The restoration of Port Melbourne's historic Princes Pier has notched up a prestigious industry award thanks to its unique use of timber.

The 100 year old heritage listed pier was awarded the Outdoor Timber prize for a stand alone structure at the 2012 Australian Timber Design Awards held in Sydney overnight. 

The judging panel, made up of top timber experts from across Australia, was impressed by the use of timber in the restoration of the pier and its 1936 gatehouse, as well as landscaping on the pier, which includes the reuse of timber from its original structure. 

Major Projects Victoria Executive Director, Tim Bamford, was pleased to receive the award and said that timber was central to the pier’s successful restoration with around eight different varieties used. 

“An effective and considered use of timber was vital to the success of this complex and unique heritage restoration,” Mr Bamford said. 

“For example, in order to meet stringent heritage requirements we had to source timber cladding for the gatehouse interior and exterior matched exactly to its original form. 

“The timber species selected for the pier were chosen for their long term durability and high quality aesthetic values, in order to meet architectural and heritage requirements,” he said. 

The pier’s other timber components include the refurbishment of more than 1000 heritage listed support piles, the installation of two timber decks and public seating, lowered landings for small craft berthing, mooring bollards and flag poles. 

Major Projects Victoria’s Andrew McKinley led architect Lovell Chen, Fitzgerald Construction and engineers Robert Bird Group in the $34 million restoration.

McKinley was recently named Project Manager of the Year by the Australian Institute of Project Management Victorian Chapter for his work on the pier.

Princes Pier reopened to the public in December last year as an exciting and flexible new public space for local residents and the wider community to enjoy. 

The Australian Timber Design Awards are a national competition aimed to promote and encourage outstanding timber design among the built environment professions.