WOOD AWARDS
Digital fabrication : FabLab Cardiff , Cardiff Metropolitan University ’ s School of Art & Design Joinery : Silverthorne Joinery & Carpentry Wood supplier : Hanson Plywood Limited Species : ash , birch
EDUCATION & PUBLIC SECTOR
Swimming Pool Hall at King ’ s College School , Wimbledon was selected as the Education & Public Sector winner . Judge Kirsten Haggart says , “ The different timber elements all have the same white-washed tone and coordinate perfectly with the reinforced concrete columns , creating a beautiful place which has an intimacy that most pools lack .”
Location : Wimbledon Architect : David Morley Architects Client : King ’ s College Wimbledon Structural engineer : Price & Myers Main contractor : Knight Harwood Timber contractor : B & K Structures Joinery : Suffolk and Essex Joinery Ltd Wood supplier : Metsa Group Ltd Species : spruce , pine , fir , larch ( European )
This prototype staircase is part of a UK government funded R & D project to enable digital fabrication directly from BIM modelling environments . The stair rises three floors and is cantilevered from flush mounted stringers . The parts were CNC machined and assembled onsite using standard tools . The new platform developed during research allows designs to be defined parametrically , enabling the user to configure bespoke objects to specific requirements . Parameters such as height , width , depth and material thickness can be user controlled . Digital manufacturing is enabled directly from CAD or BIM software via the platform which enables faster fabrication , better pricing information and reduces errors and waste . Items can be locally fabricated through a distributed manufacturing network model open to any CNC enabled workshop . The process greatly improves construction efficiency , supports COVID-19 social distancing restrictions , increases the type and complexity of work undertaken by smaller site-based joiners , and keeps the labour pool local .
The Swimming Pool Hall is one of three linked pavilions comprising a new sports centre for the school . The building ’ s design has strong visual connections between indoors and outdoors to encourage physical activity among students whilst seamlessly connecting the old facilities . The form of the roof evokes a dynamic sense of movement in water . From outside , it sweeps down to respect the boundary with a Grade 2 * listed building . Internally , it sweeps up to accommodate a viewing gallery . Curved glulam beams support CLT roof panels with integral timber acoustic linings . The roof ’ s geometry and pale stained finish reflect natural top-light and artificial uplighters , eliminating the need for any light fittings above the pool . The flush pool edge and glazing on three sides allow views to the outside .
INTERIORS
The Interiors winner is Brockeridge Stair . Judge Ruth Slavid comments , “ This is a very beautiful and impressive stair . In addition , there is a great story in that it was used to pioneer an approach to the use of BIM in joinery manufacture that is the recipient of ongoing government grants .”
Location : Bristol Staircase & joinery design : Future Joinery Systems Ltd Architect : CaSA Architects Structural engineer : Mann Williams
SMALL PROJECT
This year ’ s Small Project winner is Wooden Roof . The judges were impressed by the light and airy garden room and were particularly interested in the process of design through to construction .
Location : London Architect : Tsuruta Architects Structural engineer : Webb Yates Main contractor : JK London Construction Joinery : Pracownia Wystroju Wnetrz Art Deco -R Wood supplier : Arnold Laver Species : Accoya ( New Zealand ), ash ( Canada )
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