Thomas Lane, Editor of BD said that housing, education and individual house were particularly fiercely contested categories.

“We were impressed by the high quality and extraordinary diversity of entries. This quality combined with the record number of entries meant the judging panel had to make some very tough decisions.”

Judges this year included Wilkinson Eyre director Jim Eyre, Cottrell & Vermeulen director Richard Cottrell, Mike Shaw, head of design at Mace, Andy von Bradsky, non executive director of PRP, Esther Kurland, director of Urban Design London, Matthew Wells, director of Techniker, Nick Rogers, UK design director for Taylor Wimpey and Julian Robinson, director of estates at the LSE.

“Pollard Thomas Edwards’ submission showcases its responses to four topical housing issues. Beechwood West in Basildon uses custom build to give greater choice while The Avenue in Saffron Walden delivers contemporary design in a regional setting. PTE is co-developer of Stone Studios in Hackney Wick, which avoids displacing employment space by integrating homes and workspace. The Scene development in Walthamstow combines housing and leisure to regenerate the high street.”