SMALL PROJECTS UP TO £500K
Winner: The Wood Shed, architect DLM Architects, self build (contractor)
Building is a complicated, expensive business. However, there can be exceptions. The winner in the Small Project category is an exceptional home, cleverly designed to fit into a small, tight urban site whilst never feeling as if any compromises were required.
The house seamlessly combines new construction with a renovated barn, borrowing light and space to provide an airy, open and inviting feel. Exquisite detailing and the use of unusual materials like natural lime and clay plaster finishes give the house an expensive feel.
However, if one person fills the role of architect, builder, client, owner and driver of the earthmover, savings are possible. The Small Projects winner is DLM Architects and David De La Mare, who gives multitasking a new meaning.
Special Commendation: Ty Mor, architect Tom Gaudion and Sophie Brehaut, contractor Connect Services
Occasionally a project is an extraordinary experiment. An ordinary, 55 square metre 1930s bungalow has been transformed into a contemporary, light-filled, spacious living space by the imagination, dedication and sheer hard work of a young couple, who wanted to make their first home special.
Spending only £150,000, the couple, working together, have lavished thought, skill and love on small, rather anonymous house; their joint effort impressed the judges so much that architect Tom Gaudion and his partner, Sophie Brehaut, receive the only special commendation for their house, Ty Mor.
SINGLE RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION/EXTENSION
The West Coast Farmhouse, architect StudiO, contractor Breton
The final choice for the winner came down to it’s seamless integration of the internal and external spaces. The orientation of the house had been reversed and the previously under-utilised walled garden became the tranquil focal point. The architecture itself was space defining, bold, and contemporary yet complimented the robustness of the original building
SINGLE RESIDENTIAL NEW BUILD
Makepeace House, architect Lovell Ozanne, contractor Infinity Construction Ltd
This year’s Residential New Build Award celebrates a project that demonstrates how ambition and technical excellence can flourish, even under the most demanding of conditions. Working within the confines of a narrow plot, restricted access and significant logistical challenges the winning project has delivered a remarkable home. The judges were particularly impressed by the extraordinary level of detail woven throughout the design, the exceptional craftsmanship evident in every bespoke element, and the sheer number of beautifully executed curves that give the building its unmistakable presence.
HERITAGE
Shell House, architect Jamie Falla for Studio Otto, contractor LG Construction
This year’s Heritage Award recognises a project that shows real care, teamwork and respect for Guernsey’s history. The winning project took on a house that had been left damaged for decades and instead of simply rebuilding it, they worked carefully to understand what could be saved and how new work could be added without taking away from the original character.
The judges were impressed by the way historic features were protected, the use of local materials, and the calm, modern extension that brings in more light and space while still feeling appropriate for the site. This project turns a fragile ruin into a safe, welcoming home and preserves an important part of the island’s heritage.
COMMERCIAL
Creaseys Department Store, architect Lovell Ozanne/Lyons+Sloane+Hoare Architects, contractor Rihoy & Son
This is a challenging category because it encompasses a wide variety of projects, all of which have unique merits. Architecture is sometimes thought of as fashion; about superficial beauty or glossy good looks.
This year’s winner demonstrates the range of skills that an architect must employ to solve complex issues of space, structure, scale, circulation, programming and phasing. The talented architect quietly wrestles all these concerns into submission, so that the public is never aware of the complexity of the problem-solving that has occurred.
The Commercial winner is such a project, overcoming innumerable issues to provide six levels of cohesive, contemporary retail space, whilst enhancing the Town seafront and the High Street.
MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Allanson Court, architect Tyrrell Dowinton, contractor Swallow Construction Ltd
The two entries in this category were both excellent multiple residential developments on restricted sites but in different contexts. Both maximise their sites without compromising the quality of the dwellings and both define the public and private realms within the site.
The judges felt that Allanson Court in particular had explored and cleverly utilised the topography of the site to determine the layout and the design of the houses. It connects with the immediate surroundings and takes advantage of views beyond the site. In addition the houses high energy efficiency and the provision for sustainable modes of transport are to be commended.
The design of the houses and landscaping, the pallet of materials and detailing has made an attractive, cohesive group of buildings that will age well with the passage of time.
THE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN & ENERGY AWARD, SPONSORED BY C8 ECO
Recognises projects demonstrating exemplary environmental performance, energy efficiency or innovative low-carbon design strategies.
Allanson Court, architect Tyrrell Dowinton, contractor Swallow Construction Ltd
THE NATURAL LIGHT & GLAZING DESIGN AWARD, SPONSORED BY MUMFORD AND WOOD
Celebrates projects where daylight, glazing and the relationship between inside and outside are integral to the architectual concept.
The Wood Shed, architect DLM Architects, self build (contractor)
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Voted for by the public, helping to raise awareness of the industry and its contribution to Guernsey’s built environment and everyday surroundings.
Shell House, architect Jamie Falla for Studio Otto, contractor LG Construction
MITCH SNEDDON PROFESSIONALS’ CHOICE AWARD
Voted for by attendees on the evening of the awards and represents the professionals choice, recognising projects that resonate strongly within the industry.
Makepeace House, architect Lovell Ozanne, contractor Infinity Construction Ltd
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