January 5, 2026
The European Wood Policy Platform (WoodPoP) is proud to announce that the Dara Award ceremony, a new European distinction showcasing excellence in timber construction, will take place on the 26th of November 2026 in Prague, Czechia.
The WoodPoP Dara Award, a new European distinction recognising outstanding achievements in timber architecture and engineering, was officially launched at the 4th High-Level Meeting of the European Wood Policy Platform (WoodPoP), held at InnoRenew CoE. The European Wood Policy Platform, jointly initiated by Austria and Finland, brings together governmental representatives from 27 countries as well as from different international, regional and stakeholder organisations, including academia and industry, gathered to advance sustainable wood policies in the Pan-European region.
InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM is part of the WoodPoP initiative and contributes to the work of the Technical Working Group on Education and Vocational Training in the European Wood Policy Platform (WoodPoP). Dr. Andreja Kutnar, acting department chair of InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, is also the Coordinator of NEB Alliance, and the Dara Award is fully aligned with the values and principles of the New European Bauhaus.
Norbert Totschnig, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management of Austria, expresses his support:
‘’Timber construction advances both climate action and economic growth, while showcasing the skills, creativity and innovative potential of our people. Austria is home to outstanding examples of timber building. We are proud to contribute to the promotion of European timber construction excellence with the very first edition of the Dara award.’’
With this initiative, WoodPoP seeks to shine a spotlight on projects that demonstrate the power of timber to address today’s most pressing challenges in climate, housing and health.
Marek Výborný, Minister of Agriculture of Czechia, expresses his appreciation:
‘’Timber buildings symbolise a healthier and more sustainable way of life. Increased use of timber in construction reduces carbon footprints, fosters innovation, and improves quality of life, which are benefits that should be brought to public attention.
We are therefore pleased to host the first edition of the prestigious WoodPoP Dara Award in Prague. We see this as recognition of our shared European efforts as well as our longstanding national commitment to promoting timber buildings and sustainable construction practices.’’
The first awardees will be announced during a ceremony in Prague, Czechia, on the 26th of November 2026.
WHY TIMBER MATTERS
Wood is a renewable and circular material, uniquely positioned at the heart of sustainability and innovation. It grows back, stores carbon throughout its lifecycle, and can be reused, recycled, or repurposed, making it a cornerstone of the circular bioeconomy. Beyond its environmental benefits, timber also brings aesthetic, cultural, and social value, creating warm, healthy, and human-centred living spaces.
As Europe advances towards a climate-neutral and resilient built environment, wood provides practical solutions: reducing emissions, supporting biodiversity through sustainable forest management, and strengthening local economies. This is why WoodPoP is now launching its first Dara Award to celebrate and showcase projects that embody these values and demonstrate timber’s unique contribution to a sustainable future.
CATEGORIES AND ELIGIBILITY
The Dara Award is open to completed projects that put timber at the centre of their design and construction. Eligible categories include residential buildings, non-residential buildings, infrastructure, and renovations or extensions. Projects must be completed by the 31st of March 2026 and either be realised in a participating country, or abroad if led by an entity legally based in a participating country.
NOMINATION AND SELECTION
National representatives of WoodPoP may nominate up to two projects, with a third possible if of a different typology. Submissions will be judged anonymously against four dimensions: design & construction, wood use & innovation, sustainability, and societal impact. In addition to the jury’s selection, a People’s Choice Award will be decided by public online voting.
VISIBILITY AND RECOGNITION
Shortlisted projects will be showcased in the WoodPoP Hall of Fame, promoted widely through WoodPoP’s website, social media channels, and publications. Winners will receive recognition during the Prague ceremony on the 26th of November 2026, a key event that will take place alongside WoodPoP’s 5 th High-Level Meeting.
ENDORSEMENT
The Dara Award initiative is proudly endorsed by Wood4Bauhaus, the European wood-based sector alliance dedicated to advancing sustainable timber use in construction. Through its open and inclusive platform, Wood4Bauhaus works to engage stakeholders across the construction industry, contributing to shaping a better and sustainable future with beautiful, healthy and inclusive living spaces as part of a sustainable, low-carbon built environment. By supporting the Dara Award, Wood4Bauhaus reaffirms its commitment to fostering innovation and celebrating excellence in timber design, aligning with the shared goal of creating a climateneutral and resilient built environment.
The Award is fully aligned with the values and principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB). It uses the NEB Compass, a conceptual framework, to evaluate projects based on three core values (Beautiful, Sustainable, Together) and three guiding principles (Transdisciplinary, Participatory, Multi-level).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WoodPoP Dara Award webpage: https://woodpop.eu/woodpop-dara-award/
CONTACT
About WoodPoP
The European Wood Policy Platform (WoodPoP) is a collaborative initiative that brings together stakeholders from across the wood value chain to support the development of sustainable, evidence-based policies in Europe. WoodPoP aims to harness the full potential of wood in building a greener, fairer, and more innovative future for Europe.
Images: WoodPoP
