The refurbishment of a Hampshire County Council respite care unit for adults with a learning disability has won an award for its design.

The extension to Highfield House in Bishopstoke was designed by Winchester-based Alexander Design. The design team drew up the plans in consultation with the unit. The design was chosen above 61 entries submitted by architects in the South and South East of England to be awarded the Ibstock Downland Prize for Architects 2007, hosted by the Royal Institute of British Architects.


The Ibstock Downland Prize has been awarded to architects in the South East and South every year since 1998. The judges, comprised of architects and representatives of Ibstock Brick look for overall quality of design, use of materials, relationship to setting and adherence to the client’s brief.

The roles of the client, building contractor, main materials suppler and planning authority in creating a successful project are also considered.

(CL)