Celebration of Excellence Design Award 2007

The 'Celebration of Excellence' design award scheme was established in 1995 by Stratford-on-Avon District Council to identify, honour acknowledge and celebrate design excellence within the district. The 2007 award was open to high-quality buildings, extensions or conversions of any use or size, providing they were completed between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2006.

The award aims to recognise positive contributions to the District, not only in new buildings or groups of buildings, but also extension and conversion schemes. All types of building were considered, from small houses to large industrial, commercial or agricultural buildings. They had to be located within Stratford-on-Avon District.

Forty-seven nominations were received for this year's scheme, with a panel of judges whittling entries down from nine shortlisted sites to three awarded schemes.

Three Winning Buildings

Three inspiring and diverse developments in south Warwickshire have been chosen to receive a design award. A contemporary replacement dwelling in Langley, an extension to an Infants School and a temporary theatre building in Stratford-upon-Avon have each been chosen to receive the Stratford-on-Avon District Council's 'Celebration of Excellence' design award 2007.

Harrow House in Langley is a contemporary approach to a replacement dwelling by David Brown and Partners. The judges commented that the house is, "a bold and contemporary approach to a replacement dwelling, which has consciously avoided a pastiche solution. The house is sensitively integrated into the site, making full use of the change in levels".

Rush Davis Design Partnership designed an extension to Studley Community Infants School. The judges described it as "a very special and inspirational building, which raises the spirits. An ingenious design solution that has resulted in the creation of fantastic spaces".

Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon is a temporary theatre designed by Ian Ritchie Architects Ltd, to enable productions to continue to take place whilst the RST Theatre on waterside is being renovated. The judges commented that the Courtyard Theatre was " cutting edge and bold, yet a sensitive solution. Exciting and radical, yet fits in surprisingly well in the historic environment".

Schemes also in the final nine on the shortlist were:

• Lavender House, Tredington;
• the Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa, off the Warwick Road, Stratford-upon-Avon;
• Needham and James House, Stratford-upon-Avon;
• 16-18, Shipston Road, Stratford-upon-Avon;
• the Stratford Healthcare building, Arden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon and
• 5 and 5A Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Judging

The independent panel of judges consisted of representatives from the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Association of Building Engineers, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, the Warwickshire and West Midlands Association of Local Councils, The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), the Royal Town Planning Institute and district councillor Stephen Thirlwell (portfolio holder for planning).

Other previous winners include: The Moat House at Dorsington, part of Clifford Mill, the Coterie at Preston Bagot, the art gallery at Compton Verney Mansion House, a doctors' surgery in Southam, the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon, Cox's Yard in Stratford, Poggins House and August Cottage, Main Street, Long Compton and the Boathouse at Ryon Hill Park, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Excellence in Restoration

In addition to the three new buildings, an additional award was made for Excellence in a Restoration Project for the work done at Gorcott Hall, Beoley - a 13 century, Grade II* listed country house.

Award Ceremony

An award ceremony was held on Friday 28 September, at Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall, where the district council chairman Cllr Stuart Beese presented the awards. Plaques were presented to the owners of the winning buildings together with certificates for the designers and builders.

Further information can be obtained from the Heritage and Design Team by telephoning 01789 260342,or by email at planning@stratford-dc.gov.uk, or by fax on 01789 260330.