This year, WoodSolutions was proud to once again be the Platinum Sponsor of the prestigious Australian Timber Design Awards (ATDA).
The overall winner provided a spectacular example of a fusion between cross laminated timber (CLT) and stone, with a home created by James Fitzpatrick of Sydney architecture firm, fitzpatrick+partners.
Already the subject of considerable acclaim, The Seed House is an exemplary project that combines sensitivity of the site and awareness of materials with an attention to detail that reflects the passion of Mr Fitzpatrick, who was not only the project architect but also the property owner.
In an earlier interview with WoodSolutions, Mr Fitzpatrick described The Seed House as utilising the latest technologies in engineered timber construction.
“This healthy home imbues a sense of warmth and comfort. Every bracket and screw is used to inform the overall aesthetic, with materials selected to develop a patina of use and character with time,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
“The normal is sculptured to become the beautiful. Its experimentation in construction and engineering has supported the architectural vision. It is a forever home, yet it is home to a young family. It will adapt and change as they do, forever.”
Constructed primarily from structural CLT panels and glulam columns, and finished with lining boards, The Seed House wraps its occupants in timber. Adding to this, the joinery and furniture are all made from timbers sourced from the bottom of the hydro lakes of Tasmania.
Species used include celery top pine, Huon pine, radiata pine and blackwood. The apparent simplicity of the design belies the complex geometries, large spans, and cantilevers that required hundreds of hours of computer analysis to create the optimum structural and aesthetic solution. This process led to the development of new detailing and fixing systems to address the unique Australian environmental and construction industry requirements.
The Seed House is a worthy winner in what was an impressively strong field. The breadth and depth of the entries in what was the 20th year of the awards reflects the increasing popularity of wood and wood products in the built environment.
“I would like to congratulate all the entrants and winners on their excellent work,” said Eileen Newbury, WoodSolutions Program Manager and National Marketing and Communications Manager at FWPA.
Over two decades, the awards have promoted and encouraged outstanding timber design. They are open to builders, designers, architects, engineers, landscapers and anyone else involved in the design or building of structures that feature timber. A Rising Star award is also available to students and entrants aged 35 or under.
You can find out more about the awards and see the full list of winners at www.timberdesignawards.com.au
