Wood Design Awards: Ann’s Picks

The 2015 Prairie Wood Design Awards Gala will be taking place on March 17, and I’m excited to see the winning projects.

In anticipation of this marvelous event, I have reviewed the nominations and chosen my favourites.

Category: Interior Wood Design Showcase

Building: University College of the North

Location: Thompson, Manitoba

Designer: Architecture 49

As a teacher by training, I am partial to educational institutions that exhibit natural materials. And this project does it so well! Not only are natural materials beautiful to look at, their presence in educational environments also has significant health benefits. Learn about the stress-reducing effects and the many other benefits of having wood in schools in the article, Wood Scores A+ for Schools & Student Housing. 

Category: Commercial and Institutional Wood Design

Building: The Valley Zoo Entry Plaza and Wander Path

Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Designer: DIALOG

Speaking of appropriate buildings for wood materials to be used in, what better place for natural building materials than the zoo, a place displaying the natural world. On top of that, this zoo is located in Edmonton’s river valley which is rich with trees and wildlife, so this building fits in to its environment gracefully.

Category: Residential Wood Design

Building: Rideau River House

Location: Calgary, Alberta

Designer: DeJong Design Associates Ltd.

It was really difficult for me to pick a favourite in the residential category because there were so many gorgeous residential buildings nominated this year. To be honest, I based this choice mostly on the house I would most want to live in. This massive 5,130 square foot house has striking angles and curves, which showcase the flexibility of wood as a building material. It also features an enclosed glass courtyard and is located right on the river, which is a huge sell point for me.

Category: Municipal and Recreational Wood Design

Building: Fort McMurray International Airport

Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta

Designer: office of mcfarlane biggar architects + designers inc.

As someone who travels a lot for work, I understand the importance of first impressions when arriving at a destination where I will be staying and working. That first impression can really set the mood for a trip. For many travellors, the airport is their first impression of a community, and an impressive airport design can go a long way in welcoming visitors. I chose the Fort McMurray International Airport as my pick for this category because I think arriving in a building like this would make for a great start to a business trip.

These are my picks, but in truth, my opinion doesn’t matter much. The real jury is a panel of design professionals whose decisions will be announced on March 17 at the Prairie Wood Design Awards Gala in Edmonton. We will announce the real winners after the Gala.

If you are interested in purchasing tickets for the 2015 Prairie Wood Design Awards Gala, contact Barbara Murray at bmurray@wood-works.ca.