Dorte Mandrup wins prestigious Träpriset​ prize for Råå Day Care Center

Danish architecture practice Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter won Sweden's prestigious Träpriset architecture prize during a festive evening ceremony in Stockholm on March 9. Awarded only every four years to one recipient, the prize attracts the creme de la creme of architectural talent in wood design.

In order to compete, projects must exemplify timely, high-caliber design and have timber as its primary material. The jury also deems the winning project as a contribution to advancing the architecture profession. Jurors traveled around Sweden for two weeks visiting and evaluating the projects before making their final decision.

In the end, Dorte Mandrup unanimously won out of 139 entries for their Råå Day Care Center project in Helsingborg.

Built atop a preserved salt meadow landscape, the building is a strikingly elegant structure that complements its surroundings.

The jury praised the project for its keen sense of material and detailing, in addition to the unique way it interprets its surrounding landscape. It also brings attention to the significance of designing high-quality childcare centers, which don't receive the attention and support they deserve.

"We are very proud to win Träpriset 2016 and to be valued for our projects in Sweden. It is important to us that the users and the neighbors are happy with Råå förskola," commented Dorte Mandrup-Poulsen, founder and creative director of Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter. "We have spent a great deal of time analyzing and studying the history and potential of the site and have carefully examined what materials are best suited for such a sensitive place. Wood has many qualities. It is a living material that brings forth life and warmth, and it is also a CO2-neutral material."

Jury members:

• Anders Svensson, architect
• Karolina Keyzer, architect
• Carmen Izquierdo, architect
• Rahel Belatchew Lerdell, architect
• Tomas Alsmarker, civil engineer

More project images in the gallery below.