Celebrating the Winners of the Thermory Design Awards 2025

Best private house – Summer Villa (Estonia)

CLADDING Thermo-radiata pine C4J (20×115); Thermo-ash Shingles S1 (150×350); Thermo-ash D4 (42×90)

CEILING Thermo radiata-pine CAR3 (20×138)

DECKING Thermo-ash D31

ARCHITECT Silver Soe, Ove Oot, Apex Arhitektuuribüroo OÜ

BUILDER / DEVELOPER Marek Kumpan / Lahever Ehitus OÜ

PHOTOGRAPHY Tõnu Tunnel

 

 

In Haapsalu’s historic wooden district, Summer Villa reinterprets Estonia’s lace-like timber heritage with modern precision. Clad in Thermory thermo-ash shingles and thermo-radiata pine panels, the villa captures the silvery tones of coastal light while large openings and sliding shutters dissolve the threshold between indoors and out.

The jury praised its “fresh, contemporary interpretation of historic wooden architecture” and “innovative use of wood,” noting that the project finds “the right level of crazy” in its fearless craftsmanship. With its distinctive geometry and attention to local tradition, the house stands as “impressive wooden architecture that blends with its surroundings – but not in a predictable way.”

Best public building – Võsu Primary School and Kindergarten

CLADDING & SOFFITS & DECKING Thermo-pine, different profiles and surface treatments (brushed, oiled, Vivid10 Opaque RAL9005 (Black)

ARCHITECT 3+1 Architects – Gert Guriev, Karin Harkmaa, Markus Kaasik, Kerstin Kivila, Helina Lass, Siim Tiisvelt

BUILDER / DEVELOPER Enska Ehitus OÜ

PHOTOGRAPHY Karl Kasepõld

Among the pine forests of Lahemaa National Park, the Võsu Primary School and Kindergarten redefines rural educational architecture. Designed by 3+1 Architects, the elongated, barn-like structure combines CLT, glulam, and Thermory thermo-pine across façades, soffits, and terraces. Its dark, brushed cladding and oiled wooden elements lend depth and warmth to the minimalist form.

The jury commended the project’s “architectural slimness and sense of lightness,” observing that the “roof seems to float above the landscape.” They also highlighted its emotional resonance – “wonderful that children can experience such a warm, inviting atmosphere in a school.”

By reinterpreting local building traditions through contemporary timber design, Võsu School establishes a powerful dialogue between past and present.

Best interior – Jõelähtme Juveel

WALLS Thermo-ash C72  & D4 (21×140; 26×72)

BATHROOM CEILING Thermo-pine C3, 20×140

ARCHITECT Annika Valkna

INTERIOR DESIGN Lasita – Perfecting Views & Katrin Kuldma

BUILDER / DEVELOPER Lasita; Dalton Kinnisvara

PHOTOGRAPHY Karl Kasepõld

Inspired by Wabi Sabi principles, Jõelähtme Juveel captures quiet elegance through imperfection. Nestled by a golf course, its interiors pair Thermory thermo-ash walls with limewashed ceilings and light CLT surfaces to create a calm, cohesive space.

The jury admired the home’s “exquisite use of wood – like elegant clothing,” praising the craftsmanship that conceals complex detailing behind an effortless appearance. Hidden doors, refined joints, and the visual continuation of thermo-pine ceilings from bathrooms to the exterior canopy blur boundaries between inside and out, offering what the jury called “a sense of roughness in the most elegant way.”

Best sauna – Baltimore Ravens’ Under Armour Performance Center

CEILING Thermo-Magnolia custom C4J profile ceiling with GRAD clips

SAUNA WALLS & BENCHES Thermo-Magnolia STS10 tongue and groove boards

ARCHITECT ZGF Architects

BUILDER / DEVELOPER The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

PHOTOGRAPHY © Ema Peter Photography

In transforming the Baltimore Ravens’ iconic “Castle,” ZGF Architects designed a wellness and recovery environment that redefines athletic performance spaces. Featuring Thermory Thermo-Magnolia in custom ceiling and sauna applications, the interiors merge biophilic design with advanced functionality.

The jury described the project as “immersive and sensory – you can almost feel the water and the scent of wood,” praising its “clean, refined detailing” and “beautiful use of natural light.” Beyond technical mastery, the space evokes calm and connection – “a powerful, restorative environment that feels impressive.”

Special mention

Innovative products such as Wemel Wood’s precision-crafted extension cords and cable conduits, and Nukka Kitchen’s bold outdoor kitchen concepts, impressed the jury for expanding how thermowood can be used in product design.