (Olds, AB) | GGA-Architecture
- Saddle Lake Onchaminahos Elementary School (Saddle Lake Cree Nation, AB) | Reimagine Architects
- The Station at Cochrane Crossing (Cochrane, AB) | GEC Architecture
- V Residence (Winnipeg, MB) | 1×1 architecture inc.
Watch our Awards Videos
- Engineering, Industry News, Mass Timber, News, Safety
June 13, 2024 (Ottawa)– Earlier today, The Transition Accelerator unveiled The Mass Timber Roadmap at the Press Conference Room in the West Block on Parliament Hill. The comprehensive report outlines an ambitious and strategic vision for the future of mass timber in Canada and its potential to transform green construction and drive economic growth across the country.
Developed in partnership with Canadian Wood Council (CWC), Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), and Energy Futures Lab (EFL), The Mass Timber Roadmap comes after more than a decade of collaborative efforts to unlock and demonstrate potential of mass timber and lays out a visionary plan to increase the mass timber market – both domestic and exports – to $1.2 billion by 2030 and to $2.4 billion by 2035.
This ambitious growth aligns with increasing market demand in North America and around the world. By leveraging the power of mass timber solutions, Canada has a unique opportunity to enable the construction of residential and commercial structures at greater speeds, with lower costs, and with a lighter carbon footprint; all while capturing a share of the rapidly growing global market.
Achieving targets laid out in The Mass Timber Roadmap requires coordinated efforts across three critical action areas and the report provides actionable next steps, including:
- Public-Private Collaboration: The Mass Timber Roadmap calls for a partnership between public and private sectors to develop and advance a comprehensive policy package that will enhance the value of Canada’s forest resources while building domestic capacity along the supply chain.
- Standardization: There is a need to standardize building archetypes, wood specifications, and connectors throughout the supply chain to streamline processes and reduce costs.
- Skills Development: Implementing a robust skills development plan that encompasses all aspects of the supply chain is essential to support the sector’s growth.
Today’s event on Parliament Hill featured the following speakers who highlighted the roadmap’s goals and the promising future for mass timber in Canada, followed by an engaging Q&A session with journalists:
- Derek Eaton, Director of Future Economy, The Transition Accelerator
- Derek Nighbor, President and CEO, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)
- Kate Lindsay, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)
- Rick Jeffery, President and CEO, Canadian Wood Council (CWC)
Key Quotes:
“The mass timber sector provides a perfect example of how Canada can add value to its primary resources through innovative technologies and advanced skills. If we act strategically and quickly, we have the opportunity to build an industry that reduces emissions, addresses urgent needs, and positions Canada to win in emerging global value chains.” – Derek Eaton, The Transition Accelerator
“To build a world-class mass timber sector, Canada must adopt a strategic approach to ensure we can compete and win globally. This is about smart policy here at home and bringing more Canadian wood to our cities and to the world. By enabling faster, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly construction with mass timber we can grow jobs, help address the affordable housing crunch, and reduce emissions.” – Kate Lindsay, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)
“The potential for Canadian wood products to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment and drive the growth of a sustainable and prosperous wood industry is immense; however, global competition to capitalize on the significant economic opportunities mass timber presents in the transition to a lower-carbon world will require us to act swiftly to stay competitive and meet rapidly emerging domestic demand.” – Rick Jeffery, Canadian Wood Council (CWC)
- Insurance
Ottawa, Ontario – September 17, 2024 — The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) and Woodsure (A division of Axis Insurance Managers Inc.) are pleased to announce a new partnership between their WoodWorks and Woodsure programs respectively. This strategic collaboration is expected to help support the increased adoption of wood construction in Canada.
The positive influences of design innovation, advanced materials, new building codes, and the evolving priorities of society are driving change in the construction sector; in particular, these influences are driving the expanded use of advanced wood construction.
However, as with the adoption of any new technology, perceived unknowns can create barriers that need to be to overcome. One such barrier is access to insurance for this new class of technologically advanced wood buildings.
This partnership aims to empower architects, builders, and developers to choose wood with confidence, knowing they have access to robust insurance solutions that understand the complexities of wood construction. Together, we can significantly enhance the acceptance, safety, and growth of mass timber construction, recognizing it as a strategically preferred material for sustainable building practices.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Rick Jeffery, President & CEO, Canadian Wood Council:
“We are thrilled to welcome Woodsure as a partner of our WoodWorks program. This collaboration is a natural extension of our mutual commitment to supporting wood construction, fostering growth of the wood construction sector, and encouraging increased adoption of sustainable building practices. By combining our efforts, we are confident that this partnership will have a positive impact on the industry.”
Roland Waldmeier, National Senior Vice President, Construction, Contracting, and Real Estate, Axis Insurance Managers Inc.
“We believe that insurance should not only keep pace with, but also actively support, the mass timber and wood frame industries. These sectors are vital to both social and economic objectives in Canada. Therefore, it is important for us to continually develop innovative insurance solutions that foster growth in the Canadian wood industry. By providing the necessary capacity, we make it easier for projects to secure the coverage they need.”
Connie Rowley, Senior Vice President, Woodsure:
“Supporting the mass timber industry with specialized insurance products is crucial for accelerating the adoption of wood construction. By offering tailored insurance solutions, insurers can provide the necessary capacity and confidence for developers to invest in mass timber projects. This support not only mitigates financial risks, but also fosters innovation and sustainability in construction. Enhanced insurance products can address concerns related to fire safety, structural integrity, and long term reliability, thereby reassuring stakeholders and encouraging broader acceptance of this eco-friendly building material. Consequently, this leads to a more sustainable construction industry and helps in reducing the carbon footprint.”
- scholarship
Ottawa, ON, December 12, 2024 – The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) announced the recipients of the 2024 Catherine Lalonde Memorial Scholarships: Laura Walters (McMaster University) and Jiawen Shen (University of British Columbia). Both students were recognized for their academic excellence and impactful research projects in the structural wood products industry.
Established nineteen years ago, the memorial scholarships are awarded each year to graduate students whose wood research exemplifies the same level of passion for wood and the wood products industry that Catherine Lalonde tirelessly demonstrated as a professional engineer and president of the CWC.
Laura Walters
Laura is a 3rd-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering under a joint collaboration between McMaster University and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). Her research project explores the use of pre-engineered beam hangers in mass timber post-and-beam systems, with a focus on the implications of design and modelling assumptions on the evaluation of structural load paths. Her work provides valuable insights into the design considerations and assumptions required for more accurate and reliable design of mass timber columns when pre-engineered beam hangers are used.
Jiawen Shen
Jiawen is a 1st year graduate student pursuing a Master in Wood Science at the University of British Columbia. Her research project focuses on the development of binderless composite bark-board cladding and insulation panels that are durable, ignition resistant, carbon neutral, and manufactured from an underutilized by-product that would otherwise be burned, landfilled, or used for low-value purposes. Collaborating with a Vancouver-based architecture firm on this project, her work is key to advancing the commercial application of these innovative cladding products.
“This year marks a historic milestone for the Catherine Lalonde Memorial Scholarship program as, for the first time, it is awarded to two exceptional women,” said Martin Richard, VP of Market Development and Communications at the CWC. “Their achievements highlight the outstanding talent driving innovation in wood research and construction. We are inspired by their contributions and the growing diversity shaping the future of wood-based solutions.”
December 19, 2024 (Ottawa) – The 2025 Ottawa Wood Solutions Conference will be presented on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the National Arts Centre, located at 1 Elgin St. in Ottawa.
First launched over 20 years ago to serve design and construction professionals interested in building with wood, this event has evolved from a niche gathering into a cornerstone of professional education, driven by the growing demand for sustainable wood construction. The program offers a range of presentations—from technical deep dives to inspiring case studies—catering to participants at every stage of their professional journey, from newcomers to seasoned experts. Attendees can also take advantage of valuable opportunities to connect, collaborate, and expand their professional networks within the wood community.
Conference organizers are delighted to welcome Christophe Ouhayoun of KOZ Architects (France) to share insights into the innovative, collaborative development of the Paris Olympics Athletes’ Village. His presentation will also explore the current effort underway to convert these structures into much-needed permanent housing, highlighting this progressive mass timber development as a model of adaptability and sustainability.
Another program highlight pays tribute to the venue itself. Donald Schmitt, CM, of Diamond Schmitt Architects will present on the revitalization of the National Arts Centre, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the timber structure and prefabrication process that transformed this iconic building into a modern landmark.
Other technical presentations include managing sound and vibration in mass timber buildings and growing Canadian capacity for industrialized wood construction, advancing wood products in our changing climate, and a discussion of the value of conventional wood frame construction in small communities where it provides job opportunities, with a specific focus on Indigenous housing projects.
Early Bird registration of just $99+HST is available until the end of December. In the new year, registration for the conference will be $149 +HST. Delegates can find the Ottawa Wood Solutions Conference on Eventbrite or jump directly to online registration with this link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2025-ottawa-wood-solutions-conference-tickets-1080654991169
A limited number of discounted passes are available for post-secondary educators and students in AEC+D programs of study. Please contact Kelsey Dayler for more information kdayler@cwc.ca.
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