Australian Timber Award Winner – Irrawaddy House
The 2024 Australian Timber Design Awards celebrated excellence in sustainable timber architecture, and this year’s Australian Certified Timber Award went to the remarkable Irrawaddy House, designed by Incidental Architecture.
Irrawaddy by Incidental Architecture, Photography by Clinton Weaver.
Located on Cammeraygal land in suburban Chatswood, Irrawaddy House draws inspiration from traditional Burmese timber delta houses and reflects its owners’ cultural heritage. With the Irrawaddy River as its symbolic reference point, the house beautifully integrates natural materials, particularly timber, to create a warm, sustainable living space for a large family of eight.
Jonathan Tibbits of Responsible Wood presents the Australian Certified Timber Award (2024) to Irrawaddy House, designed by Incidental Architecture.
Jonathan Tibbits, who presented the award on behalf of Responsible Wood, praised the project for its holistic approach to sustainable design:
“Irrawaddy House exemplifies what’s possible when certified timber is central to a project’s ethos. From the beautifully crafted Weathertex cladding and Pentarch flooring to the use of recycled timber, this project embodies responsible sourcing and demonstrates how Australian Certified Timber contributes to long-term sustainability.”
Irrawaddy by Incidental Architecture, Photography by Clinton Weaver.
The house is built with a thoughtful combination of Australian Certified Timber, including Blackbutt and Tallowood, showcasing the importance of responsible timber sourcing from certified sustainably managed forests. This choice aligns with the values of both the client and the architects, ensuring that the project contributes positively to the environment through the use of low-embodied energy materials, carbon capture, and biophilic design.
One of the key sustainability features of the house is its adaptability. The internal walls are reconfigurable, allowing the space to change as the family grows, making it a home designed for longevity. Additionally, the house promotes natural ventilation and passive heating, reducing the reliance on mechanical systems.
Irrawaddy by Incidental Architecture, Photography by Clinton Weaver.
The project’s careful use of recycled timber and responsible sourcing through Responsible Wood and PEFC-certified supply chains ensures that Irrawaddy House is as environmentally conscious as it is aesthetically beautiful. This project highlights the immense potential of timber in sustainable architecture, setting an inspiring example for future designs.
