An extension and refurbishment of a private house and a new build family annex in Ealing were both commended at the Society’s virtual Awards Ceremony on 22 October. The owners and architects were presented with their virtual certificates by James Murray MP for Ealing North.
Our acting Chairman, Ann Chapman, was delighted that despite this year’s restrictions it had still been possible to go ahead with the Annual Awards. She explained that the aim of the award was to promote good design across all kinds of building and landscape. Although this year we had no [pure] landscape schemes submitted, we had a number of entries ranging from a sports centre, through residential extensions and adaptations including of the old Acton Town Hall, to new build housing. Once again, the quality of the entries had been high.
The entries were judged by local architects Harbinder Birdi, Anthony Ferguson and Ania Lill. Maggie Gold, who co-ordinates the Awards for the Society, presented the 6 shortlisted projects, showing the architects’ plans and photographs of the interiors and exteriors of the buildings. Back to Ann Chapman who then announced the 2 commended projects:
21A Mortimer Road W13 [pictured right] a refurbishment of and extension to a 1930s house, plus landscaping designed by Lill Architects.The judges particularly liked the way the project responded to the client’s lifestyle, allowing family and guests to spill out into the garden area.
The Origami House W13 [pictured left] is a repurposing of an existing home/office garden outbuilding into a new build single storey cross laminated timber family annex designed by KSKa Architects. The judges liked the use of timber and the unique and impressive dynamic roof design. They remarked on the use of natural light and the way in which every corner of the building has been used to accommodate utility spaces and storage.
Other shortlisted entries this year were
- Acton Town Hall W3 (conversion to flats) Alan Camp Architects
- 11 and 13 Ascott Avenue W5 (2 new houses) Chalkline Architectural Services
- West London Sports Centre at the University of West London, W5 (new build) Bond Bryan Architects
- 43 St Albans Ave W4 (house extension and adaptation) Jeff Kahane + Associates
Following the presentation of the Award certificates James Murray talked about his experience and interests in housing and design, and how he’d managed as a new MP taking over from the very popular Steve Pound during a pandemic. He answered questions, giving useful advice about how best to object to planning applications.
Since 1989 the Society has given awards to recognise and encourage building and environmental projects that make a noteworthy contribution to the community in the Borough of Ealing. A list of previous winners can be seen on our Awards archive page.