Best Use of Timber Awards 2019 exhibition

Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing Scotland and the world today. The materials we choose and how we design our buildings have a significant impact on responding to a changing climate and help us reduce carbon emissions.  

The annual Best Use of Timber Awards recognises the innovative and creative use of timber in buildings in Scotland. The exhibition of the projects took place at The Lighthouse, Glasgow, in early 2020. 

Using locally sourced and sustainably grown timber is a key part in tackling the climate emergency. It helps us move to a circular economy that eliminates waste and achieves the continual use of resources.   

Potential of Timber

The award demonstrates the potential of home-grown timber, as well as showing how different species of timber can create a range of inspiring spaces.  

The projects range from small to large and from domestic to commercial – all showcasing the benefit of timber in new architecture in Scotland.  Technical competence is of course paramount and the design and detail of how the timber is used is as much a part of the assessment criteria as the imagination and overall architectural excellence. The shortlisted and winning projects in 2019’s awards demonstrate this fully.  

Here is a selection of blogs on the shortlisted projects where we hear from the architects and clients involved in developing the projects:

A new room in the city: Jaki McDougall, Glasgow Film Theatre

Creating uplifting interiors for Glasgow Film Theatre - Blog by Brian McGinlay

New Steading: a magical little building in a glorious spot - Ian O'Brien Studios

Low carbon living: designing 22 Observatory Road - David Jamieson, ZONE

The annual Best Use of Timber Awards is part of the annual RIAS Awards scheme, the award is sponsored by Scottish Forestry and Wood for Good.  

Headline image credit: A new steading, Keith Hunter photography