Scion Innovation Hub Te Whare Nui o Tuteata has won the top award in the Higher Education and Research category at the World Architecture Festival (WAF).

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 comment on 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.”

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