Top class construction companies, builders and their architects are celebrating Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Building Control Quality Awards to recognise the high standards of construction projects throughout the county borough.
The fourth annual awards, sponsored by LABC Cymru and Rhondda Heritage Park Hotel rewarded those firms that had clearly illustrated the excellent quality of their building projects.
From house extensions to large-scale industry, the awards were announced by the Council’s Director of Regeneration and Planning Jane Cook who described each of the individual developments.
Deptuy Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf Cllr Simon Lloyd presented the winners of each of the five categories with specially-designed trophies while certificates were also presented to those who reached the “highly commended” standard of excellence.
The audience at the Rhondda Heritage Park was presented with images of each of the developments which were shortlisted because of the quality of the construction
Winners will go forward to the LABC South Wales Building Awards in March and some may be entered into the national awards in London.
The five categories were divided into domestic extension and alterations; small housebuilder and barn conversion; volume housing (multiple dwellings); commercial projects and sustainability projects.
The awards have raised awareness of the incredible standards of development that can be attained when developers work with the experts on hand at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Building Control Service from the planning stage onwards in order to achieve maximum results.
It also highlighted once again the challenges developers face today as they consider the environmental impact of their schemes and the sustainability issues we all have to face in the future, such as carbon footprints and climate change.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Simon Lloyd said: “The building trade often attracts bad press and cowboy builders make the headlines.
“This award scheme highlights and acknowledges those that strive to achieve quality in their work and recognises the importance of Building Control to achieve these high standards.
“Today we quite rightly have high expectations of quality in the things that we buy – whether it’s clothes, toys, food or furniture.
“I think we should have similarly high expectations of the places where we live – our homes and communities.
“We need to work together to ensure that high expectations can be met, and that is why these awards are important.
“These awards reflect the Council’s interest in buildings, and it’s commitment to raising the standard of building projects, by identifying and rewarding high-quality design and construction.”
Category 1 – Domestic Extension / Alterations
WINNER
Ynysydwr Farm, Abercynon
Contractor: S.P. Gosztola Building & Roofing Contractors
Agent: David Jones
HIGHLY COMMENDED
112 Bonvilston Road, Pontypridd
Contractor: S. Russell Plastering & General Building Ltd
Agent: David Layton
Park View, Llanharan
Contractor: Jistcourt (South Wales) Ltd
Agent: Powell Dobson Partnership
Category 2 – Small House Builder / Barn Conversion
WINNER
Cherry Court, Cwmdare
Contractor: W.D.L.Homes Ltd
Agent: Healer Associates
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Long Reach, Fforest Road, Llanharry
Contractor: G.D. Evans Holdings Ltd
Agent: H.D.Williams Ltd
Ty Newydd Farm, Groesfaen
Contractor: Stan Ball Carpenters & Builders
Agent: Morris Eyles
Category 3 – Volume Housing (Multiple Dwellings)
WINNER
Ruler Way, Princess Street, Treforest
Contractor: Pendragon Design & Build Ltd
Agent: Willdig Lammie Partnership
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Phase 1 at Cenf Cadno, Llanharan
Contractor: Llanmoor Development Co. Ltd
Agent: Hammond Architectural Services Ltd
Phase 1 at Maes Ifor, Taff’s Well
Contractor: Lovell Partnerships Ltd
Agent: Healer Associates
Category 4 – Commercial
WINNER
Ynyshir Primary School
Contractor: Wilmott Dixon Construction Ltd
Agent: Boyes Rees Architects Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED
George Knox Building, University of Glamorgan
Contractor: Interserve Project Services
Agent: Boyes Rees Architects
Dolau Primary School, Llanharan
Contractor: Interserve Project Services
Agent: Austin Smith Lord
Category 5 – Sustainability Project
WINNER
Garwnant Visitor Centre, Coed Taff
Contractor: Hale Construction
Agent: Designcell Architecture
