SUSSEX BUILT IN QUALITY AWARDS
LABC Sussex, part of LABC South East, recently held its first Built in Quality Awards ceremony at the Old Ship hotel, Brighton – where more than 40 winners were presented with certificates and trophies. The award scheme, which was open to architects, designers, builders and construction professionals, was supported by local authority building control services throughout Sussex and the prestigious event was attended by more than 160 professionals from across the construction industry.
The Built in Quality Awards scheme highlights the importance of Building Control in achieving high standards - acknowledging the role that building regulations play in the creation of high performance buildings - and gives well deserved recognition to companies and individuals within the construction industry who are committed to producing high quality buildings throughout Sussex.
Glass trophies were presented to the winners of each of the nine categories rewarding a wide variety of work, from domestic extensions to multi million pound projects – proving that quality is of utmost importance to all LABC customers.
Morgan Carn Partnership and Rok, won first prize in the Best Access/Disability innovation category for The Monarchs. Together, they created a highly accessible new community in Portslade, Brighton.
First prize in the Best Commercial Project category went to Dannatt Johnson Architects and Westridge Construction who were commissioned by English Heritage to design and build the new Battle Visitor Centre. The previous facility at Battle Abbey (the world famous battlefield and English Heritage’s 5th most visited site) had become outdated and run down. The new structure houses a number of impressive facilities including a modern café and has up to the minute interpretation and audio visual displays.
Weston Homes Plc, were the winners of the Best Conversion category for their sympathetic conversion of Mayfield Grange - a Grade II listed building which they converted into 12 luxury, high spec apartments that are sympathetic to the architectural heritage.
Mr Chris Jones of Sunnybank, Henfield scooped first prize in the Best Sustainability category for the design and construction of a retirement home in Henfield. The owners’ desire for low running costs stimulated the commitment to incorporate as many sustainable elements as practical.
High efficiency solar panels were selected for water heating when appropriate, winter hot water and accommodation heating is achieved with a Nibe ground sourced heat pump supplying underfloor heating throughout. This system also provides passive cooling on the rare occasions the British climate dictates! A Villa-Vent air handling installation recovers heat from exhausting stale air to heat the incoming filtered fresh air. The owners have also installed a 5,000 litre water trap and a ‘Bio-Disc’ effluent treatment to enable them to re-use water and combat rising water costs.
McMillan Architects were rewarded for their close working relationship with local authority building control by being awarded the trophy in the Best Partnership with a Designer/Architect category. The judges commented: ‘this was an outstanding example of what architect, builder and building control can achieve when they work closely together.’
Millwood Designer Homes Ltd, took first prize in the Best Flats/Apartments and other Residential New Build category for The Oaks, West Chiltington. They created three superbly crafted detached family homes in a beautiful woodland setting. The quality of the workmanship and locally sourced materials were exceptional.
Tunmore Design and Build received the coveted prize in the Best Small Housebuilder – under 10 Units category for their development in Arun. The company had built up a strong working relationship with local authority building control over a number of years and through their collaborative, pro-active approach have produced these highly desirable homes.
Warings Contractors were awarded the trophy for Best Partnership with a Main Contractor for demonstrating the positive impact of true, collaborative partnerships. Their multi development project for Shaw Care Homes involved the county council and 6 district or borough councils across West Sussex.
In the Best Small Domestic Project category, Thompson Builders and Erogo Ltd won first prize for their sympathetic renovation of Phoebe’s Shaw, a previously dilapidated three bedroom property in Rother. The owners worked closely with the architect and builder to renovate the property to a very high level – over and above the minimum requirements of the building regulations.
Colbran and Wingrove Ltd and Building Design Chartered Architects were highly commended in this category for their work at Cranborne Avenue, Eastbourne.
All these winning projects will now be entered into the National Built in Quality Awards which take place on 16th October 2008 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
Judges were particularly impressed with the quality of the nominations and very delighted to see so many award winning projects being produced here in Sussex.
Vanessa Good, Business Development Manager at Sussex Building Control said:
‘It was a great event and a fantastic opportunity for LABC to reward clients for the excellent work they do and their commitment to using the regulations as a positive aid to the creation of high performance buildings.’
Next year the awards will cover the LABC South East region so if you would like to discover how to enter your project in to the 2009 LABC South East Region Excellence Awards email building.control@horsham.gov.uk