Thermory Design Awards 2024 winners leave "lasting positive impact"

Promotion: Estonian timber supplier Thermory has announced the winners of its annual wooden architecture design awards, including a swooping addition to Lisbon's Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian by Kengo Kuma.

The Thermory Design Awards celebrates architecture and design constructed with Thermory's thermally-modified wood products.

Thermory has named a winner for each of its four categories – Best Private House, Best Public Building, Best Interior and Best Sauna – this year, selected from 59 submissions from 16 countries.

"We are proud to say that in these structures and environments, thermally treated wood has found a home, playing a central role and making a meaningful difference in both design and environmental impact," said the timber supplier.

Designed by owner Robert Gabriel of American architecture studio Atelier Chalk, Hatchway Home is a rural Californian property that won the award for Best Private House.

The jury praised Gabriel's use of thermo-radiata pine to clad the dwelling, chosen to complement the surrounding hedgerow and ocean views.

"Hatchway Home's sun-kissed silver patina harmoniously blends with the colours of the surrounding meadow, creating a seamless connection with nature," said Thermory.

Japanese architect Kengo Kuma recently completed a wood-clad canopy for the Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian extension in Lisbon, with a sweeping form that references an engawa – a sheltered corridor typical of Japanese architecture.

Awarded for its use of thermo-ash, Kuma's project took home the prize for Best Public Building.

"The jury was particularly impressed by the bold form and innovative use of wood, which together create a striking visual impact," said the timber supplier.

"One can almost sense the weight of the structure, giving it a strong sense of presence. Overall, this remarkable architecture stands as a true embodiment of public space," it added.

The award for Best Interior was presented to Tallinn Airport Business Lounge, designed by local studio KAMP Arhitektid.

A combination of thermo-ash and thermo-ash veneer was chosen for the lounge's furniture and wall panels. The space also features locally sourced natural limestone and lime plaster walls.

"All the details are meticulously thought through, and the use of natural materials fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere, creating a modern yet welcoming environment," considered Thermory. "The lounge serves as a beautifully designed business card for Estonia."

Slovakian architecture and design studio APEX took home the award for Best Sauna for its project Sauna In The Forest – a cedar-clad building complete with a fully glazed wall and alder wood benches.

Celebrated by the jury for its "embrace of simplicity", the sauna was designed to be peaceful and calming.

"The materials add a warm, natural ambiance to the space," explained Thermory. "The blend of modern design, natural materials, and the beauty of the forest creates an ideal environment for relaxation and rejuvenation."

This year's jury was made up of architects including Arhitekt Must's Ott Alver, Maali Roomet-Allese of Maali Roomet Design and Rubén Tomás Verde, architect at Lundén Architecture.

Thermory's development manager Hannes Tarn and sales director Katrin Reinaste-Parve also joined the panel.

"Through this event, we celebrate and recognise our brand ambassadors and creative professionals for their remarkable work, which leaves a lasting positive impact through the use of our natural, durable, and sustainable wood," said the timber supplier.

For more information on the Thermory Design Awards, visit its website.

The photography is courtesy of Thermory Design Awards.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen as part of a partnership with Thermory. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.