Awards for the best buildings in the Aylesbury Vale at ceremony

Outstanding building and structural projects across Aylesbury Vale have been recognised at the 26th annual Aylesbury Vale District Council Design Awards.
The Exchange in Aylesbury town centreThe Exchange in Aylesbury town centre
The Exchange in Aylesbury town centre

The ceremony, held on Thursday 5 December at AVDC’s The Gateway Conference Centre, brought together designers, architects, builders and contractors to showcase their excellence.

Seven projects were shortlisted from the nominated schemes before being judged by an expert panel against seven key criteria: context, including local distinctiveness; quality of design and construction; fitness for purpose; sustainability; accessibility; attractiveness and innovation. And, for the second year, there was an opportunity for the public to vote for their favourite scheme to win the People’s Choice award – voted for by the public.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This year, AVDC also introduced the Norman Bragg Special Award.

Winners at the awards ceremonyWinners at the awards ceremony
Winners at the awards ceremony

Norman Bragg was the architect for the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, and such was his interest in Aylesbury, he continued his association with the area through his involvement with the AVDC Design Awards: being head judge for the last few years.

Norman sadly passed away earlier this year following a short illness. The dedication of the award in Norman’s name recognises the indelible impact Norman’s work has had on the Aylesbury skyline and his significant contribution and input into the Design Awards and helps us to remember and continue Norman’s legacy.

In previous judging years, Norman was an advocate of recognising schemes which weren’t necessarily the winner of a category, but which as a scheme, had wider transformative benefits or which had unique qualities. The Special Award was created to recognise the scheme which the judges felt displayed these qualities, and it is anticipated that whatever form the Design Awards takes in future years – the Norman Bragg Special Award will continue to reward such projects.

.In total, six awards were presented on the night:

The Vinson Building in BuckinghamThe Vinson Building in Buckingham
The Vinson Building in Buckingham

Best Single Dwelling House: Primrose Cottage, Kingswood

Architect/designer: Lynn Palmer Architects Ltd

Builder/contractor: BGB Ltd

Client: Scott Glickman

Primrose CottagePrimrose Cottage
Primrose Cottage
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Best Residential Development (2 or more dwellings): Catte Street Green, Wingrave

Architect/designer: Alan J Frost

Builder/contractor: NK Building & Renovations Ltd

Client: John Alexander, Alan Frost and John Cotton

Best Mixed Use Scheme and Winner of Award for Outstanding Design: Vinson Building, Buckingham

Architect/designer: Panter Hudspith Architects

Builder/contractor: Beard Construction

Client: University of Buckingham

People’s Choice Awards: Canada Wood, Winslow

Architect/designer: Hinton Cook

Builder/contractor: Self build

Client: Charlotte Gilbert

Norman Bragg Special Award: Contribution to the Public Realm of Aylesbury: The Exchange, Aylesbury

Architect/designer: Hunters / Bradley Murphy

Builder/contractor: Durkan Ltd

Client: AVDC / Durkan

Councillor Peter Strachan, cabinet member for planning and enforcement at AVDC, said: “These annual awards highlight the diversity of building projects across the Vale, recognising those which demonstrate excellence and support the sustainable growth of the district. Over the past 26 years, we’ve presented numerous awards and are proud to continue to promote sustainable, attractive and innovative design. Congratulations to all the shortlisted projects.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Michelle Harris, Durkan’s head of sales and marketing, said: “We are delighted that The Exchange has won the first Norman Bragg Award. It is a development of the highest quality, and we are proud to have played such a key role in delivering it.

“It’s not just about the quality of the apartments, but everything the regeneration offers.

"Young professionals want entertainment on their doorstep, modern homes to live in and good transport links to get to work. The Exchange is a perfect example of how town centres can be modernised to provide the facilities that matter to residents.”

Related topics: