Celebrating innovation and excellence in wood building design across the U.S., WoodWorks has announced the winners of its 2019 Wood Design Awards, including best Commercial Wood Design – Mid-Rise:  ICE Block 1. Designed by Principal Emeritus Steve Guest for Heller Pacific, ICE Block 1 celebrates a historical approach to construction within the context of its location.

“I’ve heard people call it a wood revolution but whatever the term, this year’s nominees seem to reflect genuine interest in maximizing the potential of wood building design in this country,” said Jennifer Cover, WoodWorks’ President and CEO. “At one end of the spectrum, winners include an 8-story apartment building, which exemplifies the interest we’re seeing in taller wood structures; at the other, an adaptive re-use project that includes original wood framing from the 1880s. As always, it’s interesting to read the motivations for using wood—from innovation and a more sustainable built environment, which often go hand in hand, to resilience, economics, and the desire for a modern, exposed wood aesthetic. Once again, a common thread is that this year’s winning projects showcase the use of wood in all its versatile glory.”

Projects were selected by an independent jury that included:

• Patricia Centeno, AIA, LEED AP, Associate Principal, BAR Architects, San Francisco
• Michael E. Hickok, FAIA, Founding Senior Principal, Hickok Cole Architects, Washington, DC
• Ray Kimsey, AIA, LEED AP, President, Niles Bolton Associates, Atlanta
• Tanya Luthi, PE, Senior Associate, Fast + Epp, New York

awards