Congratulations to the winners of the 2020 AJ Small Projects awards. From over 170 entries, 20 were shortlisted and appeared in the AJ Special Small Projects issue in March and during a live judging session, the winners were finally decided.
You can take a look below at the overall winner, sustainability winner and people's choice award winner.
Drover's Bough | Gwyrlodydd Farm, Herefordshire
Akin Studio, London
This self-build holiday rental accommodation sits within the trees. Built over the top of an old drover's track, the building is hidden by the trees and preserves the old sheep droving track to meet both aspects within local planning requirements. Raised on 2m oak legs, steel feet connect them below ground to screw foundations, eliminating the need for concrete foundations and eliminating damage to surrounding tree routes.
As a sustainably managed project, locally sourced oak and larch were used, alongside reclaimed floorboards and insulation, giving the materials a second life. The building is also connected to the farm's 20 solar panels for electricity and a local spring provides water.
The high-quality joinery is a delight, celebrating both the natural materials and environment it sits within.
Read more on how Akin Studio designed its treehouse on stilts.
St. Margaret's Community Church | Southsea, Hampshire
Studio BAD, Southampton
Condemned and deemed unfit for use, Studio BAD was approached to deliver a new community focal point as part of the regeneration of St. Margaret's Church.
Using their 'meanwhile architecture' approach, they were able to deliver parts of the refurbishment incrementally, enabling a deeper understanding of the needs and uses of the community, future-proofing the building's use and enabling church functions and community services to co-exist under one roof.
As a previously unheated building, sectional units of underfloor heating were installed, allowing flexibility to heat spaces when needed. The church's new facilities include a cafe in the nave, shop, food bank and children's play area, using multi-functional furniture.
Brightbox | Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement, Uganda
Unknown Works, London
Nominated by the readers of Architect's Journal, Brightbox is a prototype for an off-grid interconnected classroom, community hub and clinic.
Made from 80 per cent recycled materials, this structure provides a valuable central facility for learning and care, in the middle of one of the largest refugee settlements in the world - Bidi Bidi, Uganda.
Designed to be easily deployable, the unit provides off-grid power from the solar panels installed on the roof and harvests rain water, enabling storage of 1,000 litres.
