Eco Building of the Year - Western Morning News Commercial Property Awards
Celebration time for premier award wins
The refreshing diversity and overwhelming success of commercial property development in the South West has been once again celebrated through the sixth annual Michelmores and Western Morning News sector awards.With winners ranging from the outstanding £220 million Princesshay scheme in Exeter and the bold Roland Levinsky Building in Plymouth to the more modest but none the less stunning Newlyn Art Gallery in Cornwall, Rolle Estate Office at Bicton Park and Zenith in Exeter there is no denying that the sector throughout remains extremely vibrant.
The winners were revealed at a gala dinner on Tuesday night at Exeter's Sandy Park Stadium - winner of the Project of the Year over £2million category in last year's awards.
BBC Radio Devon presenter Judi Spiers compered the evening and opened the proceedings saying "These awards have now become firmly established as the most prestigious accolades this specialist sector can offer in our region, and they still live up to the philosophy that first triggered the idea - to reward and recognise the commercial property sector in the South West for the immense contribution it has made and continues to make to the regional economy and for the innovation, vision, commitment and, quite often, tenacity shown by the people and organisations represented here tonight."
Eco Building of the Year Winner: Rolle Estate Office
Built within Grade I listed parkland, Rolle Estate Office took inspiration for its elliptical design from the scattered tree "clumps" and the sinuous cloud form fencing surrounding the trees.
Yet despite this homage to an earlier age, the result is a building which is a contemporary, adaptable and sustainable development fit for the 21st century.
Clinton Devon Estates gave the brief to create a new Estate office in Bicton Park, East Budleigh which would have excellent environmental credentials.
The outcome of this eco-friendly approach has been significant with the carbon footprint of the new £1.65million Rolle Estate Office calculated as being about 75 per cent lower than that of its predecessor.
The project also enhanced bio-diversity through the incorporation of wildlife habitats within the development, including integrated bird, insect and mammal boxes.
John Varley accepted the award on behalf of Clinton Devon Estates and said: "It has moved us forward into 21st century land management.
"I would like to thank Lacey Hickie Caley who have delivered a fantastic building and created for us the best place to work in the world".