Celebrating design excellence in socially responsible architecture and sustainable timber construction in Wales
A huge congratulations to Pentan Architects, a valued Woodknowledge Wales member, for winning the prestigious 2025 RIBA MacEwen Award for their outstanding work on Severn View Park Care Home in Chepstow. This recognition is a testament to the firm’s commitment to designing buildings that not only meet high architectural and environmental standards but also serve the well-being of communities.
The MacEwen Award celebrates projects that demonstrate “architecture for the common good,” and Severn View Park Care Home is a shining example of this ethos. The project showcases how thoughtful, sustainable timber design can create high-quality, uplifting spaces for residents, staff, and visitors alike. You can read the full award announcement on the RIBA Journal online.
A new approach to care home design
Severn View Park redefines the typical care home environment, moving away from an institutional model towards a design that fosters dignity, independence, and community connection. Pentan Architects achieved this by integrating innovative timber construction techniques, natural light, and carefully considered spatial layouts to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The use of timber, a core focus for Woodknowledge Wales, plays a pivotal role in the building’s success. Timber not only reduces the project’s carbon footprint but also contributes to the well-being of residents by providing a healthier indoor environment. The material’s natural aesthetic and thermal properties create a sense of comfort, which is crucial in a care setting.
The role of timber in sustainable and socially responsible design
As an organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable timber construction in Wales, we are thrilled to see this award-winning project exemplify the principles we advocate for. Severn View Park demonstrates how the use of timber can lead to significant environmental and social benefits:
- Carbon Reduction: Timber sequesters carbon, helping to mitigate climate change while offering a renewable alternative to carbon-intensive materials.
- Well-being: Research shows that exposure to timber in buildings can lower stress levels and improve overall health—an essential consideration for care home residents.
- Energy Efficiency: The project incorporates high-performance timber construction techniques to ensure optimal thermal performance, reducing the building’s operational energy demand.
Learning from best practice
Pentan Architects’ achievement is a milestone not only for the organisation but also for the broader Welsh construction sector. It highlights how sustainable, locally sourced timber can be at the heart of innovative architectural solutions that improve people’s lives.
The award also reinforces the growing importance of material choices in shaping the future of social housing, healthcare, and community-focused developments. Woodknowledge Wales remains committed to supporting architects, developers, and policymakers in adopting sustainable timber construction as the default approach to new building projects.
The future of timber-led design in Wales
With this recognition, Severn View Park Care Home sets a precedent for future developments across Wales. The project exemplifies the Welsh Government’s aspirations for high-quality, sustainable housing and care environments, aligning with broader efforts to decarbonise the built environment and promote well-being through design.
Pentan Architects’ success is a powerful reminder that architecture has the ability to enhance lives, support communities, and address pressing environmental challenges. As we look ahead, Woodknowledge Wales will continue to champion projects that embrace these values and showcase the potential of sustainable timber construction.
Congratulations to Pentan Architects
Once again, congratulations to Pentan Architects for this well-deserved recognition. Their work on Severn View Park Care Home is an inspiration to the architectural community and a significant achievement for sustainable design in Wales.
