“In order to design in timber you must understand it,” said architect Peter Stutchbury in the opening speech of the 2006 Australian Timber Design Awards.

Judging by the evidence on show in the awards, held to promote and encourage outstanding timber design, the finalists clearly understood how to use the material.

Projects from across Australia were entered in the competition, now in its seventh year, by architects, building designers and engineers.

Overall winner was Edward River House a country home in Deniliquin which “explores an interpretation of historic farm buildings in the local area typically constructed of timber frames and corrugated iron cladding”.

Laminated cypress structural timber columns are expressed externally and the house also features western red cedar cladding, doors and windows, spotted gum decking and blackbutt hardwood flooring.

Other winning projects included an environmental learning facility, a research centre, a golf and country club and a visitors’ centre for the Australian Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne.

The Environmental Commitment Award was won by the Environmental Learning Facility, by Arena Design Architects and Shack Design Architects. This features recycled red ironbark columns and trusses.

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