Intergrain has partnered with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) to launch a national design competition that challenges young designers to explore imaginative ways to use timber in design.

Intergrain’s inaugural Urban Timber Project invites the new generation of Australian designers to design a functional piece of urban furniture. Open to all emerging landscape and design professionals, the timber design competition by premium Australian woodcare brand, Intergrain will see the winning design being constructed and installed in the community garden at the Werribee Park, Victoria.

Located in the Historic Farm Precinct, the garden is maintained by many groups of volunteers, including those from the Karen community, who are refugees from the long-running civil war in Burma and have played a huge role in transforming it into a thriving kitchen garden. The garden has provided the Karen people, along with other local refugee communities in Wyndham, with a new sense of purpose and allowed them to reconnect with their traditional pursuits of gardening and cultivation.

Intergrain Trade Brand Manager, Amanda Chalmers explains that the brief focuses on creating a functional and creative furniture design that will contribute to, and grow the strong sense of community in the garden.

Emerging landscape architects, landscape designers, industrial designers and planners, including AILA FRESH members (landscape architects’ student and graduates network), who have been working for up to 10 years in the profession can participate in the competition.

Daniel Bennett, National President of AILA, said they looked forward to discovering a collection of imaginative timber projects from emerging design professionals across the country.

The winner will be announced in December with the winning creation to be unveiled at the Historic Farm Precinct at Werribee Park in March 2016. Iconic Australian design manufacturer Street Furniture Australia has generously come on board to create and install the winning design. 

The winning designer will receive a $2,000 cash prize, an exclusive mentoring lunch with a renowned industry professional, 50 litres of Intergrain product and a 1-year Graduate membership to the AILA.

Entries will be judged by an esteemed panel comprising of renowned industry leaders including Daniel Bennett – AILA National President, landscape architect, and Design and Transport Manager at Adelaide City Council; Michelle Herbut – Project Manager, Custom Product Sales at Street Furniture Australia; a representative from Parks Victoria; and Amanda Chalmers – Senior Brand Manager, Intergrain Timber Finishes.

Entries are now open and will close on Wednesday 9 December 2015.

Image: Werribee Park community garden