For the first time, West Tamar Council is formally recognising good design in dwellings and properties across the municipality.
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The inaugural West Tamar Council Design Awards were created to encourage thought and development of the design process, outside of the formal planning and building approval system.
Council staff considered four categories – single dwelling, multiple dwellings, extension and non-residential project.
Mayor Christina Holmdahl and two council planners judged each entry on its merits, with only the award for an extension not issued.
West Tamar council statutory planner James Ireland said the awards were a way for the council to encourage people who are planning their home to think carefully about how they design their properties.
The properties were nominated by council staff, but Mr Ireland said a public nomination process is being considered for next year.
“We had good number of nominations, there’s not that many buildings that get completed in a year in West Tamar but for how many there were finished, it was really good,” Mr Ireland said.
In Legana, a home designed by Alan Powell and Prime Design was awarded for its “considered and comprehensive approach” and “high quality finishes”, and good use of privacy while open to the sun.
The multiple dwelling award was taken out by Urban Design Solutions and Swain Constructions for two apartments terraced on a steep site at Riverside.
Judges noted the “timeless street facade” that set the property up for a long lifespan, and “well finished and presented urban living” space.
And for a touch of creativity, Wington Glamping at Clarence Point was recognised for its “sensitive use of a spectacular site for luxury camping”.
Mr Ireland said Wington Glamping’s award was “as much about the whole idea as the design”, encouraging a fresh perspective on commercial developments in local communities.
He said it was hoped that council would be able to add an environmentally friendly award to next year’s list.
Winners of the awards will receive a plaque at the March council meeting.