Converted Bangor church named as Wales' building of the year
A converted church and cottage extension have been named as Wales' buildings of the year at an architecture awards. Nyth, a community arts venue and Welsh-language theatre in a converted church in Bangor, Gwynedd, was named building of the year at the Royal Society of Architecture in Wales (RSAW) awards on Thursday. Coastal farmhouse Delfyd Farm on the Gower peninsula won small project of the year, Hafod Morfa copperworks distillery and visitor centre in Swansea was named conservation of the year, while a house called Croes Fach near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire was also named a winner.The buildings will now progress to the Royal Institute of British Architects awards in July.
The four winning projects were chosen by an expert jury.Nyth architects Manalo and White were praised for their "intrinsic attitude to inclusivity" and "refreshing approach to conservation."The building was described by the jury as a "sophisticated and at times delightful architectural collage".
Delfyd Farm by Rural Office won small project of the year, with architect Neil Haddrill recognised as project architect of the year.The project includes a sensitive extension to a Victorian cottage, designed to highlight the Gower peninsula's striking landscapes.
The Hafod Morfa Copperworks Distillery and Visitor Centre won the conservation award. The first phase of the local authority regeneration project repaired and converted a former Victorian steam-engine powerhouse into a distillery and visitor centre.
The final winning project was Croes Fach, by Hall and Bednarczyk Architects. A new-build house nestled into the hillside.
RSAW jury chairman Ian Chalk said "this year's winning projects span the length of Wales, varying in form, scale and typology". "From highly crafted bespoke homes to sensitive conservation repair works and innovative approaches to adaptive reuse, each project demonstrates the quality and breadth of work undertaken across the country," he added.Mr Chalk also highlighted a strong focus on sustainability, with local skills and materials helping create spaces rooted in their communities.
Muyiwa Oki, RIBA President, said: "This year's winners exemplify architecture's power to transform - turning spaces into places of connection, creativity, and care."Individually these projects inspire and uplift, but collectively, they remind us that architects do far more than design buildings, they shape the way we live, work and connect."The winners of the national RIBA awards will be announced on 10 July, with a Stirling Prize shortlist drawn from those winners later in the year.
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