Foster + Partners enters Wood Awards

Renowned international architectural firm Foster + Partners is one of the big names being considered for this year’s Wood Awards shortlist.

Foster + Partners, which traditionally works in steel and glass on projects such as London’s City Hall, the terminal building at Stansted airport, the Reichstag building redevelopment in Berlin and Saudi Arabia’s Al Faisaliah Complex, is among nearly 200 entrants across the competition’s five categories.

It has submitted the Folkestone Academy in Kent, which features oak and birch plywood cladding throughout to provide a “warm contrast to the exposed metal structure”.

The timber curtain wall used in the eight main interior classroom spaces was designed to be light, slender and durable, and was based on the Yorkshire boarding technique used to construct barns.

Giles Downes, chairman of the judges, said the level of this year’s entries was once again “extremely impressive” and that it showcases the continued growth in the use of wood architecturally.

“Each year the quality of entries is extremely impressive and this year is no exception, with a very wide range in the commercial and public access category, as well as a fine range of private houses, revealing the continuing design trend for timber cladding and interiors for the home,” he said.

The shortlist for this year’s Wood Awards will be announced at the 100% Detail exhibition in London on September 18.