Innovative home designs, new school buildings and an eco-friendly community pavilion were among the projects celebrated at the recent Mid Sussex Design Awards ceremony held at East Court in East Grinstead on Friday 19 October.

The Mid Sussex Design Awards celebrate the best new architectural projects in the area and acknowledge the important role that high quality design plays in enhancing the distinctive character of Mid Sussex. The awards were presented by the Rt Hon Nicholas Soames PC MP, who congratulated Mid Sussex District Council on a very positive event and for the sterling work that had been done in promoting good design in Mid Sussex.

The Award winners were:

Overall Winner – Bolnore Village Primary School by Re-Format
Sustainability Award and Commendation for Restoration and Extensions – Boundary Place, Warninglid by Nicolas Pople Architect
Commendation for Sustainability – Adastra Community Centre, Hassocks by Ecotecture
Housing Award – Pickwell Barn, Ansty by Annabel Brown
Commercial Building Award (commendation) – The Centre for Sight, East Grinstead by Toh Shimazaki
Community Building Award – Brambletye School, East Grinstead by Hazle MacCormack Young

The new Bolnore Village Primary School, which was designed by architects Re-Format, was selected as the overall winner of the 2012 Mid Sussex Design Awards. The school is the first new-build, parent-promoted and self-governing primary school in the country. The judges were impressed by the curve of the building and the way that the glazed exterior gave it a strong relationship to the adjacent woodland. They also applauded the way staff, governors and parents were involved in the project.

“The new Bolnore Village Primary School is an inspirational project in so many ways and shows just what can be achieved when the local community pulls together,” said Councillor Gary Marsh Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration. “I am delighted that the design of the new building has matched the ambition shown by the local community, who pioneered the development of the school, and the quality and scope of the project means it deserves all the recognition it has received”.

Sharon Allen, Head Teacher at Bolnore Village Primary School said:

“The design of our school brings light to our learning – in all respects. Our children are given every opportunity to feel part of the world around them with every window providing a different view of the ancient woodland around us. The school design really does enable teachers to teach anywhere and children to explore their learning in creative, irresistible ways.”

Reducing the impact of new buildings on the environment is a key priority for the council. Boundary Place in Warninglid scooped the Sustainability award for eco-friendly re-design and renovation of a 1971 detached house. The judges were particularly impressed with the high solar capacity, the sedum green roof coverings and the inventive use of recycled materials and components throughout.

Further information about the Mid Sussex Design Awards 2012 can be found online at www.midsussex.gov.uk/designawards.