NEW buildings across south Wiltshire were the focus of this year’s Salisbury Civic Society annual awards scheme.

The winning entries were recognised at a special awards ceremony at the Guildhall in Salisbury on Thursday (January 11).

The nine nominations were judged by a panel chaired by the rector of Bemerton, Simon Woodley, with Richard Walters, Jeremy Turtle and Ed Jameson. After considerable discussion, and site visits, the judges decided that all deserved recognition, giving five awards, including the Lord Congleton Award, and four commendations.

Awards were presented to the following:

n Whaddon Barns, Alderbury. The judges applauded the decision to create two houses in a new barn-type building on the existing footprint.

n Wyndham Place, Tisbury. The judges said a lot of thought had gone into producing the appearance of organic growth typical of a large village. Both in layout and in the design and materials of individual buildings, exceptionally high standards had been reached.

n Loft House, The Avenue in Tisbury. It was praised by the judges who said it had well thought out design ethos underpinning the project, which had been executed with skill.

n The Hedges West, Bulford. The sophistication and cleverness behind the essentially simple design was highlighted by the judging panel.

Commendations were given to the Mathematics Building at Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury, Holmlea in Portland Avenue, Salisbury, Lake House in Swallowcliffe, and Quarry House in Compton Chamberlayne.

The Lord Congleton Award, which is presented to the overall winner, was given to Gold Hill in Tisbury, which was designed by architect David Gregory.

He said: “It is wonderful to be recognised for this, my first new house in Wiltshire.”

The judges praised the design for its enormous character which was set within gardens of outstanding quality.

Mr Gregory added: “I am always looking for the opportunity to involve and engage true skill and craftsmanship. So the team whose care and skill put this scheme together should all share in this recognition and be very proud of what they have achieved.”