Seven winners include several renovations and reinventions

Albert Works, Sheffield, by Cartwright Pickard Architects (phs: Tom Kahler)
“Located within the Cultural Industries Quarter Conservation of Sheffield, this project brings back into use four virtually derelict re-brick warehouse buildings. The existing perimeter buildings have been carefully refurbished with a new courtyard infill, providing a double height space and integrated core. New elements are crisp and modern insertions that create flexible workspace for Jaywing, a Sheffield based creative marketing agency. The project ‘speaks’ Sheffield with confidence.”

National College for High Speed Rail, Doncaster, by Bond Bryan Architects (phs: Phil Grayston)
“Located on the outskirts of Doncaster in a commercial retail park, the glazed picture windows at each end of the ‘railway shed’ stand out like a beacon giving views of the full sized ‘High-Speed’ locomotive accommodated in the atrium. The saw-tooth roof form is seen by the architects as a modern interpretation of the traditional engineering factory, but with an additional vertical section that provides north facing lights and p.v. solar panels.”

Old Shed New House, North Yorkshire, by Tonkin Liu (phs: Greg Storrar, Alex Peacock)
“A long double height gallery maintains the tree-lined approach and a tall library, bounded by mirror-backed shelving evokes the copse of silver birch found of the site. Walking into the library through a sliding door from the living room brought gasps from the Awards Jury. It is the heart of the home and a showpiece for a lifetime’s collection of books. Clever use of light and mirrors gave the impression of an art piece itself. Otherwise it Is a modest 3-bedroom house, build cost effectively, but with exquisite detailing throughout inside and out.”

Scarborough Market Hall and Vaults, by Group Ginger Architects (phs: Jim Stephenson, Simon Baker)
“The external appearance of the Market Hall remains largely unchanged apart from sensitive accessibility improvements. But the Market has been transformed, becoming a much visited destination and to reclaim it’s position at the heart of civic life in Scarborough.”

Square Chapel Arts Centre, Halifax, by Evans Vettori (phs: Mark Hadden)
“This is a gem of a project neatly connected to the adjoining Grade I listed Piece Hall… This proposal comprises an uncompromisingly modern building which all the Jury found immensely satisfying. During our visit the bar, foyer and chapel were all being actively used for a variety of events. Square Chapel is closely linked to its community and the open nature of the centre reflects the organisations ethos that the arts should be accessible to all.”

The Hide, Driffield, by Group Ginger Architects (phs: Jim Stephenson)
“The new Bird Hide provides a centre piece to the reserve, combining a public viewing gallery, a classroom and a 24 hour twitcher’s hide for the dedicated ornithologist. Each user group has been treated with specific space that carefully considers individual requirements and aspirations… Environmental considerations have influenced the design throughout, from choice of materials to the use of a wood burning store which uses materials salvaged from the reserve. Step free access has been provided with a new earth ramp built by volunteers which has been located at an angle not visible from the reservoir to avoid disturbing the birds.”

The Piece Hall and Calderdale Central Library and Archives, Halifax, by LDN Architects (phs: Bruce Fitzgerald, Paul White, Chris Lord, LDN)
“The Piece Hall is a Grade I listed unique and iconic Cloth Hall, dating from 1779. As a conservation project every stone has been carefully reviewed and repaired or replaced with appropriate restoration skills. But it is in the transformation of this building where the Design Team and clients ambition stands out. Previously the spaces were unheated, and the scheme includes new infrastructure and building services to deliver high quality commercial space for new businesses operating in shops and cafes. A new entrance (so called 4th gateway) has been added into the historic courtyard which for the first time creates permeability from town to centre to the railway station. Visitor numbers have soared.”