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Architecture Unknown is celebrating after being crowned ‘Architect of the Year’ at the Structural Timber Awards 2025, held on Wednesday 1st October at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham.

The practice was recognised for its work on the Peel Park Pavilion in Little Hulton, Salford – a £950k regeneration project delivered in partnership with Community Little Hulton charity.

The pavilion has been hailed as Salford’s first ultra-low-carbon, community-constructed building. Built using Magpie – Architecture Unknown’s version of the WikiHouse modular system – the project is one of the greenest in the city, combining high sustainability standards with hands-on community involvement.

‘WikiHouse’ is cleverly jointed pieces of plywood that essentially fit together like a giant jigsaw. Each section of the design is cut and crafted and delivered like Ikea-flat pack furniture ready to build. Essentially it means the design could be built by the whole community.

Over the course of the build, more than 100 local volunteers took part, including 60 pupils from the Lowry Academy and St Edmunds RC School. Together, they helped to create a vibrant new space featuring a park café, offices, meeting rooms, and even a BMX pump track.

Director of Architecture Unknown, Daniel Kelso, said: “We are ecstatic to have won ‘Architect of the Year’, to be honest it hasn’t quite sunk in yet. This award means the world to us because Peel Park Pavilion is a project close to our hearts. It embodies our ideals of community-led architecture – not only delivering a sustainable building but giving local people, especially young people, the chance to literally construct their own future.”

He added: “Winning this award shows that community projects matter. They have the power to create positive outcomes far beyond the physical structure. To see this approach recognised on a national stage is hugely encouraging, and we hope it inspires more projects of a similar nature.”

The Pavilion is already proving a valuable community hub, providing youth cafés, toddler sessions, craft groups, food clubs, and wider services for families. It represents a milestone for Community Little Hulton, which has been working to improve the lives of young people and residents in the area.

The project would not have been possible without the collaboration of ING Engineering, Construction Solutions, Ian Grindey, and funding support from the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation.

The awards evening also proved a success for Manchester’s architectural community, with fellow NSPF member Progress in Practice Ltd, led by Hannah Dixon, taking home three awards.

The Structural Timber Awards 2025 once again showcased the strength, innovation, and creativity of the UK timber construction sector.

For more information, imagery, video content or interviews with the team and content from the build days.