The winners of the 2016 Prairie Wood Design Awards will be announced this month, so in preparation I have reviewed the nominees and selected my favourite project in each of the categories.
Category: Recreational
Building: Borden Park Pavilion
Location: Edmonton
Designer: gh3
Photography: Raymond Chow
This has got to be one of the coolest buildings I’ve ever seen. It is small and unassuming, leaving the park to be the main attraction. But the very way this pavilion blends into its surroundings makes it a total stand out. I can’t wait to visit Borden Park to see this optical illusion in real life.
Category: Commercial
Building: The Mosaic Centre for Conscious Community and Commerce
Location: Edmonton
Designer: Manasc Isaac
Photography: Garth Krump, Josh Kjenner, Vedran Skopac
I selected The Mosaic Centre as my pick in the commercial category because its design is so eye catching. The wood and glass throughout the building looks absolutely stunning. On top of that, the brick feature and living wall are funky decorative touches that give this building a trendy feel. A bonus: this building is aiming to become the first net-zero commercial building in Alberta.
Category: Residential
Building: Silver Sage – The Sun Lodge
Location: Regina
Designer: Kreate Architecture and Design Ltd
Photography: Patricia Holdsworth
This project speaks to me for its success in meeting the needs of the surrounding community. In consultation with First Nations elders, The Sun Lodge was designed to meet the housing needs of the Native American senior community. This multi-unit residential complex was designed not only to provide housing, but also to create a place of community within the building’s communal atrium. The building features plenty of natural light as well as wooden beams, maintaining a connection with nature for residents.
Category: Interior
Project: Flight of Wines
Location: Edmonton
Designer: Group2 Architecture Interior Design Ltd.
Photography: OMM Photography
I love the way this shop not only serves as a place for people to purchase goods, but also as a piece of art in the middle of the airport. To top it off, the wooden planks that serve as a wall double as shelves for product. The striking design serves to attract the attention of travelers and the use of wood materials is both beautiful and soothing.
Category: Institutional
Building: Lethbridge Community Arts Centre
Location: Lethbridge
Designer: Nyhoff Architecture
Photography: Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd
This is an interdisciplinary arts centre serving a multigenerational arts community with skill sets in a variety of artistic disciplines. A person’s environment can be crucial in inspiring creativity, and this Arts Centre doesn’t disappoint visually. Used for both teaching and working, this gorgeous space is the perfect artistic retreat from regular life.
Although I like to think I have good taste, a panel of judges who are experts in wood design are in charge of selecting the winners. I am eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winning projects on March 8 and will be sure to post an announcement of the winners shortly after the event. For more information on the Prairie Wood Design Awards, please visit wood-works.ca/alberta or contact Barbara Murray at bmurray@wood-works.ca.
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10:07 pm
I and a close co worker/friend worked very hard on the mosaic building together doing a lot of the ceder, hardy board, and lexan panel. I’m glad to see it being put forth as a nomination, as well as an achievement.