The Surface Design Awards celebrate the best in progressive design and innovative surfaces, and are the only international awards to focus exclusively on surface design. Organised by Montgomery Exhibitions, this year’s awards have attracted a larger field of applicants, with 25% more than in 2013.
The finalists were selected by a judging panel of design experts, comprising Andy MacFee, Scott Brownrigg Architects; Christopher Dezille, Honky; Maria Smith, Studio Weave; Lucy Spencer, Interior – ID and Renee Mascari, KBB National Training Group. The judges were co-chaired by Professor Will Alsop of All Design, and Vanessa Brady, the President of the Society of British Interior Design.
“It was certainly rewarding to be part of the judging panel for Interior surfaces this year,” says Lucy Spencer of Interior ID. “I was particularly impressed by the level of creativity and the truly stunning use of materials and craftsmanship in often challenging projects.”
Promoting a great deal of discussion amongst the judges, this body of applications flagged up key trends such as the use of natural organic materials, a delight in craftsmanship, retro-themed designs, and an imaginative use of light and light technology.
“There are some very high quality entries showing distinctive and original design,” says Andy MacFee of Scott Brownrigg Architects. “We have seen an increased confidence and willingness for architects to engage with surface design, sometimes created by the repetition and variation of exquisite components.”
This year saw the introduction of the new ‘Light and Surfaces’ category, dedicated to light, surfaces and the importance of innovation in the field. “Until now most designers considered light and surfaces separately,” said Sharon Stammers of Light Collective. “This year’s entries show that at last they are beginning to consider them together”.
Renee Mascari of KBB National Training Group said: “We need to inspire to educate, and the finalists are without doubt inspiring. Through these awards, Surface Design Show is supporting innovation in the industry.”
The overall winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Surface Design Show, Business Design Centre in London on 6 February 2014.
Commercial category sponsored by Burlington Stone
Exterior Surface Finalists:
– South Molton Street Building, London by DSDHA
– 24 Britton Street, London by Stephen Archer and Michael Sanders
Interior Surface Finalists:
– Backlit Wood Walls at National Cancer Institute, USA by HOK/MCLA
– 10 Portman Place, London by Jestico and Wiles
– Sonos Studio, USA by Rania Alomar
Housing category sponsored by Samsung
Exterior Surface Finalists
– Abode at Great Kneighton by Stephen Proctor and Andrew Matthews
– High Barn by Astronaut Kawada Architecture
– Mayfair House, London by Squire & Partners
Interior Surface Finalists
– The Anderson’s Apartment, Manchester by Sharon Jane Whitehurst and Sophie Allen
Bedroom Wall
– Belgium by Giovanni Barbieri
– Tex-Tonic House 2 – Brick Wall, London by Paul McAneary
Light and Surface category
Light and Exterior Surface Finalists
– Glamp by Cat Martin
– Glass Lens, London by Luke Lowings and James Carpenter
Light and Interior Surface Finalists
– Luminescent Surfaces, London by Alessandro Tosetti
– Tex-Tonic House 2 – Lava Stone, London by Paul McAneary
– Backlit Wood Walls at National Cancer Institute, USA by HOK/MCLA
Public Building Exterior Surface sponsored by James Latham
Exterior Surface Finalists
– Nanjing South Railway Station, China by Chen Wu
– UCH, Hastings by Andrew Matthews and Stephen Proctor
Interior Surface Finalists
– Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh by Allison Architecture
– University Square Stratford, London by Charles Jordon, AWW-UK (Atkins Walters and Webster Ltd)
– Silver Mountain & Red Cliff, Japan by Kunihide Oshinomi
– The Scotsman Steps by Martin Creed with Haworth Tompkins / McGregor Bowes
Retail Exterior Surface sponsored by Porcelanosa
Exterior Surface Finalists
– South Molton Street Building, London by DSDHA
– Alex Monroe Studio, Snowsfields by DSDHA
Interior Surface Finalists
– Aesop, Selfridges, London by Cheungvogl Architects
– Sonos Studio, USA by Rania Alomar
– Level Shoe District, Dubai Mall, UAE by Giles Miller
– Durham Cathedral Undercroft Gift Shop, Durham by Purcell UK
Temporary Structure sponsored by De Magazine
– Call and Response, London by Neil Musson & Jono Retallick
– Designed to Win, London by Urban Salon
– Heart of Architecture, London by Giles Miller
