A new wildlife haven, an eco-friendly house and a renovated farmstead are among the winners of the South Downs Design Awards.
They were announced at a ceremony at the South Downs Centre in Midhurst on October 2.
The awards celebrate high standards of architectural and landscape design across the national park, which stretches from Eastbourne, around Brighton and west to Hampshire.
More than 60 nominations were received earlier this year and 16 projects were shortlisted from across Sussex and Hampshire.
It was double delight for the team behind the restoration of the Cockshut Stream in Lewes, which won the landscape category and also took the top spot in the people’s choice, taking the lion’s share of the 1,500 votes in the public poll.
Six hectares of much-needed wetland for wildlife has been created following the realignment of the rare chalk stream. The area has quickly become an oasis for nature, with herons, kingfishers, egret and snipe among the many birds to be found, while toads, sticklebacks, eels and newts can be spotted in the ponds.
The judges said: “The project restores this stretch of river back to something like its original, natural shape with all the ecological and water management benefits this allows. This is truly an enhancement of both natural beauty and wildlife. The panel hopes this kind of project can be replicated at a larger scale both within the National Park and far beyond.”
READ MORE: Look inside ‘striking’ eco-friendly home that has won architecture awards
There were joint winners in the residential category: Lannings Way, Midhurst, and The Mile House, at Crossgates, Amberley, north of Arundel.
Lannings Ways comprises four energy-efficient homes that pay homage to the heritage of the site as a former ambulance station and the traditional setting of the site in the conservation area.
The Mile House is an impressive living space, situated against the edge of a slope to maximise views of the National Park.
Winning the conservation category was Wiston Estate Winery at Washington, north of Worthing, with a redeveloped historic farmstead that draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape. Two historic flint barns have been restored into a fine dining restaurant and private dining room, alongside a visitor shop.
Judges said: “We were very impressed with the repurposing of historic farm buildings and the sensitive juxtaposition of new buildings and the very high quality of detailing and workmanship.”
Tim Slaney, interim chief executive of the National Park Authority, said: “The standard of entries has been exceptional and it’s been an incredibly difficult decision to pick the winners among such a strong field.
“Every project demonstrates just how high, rightly, the benchmark is for design in the South Downs National Park. They show the true skill and flair of architects, urban designers, landscape specialists, developers and planners to be able to respond to landscape, character, local identity and heritage, as well as find innovative solutions to the climate and nature emergencies.
“As one of the busiest planning authorities in the UK, it’s inspiring to see such creativity to help foster a built environment where people want to live, work and thrive and will continue doing so for generations to come.”
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