Judges want to live in Surface Design Awards winning home

Howard Chapman, Buildingtalk Editor, comments on Howe Farm designed by IPT Architects, announced as the Supreme Winner of Surface Design Awards 2016.

Yesterday I visited the Surface Design Show at the London Design Centre. I will have more feedback on the show via the Buildingtalk Newsletter on Tuesday – free subscription here.

Howe Farm designed by IPT Architects, Supreme Winner of Surface Design Awards 2016

One reason I was at the event was to take a closer look at shortlist for the Surface Design Awards 2016 and to be their for the awards ceremony. My congratulations to the ‘Supreme Winner ‘, Howe Farm, designed for a private client in Buckinghamshire. It was such an outstanding project some of judges said ‘I want to live there!’ 

Judges were looking for ‘progressive design and the use of innovative surfaces’ in projects both in the UK and internationally – choosing 13 winners from 7 different categories including one Supreme Winner for the top prize.

Judges commented that Howe Farm Project was a subtle, unassuming yet practical farmhouse with low visual impact and is in-keeping with its surroundings. The exterior explores the use of simple black stained larch cladding panels in various configurations. This clever arrangement allows the surface of the building to vary from solidity to transparency and in-turn creates ever changing shadows.

The judges also praised the accomplished use of material that enhanced the building in its setting, describing the treatment of the roof as artful and with a number of judges

Surface Design Awards

The judges looked for progressive design, innovative surfaces and aesthetic design. Projects included private residencies, hospitals, restaurants, and even a sewage works.

• 32 projects named as finalists
• from 12 countries
• 40% of shortlisted projects being from outside the UK
• 7 different categories
• interior and exterior sections
• 13 winners

Judging Panel

Co-chaired by Sarah Featherstone of Featherstone Young and Theresa Dowling of FX Magazine. Andrew Waugh of Waugh Thistleton Architects,:Anna Breheny of Scott Brownrigg Interior Design; Chris Jenkins of Peldon Rose; Diana Cochrane of Kent School of Architecture; Michaela Matheson of BDG Architecture + Design; Xavier Llarch Font of The Decorators; Sharon Stammers and Martin Lupton of Light Collective.