Thermory Design Awards names best wooden architecture projects for 2024

The Thermory Design Awards is an annual event that highlights exceptional architecture and design using Thermory products. Through this event, we celebrate and recognize our brand ambassadors and creative professionals for their remarkable work, which leaves a lasting positive impact through the use of our natural, durable, and sustainable wood.
This year, we were thrilled to receive 59 submissions from 16 countries, spread across 4 diverse categories – Private House, Public Building, Interior, and Sauna.

Our mission is to inspire forward-thinking creators of living environments – from architects and designers to homeowners, builders, developers, and city planners – by providing the tools and ideas necessary to shape sustainable spaces. We take pride in the fact that nearly all submitted projects placed sustainability at the forefront of their designs, highlighting how closely Thermory’s values align with theirs. Their choice of our products reflects a shared commitment to materials that are not only visually appealing but also sustainable, functional, and durable.
We are proud to say that in these structures and environments, thermally treated wood has found a home, playing a central role and making a meaningful difference in both design and environmental impact.

This year’s jury included:

Ott Alver, architect and partner at Arhitekt Must
Maali Roomet-Allese, landscape architect at Maali Roomet Design & board member at the Estonian Landscape Architects Association
Rubén Tomás Verde, architect at Lundén Architecture in Finland
Katrin Reinaste-Parve Thermory’s Sales Director, board member
Hannes Tarn, Thermory’s Head of Development

Best private house – Hatchway Home (USA, CALIFORNIA)

ARCHITECT Robert P. Gabriel, AtelierCHALK

BUILDER I DEVELOPER J. Schmidt Construction

PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Oxford Photography & Robert Gabriel (drone photo)

CLADDING Thermory thermo-radiata pine, C19

DECKING Thermory thermo-pine

A bright and cozy home nestled between a mature cypress hedgerow and the dramatic expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Clad in Thermory’s thermo-radiata pine, its sun-kissed silver patina harmoniously blends with the colors of the surrounding meadow, creating a seamless connection with nature.

The jury praised the design for its harmonious integration with the surroundings, highlighting the well-balanced and thoughtfully considered details throughout. The extensive use of wood enhances the natural aesthetic, while the silver-gray tones of the naturally weathered wood beautifully complement the overall design.

Best public building – Centro Arte Moderna Gulbenkian (PORTUGAL, LISBON)

ARCHITECT Kengo Kuma & Associates

BUILDER I DEVELOPER Jular Madeiras SA

PHOTOGRAPHY Fernando Guerra

CEILING I ROOF Thermory thermo-ash D4

Artsy from the inside out – this temple of Portuguese modern and contemporary art – beautifully blends technology, sustainability, and design. The impressive entrance structure, resembling a large ship’s hull, is supported by thin pillars, making weight a critical consideration. Thermory thermo-ash was the preferred choice due to its stunning appearance and durability.

The jury was particularly impressed by the bold form and innovative use of wood, which together create a striking visual impact. One can almost sense the weight of the structure, giving it a strong sense of presence. Overall, this remarkable architecture stands as a true embodiment of public space.

Best interior – Tallinn Airport Business Lounge (ESTONIA, TALLINN)

ARCHITECT KAMP Arhitektid

GRAPHIC SOLUTIONS Velvet Design

BUILDER I DEVELOPER Tolira Ehitus

PHOTOGRAPHY Tõnu Tunnel

WALLS I FURNITURE thermo-ash veneer (specially developed and produced for this project) & thermo-ash, C4

Cozy and welcoming, the renewed business lounge at Tallinn Airport showcases a design rooted in Estonian origins. Most of the elements in the space are locally sourced, forming a crucial foundation for the concept, including lime plaster walls, natural limestone, and Thermory’s thermally modified wood used in the furniture and wall panels. Additionally, a custom thermally modified veneer was produced for this project.

The jury noted how each element of the design contributes to the overall narrative, weaving a cohesive story throughout the space. All the details are meticulously thought through, and the use of natural materials fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere, creating a modern yet welcoming environment. It serves as a beautifully designed business card for Estonia.

Thermowood switches and outlets, Estonia, Architect Karmen Trasberg, Photo Karli Haava

Interior category special mention – Wemel Wood switches (ESTONIA, TARTU)

PRODUCT DESIGN Wemel Wood OÜ

PHOTOGRAPHY Karli Haava

SWITCHES & OUTLETS Thermory thermo-ash

These outlets and switches seek to revolutionize the electrical fixtures industry by replacing traditional plastics with natural materials – Thermory’s thermowood. The thermal modification process removes moisture and resin, creating a dimensionally stable and decay resistant material, ideal for such electrical components.

The jury was pleased to see product design represented among the submissions and felt it deserved special mention for its beautifully and expertly executed design, showcasing a unique use of thermo-wood and high-quality craftsmanship.

Sauna in the forest, Slovakia, Thermory alder benches, Architect Ing Jurij Cernak, Photo Katarina Janickova

Best sauna – Sauna in the Forest (SLOVAKIA, BRATISLAVA)

ARCHITECT Ing. Jurij Cernak, APEX A.

BUILDER I DEVELOPER Woodmaster SK, s.r.o. & APEX A.

PHOTOGRAPHY Katarina Janickova

BENCH BOARD Thermory alder SHP

Discreetly nestled in the forest, this sauna offers stunning views through its fully glazed wall.
The exterior and interior are clad in cedar and complemented by alder wood benches, both which add a warm, natural ambiance to the space. The blend of modern design, natural materials, and the beauty of the forest creates an ideal environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.

The jury appreciated the design’s embrace of simplicity, which beautifully complements the stunning location. It truly feels as though this sauna offers a holistic experience, nurturing both mind and body, and encompassing all the elements necessary for relaxation.