CFCI AWARDS 2016
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CAMBRIDGE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION AWARDS 2016 The three building categories in this year’s Cambridge Design and Construction Awards were full of innovative and inspiring submissions. In the end though, there could be only one winner in each and they were announced at at St Catharine's College in a new style of ceremony WORDS MEREDITH BOWLES INTRODUCED BY TOM FOGGIN
The number of entries reached staggering heights for the 2016 Cambridge Design and Construction Awards, the annual awards presented by the Cambridge Forum for the Construction Industry in association with Cambridge City Council and media partner Cambridge Evening News. The awards reflect the impressive range of projects completed in the past 12 months and this year, the ceremony, held at St Catharine's College's impressive McGrath Centre, marked a departure from previous events, when the awards were presented at the annual CFCI dinner. This year was a separate event where architects presented their shortlisted projects in the first half, with the awards in the second half after a jovial reception buzzing with optimism and healthy competition. The general consensus seemed to be that every project presented was deserving of an award, and even the projects that didn't make the shortlist were of a standard other areas in the country could only hope to achieve. Credit where it is due, the CFCI organisers created a truly exciting event, offering a chance for architects, consultants, and contractors from across the industry to come together and celebrate their extraordinary achievements in Cambridge over the past 12 months.
© Julian Claxton Photography
The winning entries for each of the three building categories are presented on the following pages but we must also recognise the other awards presented by the CFCI during the evening. COMMENDATION – BEST NEW BUILDING UNDER £2M The Potting Shed, Jesus College PiP, formerly Once Architects , with Paneltech Systems Ltd
Part of a series of buildings in the gardens at Jesus College, consisting of a replica Victorian greenhouse, an office extension, and a tractor store; this isn’t intended as a sculpture, although it clearly also functions as one. It is in fact a potting shed. The judges enjoyed the calculated whimsy of this building. The form is designed around the relaxing act of potting, with an ergonomic and efficient layout for working. It’s a bit of fun perhaps, but for all that, it sits well as a structure and definitely adds something to this working corner of the Fellow’s garden.
COMMENDATION – BEST CONSERVATION, ALTERATION OR EXTENSION TO AN EXISTING BUILDING The Butterfly House, Gwydir Street Ashworth Parkes Architects
PEOPLE
Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Cambridge Regional College)
This is an internal re-working and extension to a small Cambridge terraced house that packs in more than seems possible; it’s stylish, practical, clever, and sits well as a contemporary addition within the conservation area. How can a single house compete with the scale of some of the larger buildings? Whilst the two are incomparable in terms of orders of challenge, the judges wished to commend this scheme for the contribution it makes to ordinary Cambridge housing. It shows what a good architect can bring to the internal qualities of the house as well as how new design can work within a historic context.
Michael Gough of Waterworx Plumbing Craftsmanship Award
Sculptor Corin Johnson for his work at St John’s College Young Professional of the Year
Tom Foggin of R H Partnership Architects Engineering / Sustainability Project of the Year
The David Attenborough Building, University of Cambridge – architect Nicholas Hare and contractor Kier Group
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