Bracknell

Two developments have been selected to be the winners of the Bracknell Forest Borough Council inaugural building design award.

The Seventh Day Adventist Church at Newbold College, Binfield, Bracknell and The Courtyard, Eastern Road, Bracknell, were judged the best of the 22 nominations received from architects, developers, Bracknell Town Council and the Borough Council.

The nominated designs varied greatly, with different sizes and architectural styles, and included offices, parks, and whole housing developments.

A panel of six judges assessed all the entries before visiting a short list. The winners were presented with their awards in a ceremony on May 11 in the Council Chamber at Easthampstead House.

The Church at Newbold College was sympathetic to its surroundings and maintained views through to the listed college building. Building materials were felt to be well selected and the landscaping and layout had been sensitive to the grounds.

The Courtyard is a small energy-efficient office development on the Eastern Industrial Estate. The building had a simple architectural design which created a pleasant working environment.

Two further buildings were commended. Thames Valley One offices on Wokingham Road was felt to be good and was laid out well with parking to the rear of the site. The new square in Crowthorne which contains the library, shops and flats was also commended for its positive impact on the street.

Bracknell Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, awards judge, said: "I would like to thank everyone who nominated buildings for the design awards, which we hope will become a regular fixture in the Bracknell Forest civic calendar.

"I hope the design awards will show how the Council is committed to ensuring good design and they will encourage even higher standards of design in the future."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council