The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) has officially announced the winners of its 41st annual Wood Design and Building Awards, celebrating architectural excellence from across Canada and around the globe. These awards highlight how wood continues to shape sustainable, innovative, and people-focused design.
This year’s event showcased 38 winning projects that demonstrate wood’s role as both a versatile and environmentally friendly building material. From cultural landmarks in Toronto to residences in the Pacific Northwest, the winners prove that wood design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about connecting communities with nature while promoting sustainable construction.
1. Overview of the Wood Design Awards
The Wood Design Awards, hosted annually by the Canadian Wood Council, honor architects, designers, and builders who use wood in innovative ways. These awards have grown into one of the most prestigious recognitions for wood-based construction worldwide.
2. Number of Projects Recognized in 2024
- 140 entries were submitted in total.
- 38 projects were selected for recognition.
- The awards include:
- 18 main awards from the central jury.
- 14 regional WoodWorks awards across Ontario, British Columbia, and the Prairies.
- Additional international recognitions.
3. The Importance of Wood in Modern Architecture
Wood remains one of the most sustainable construction materials. It is renewable, energy-efficient, and naturally connects built spaces with the environment. More architects are turning to wood for:
- Reduced carbon footprint.
- Flexible and aesthetic design opportunities.
- Cultural and heritage-inspired architecture.
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4. Honor Category Highlights
Some of the most prestigious Honor Awards include:
| Project | Location | Architect(s) |
|---|---|---|
| The Spirit Garden | Toronto, ON | Gow Hastings Architects & Two Row Architects |
| Fraser Mills Presentation Centre | Coquitlam, BC | Patkau Architects |
| Pacific Northwest Residence | Washington State, USA | Cutler Anderson Architects |
| Google Borregas | Sunnyvale, CA, USA | MGA |
| TRUMPF Education Center | Ditzingen, Germany | Barkow Leibinger |
| Jiuceng Art Gallery | Zhejiang Province, China | Atelier Lu+Architects |
5. Merit Award Winners
The Merit category highlighted innovative uses of wood in smaller-scale yet impactful projects, including:
- Vesterheim Commons (Iowa, USA) by Snøhetta.
- DogTrot Magnetawan (Ontario) by Williamson Williamson.
- Aiken Audubon Research Outpost (Colorado, USA) by ColoradoBuildingWorkshop.
6. Citation Category Recognitions
Projects under this category focused on cultural and community spaces such as:
- Walking Dunes (New York, USA).
- Canadian Canoe Museum (Peterborough, ON).
- Upper Canada College – Lindsay Boathouse (Toronto, ON).
- MUMO – Museum of Motorcycle (Chile).
7. Sponsored Award Recipients
Several awards were sponsored by organizations that support sustainable wood practices:
- Sansin Award: Google Borregas (Sunnyvale, CA).
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative Award: Wahta’ Elementary School (Wendake, QC).
- Western Red Cedar Award: The Granary at Southlands (Delta, BC).
- Wood Preservation Award: Catchacoma Cottage (The Kawarthas, ON).
8. WoodWorks Regional Awards
The WoodWorks program honors outstanding wood projects across Canadian provinces:
- Ontario: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Headquarters.
- British Columbia: Fraser Mills Presentation Centre, Adams Lake Health + Wellness Centre.
- Prairie Provinces: Sam Centre (Calgary, AB), G7 Summit Renovations (Kananaskis, AB).
9. Global Reach of the Awards
The Wood Design Awards are not limited to Canada—they celebrate projects worldwide. Winners this year came from the USA, Germany, China, and Chile, proving that sustainable wood design is shaping global architecture.
10. Final Thoughts on Innovation in Wood Design
The 41st edition of the Wood Design Awards reinforces wood as a material that blends innovation, sustainability, and cultural storytelling. With projects spanning continents, this year’s winners set new benchmarks in environmentally conscious design.