First class construction companies, builders and their architects are celebrating Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Building Excellence Awards that recognise the high standards of construction throughout the county borough.

The awards, sponsored by LABC Cymru and the 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 presented by the Council’s Service Director for Planning Simon Gale.

The awards were divided into five categories: Domestic Extension / Alterations; New Dwelling; Multiple Dwellings; Commercial and Commercial Refurbishment.

Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cllr Doug Williams presented the winners of each of the five categories with specially-designed trophies. Certificates were also presented to those who achieved the “highly commended” standard of excellence, each of which were shortlisted because of the quality of the construction.

Winners will go forward to the LABC South Wales Building Excellence Awards and some may even reach the grand final in London later in the year.

Mayor Cllr Doug Williams explained: “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 highlights 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.

“This award scheme highlights and acknowledges those that strive to achieve quality in their work and recognises the importance of Building Control in achieving these high standards.

“The awards also reflect the Council’s interest in buildings, and its commitment to raising the standard of building projects, by identifying and rewarding the high-quality design and construction.”

Winners in Each Category:
Category 1 - Domestic Extension / Alterations

WINNER
The Willows, Talygarn
Contractor: Mark James Building & Landscape Contractors
Architect: Wyvern Architects - Devizes Ltd

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Coed Mieri, Tyle Garw
Contractor: Blayney Contractors
Architect: RR Architects

Ty Draw Farm, Rhigos
Contractor: SG Project Management
Architect: Stephen George Architects

Category 2 – New Dwelling
WINNER
Arnant, Pembroke Street, Tonyrefail
Contractor: Excel Carpentry Services Ltd & Active Construction & Design Services Ltd

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Hobbs Lane, Hirwaun
Contractor: Ross Llewellyn Construction
Architect: Monarch Architectural Services Ltd

Category 3 - Multiple Dwellings
WINNER
Phase 2 at Tan y Bryn Gardens, Llwydcoed
Contractor: WDL Homes Ltd
Architect: Urban Illustrate Ltd

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Duke Street, Aberdare
Contractor: Aberdare Properties Ltd
Architect: D. Vivian Jones Building Design Services

Ffrwd Chapel, Mountain Ash
Contractor: Woodland Homes
Architect: D. Vivian Jones Building Design Services

Category 4 - Commercial
WINNER
Cynon Valley Hospital / Ysbyty Cwm Cynon, Mountain Ash
Contractor: Vinci Construction UK Ltd
Architect: HLM Architects

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Penywaun Primary School
Contractor: WRW Construction Ltd
Architect: Boyes Rees Architects

Fedw Hir, Llwydcoed
Contractor: ATH Building Contractors Ltd
Architect: CFW Architects

Category 5 – Commercial Refurbishment
WINNER
St David’s Church, Aberdare
Contractor: Davies Brothers (Wales) Ltd
Architect: Building Logistics (UK) Ltd

HIGHLY COMMENDED
YGG Llanhari, Llanharry
Contractor: Interserve
Architect: RCT Corporate Services Division

Sheppards Pharmacy, Pontypridd
Contractor: Mark Rees & Sons Ltd
Architect: D. Vivian Jones Building Design Services