Barn conversion tops popular vote in Design Awards

Le Mont Saint Farm, in Grande Rue, St Saviour’s, received the most public votes, after its listed farm and barn buildings were converted into a new home by CCD Architects and F. Watson & Son Ltd.

The building was also named as the best residential renovation/extension costing more than £250,000.

Architects and builders gathered at last night’s awards event at the Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts.

Ladies’ College’s new Wessex Wing won the non-residential class for a budget of more than £250,000, after work was carried out there last year by Lovell Ozanne & Partners and R. G. Falla Ltd.

The Glade was named as the best residential new build costing more than £250,000.

It was designed by DLM Architects, which was also recognised for the work done on its own studios, which won the best small project award.

The heritage class was won by Tyrell Dowinton Associates and R. G. Falla for work on The Slaughterhouse.

The judging panel was made of representatives of sponsor Norman Piette, the Planning Service and the Guernsey Society of Architects.

GSA president Mitch Sneddon said that since the awards were re-launched in 2011 the standard of entries had continued to excel year on year.

‘The awards showcase the diverse range of buildings being designed and constructed in Guernsey, highlighting the high quality of architectural design available on the island,’ he said.

‘The tradition of exemplary buildings submitted for the design awards continues this year with a large number of high quality buildings being put before the judging panel.’

Norman Piette director Paul Rogers was astonished by the high level of creative talent on display.

‘Yet again Guernsey has demonstrated it can punch well above its weight when it comes to looking for creative design,’ he said.

‘The island has always been restricted by the amount of land available, yet year on year our architects and contractors show extremely impressive standards of innovative thinking and design finesse.

‘Norman Piette is honoured to continue its long-standing association with this industry and we congratulate all the entrants and winners on some exemplary projects.’

Planning Service director of planning Jim Rowles said it was delighted to be partners in the awards.

‘It’s great to see how the hard work of the Planning Service and the Development & Planning Authority in implementing States planning policy allows innovative buildings to be built in the right places and the recognition that input from all our teams adds value to the finished design,’ he said.

‘All the shortlisted buildings are a fantastic reflection of our time and the distinctiveness of Guernsey. They are all buildings of great quality, which we can be proud to pass on to future generations. The winners are truly exceptional.’