Architect wins category for inspiring design of a secondary school at yesterday's awards

Allford Hall Monaghan Morris architects won the inspiring design – secondary school award at British Council for School Environments (BCSE) awards yesterday.

The practice was awarded the prize for its design for Westminster Academy in West London.

The school, which accommodates 1175 pupils and 128 staff, is located on Harrow Road, where 95% of pupils are bilingual.

The architects said that the idea to use green and yellow terracotta tiles together with illuminated screens helped to create a new landmark in the area.

Paul Monaghan from Allford Hall Monaghan Morris commented: “Westminster Academy has been greeted with tremendous enthusiasm by the local community, the head teacher, staff and - most importantly - the students. The school has very rapidly established itself as a landmark in a part of London that is very gritty and urban. We are really delighted that the design has been honoured in the inaugural BCSE awards.”

Other winners include:

  • Inspiring design – early years: DSDHA for Paradise Park Children’s Centre in Islington, London
  • Inspiring design - primary school: Studio E Architects for Larmenier & Sacred Heart Primary School in Hammersmith, London
  • Inspiring design – best extension to a secondary school: Hopkins Architects for Bryanston School in Blandford, Dorset
  • Inspiring design – special needs: B3 Architects for Threeways School in Bath, Somerset
  • Best refurbishment/remodel – primary/secondary: Curl la Tourelle Architects for Fitzjohn’s Primary School in Camden, London
  • Best school contractor: Willmott Dixon for Orchard School in Oldbury, Sandwell
  • Best supply chain on a school project: Manchester City Council for Rolls Crescent Primary School in Manchester
  • Best client team on a school project: Mounts Bay School in Penzance, Cornwall – nominated by Phineas Manasseh Architect
  • Best school architect: Studio E Architects