A new school in South Gloucestershire, designed from start to finish by an architect from South Gloucestershire Council, has won a prestigious accolade.
The Local Authority Building Control (LABC) West of England Building Excellence Awards were held last week at Bristol’s Royal Marriott Hotel.
Acton Turville School won Best Sustainable Development for its innovative design and wealth of energy saving features.
The council’s architect, Nicole Muller, took on the brief to design the school and incorporated features such as a biomass boiler, a rainwater harvesting system and a living, sedum roof that slows down rainwater runoff and encourages biodiversity. She was supported by other members of the council’s property services team who provided technical backup.
The striking curved design of the building was complimented by the LABC judges who said:
“This is a well-designed building that satisfies the requirements of 21st century schooling, exceeds current energy saving requirements and provides a valuable multi-use facility for the village community.”
Cllr Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transportation and strategic environment, said: “The council is committed to excellence and sustainability in our buildings, so I’m delighted that one of our own architects has won such an important award for her excellent school design.”
Other South Gloucestershire buildings were recognised at the awards including:
Winners
- Best technical – Over Court Farmhouse
- Best community development – Emersons Green NHS Treatment Centre
- Best large commercial development – Badminton Road
Highly Commended
- Best partnership – Newlands Homes
- Best small commercial development – Over Court Farmhouse
- Best sustainable development – Badminton Road
The winners will go through to the national finals to be held in London in November.
LABC is an organisation that works with local authorities to encourage excellence in technical innovation, sustainability and high standards in the construction industry. The owners of buildings, architects, building contractors and building surveyors can all submit nominations to the awards.
Virtually every class of building from domestic extensions, social housing and apartments, through to schools, hospitals, commercial and retail properties can be nominated.
To get involved in next year’s nominations, simply submit your building regulations application through the council and you could be in with a chance of appearing at next year’s LABC Building Excellence Awards.
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
