The Forum will highlight architecture and construction in wood

The ninth edition of Egurtek, the International Forum on Architecture and Construction in Wood, will bring together leading professionals on 19 and 20 October at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre. The panel of speakers already includes such major names as Laura Álvarez (Laura Álvarez Architecture), Lone Wiggers (CF Moller Architects), Sheila Blanco (Blancodelprim Arquitectura Ecopasiva), Carlos Castanheira (Carlos Castanheira Architects) and Iñaki Archanco (BOA Arquitectura Sostenible).

Recognised as one of Europe’s leading architects and designers under the age of 40, Laura Álvarez is committed to experimentation. She believes that both landscape and urban architecture are crucial ingredients for successful, integrated design.

With a long international track record, Lone Wiggers has worked on a wide range of projects covering both new construction and conversion and restoration older buildings. Wiggers headed the architectural committee for the cultural canon of the Danish Ministry of Culture and has been involved in the Special Building Inspection Board for the Cultural Heritage Board since 2003.

For its part, the blancodelprim architects studio formed by Iñaki Del Prim and Sheila Blanco has been committed since 2005 to wood construction in its various systems. From the beginning of their activity, they understood that this type of construction must be linked to high-performance thermal envelopes, and in recent years they have specialized in the Passivhaus standard, proposing architecture in a double decarbonization scenery, both in the use as in the manufacture and construction of buildings. They design and calculate wooden structures both in their own projects and for other professionals, always understanding the practice of the profession as a collaborative activity.

Carlos Castanheira, who participated in previous editions of Egurtek, is a prestigious architect who focuses mainly on the residential sector. He is known for his characteristic use of wood as a reflection of the interaction between construction and nature. His latest projects include the renovations of the Taboadella Winery, the Casa São Cosme and the Feelviana Hotel.

In a clear commitment to sustainability, Iñaki Archanco defines wood as the material that can meet the widest range of requirements. Archanco and his team at BOA Arquitectura Sostenible work under a common philosophy: sensitivity to the environment and the well-being of people.

Architecture in Wood Awards

28 February is the deadline for entries for the 6^th Egurtek Architecture in Wood Awards, which will recognise the best works in six categories: Building, Interior Design, Product Design, Local Wood (Basque Quality), Publication and BEM (Bois/Egurra/Madera), which was added for the first time in 2020. Since their creation in 2012, these awards have received around a hundred high-quality projects each year and have become established one of the most prestigious honours in the sector. Egurtek will host the awards ceremony and the panels of the participating candidates will be displayed next to the commercial area at the event.

Commitment to the sector

Over its eight previous editions, Egurtek has maintained its commitment to the sector and to a major natural resource, making it the hub of architecture and construction in wood every year. The dynamism of this field which is well-positioned in the framework of sustainable construction and which enjoys ever-increasing financial weight, will be reflected in the various areas of the event: Conference and Technical Seminars, Expo Zone and Awards.

Egurtek is organised by the Bilbao Exhibition Centre in collaboration with Baskegur – the Basque Wood Association, the Basque-Navarre Official School of Architects and with the sponsorship of the Regional Department of Economic Development, Sustainability and the Environment of the Basque Government.