Last month, we saw the Education Estates (EE) annual conference in Manchester. Over the last ten years, 'EE' has become a date in many professionals' diaries. Furthermore, for Education designers, the conference's awards now sit alongside the established players (RIBA and AJ).
Post-conference, the 'EE' team has published a list of winners, each with an image, but little else. This muted publicity is a common theme following industry awards ceremonies. Given the massive push to deliver their annual event, there's a natural tendency for the hosts to go and lie down in a darkened room! So, given the excellent quality of submissions, MabelSpace is providing an overview of the winners with links to useful additional information.
This year saw increased welcome emphasis on two important themes: first, inclusion and special needs, and second, retrofit and reuse. On the second theme, for decades, design awards have suggested that the only way to create exciting environments was to start afresh. So, with sustainability in mind, it's good to see a greater emphasis on renewing existing buildings.
1. Building Resilience Award
For buildings that have stood the test of time
Winner: Stoke Newington School.
Architects: Jestico + Whiles
The project (at the time, 20% new build and 80% refurbishment) was completed in 2010 under the 'Building Schools for the Future' (BSF) programme by Wilmott Dixon.
It's good to hear that this building continues to perform! Upon completion, Jestico + Whiles won the RIBA 2011 Regional award for the project. See: https://www.jesticowhiles.com/projects/stoke-newington-school
Photo Credit: Stoke Newington School
2 Refurbishment of the Year:
Winner: Entopia Building
(https://www.cisl.cam.ac.uk/about/entopia-building - note the useful downloads).
Architects: Architype and Feilden + Mawson
Engineering: BDP, Max Fordham and CAR
Contractors: ISG
Project manager 3PM
Photo Credit: Architype
Photo Credit: Architype
A 'deep retrofit' creating a low-carbon 'Passivhaus' home for the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership (at Cambridge University). The client has a video on the project here.
The building was built in the 1930s as a telephone exchange; this project is a significant pathfinder for total renewal. A detailed RIBA case study is at: https://www.ribaj.com/intelligence/sustainable-retrofit-cambridge-institute-for-sustainability-leadership-riba-plan-of-work
Comprehensive designers' information is available at:
and at
3. Client of the Year
Winner: Seashell Trust
Architects: Faulkner Browns
The Seashell Trust, a charity based in Stockport, is for people with sensory impairment and profound learning and communication difficulties.
Further information on the Trust's new school building is at
and at
Seashell's Building under construction. Photo Credit: HollyHartley93 (Wikipedia).
4. Inspiring Learning Spaces Award
Winner: University of Cambridge West Hub
Architects: Jestico + Whiles
Photo Credit and Copyright John Sutton
See https://www.westcambridgehub.uk/ and at https://www.jesticowhiles.com/projects/university-of-cambridge-shared-facilities-hub
5. Inclusive Design Project of the Year
Winner: Mary Hare Primary School for Deaf Children
Architects: ArchitecturePLB
ArchitecturePLB has completed a comprehensive estate rationalisation for Mary Hare, a specialist education provider for deaf children and young people.
See:
5. Best Pupil/Student Experience Award
Winner: Epinay Business and Enterprise School
Architects: Ryder Architecture
A conversion of an unused existing school building in South Shields for SEND students. Designed by Ryder Architecture; Galiford Try was the main contractor.
6. Schools Project of the Year
Winner: St Anne's School and Sixth Form Centre and Appleton Court
Architects: Race Cottam
A new specialist school building plus residential space for children with a wide spectrum of special needs. Tilbury Douglas was the main contractor.
7. Colleges Project of the Year
Winner: The Manchester College
Architects: Bond Bryan and SimpsonHaugh
A new Central Manchester Campus accommodating Further and Higher Education learning.
Photo Credit: MabelSpace
Wilmott Dixon was the main contractor: https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/projects/manchester-college-centre-of-excellence-for-creative-and-digital-industries
Further information is at https://simpsonhaugh.com/projects/city-centre-campus-ph1-mcr-college. Also, see some excellent photos on LinkedIn by Phil Grayston at Bond Bryan.
8. Universities Project of the Year
Winner: STEAMhouse (Birmingham City University)
Architects: Aukett Swanke
Back to refurbishment for the Higher Education winner: a combination of new and old to provide an exciting new centre for staff and students.
Bowmer and Kirkland was the main contractor: https://www.bandk.co.uk/media_area/milestone-reached-as-iconic-facade-unveiled-on-historic-birmingham-building
9. International Project of the Year
Winner: British School Muscat
Architects: Jestico + Whiles
10. Architectural Practice of the Year
Winner: Jestico + Whiles
Jestico + Whiles' fourth credit on this list!
Further information at: https://www.jesticowhiles.com/news/education-estates-awards-2023
11. Consultancy of the Year
Winner: AtkinsRéalis
Further information is at: http://www.infrastructure-intelligence.com/article/oct-2023/double-honours-atkinsr%C3%A9alis-education-estates-awards
12. Contractor of the Year
Winner: Galliford Try
Further information at: https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/news/news-centre/galliford-try-wins-contractor-of-the-year
13. Department for Education Sustainability Award
Winner: Earth Guardians Eco Action Platform
Last but not least on our list is...
14. Supplier of the Year
Winner: iAM Compliant
Everything you need for Good Estates Management For Schools!
Co-founders Luke Pargeter and Andy Ball went on a mission to simplify compliance. Find their solution at https://www.iamcompliant.com