Wood Awards Ireland 2024 (WAI 24) invites RIAI Registered Architects, engineers, designers, researchers and woodworkers to submit projects showcasing wood as a fundamental medium in construction and design.

Organised by Forest Industries Ireland (FII) in association with the RIAI the awards promote wood as a sustainable material in innovative projects in Ireland and overseas.

Dr. Sandra O'Connell, Director of Architecture and communications at the RIAI stated: "This is the 10th anniversary of the competition and to mark the occasion, there is no entry charge this year," said Donal Magner, WAI 24 project manager. "We are delighted to have been associated with this award since its inception and encourage registered architect to enter the projects in the large- and small-scale categories."

Des O'Toole, marketing and communications director FII, said: "Sustainable timber sourcing and usage is a key element of the project with emphasis on energy efficiency." He added: "Wood can be used in sawn form, engineered or in composite structures providing the timber has been sourced in sustainably managed forests and conforms to the EU Timber Regulation."

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Entries are accepted in the following categories:

• Large-scale public buildings: Emphasis on wood as a structural component

• Small-scale private buildings

• International award – best overseas project

• Restoration and conservation

• Furniture – both bespoke and production

• Innovation – functional and non-functional projects including craft, sculpture or other forms. Projects can be localised or national to include research and new uses for wood

Chaired by Ciaran O'Connor, State Architect, the judges may present a special award at WAI 24 for entries that exemplify exceptional wood design not fitting into the specified categories.

WAI 24 welcomes submissions from practitioners based in Ireland and overseas, showcasing work completed for both domestic and international markets. An overall award will recognize the outstanding WAI project, alongside category awards for winners.

Construction projects must be in compliance with the Building Regulations and designed by architects who are registered MRIAI or RSUA members. Timber, can be used with other materials but should be the inherent material in projects and must be sourced in sustainably managed forests and conform to the EU Timber Regulation (No 995/2010).

In addition to FII and the RIAI, the awards have been generously sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Enterprise Ireland, and Design & Crafts Council Ireland. The awards themselves are designed by sculptor Michael Warren, who is an Honorary Member of the RIAI.

Eligible projects need to be completed during the period 1 August 2021 and 31 August 2024.