Borough’s ‘inspirational’ buildings to contest Hackney Design Awards

Squaring off: the Cube Building on Wenlock Road. Photograph: Hackney Council

Contenders for this year’s Hackney Design Awards have been unveiled by the council.

Fifty schemes were originally nominated, with a panel of judges whittling them down to a shortlist of 16, based on architectural quality and contribution to the borough.

The line-up includes Copper Lane, London’s first co-housing scheme, where the eco-friendly design supports communal living, and Stoke Newington’s Nordic Lofts, built using cross laminated timber (CLT) after gathering ideas from pupils at the neighbouring primary school.

Another nominee, the Cube Building on Wenlock Road, is currently the tallest CLT construction in Europe.

Lofty ideals: using timber is a growing trend in the borough. Photograph: Hackney Council

The remaining contenders for the awards, which first launched 12 years ago, include: 7 Atherden Road, the Bath House Children’s Community Centre, Buccleuch House, Deborah House, Frampton Park Baptist Church, Hackney New School, the borough’s first certified Passivhaus on Lansdowne Drive, the Pembury Circus development, St. Mary of Eton Church, 96-100 Shepherdess Walk, Skyline tower at Woodberry Down, 18-42 Wharf Road and the new Woodberry Wetlands nature reserve.

Judges have been visiting the shortlisted sites this month (September) and a final decision on winners, commendations and mentions is to be announced later in the year.

Architect David Mikhail was one of five winners from 2014’s awards. He said: “It was a fantastic experience to plan, build, and now live in Hackney. For architecture to be encouraged by Hackney Council in this way, and to make buildings we can all be proud of, is also terrific.”

Members of the public can pick their favourites for the People’s Choice award. Voting is done through the council’s website and closes on 17 October.

Writing home: this shed was a joint winner in 2014. Photograph: Hackney Council

The previous People’s Choice winners were the Writer’s Shed and the Black and White Building, which shared the prize in 2014.

Cllr Guy Nicholson, cabinet member for planning, said: “The People’s Choice is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate great design and help recognise buildings that have made a positive or inspirational contribution to the look and feel of our local landscape.

“The shortlist this year gives just a flavour of the huge variety of buildings and spaces that exist in the borough, with many of the designs using timber in their construction, an interesting and growing trend in a borough that welcomes creativity and innovation.

“We want as many people to vote for the People’s Choice as possible this year, so make a choice and pick a winner!”

For more information about the awards, or to vote for the People’s Choice, please visit the council’s website.