In this issue...

A visually stunning shortlisted project from the 2005 UK Wood Awards, particularly the roof of the main debating chamber.

The materials for this multiple-award-winning design in the little Sydney suburb of Tempe were chosen to fulfill a desire for a warm, natural aesthetic and healthy environment.

Designed by John Wardle Architects of Melbourne, this winner of the 2005 Australian Timber Design Award is an execution of sophistication and stark contrast.

This beach residence on an unusually large suburban block in Sandringham, Victoria is shaped around an organic, reef-like pool that is directly connected to indoor and outdoor living spaces.

A 92-unit resort, spa and conference centre within a sensitive ecological community on the north coast of New South Wales.

A statement in new and recycled timbers by Sam Crawford Architects, ranked as the best new residential building in the 05 Australian Timber Design Awards.

A new technical resource for designers and builders demonstrating the beauty and versatility of timber in interior fit-out projects.

Three derelict buildings in Northamptonshire given a subtle, modern conversion won the best private home and overall prize in the 05 UK Wood Awards.

A contemporary, environmentally sustainable housing concept in Queensland that takes its lead from the qualities and attributes of original timber housing developed a century ago.

Expansion of the Prince George Airport in British Columbia using heavy timber, concrete and steel focuses on envelope detailing and the craft of construction.

Identity and rejuvenation are key themes at Mence, an exclusive men’s beauty centre on Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay.

A visually stunning and highly complex geometric roof structure incorporates a series of elliptical domes, followed by a slatted cedar panel lining system.

This award-winning design from Minnesota embodies a trinity of intimacy, warmth and light – conveyed through translucent, honey-coloured, quilted grain maple panels.

Sydney architect says it is vital to stress that timber manufacturing is substantially less damaging to the environment than aluminium, steel and cement based masonry products.

Furniture designer David Trubridge literally goes to extremes in search of the energy and mental
cleansing that enable his ideas to surface. He talks about his love of timber, wild places and redesigning the way we live.

A wood renaissance is occurring among architects in Britain and Europe. UK Wood Awards chairman
Giles Downes says it is driven by government and community demand for more sustainable public building and housing.

Green architecture is stretching the definition of sustainability and forcing building materials suppliers and designers to take a more holistic view. We talk to two specialists about the principles, emotions and inequities behind the new wave.

New York designer Tony Chi has completed hundreds of projects around the world and this articulate, assertive and relentless pursuer of perfection is very excited about timber.

We talk to industry specialists about finding the right paints and finishes for timber –fundamentally an unstable and occasionally volatile substrate.