SJCC RIBA Suffolk Design Awards
RIBA Suffolk Design Awards showcase the high standard of design being achieved by Suffolk Architects in East Anglia.
2019 Awards:
Photos by: The Modern House
Photos by: Christina Granena
WINNER: The Cork Room, Boxford
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Architect: Kirkham Sheidow Architects
Contractor: Complete Construction and Development
Owner: Mr and Mrs E Bishop
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Judges’ comments: “The Cork Room is an impeccably designed and executed house extension offering an in-between space for the garden and kitchen-living room area with a focus on natural light, texture and user lifestyle. It presents an architecturally sensitive design solution that maintains a humane aesthetic. At the same time, it excavates and emphasises hidden qualities of space, and projects a homely atmosphere of interior that becomes exterior and vice-versa. The newly and carefully placed apertures contribute to the creation of a peaceful atmosphere making the space pleasantly and fruitfully utilised and lived. The project receives a Design Award and is highly commended for its effortlessly highlighted spatial architectonics, and the construction materiality demonstrated in the crafted detailing and thoughtful building methods, rarely found in this type and scale of project.”
RIBA Suffolk Design Awards 2018 - Lavenham Pre-School
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Project Lavenham Pre-School & Young
Peoples Centre
Architect Embrace Architecture
Client Lavenham Community Council
Contractor Scotts of Thrapston Ltd
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This new building sits well in the established context of the new Lavenham Village Hall and has many similarities, being designed by the same architect. Internally and externally the materials and details are of high quality and the open and airy spaces were comfortably occupied by the full house of active children.
RIBA Suffolk Design Awards 2018 - 8 West Green
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Project 8 West Green
Architect Infinity Architects
Client Ms Corcoran & Mr Woolgar
Contractor MAC Construction
​
We found this to be a very successful enlargement and remodelling of an existing modern house
which addressed all the concerns that the owners had uncovered from several years occupancy. Although of nearly identical footprint to the original house, the new build has created interesting internal spaces with very pleasing more private views of both the existing garden and the adjoining open green. Zinc roofing and slimline modern metal windows provide a suitable contemporary feel and the extended brise soleil unifies the principal elevation very effectively
COMMENDATIONS:
RIBA Suffolk Design Awards 2018 - Brambles Barn
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Project Brambles Barn
Architect Modece Architects
Client Matthew and Samanta Bell
Contractor WillBuild Developments Ltd
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An interesting ‘off-grid’ project provides a dwelling where planning and geographical circumstances would not normally allow one. Although technically complex the new house feels simple and comfortable and merges well with its site.
RIBA Suffolk Design Awards 2018 - Challs Building
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Project Challs Building / Unit 46
Architect OWL Architects
Client Challs International
Contractor Mixbrow Construction
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SJCC RIBA Suffolk Design Awards
RIBA Suffolk Design Awards showcase high standard of design being achieved by Suffolk Architects in East Anglia.
RIBA Suffolk Design Awards 2024:
WINNER
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Gainsborough's House Museum
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Architect: ZMMA Architects
Contractor: Thomas Sinden Limited
Client: Gainsborough’s House Society
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Judges’ comments: "This fantastic project was universally admired and praised by the judging panel who were impressed by the dynamic approach to the design and how well the project responded to the brief within the context of complex timescales, site and economic constraints. It was clear that the architect had worked very closely with the client to achieve this fantastic project – creating a new contemporary gallery on a site adjoining Gainsborough's historic residence, transforming and invigorating the Grade 1 listed building as part of the proposal and improving existing links with a new accessible path linking the historic residence with the new gallery. Care and attention to detail in the craftsmanship is exemplified across the building with the sensitive choice of materials and finishes responding to the material qualities of the local townscape and history."
COMMENDATION
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Martins
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Architect: Andrew Hugh Architects
Contractor: Avoncrown Limited
Client: Jo Chapman and Tim Roberts
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Judges’ comments: "We were particularly impressed by the considerations for inclusivity within the design for a fully accessible home that could provide countryside respite that was gentle and restful, and had strong connections between inside and outside. The single storey open plan dwelling with a cranked form and layout maximises the southern facing elevation and encloses a private garden, visually separating the private bedroom and guest spaces from the living areas, with level thresholds throughout enabling the client to move around the house freely. An array of sheltered areas for step free access in and out at the entrance and onto the rear terrace, facilitates loading and unloading of a wheelchair within a sheltered space. Bespoke joinery, carefully planned bathrooms and a fully adapted kitchen add to make this home perfectly suited to the client’s needs and requirements. "
Design Awards 2023:
WINNER: The Nest, Special Educational Needs at St Edmunds RC Primary School, Bury St Edmunds
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Architect: Hoopers
Structures: Superstructures
MEP: JS&H
Contractor: TJ Evers
QS: Castons
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Design Awards 2022:
COMMERCIAL - WINNER
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Claas UK Headquarters
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Architect: BCR Infinity Architects
Contractor: R G Carter
Client: Claas UK
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Judges’ comments: “This striking company headquarters building brings together all the facets of the business and connects them visually, both internally and externally, forming a shop window to the A14. It is a clear and deceptively simple design solution to a complex problem delivered in phases over four years and is testament to the excellent working relationship between architect (BCRInfinity), client and contractor (RG Carter). Energy efficiency was at the forefront of its design and includes passive solar design, rainwater harvesting system, renewably generated electric power and roof solar panels.”
COMMERCIAL - HIGHLY COMMENDED
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Martello Café
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Architect: Plaice Design Company
Contractor: Barnes Construction
Client: East Suffolk Council
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Judges’ comments: “This new cafe creates a focal point in an area of Felixstowe seafront requiring regeneration. Its distinctive and dramatic undulating roof, combined with the meticulously detailed wall and roof zinc cladding, draws the attention when viewed from all angles. It will no doubt be well used by the community and will act as a catalyst for further regeneration in this area. The architect was Plaice Design and contractor Barnes Construction. The fit out was by GS Contracts.”
NEW RESIDENTIAL - WINNER
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The Glasshouse
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Architect: Beech Architects
Contractor: Henry Paul Construction
Client: Private Client
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Judges’ comments: “The Glasshouse is an appropriate name for this unique dwelling. This simple pavilion style structure uses large areas of glass, in both the walls and the roof, to ensure sunlight and daylight reaches the core of the building. This, together with the ceilings being set high, creates a beautifully light and airy internal environment.”
NEW RESIDENTIAL - HIGHLY COMMENDED
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Crown Bridge House
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Architect: Paul Weston Architect
Contractor: Mixbrow Construction
Client: Private Client
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Judges’ comments: “An understated, yet highly articulated design, crown bridge house comfortably nestles into its countryside setting. Designed as a series of volumes to mimic the style of the historic homes with outhouses on neighbouring plots, the building takes users on a journey by framing views to the surrounding countryside. Glazed panels inside help to link the internal spaces, all of which are meticulously planned to create a seamless yet efficient living area that is adaptable in the future. This is further enhanced by the ambitious and stunningly realised landscaping design that links inside and out.”
NEW RESIDENTIAL - HIGHLY COMMENDED
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Gainsborough House
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Architect: Beech Architects
Contractor: Heronbuild
Client: Private Client
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Judges’ comments: “This relatively large volume dwelling has been designed to minimize its visual impact on the surrounding village, by using a series of smaller linked structures embeded in the sloping site. The result is a building that is modern in form which enhances the surrounding rural environment.”
NEW RESIDENTIAL - COMMENDED
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Cross Maltings Folly
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Architect: Modece Architects
Contractor: M Chisnall & Sons
Client: Private Client
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Judges’ comments: “Built in phases, and designed to be future proofed, the outcome of this ambitious scheme is an advanced symbiosis of historic building with high performance low energy design. Set in a stunning location overlooking a former mill site, the building maximises views out over the river Brett. The coherent and passionate way in which the projects clients spoke about the scheme stood out to the judges and appeared testament to the Architects role in interpreting the clients needs and facilitating their involvement in the development of the scheme.”
ALTERATIONS, EXTENSIONS & REFURBISHMENTS - WINNER
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Otley House
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Architect: Gasson Architects
Contractor: Seamans Building
Client: Private Client
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Judges’ comments: “This very modest extension adds pure delight to a very large listed Georgian country house. It has been very sensitively designed and detailed. Its scale and form successfully blends new with old structures. The result is a property where you flow seamlessly from old to new and from internal to external space.”
ALTERATIONS, EXTENSIONS & REFURBISHMENTS - HIGHLY COMMENDED
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Glulam Extension to a Listed Building, Hadleigh
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Architect: TAS Architects
Contractor: RC Mumford
Client: Private Client
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Judges’ comments: “A fun, yet well-articulated, contemporary addition to this a timber framed home, bringing much needed height and light into the property and a connection to its well-established garden. Taking its lead from the irregular pattern of the original timber, the new asymmetrical light timbered roof is both contrasting and well harmonised with the original fabric. The careful attention to detail was clear to see, as were the close relationship between contractor and architect that allowed the project to be successfully delivered.”
ALTERATIONS, EXTENSIONS & REFURBISHMENTS - COMMENDED
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Kiln Cottage
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Architect: Embrace Architecture
Contractor: Propertize Ltd.
Client: Private Client
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Judges’ comments: “A well-executed rear extension that opens up the original house to the rear garden and dramatically improves the light, flow, and sense of space to this otherwise small rural Victorian cottage. The use of a contemporary material palette contrasts well with the original fabric. The materials also link the main building to the new garden room which forms a pottery studio, kiln and teaching space. These additions have allowed the clients to pursue their dreams of a work from home business.”
Design Awards 2019:
Photos by: The Modern House
WINNER: Tinkers Barn, Bressingham
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Architect: Andrew Hughes Architects
Contractor: Stuart Whinney Construction
Owner: Nick Glendinning, West Development
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Judges’ comments: “Tinkers Barn is a converted residential unit designed as a holiday home. It features the simplicity of form of the conventional barn situated on land using the surrounding landscape as its framed natural context. Incredibly conscious and modest architectural gestures ensure retention of a sense of height and openness in space, balanced by playful interventions in the overall minimal and purist approach. The emphasised vertical interiors are complemented by skilfully designed, laid out and constructed windows. The dramatic approach of the free-standing size of the mezzanine, interacts well with the defined living zones, and the balance between private and social space. The project receives a Design award for its finesse in offering a sustainable and aesthetically fashionable, yet minimal design solution, embracing the micro-scale of the detail and the macro-scale of the landscape and envelope. It is also highly commended as an exemplar of collaboration and synergy among project partners and stakeholders, particularly the design and development teams”
Photos by: Christina Granena
WINNER: The Cork Room, Boxford
​
Architect: Kirkham Sheidow Architects
Contractor: Complete Construction and Development
Owner: Mr and Mrs E Bishop
​
Judges’ comments: “The Cork Room is an impeccably designed and executed house extension offering an in-between space for the garden and kitchen-living room area with a focus on natural light, texture and user lifestyle. It presents an architecturally sensitive design solution that maintains a humane aesthetic. At the same time, it excavates and emphasises hidden qualities of space, and projects a homely atmosphere of interior that becomes exterior and vice-versa. The newly and carefully placed apertures contribute to the creation of a peaceful atmosphere making the space pleasantly and fruitfully utilised and lived. The project receives a Design Award and is highly commended for its effortlessly highlighted spatial architectonics, and the construction materiality demonstrated in the crafted detailing and thoughtful building methods, rarely found in this type and scale of project.”
Photos by: Stephen Wolfenden
COMMENDATION: The Church of St Augustine, Ipswich
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Architect: Haward Architects
Contractor: M S Oakes
Owner: The Parochial Church Council
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Judges’ comments: “The Lantern Room (or Annexe) to the Church of St Augustine is a room that serves as an additional congregation facility. It provides contemporary design set against the imposing, traditional form of the church. The project has been handled with care to create an architectural object in public view and an architectural space in public use. The harmonious design acknowledges comfort, environment and spiritual context, and references stylistic modes which complement the operative components and functionality of the space. The project is commended for the striking difference between exterior and interior with the latter characterised by warmth, outstanding natural light dissemination, which creates a calming atmosphere in the form of a micro climate. The project is also commended for featuring architectural and structural components symbiotically in a discreet and considerate manner.”
2018 Awards:
RIBA Suffolk Design Awards 2018 - Lavenham Pre-School
​
Project Lavenham Pre-School & Young
Peoples Centre
Architect Embrace Architecture
Client Lavenham Community Council
Contractor Scotts of Thrapston Ltd
​
This new building sits well in the established context of the new Lavenham Village Hall and has many similarities, being designed by the same architect. Internally and externally the materials and details are of high quality and the open and airy spaces were comfortably occupied by the full house of active children.
RIBA Suffolk Design Awards 2018 - 8 West Green
​
Project 8 West Green
Architect Infinity Architects
Client Ms Corcoran & Mr Woolgar
Contractor MAC Construction
​
We found this to be a very successful enlargement and remodelling of an existing modern house
which addressed all the concerns that the owners had uncovered from several years occupancy. Although of nearly identical footprint to the original house, the new build has created interesting internal spaces with very pleasing more private views of both the existing garden and the adjoining open green. Zinc roofing and slimline modern metal windows provide a suitable contemporary feel and the extended brise soleil unifies the principal elevation very effectively
COMMENDATIONS:
RIBA Suffolk Design Awards 2018 - Brambles Barn
​
Project Brambles Barn
Architect Modece Architects
Client Matthew and Samanta Bell
Contractor WillBuild Developments Ltd
​
An interesting ‘off-grid’ project provides a dwelling where planning and geographical circumstances would not normally allow one. Although technically complex the new house feels simple and comfortable and merges well with its site.
RIBA Suffolk Design Awards 2018 - Challs Building
​
Project Challs Building / Unit 46
Architect OWL Architects
Client Challs International
Contractor Mixbrow Construction
​