Winning building speaks volumes about design awards

The spectacular Wymondham Library has won a Council’s top Design Award for the best New Building in South Norfolk.

Not only did the stunning contemporary design capture the attention of the judges, but has also proved incredibly popular with the public too.

Councillor Martin Wynne, Chairman of the Council’s Planning Committee and Design Champion who headed the judging panel said:

“This fantastic new building is a huge asset to the town. The designers have really made the most of a difficult uneven site, and the result is a brilliant light and airy communal space which is enjoyed by visitors and tourists alike. It has taken at least 12 years to find the most appropriate site with 16 locations having been considered in that time frame. I congratulate everyone involved.”

Winners were announced on Friday 20th November at the 9th annual award ceremony held at the Council’s HQ in Long Stratton.

In total, Council Chairman Beverley Spratt handed out two awards, three commendations and a merit.

Councillor Spratt, who officially open the library with Princess Anne in July 2009, has spent the months of his Chairman’s office promoting and supporting local businesses and jobs. He said of the award-winning building:

“I visit all sorts of businesses across our district, including of course Wymondham and the surrounding area, and I know how hard local people work.

“This new library is somewhere they can enjoy books and relax in great new surroundings after a hard week’s work."

One award went to the library at Wymondham, designed by NPS South East Limited and built by Morgan Ashurst PLC of Norwich and the other, to Gillows Farmhouse at Starston for the best “extension to an Existing Building”.

Judges praised the contemporary addition to the grade II 16th century farmhouse designed by Haysom, Ward, Miller of Cambridge, and built by Willow Builders of Ditchingham. They were particularly impressed by the exceptional quality and close attention to detail.

Councillor Wynne said:

“A contemporary design is never an easy option, especially when associated with an historic building of this quality.

“The panel were delighted at the success of this approach, in this case creating not only an extension clearly of its time, but one which is a positive addition to the history of the house. “These awards aim to improve the quality of architecture and design in South Norfolk and by promoting such excellent design we hope others will be inspired.

“However this is not justabout design, but importantly we also place great emphasis upon buildings that provide sustainability features and enhance carbon reduction.

“I wish to congratulate not only the winners but all those that submitted other entries which to them are very personal and often are the realisation of a dream and immense satisfaction.”

The total list of winners are:

Award Winner: New Building Category: Wymondham Library, designed by NPS South East Limited and built by Morgan Ashurst PLC of Norwich.

Award Winner: Existing Building Category: Gillows Farmhouse, Starston, designed by Haysom, Ward, Miller of Cambridge and built by Willow Builders of Ditchingham.

High commendation: New Building Category: Heath Farmhouse, Broome, designed by Julian Hood and built by James Temple of temple and Hicks, builders.

Merited: New Building Category: Cedar House in Hingham, designed and built by the owner, Jonathan Elven.

Commendation: Existing Building Category: Saxlingham School, designed by NPS South East Limited, and built by T Gill and Son, Norwich.

Commendation: Existing Building Category: 3 Hall Farm Barns, Deopham, designed and built by Steve Highton of New Buckenham.

All the information about the winners can be found at www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/designawards

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