Winners 2022

The Greenwich House project is a complete refurbishment of a substantial Victorian House. Stripped out and reconfigured around a new staircase, the ambitious building now features five bedrooms, four bathrooms and, at the rear, a split-level kitchen/dining/living space with an impressive double-height winter garden opening onto re-landscaped gardens.

The brief was to design the ultimate haven from the clients’ demanding City jobs, creating a restorative home, with individuality and personality, for cosy evenings by the fire and relaxing weekends entertaining friends.

The judges said this was a stand-out project where ‘the interplay of natural light... clever choice of materials and use of the garden views is endlessly pleasing and varied.’ The judges commended the project for its delightful design features such as the winter garden and exposed brick wall. They felt the project had real personality and every detail was ‘considered and faultlessly executed’ and not only met but exceeded the clients' brief.

The transformation of these colourful country retreats on the Duke of Devonshire’s Chatsworth Estate in the Yorkshire Dales, had the real wow factor. Designer Jo Duerden took on the challenge of totally refurbishing these characterful lodges to make them into highly desirable holiday lets.

The project won due to its clever use of space and the impactful and imaginative use of colour and textures. The addition of the wood-burning stoves and clever layering of textiles has helped to create an ambience of relaxation and calm. The judges commented that it was a ‘fun and inventive project’ with clever use of panelling, savvy sourcing, repurposed furniture and upcycling to successfully meet the brief.

The Glenlivet has undergone a major renovation of its distillery in Speyside, Scotland, to incorporate a cutting-edge new visitor centre designed by Blacksheep. The design takes direct inspiration from the wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park landscape that surrounds The Glenlivet Estate in which the distillery sits.

Harnessing raw materials directly from nature, the brief was to craft a distinctive and dynamic visitor experience, positioning The Glenlivet distillery as the number one whisky experience in Speyside for both the guests and staff. Blacksheep were tasked to articulate the rich authenticity of The Glenlivet brand and with a focus on hospitality, to break down whisky traditions to define a series of innovative experiences that expands the enjoyment of whisky to a new generation.

The project won due to the designers’ creation of a ‘premium, immersive experience’ for visitors. The judges commented that the design had successfully created a ‘public space that feels intimate’ and commended Black Sheep’s concept of a ‘sensory journey’ where local materials, clever lighting and state of the art technology helped create an inspiring and educational space.

The brief was to create a brand-new purpose-built design studio. The exterior is in-keeping with the agricultural setting whilst being forward thinking and contemporary. This perfectly juxtaposes with the interior which features an exposed steel-frame and combination of bespoke, vintage and off-the-peg items giving the studio a truly unique design.

As the Studio is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the exterior of the structure needed to be in-keeping with the adjacent agricultural buildings. The brief for the interior was a contemporary, completely open-plan design with regularly-changing finishes and displays to keep the studio feeling fresh and current.

The project won thanks to its innovative design, thoughtful use of materials and great attention to detail, creating a space which is full of warmth and personality. With their clever use of space, the designers have achieved a stunning result, whereby the building’s superb interior is in-keeping with the agricultural setting, whilst still being forward thinking and contemporary.

For this project, Zelah Studio was briefed by a local brewery in Penryn, Cornwall to help relocate their business into what was originally a large rundown industrial unit. The design team were responsible for the installation of the brew house and associated external planning and then with the design and installation of new offices, a Tap Room/ Restaurant and community hub.

The judges commented that the designers were successful in transforming this industrial space into a thriving commercial, hospitality and community space. They particularly liked the sculptural design and clever use of contrasting dark and light colours for dramatic effect. They commented that the project featured ‘excellent, innovative detailing and execution’ and that ‘good use of materials and reclaimed elements were evident throughout.’

This was a complex project combining many challenges, all of which have been overcome to achieve and exceed the clients' vision of this destination space.

The overall prize for Interior of the year was awarded to design studio The Vawdrey House for their project Greenwich House. The judges all agreed it was an outstanding example of the power of great design to transform a space. It showed meticulous attention to detail, creativity and professionalism in its design and finish, and was deemed the be the best overall project.