The project by RTA Studio and Irving Smith Architects has taken out the top prize in the Higher Education and Research category. This puts the project in line for the prestigious WAF Building of the Year award, which follows a live presentation to the super jury, led by Sir Peter Cook, on 3 December. 

Jeremy Smith said about the win: “When you live so far away, it is wonderful to be recognised for looking outwards and showing we can better participate with our environment through timber innovation. To do this, in the Higher Education and Research category, amongst 3XN, Grimshaw, Kieran Timberlake, Perkins&Will, Rafael Vinoly and Weiss/Manfredi, suggests we might not be so far away after all.”

Rich Naish from RTA says: “We are super honoured to have been recognised at this level of WAF and in this category. I think that this week, after COP26, the recognition of this building and the innovation it proposes for sustainability and carbon neutrality in the building sector could not be more relevant. We are proud to be able to make a global contribution to the Climate Emergency.”

The WAF digital edition takes place 1–3 December, 2021 virtually (you can see the full programme here and also purchase a digital pass). Join RTA Studio and Irving Smith Architects as they present Scion Innovation Hub Te Whare Nui o Tuteata, along with other leading architects from across the globe as they present their own category-winning projects, in a live-streamed event.

Architecture NZ editor Chris Barton reviewed the Scion building in March 2021. Read the article here.