The Dandenong Mental Health Facility by Bates Smart in collaboration with Irwin Allsop Group has won the 2014 Australian Timber Design Awards, which were announced at a presentation dinner last week.

Also winning the Excellence in Timber Design – Multi Residential – New Buildings award, the project comprises a series of linked pavilions surrounding internal glazed courtyards. An extensive use of natural timber internally in walls and ceilings, and externally in cladding and exposed structures, gives the facility a residential, suburban character. This is enhanced by carefully landscaped courtyards and external gardens.

“Blackbutt timber external cladding and exposed columns were chosen for durability, texture and patterning. They lend a warmth and non-institutional feel to the buildings. The timber is durable, low maintenance, and has begun to age gracefully,” said the jury.

“The judging panel found the attention to detail in this project exceptional. They particularly admired the elegant manner in which the buildings and surrounds complement their setting.”

Photography by Peter Bennetts and John Gollings

Now into its thirteenth year, the 2014 Australian Timber Design Awards also featured the inaugural Excellence in Timber Design – Sustainability award. This category was taken out by Melbourne’s The Library at the Dock by architects Clare Design and Hayball.

Photography by Dianna Snape

Combining modern timber technology with traditional timber use, the three-story building features reclaimed ironbark hardwood beams and columns in the indoor-outdoor space, while the promenade decking is made from local hardwood, recycled from the old wharf structure at Victoria Harbour.

A Rising Star Award, for students and entrants aged 35 and under, was awarded to Ricky Booth of Wolveridge Architects for the Eltham South, Blairgowrie project.

Photography by Derek Swalwell

Full list of winners:

Australian Timber Design Award 2014

Dandenong Mental Health Facility by Bates Smart in collaboration with Irwin Allsop Group

Excellence in Timber Design - People's Choice

Hindmarsh Corporate Centre by K20 Architecture

Excellence in Timber Design - Residential Class 1 - New Buildings

Cabin 2 by Maddison Architects

Excellence in Timber Design - Residential Class 1 - Best Renovation

House in the Woods by Wilson Architecture

Excellence in Timber Design - Multi Residential - New Buildings

Dandenong Mental Health Facility by Bates Smart in collaboration with Irwin Allsop Group

Excellence in Timber Design - Public or Commercial Buildings

Library at the Dock by Lend Lease

Excellence in Timber Design - Interior Fitout – Residential

Spiegal Haus by Carterwilliamson Architects

Excellence in Timber Design - Interior Fitout – Commercial

Ansarada Office by Those Architects with End of Work

Excellence in Timber Design - Outdoor Timber - Stand-Alone Structures

Bicheno Surf Life Saving Club & Boathouse by Birelli art + design + architecture

Excellence in Timber Design - Furniture and Joinery

Arched Edge Chest by Christian Cole Furniture

Excellence in Timber Design – Sustainability

Library at the Dock by Lend Lease

Excellence in Timber Design - Rising Star

Eltham South, Blairgowrie by Wolveridge Architects

Excellence in Timber Design - Small Budget Project

House of Cupboards by WilderCoyle Furniture and Design

Judges' Innovation Award

The Green by Australand

Excellence in the use of Timber Products - Australian Certified Timber

House of Cupboards by WilderCoyle Furniture and Design

Excellence in the use of Timber Products - Engineered Timber Products

UQ Advanced Engineering Building by Richard Kirk Architect with HASSELL Joint Venture

Excellence in the use of Timber Products - Office Fitout Featuring Decorative Sliced Veneers

The Quays, Docklands by McBride Charles Ryan

Excellence in the use of Timber Products - Recycled Timber

UQ Advanced Engineering Building by Richard Kirk Architect with HASSELL Joint Venture

Excellence in the use of Timber Products - Timber Cladding

The Commons by Breathe Architecture

Excellence in the use of Timber Products - Timber Panels

Doherty Institute by Grimshaw in collaboration with Billard Leece Partnership

Excellence in the use of Timber Products - Timber Veneers

The Quays, Docklands by McBride Charles Ryan

Excellence in the use of Timber Products - Timber Windows and Doors

Land House by Peter Stutchbury Architecture

Excellence in the use of Timber Products - Treated Pine

City of Nedlands Bus Shelter by University of Western Australia

Geraldine Chua

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