The start of a major £1.4bn mixed-use masterplan (1 The Island Quarter), the transformation of local social housing (2050 Homes Nottingham Phases 1–2) and a bright red shed for children with special educational needs (Alfreton Park Community Special School) are amongst the most groundbreaking architectural projects in the East Midlands, according to the RIBA East Midlands Awards 2024. All the winning projects reveal how architects can turn challenges into opportunities through inventive solutions.
Presented since 1966, the RIBA Awards set the standard for great architecture across the country.
The East Midlands Awards 2024 were announced at a ceremony this evening, at which Alfreton Park Community Special School was named as winner of RIBA East Midlands Building of the Year Award 2024 (sponsored by EH Smith). The judges said that the project created “a safe and inspiring place for pupils and staff to achieve their best” that demonstrates “what can be accomplished when an ambitious client, an engaged end user, and a skillful architect work harmoniously together.”
The 2024 RIBA East Midlands Award winning projects are:
● 1 The Island Quarter by Jestico + Whiles
The gateway to a major new cultural hub, marking the first phase of a £1.4bn mixed-use masterplan
● 2050 Homes Nottingham Phases 1–2 by Studio Partington
Upgrading social housing in Nottingham through deep retrofit
● Alfreton Park Community Special School by Curl la Tourelle Head Architecture
A school for pupils aged between 3 to 19 with special educational needs and disabilities
● Dryden Enterprise Centre by Evans Vettori
High-quality co-location space for entrepreneurs and SMEs
● Kingsfield Ponds by Jonathan Hendry Architects
A four-bedroom home under the policy provisions of Paragraph 80, nestled within newly planted trees
The five projects were selected by the expert jury, who visited all shortlisted projects.
RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki, said:
“This year’s RIBA Award winning schemes showcase the true value of quality architecture, and the positive impact it has on people’s lives. While carefully considering the needs of the environment, these truly remarkable places and spaces deliver for communities, for residents, for visitors, and people of all ages up and down the country. They are pinnacles of design excellence, and show what can be achieved when architects and clients collaborate successfully.”
RIBA East Midlands Jury Chair Ian Bramwell, said:
“These winning projects provide innovative and creative responses to current challenges: how do we improve thermal efficiency on our existing housing stock; how do we build in cities with limited space in a low impact way; and how can inspiring schools be delivered within stringent technical requirements. All the result of outstanding collaborations between clients, contractors, and architects.”
Full list of the regional special awards announced this evening:
● Alfreton Park Community Special School - RIBA East Midlands Project Architect of the Year 2024 (Wayne Head), RIBA East Midlands Building of the Year 2024 (sponsored by EH Smith), RIBA East Midlands Client of the Year 2024 (Derbyshire County Council)
● 2050 Homes Nottingham Phases 1–2 - RIBA East Midlands Sustainability Award 2024 (sponsored by Autodesk).
RIBA East Midlands Award 2024 winners will now be considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence, which will be announced on 11 July. The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best building of the year will be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning projects later in the year.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- For further press information please contact
Bobby Jewell| bobby@bobby-jewell.com | 07915 566640
Robert Fiehn| rob@robertfiehn.com | 07814 078946 - High resolution images and jury citations: https://riba.box.com/RIBAEastMidsWinners2024
- RIBA Special Awards are sponsored by EH Smith and Autodesk.
- The RIBA Awards have been running since 1966 and are judged and presented locally. No matter the shape, size, budget or location, RIBA Award winning schemes set the standard for great architecture all across the country. RIBA Awards are for buildings in the UK by RIBA Chartered Architects and RIBA International Fellows.
- Entries are submitted to the region or nation in which the building is situated. Projects are judged first for RIBA Regional Awards, then RIBA National Awards; the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist is selected from winners of the RIBA National Awards.
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
