We are thrilled to announce that Wilfred Cheung has been awarded the 2024 Jack Hobbs McConnell Travelling Fellowship. This fellowship will enable Wilfred to delve deeper into his passion and explore the intersection of timber craftsmanship and mass timber architecture, with a focus on timber-to-timber connections.
Wilfred studied at the University of Western Australia and has been living and working in South Australia for the last 5 years. While in WA, he held numerous leadership positions including AlVA (Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts) Society President, Unimentor, and WA SONA rep.
Wilfred currently works at Architectus Adelaide where he has worked on large commercial and aviation projects such as the Flinders University HMRB, Sydney Terminal 1, and SA Ambulance’s Emergency Operations Centre. He is also part of the Architectus REACH program, hosting social events to encourage young professionals to expand their networks.
Wilfred’s journey in the world of solid timber craftsmanship began during his university days, where he was captivated by the artistry and intricacy of working with wood. The Jury writes “It seems that Wilfred has been on this journey since then and he has been investing as much time and effort as he can afford within his life and work commitments.”
His proposal aims to bridge the gap between traditional timber craftsmanship and modern mass timber architecture by exploring innovative timber to timber connections. These connections play a crucial role in the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of mass timber buildings, yet their potential remains largely untapped.
Wilfred writes, “My proposal aims to bring these two worlds together, in a way that is relevant to our profession and local manufacturing.”
The Fellowship will take Wilfred on a journey across Austria, Switzerland and Queensland, where he will visit iconic buildings and factories specialising in timber construction. From the Swatch Headquarters to Precht HQ, Wilfred will explore buildings of varying scales and complexity, documenting connections and gathering insights from industry experts.
With timber construction emerging as a viable solution to combat climate change, Wilfred’s work will contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this crucial area. His findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report and handbook, featuring detailed drawings, categorisations, diagrams, and photographs of exemplary timber to timber joints. The handbook will be a resource for architects, designers, manufacturers, and all other stakeholders interested in advancing timber construction practices.
We congratulate Wilfred on receiving the Jack Hobbs McConnell Travelling Fellowship and look forward to the invaluable contributions his research will make to the field of timber craftsmanship and mass timber architecture in South Australia.
The Jack Hobbs McConnell Travelling Fellowship was established following a bequest from the estate of the late modernist architectural figure Jack Hobbs McConnell who died in 2005 aged 92. The Fellowship is for promising designers, who might ultimately practice in South Australia, to undertake an independent program of research or course of further study in architecture or a related field. The selection committee consisted of Rua Hashlamoun (Brown Falconer), Steve Hooper (Skein), and Zorawar Basur, (Brown Falconer).
Read more about the SA Chapter Prizes
For media enquiries, contact:
Emily Sharp
Communication and Education Lead
Australian Institute of Architects – SA Chapter
(08) 8402 5900
emily.sharp@architecture.com.au
