Carpenter Oak projects shortlisted for two leading timber awards

09.10.2026

3 minute read

School children in uniform inside a school building with striking oak trusses in the roof

We’re delighted to see two Carpenter Oak projects recognised at two leading timber awards. The North London Collegiate School (NLCS) Ideas Hub and Main Entrance was shortlisted for Education Project of the Year at the Structural Timber Awards, while The Yard at OmVed Gardens has been shortlisted for the Wood Awards.

Both projects demonstrate the versatility of structural timber in contemporary architecture, showcasing how thoughtful design and skilled craftsmanship can bring character, purpose and sustainability to a building.

North London Collegiate School: creating inspiring spaces for learning

The Ideas Hub and Main Entrance at North London Collegiate School was shortlisted in the Education Project of the Year category at the 2026 Structural Timber Awards.

Designed by Walters & Cohen Architects, the building provides a new main entrance alongside dedicated spaces for innovation, design, engineering, art and science. It supports a hands-on approach to learning, giving students room to experiment, collaborate and develop ideas.

Carpenter Oak designed, manufactured and installed a series of bespoke air-dried oak trusses, helping to bring warmth and texture to a contemporary educational environment. In addition, we created and erected an exterior canopy in traditional green oak, which wraps around the north end of the building, creating a sheltered and welcoming entrance to the school.

The project demonstrates how structural timber can contribute to more than a building’s structure. Its natural character can help shape the experience of a space, complement other materials and create an environment that feels both purposeful and inviting.

The building forms part of the school’s wider masterplan, balancing its contemporary educational ambitions with the character of the existing campus.

The Structural Timber Awards shortlist recognised the collaborative work of the project team and the role timber can play in creating inspiring, functional educational spaces.

Explore the North London Collegiate School project

The Yard at OmVed Gardens: timber at the heart of a creative community

The Yard at OmVed Gardens in London has been shortlisted in the Buildings category of the 2026 Wood Awards, which celebrate outstanding design, craftsmanship and installation using wood.

Designed by Smerin Architects, the project sits within OmVed Gardens, a creative space exploring the connections between food, ecology, culture and community. The Yard provides a setting for activities and gatherings, with timber playing a central role in the architectural design.

Carpenter Oak constructed six distinct contemporary timber buildings made from UK grown kiln-dried Douglas fir, larch, and larch glulam. The buildings provide the site with flexible spaces, where OmVed can hold educational events and courses, and highlight the potential of structural timber in spaces that bring people together.

The Wood Awards recognise projects in which wood is used with clarity, skill and purpose. OmVed’s place on the shortlist reflects the value of considered material choices and the contribution that timber craftsmanship can make to a wider architectural vision.

The awards ceremony takes place on Wednesday 25 November 2026, when the winners will be announced. We look forward to seeing the results and celebrating the work of the teams behind this year’s shortlisted projects.

Discover The Yard at OmVed Gardens

Celebrating the people and expertise behind timber construction

We’re proud to see both projects recognised by awards that celebrate quality in timber design and construction. Each reflects the collaboration between architects, clients, engineers, contractors and specialist craftspeople that make ambitious timber projects possible.

From educational buildings to creative community spaces, structural timber offers architects and design teams opportunities to create buildings with warmth, character and a clear material identity.

At Carpenter Oak, we design, fabricate and install bespoke structural timber frames for projects across the UK. We welcome conversations at an early stage, helping project teams explore timber options and understand how a frame can support their design ambitions.

Planning a project that could benefit from structural timber? Get in touch with the Carpenter Oak team to discuss your ideas and find out how we could help.

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