Good design in the local context

The Welsh Local Design Awards are designed to celebrate good design in the local context. At the end of 2008 nominations were invited from civic societies and parallel bodies in Wales. They were asked to look at recent new developments or conservation projects in their communities and consider how far they could identify examples of schemes which had been thoughtfully designed, enhanced their surroundings, and set a standard for future development activity. They should be responsive to user needs and contribute to a sustainable, enjoyable, safe and secure environment. The scheme was supported by Cadw, the historic enviroment division of the Welsh Assembly Government and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.

Special awards

Special Awards were at the discretion of the judges. The following projects were successful.

Special award for conservation and re-use

Bridgend Townscape Heritage Initiative Restoration of Dunraven Place. Following the removal of through traffic, paving and street furniture works have been accompanied by the renovation of buildings in the town centre conservation area. The quality and impact of the restoration done on 10-12 Dunraven Place is especially noteworthy, where the stone detail of the 1830s frontage has been reinstated, together with a facsimile of the original pediment. This in particular may be a catalyst for change within the wider area. Works to other nearby properties have been done with sensitivity and are on-going.

Special awards for new build in an historic context

The Nook, Oxwich Designed by Dewi Evans, this extension is separate from the adjcent Grade II listed vernacular cottage. It complements the older structure through its choice of materials, its straightforward modernity, and its sympathetic scale and proportion.

Ebenezer Centre, Cefn Mawr, Wrexham Undertaken by the Dee Valley Community Partnerhsip as part of the local THI, this is a daring project which enhances rather than obliterates the former chapel's distinctive qualities. The substantial extension echoes the forms of the chapel without copying them. A new entrance was formed at the pivotal junction of Crane Street and Well Street, to provide a new focus in the streetscape.

Special award for the creation of an artefact in the built environment

The Garden of Senses, Wrexham Undertaken by David Gittins of Wrexham County Borough Council, this award is given for the skilful and imaginative design of a small garden which involves all the senses. Its design has been sensitively co-ordinated within a small area to seem much larger than it is. It was regarded as outstanding by the Wrexham Civic Society.

The judges commended the following schemes. These, together with the Special Award winners, will be recognised at presentation ceremonies organised in partnership with the nominating groups.

• Restoration and extension of Brynau, Mayals Road, Swansea — historic building sensitively enlarged
• Restoration of 23 St James Gardens, Uplands, Swansesa — Exemplar restoration of Grade II Victorian town house.
• Barn conversion/house restoration, Corner House, Pitton — Grade II listed restoration "with a modern slant"
• Mewslade View, Rhossilli — restoration and extension of Edwardian farm unit
• Restoration of the Tower, Penrice — using appropriate traditional mortar
• Pont King Morgan, Carmarthen — striking cable-stayed pedestrian and cycle bridge over R Towy

• Kymin View Primary School, Monmouth —new build by Boyes Rees architects for Monmouthshire County Council. An eye-catching design, with a strong commitment to sustainability and an imaginative approach to classroom design.
• Trefynwy Dental Practice, Monmouth — Idiosyncratic coach house which has been tastefully conserved despite its vicissitudes
• Centre for the Applied Arts, Ruthin — Well-handled courtyard and gallery design for this new build that replaces the former craft centre.
• Grove Mews, Wrexham — A small infill development in conservation area that makes use of carefully handled detail to echo its context.