2011 is proving to be an awarding year for CAT’s WISE building and it’s architects Pat Borer and David Lea. On the shelf stands a 2011 RIBA award. They were in the final 20 for the Stirling Prize and now WISE has been commended as a wining example of ‘Outstanding Earthen Architecture in Europe’.

The award has been presented by Terra Incognita, whose main objectives are to preserve, to promote and to develop earthen building in Europe. Terra Incognita is a European funded body within the framework of the European programme ‘Culture 2007-2013’ and one of their main projects is The Outstanding Earthen Architecture in Europe.

From Finland to Bulgaria, the Czech Republic to the UK, 42 buildings through Europe have been awarded and presented by Terra Incognita epitomising ‘great richness and diversity of earthen architecture, and also, paradoxically a shared culture in terms of construction methods.’ All awarded buildings are presented in the Outstanding Earthen Architecture in Europe Award 2011 booklet so local authorities, professionals and the general public can discover how these projects are leading the way in earthen design and construction.