The call has gone out for entries in this year’s NZ Wood Timber Design Awards.

Entry is open to New Zealand resident architects, builders, architectural designers, engineers, students and other designers in timber. Submitted projects must be based on a completed building or structure, except in the Canterbury Rebuild Innovation category where unbuilt options will be considered.

The Building or project must have been completed between 1 January 2011 and 31 August 2012 and only one entry per project and joint entries between disciplines or firms are welcome.

To qualify, the building or project must have significant timber content, either structural or decorative and projects may include the effective use of timber in combination with other materials.

The competition brings together architects, architectural designers and engineers in a showcase event that builds the passion for timber construction in New Zealand.

NZ Wood have also announced that Resene has committed to a naming rights sponsorship of the 2012 Timber Design Awards.

Karen Warman, Marketing Manager of Resene, highlighted the affinity between timber and paints and stains - whether for dynamic effect or longevity and protection.

“Resene has always enjoyed partnering with the best and the Timber Design Awards enables us to develop new relationships with those that value excellence in timber design,” says Ms Warman.

“We are especially pleased that this year’s Awards includes a Canterbury Rebuild category to highlight the significance of the rebuild.”

In announcing the sponsorship Jane Arnott CEO NZ Wood highlighted how the Timber Design Awards celebrate excellence across functionality and aesthetics.

“The versatility of timber offers infinite possibilities for professionals keen to blend beauty and form.

“We have to remember that it was only a few decades ago that brutalism ruled, now fortunately we have a better appreciation of design as well as the integrity of construction. From curves to filigree, veneers to engineered timber beams only timber can excite, challenge and change to meet every landscape and every client.”

The first stage call for entries closes on Friday 22 June. More information at www.nzwood.co.nz.