WINCHESTER civic campaigners have honoured two very different schemes in its design awards announced this evening.

The top award was shared by the St Alphege Building at Winchester University and an extraordinary makeover of a 1950’s suburban house in Woodfield Drive.

The City of Winchester trust awards were announced at The Stripe theatre at the university.

Head judge Paul Appleton, of Allies and Morrison, the architects for the Silver Hill Renaissance, praised the high standard of entries in this year’s competition.

He said of the Woodfield Drive house: “There was never any doubt that this house would win our highest award. From a modest 1950s house, the architects have created a piece of architecture of staggering simplicity and poise. The story this house tells, through its sublime spaces and effortless detail, is of a collaboration between architect and client, an innate understanding which is incredibly rare.”

The house was designed by Winchester-based Dan Brill Architects for clients Ian and Lucy Golding.

Mr Appleton said of St Alphege, the work of Winchester-based Design Engine Architects: “This building accepts its responsibility to the activities which happen in it and to the spaces which it completes and creates outside with a commendable lightness of touch.

“Its accommodation is robust and adaptable, light and spacious. Its common spaces combine an appropriate simplicity with playfulness. Most importantly, it completes the public spaces which define the approach to the university as a whole. It is an exciting building but one which complements rather than competes with its surroundings.”

Two more awards were made for the conversion of Hyde House and Hyde Barn for offices for Adam Architecture and for the paving of the High Street and the Square.

Commendations were given to the Porch at St Lawrence Church, an extension to the Old Vine Inn, the Saxon House in Dean Close, 18a St Faith’s Road, an extension at 6 Ranelagh Road and the transformation of 74 Romsey Road.

At the trust’s AGM shortlisted entries were exhibited and members were invited to vote for their top three choices.

These were: 1 The St Alphege Building; 2 The RC Church Pastoral Centre; 3 Cedar Lodge.