Director of Conservation and Design, David Hunt, has won Project Architect of the Year at the RIBA North East Awards, for leading a bespoke extension to a listed Georgian property in County Durham.

Led by Sunderland-based architects and engineers Building Design Northern, the project consisted of remodelling the existing dwelling and the creation of an open plan, age-appropriate, dementia-friendly extension and detached workshop. Situated within the Durham City Conservation Area, the designs to the grade II listed property reinstated lost views of the Georgian host elevation previously hidden by low-quality 20th century extensions.

The prestigious annual ceremony, led by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), celebrates projects for their regional importance as a piece of architecture.

David was recognised for the clarity, originality and elegance of the project, with BDN’s design representing a great example of how to extend listed buildings sensitively yet confidently.

David Hunt, Director of Conservation and Design, and the award-winning project architect for Gilesgate said, “It is an honour to receive a RIBA North East Regional Award for my services to our Gilesgate project.

“The ceremony celebrated the excellence of architecture across our region and it is an honour and a privilege to have been recognised against an array of high-quality projects and talented architects. I’d like to extend my thanks to all that were involved in this project, including all of BDN’s architecture and engineering team, for their hard-work and collaboration, which resulted in an exceptional outcome for our clients.”

Large glazed sliding doors and a cantilevered corner opening maximise views and connection to the historic rear garden, and towards Durham Cathedral and beyond.

The proposed design consisted of two simple pitched roof forms, which are orientated to reflect the historic burgage plot arrangement at the rear of the site. The two buildings are clad in weathered zinc and sit quietly beneath a mature beech and oak – these trees being key design influences: providing shade, dappled light, and ever changing views and reflections across the large areas of glazing.

Commenting on BDN’s efforts to fulfil the brief, the client’s said, “You have created a truly wonderful home, taking an old, dilapidated, yet historic residence, and giving us a comfortable, practical house bathed in spectacular and ever changing vistas and reflections.”

Huge congratulations to David for this incredible achievement!

Read the full list of winning projects here > Regional Awards 2023 North East winners | Design in the making (ribaj.com)