Further information

New Building Category

• Winner: New House, Hales
• Commendation: Big C Centre, Colney
• Commendation: Police Station, Harleston
• Commendation: Hethel Engineering Centre

Extension to Existing Building category

• Winner: Mulberry House, East Carleton
• Commendation: Woodhouse Farm, East Carleton
• Commendation: Elm Tree Farm, Tivetshall St Margaret

New Building category

Winner: New House, Green lane, Hales

Architect: James Bond, Cromer

This site was previously used for light industrial purposes with a steel clad workshop situated to the rear of the site, located in an area which is predominantly residential.

The brief was to replace the industrial unit with a two bedroom single storey dwelling. The design responds to a very tight and difficult site with a simple, curved, monopitched, single aspect design. The building is lower than the previous workshop building which together with the boundary treatment of walls and hedging avoids any overlooking and reduces shadowing. The street scene was drastically compromised by the former workshop and open frontage and the design sought to enhance and re-establish the residential character of Green Lane.

The scheme is based on environmentally sound principles and sustainability issues have been a fundamental element of the design approach.

Commendation: Big C Centre, Colney

Architects : Purcell, Miller, Tritton; Norwich
Contractor : R G Carter, Drayton, Norwich

This building supports and compliments the aims of the Big C Trust in providing information, care and support for people with cancer and their families and is designed to provide as far as possible a non-institutional environment that is ‘domestic’ in feel.

The entrance space has a small planted area, with a sculpture and inside the visitor does not face a reception desk, but a discrete bell is triggered which alerts a staff member or volunteer, who greets the visitor and guides them to a quiet, enclosed area next to the entrance.

The initial view from the entrance is intended to reveal the facilities on offer including the main social space with its fireplace, easy chairs and coffee table, flowers and plants which are all visible, with the open plan kitchen to the left. Beyond there is a glimpse of the living room, full of sunlight and the garden. The natural environment, light and sun are key elements of the design and contribute towards its therapeutic aims.

Commendation: new Police Station, Harleston

Architects : Chaplin Farrant Ltd., Norwich
Contractor : Blackburns (Harleston)

The design of the police site is in response to the brief from Norfolk Constabulary, which required the building to ensure that people would feel comfortable when visiting the building.

Existing buildings on the site and the rear wall were demolished with the demolition materials being largely reused in accordance with sustainable design principles. Existing trees to the rear of the site were retained to help screen the building from adjacent dwellings.

Traditional brickwork has been used to harmonise with adjacent buildings and the rendered rotunda feature provides a distinct element of recognition. The roof form has been designed to minimise impact on neighbours and from the street it appears as a shallow pitched roof in keeping with the form of surrounding roofs.

The front elevation incorporates a large glazed entrance screen which aims to create a friendly, light and airy building for visitors and users alike.

Commendation: Hethel Engineering Centre

Architects : NPS Property Consultants Ltd., Norwich
Contractor : Mansell Construction, Swaffham

This development is located adjacent to the Lotus site in Hethel which is an area of open agricultural landscape.

The building provides an engineering and motorsport enterprise hub, the purpose of which is to support and accelerate business creation in those areas and to provide workspace and training facilities.

The brief demanded a striking design which would clearly state innovation, technology and engineering excellence. The development was also to be a prestigious scheme and of quality construction which would be durable and require low maintenance. A degree of flexibility was also required with the internal layout which should be light and airy and sustainable solutions should be evident throughout the design. The scale and arrangement of the building should relate positively to the rural context and the landscape design should provide a sense of occasion and arrival.

The resulting design solution reflects its close affiliation with engineering and motorsport through its dynamic design and the pedestrian approach to the glazed main entrance is via a dramatic structural bridge creating a focal point of the site. The use of large overhangs to the roof and the expression of the supporting structure creates a strong three dimensional quality.

Extension to Existing Building category

Winner: Mulberry House, East Carleton

Architects : CSA (Architects), Wilby, Norwich
Contractor : Poringland Properties Ltd., Framingham Earl

The approach to this site is along a straight tree lined lane with some houses behind a tall garden wall on the left and there is a sense of arrival at the end of the lane opening up to fine views across the garden which drops rapidly to the right. The house is situated on higher ground to the left, dividing the garden into two distinct areas.

To make the most of the front approach and fine setting, a new entrance hall, staircase and first floor bedroom have been added, giving the house a full sense of presence to the setting. This is the latest addition to a series of alterations & extensions to bring a collection of outbuildings together to unify the house.

Traditional materials have been used throughout in a contemporary manner with an arts & crafts approach to the detailed design, thereby maintaining the harmony of the house. All new work has been carried out to a high insulation value to improve the energy efficiency of the house.

Additional bedroom accommodation has been provided adjacent to the garage and a new kitchen side entrance added with a linking path through a terraced garden. The front entrance path rises up the stepped terraced garden to the new oak door and wide entrance lobby with an oak stair where the landing has a commanding view through the large side window which maximises natural lighting to the upper floor and creates a spacious feel.

The alterations give the house and landscape a new harmonious aspect, improved room functions and a spacious interior.

Commendation: Woodhouse Farm, East Carleton

Architects : Savills Architects, Norwich
Contractor : Knights Cannell Building Contractors, Norwich

This is a two storey extension which provides a new garage, library & bedroom with a new glazed gallery and landing.

The scheme presented a significant design challenge, particularly in achieving a solution which needed to join two separate parts of the existing dwelling into a coherent and convenient whole and provide additional living accommodation, all in close proximity to a Grade II listed barn. A new access to the house was also to be provided, requiring replanning of the internal layout.

The design solution incorporates a new atrium link which is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional barn to produce a comfortable and spacious family home and a development which is a legible and rational expression of the client’s brief. A new access drive and associated landscaping has been created which allows the house to sit more comfortably within its site and enhances the overall setting. Sustainable materials have been incorporated throughout the scheme and opportunities for natural lighting have been maximised wherever possible.

Commendation: Elm Tree Farm, Tivetshall St Margaret

Architect: Paul Goddard, Diss
Contractor: Greg Harvey, Long Stratton

Elm Tree Farmhouse is a Grade II listed building which has undergone several alterations, renovations and improvements.

The garden room extension is the latest scheme which has included an earlier attic conversion together with a new porch and improvements to the external fenestration in keeping with the character of the listed building.

The new extension opens up previously neglected vistas to the western garden and provides an extended family room linked to the kitchen which can be used on a daily basis. The extension utilises traditional materials and the form and scale is intended to compliment the house with minimal impact upon the original fabric of the listed building.

The fully glazed gable provides a more contemporary design feature using a traditional oak frame which makes use of natural lighting and takes advantage of afternoon and evening sunlight.