Eden Design Awards

In early 2005 we launched our first Annual Design Awards Scheme for projects completed within the preceding five years. The aim is to recognise, encourage and promote good architectural design throughout the Eden District and to raise awareness of the special contribution that good design can make to the quality of the built environment.

As users of buildings and the landscapes that surround them, good design matters to us all. For a relatively small input of time, care, thought and resource, good design creates buildings and spaces that are sustainable, marketable and most importantly, will be enjoyed by people over time. The Design Awards play an important part of the continuing process of encouraging and promoting better standards of design in the built environment within Eden.

Eden Design Awards 2009

The 2009 awards was launched on the 2 January 2009. The awards were built around three distinct areas of design for the built environment:

Categories

• New Build: Any new building ranging form a small housing scheme to a large commercial development.
• Conservation: Restoration and reuse of an existing building which enhances its original character.
• Natural Environment: Projects or schemes which enhance the natural environment. This could be through landscaping details, eco-friendly construction or its 'green' credentials.

Judging Criteria

New Building

• Does the development enhance the character and distinctiveness of the site and locality?
• Is the choice of materials appropriate to the project and do they work well with the design?
• Does the design relate well to its immediate surroundings?
• Is there a contribution towards sustainable development?
• Is it pleasing to see that the scheme has taken place on this site?
• Has the development used innovative design?

Conservation

• Does the scheme show a high standard of renovation or conservation?
• Is the choice of materials appropriate and has the level of detail been considered?
• Is the quality of workmanship of a high standard?
• Does the project conserve or enhance a historic feature?

Natural Environment

• Does the nomination restore or enhance the landscape?
• Does it contribute to wildlife protection?
• Does the nomination respect and enhance the character and distinctiveness of the site and locality?
• Is it felt to be in a suitable location?
• Is the scheme sustainable?
• Does the scheme have 'green' credentials?

Winners

Winners were announced at an awards presentation evening which was held at Penrith Leisure Center on Monday 11th May. Also a press article was published in the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald.

The following awards were presented:-

New Building

Any new building ranging from a small housing scheme to a large commercial development.

• Winner - The Butts, Alston. Architect - Peter Kempsey
• Highly Commended - Bells of Lazonby. Architect - Steve Keeling,Total Images
• Commended - Curwen Bank, Cliburn. Architect - Rickerby Estates Ltd

Conservation

Restoration or re-use of an existing building which enhances its original character.

• Winner - Blencowe Hall, Blencowe. Architect - Graham K Norman
• Highly Commended - Mill Yard Cafe, Morland. Architect - O'Neil & Petrie
• Highly Commended - Nandana, Beacon Edge, Penrith. Architect - Graham K Norman

Natural Environment

Projects or schemes which enhance the natural environment. (We anticipate a broad range of initiatives could qualify for entry to this category; these could range from wildlife protection schemes through to the improvement of public open spaces. Projects could have been undertaken by individuals, schools, local communities, parish council's, businesses, etc).

There was only one nomination in this category which was awarded the following:

• Commended - Wrights Garage, Nenthead Triangle, Nenthead. Architect - Capita Symonds

Special Recognition

Special recognition this year has been given to the Ousby Youth Shelter for its contribution to the local community. Architect - John Shapeerro and John Winn.

Contact details for Design Awards scheme

• Contact: Planning Services
• Telephone: 01768 817817
• Email: planning.services@eden.gov.uk
• Address: Planning Services, Eden District Council, Mansion House, Penrith, CA11 7YG