Residential Winner 2019
3, 4 & 5 Quiet Lane, Newhall
This short terrace is never going to be dull. There are variations in line, size, number of stories and the arrangements and positions of front doors, windows and garages. We also like the pargeting style to the treatment given to the brickwork which has been well executed. Despite all this feature-richness, this little terrace is definitely all of a piece conceptually and has a nice urban feel to it which sits well with the concept of Harlow being a town in the country. Designed by Scott Brownrigg.
Residential Winner 2018
4 Forebury Lane, Newhall
This three-bedroom end of terrace house on Newhall, designed by Sheppard Robson, has wonderful proportions and a striking combination of lines, angles and shapes. There is also lots to appreciate in the choice of materials and colours that blend well together, complement those of the neighbouring houses and indeed the street, and the particular setting of the street which faces woodland.
With a balcony at the back as well as the front, there is a feeling that the occupiers are being really spoiled by this design.
Residential Winner 2017
54 Old Road
Good design is not restricted to new-build properties though it may be more difficult to achieve in extensions and alterations to existing properties. This project shows how it is possible to enlarge an external envelope and yet retain the integrity of its original form. An updated and tasteful character has also been added through the colours and materials chosen for the refurbishment. The overall effect is complemented by well-considered hard landscaping to the frontage.
Residential Winner 2016
3-12 & 161-165 Orchard Croft
Designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd, Harlow Design Group, this elegant staggered ’60s terrace near to the Stow was very well supported in the voting and narrowly won the judge’s decision over Rose Crescent. It is an excellent example of classic, modernist development. The design resulted from the Housing Group Competition held in 1962 and was promoted by the Ideal Home Magazine and the Royal Institute of British Architects. Completed in 1964 using a few well-chosen materials, Orchard Croft has a strong, well-proportioned angular style that is practical and visually appealing in its setting.
Non-Residential Winner 2019
Lister House
Though it can’t magic away waiting times, Lister House has been designed to provide the best NHS treatments in an airy, patient-friendly, accessible, facility where you can see your GP, go to the dentist, attend a clinic and pick up your medicines all under one roof. The exterior and interior lines are functional and clean, as suits its purpose, and there are lots of ways that energy is conserved, such as by thermal insulation, solar shading, PV panels and movement activated lighting. On the outside there’s parking on site but green transport – the use of bicycles and buses is encouraged. The sculpture by Tim Shutter fits right in being expressive, imaginative and strangely medicinal. Designed by CAMM Architects.
Non-Residential Winner 2018
Gates Ford
The new Gates dealership building is a striking addition to the commercial landscape of Edinburgh Way. The continuous curved span of the roof reflects the shapes of Harlow’s Civic Centre and Leisurezone and the barrel-vault of the original Gates.
Some eco-friendly aspects worth mentioning are the on-site crushing and reuse of the previous building’s concrete, and the high levels of insulation and rainwater harvesting. All the lighting is LED.
Harlow Building Control has put this project forward for a Local Authority Award for the quality of the partnership between client and architectural team.
The architects were DWW Design (of Derrick Wade Waters) and saw the project through from inception to completion.
Non-Residential Winner 2017
Rugby Club
The new Harlow Rugby Club house will be the envy of any player who ever changed in the previous clubhouse. Providing significantly improved facilities for players and spectators this building is both practical and attractive and enables significant growth in the club’s sporting and community activities. The use of quality materials complements the striking design and, we are sure, many spectators will enjoy the view from the generous balcony which dominates the elevation facing the pitches.
Non-Residential Winner 2016
Pearson’s Building, Edinburgh Way
Designed by Conran Roche, the judges felt that this is the standout building in Harlow and just ahead of Passmores School. Longman’s original and concrete sculpted headquarters was demolished and replaced in the 1990s by this also striking building with its interesting lines, roof garden and courtyard interior. Combining simple sculptural shapes with excellent detailing, this building has exceptional quality and, with landscaping at both ground and roof levels, is a landmark on Edinburgh Way.
Conservation Winner 2018
Kingsmoor House
This entire Grade 2 listed building has been sympathetically restored to its former glory after having been derelict for around 8 years up to 2014.
Kingsmoor House suffered from water ingress, timber decay and the activities of vandals. Such was the damage that ingenious techniques and modern equipment were needed in the work. These included a 50mm “air cushion” throughout the shell of the building to combat damp and dry rot problems, thermal insulation to roofs and external walls to improve energy efficiency and a masonry dehydration system to help dry out the basement.
English Heritage’s and Harlow Council’s requirements were all met in bringing back to life one of Harlow’s finest old houses.
Conservation Winner 2017
Town Park Regeneration
The regeneration of the Town Park was a long-term project and the end result is a much-improved soft landscape while Pets Corner, the Bandstand and Spurriers House and the new WC have undergone significant refurbishment and remodeling. New buildings include the impressive Learning Centre.
The overall project combines well considered interventions with significant construction work, all held together by a consistency of design, choice of materials and colours.
The project ensures that this much loved, green-flag-winning facility will continue to serve the residents of Harlow, and visitors, for many decades to come.
Environmental Winner 2019
Oakwood Pond
Oakwood Pond is situated near Princess Alexandra Hospital in Little Parndon and has been transformed by a joint community project involving Harlow and Essex Councils, contractors and local volunteers.
The pond and surrounding area possibly date back as far as the 1100s as a stew pond for the Canons Brook monastery and were later part of the grounds of Upper House in the 1700s. Neglected and an eyesore in recent past years, it is made beautiful once again.
The work included removing excess trees and vegetation to open up the area again and reinstating the original pond and its spring water supply for local flooding prevention.
The result is a new environment for people as well as a diverse range of plant and animal life to share. Designed by Harlow District Council.