Celebrating good practice
Working with the Chiltern Society, we celebrate good architectural and planning practice in and around the Chilterns through the Chilterns Buildings Design Awards.
The character of the whole Chilterns landscape, within and beyond the designated AONB, comes not just from its rolling hills, fields and woods but also from the attractive villages, farm buildings and individual houses and other structures found throughout it. Consistent use of locally-sourced materials and respect for the patchwork of towns and villages have created and helped to maintain the special and distinctive character of the area.
Today, with growing pressure for development around and sometimes within the AONB, it is more important than ever that new buildings reflect and complement the nationally-protected landscape around them. With this in mind, the Chilterns Conservation Board and Chiltern Society run the Buildings Design Awards competition, usually every two years, to encourage and recognise great examples of design and construction based on the principles in the Chilterns Buildings Design Guide.
Watch this space for news of the next Chilterns Buildings Design Awards in 2023.
Chilterns Buildings Design Awards 2021
In previous years, the Awards focused on celebrating design and construction that positively contributed to the distinctive character of the Chiltern Hills’ environment, with a nod towards sustainable construction. For the first time, in 2021, with increased global awareness of climate change, the awards were adapted to recognise designs that make a significant contribution to mitigating and/or adapting to climate change, as well as promoting the local distinctiveness of the Chilterns.
Awards were therefore made in three categories:
- Best green building
- Best modern building
- Best traditional building
Winners were carefully selected by an expert panel of judges working in the fields of architecture and planning, all of whom took careful account of the advice given in the Chilterns Buildings Design Guide.
We are currently preparing a downloadable brochure of past winners and other project commended by our Awards. In the meantime, you can read more about the 2021 Awards.
Related news
Update on the proposed expansion of Luton airport
Luton airport plans to increase its passenger capacity from 18 million to 32 million per year by 2043.
Chilterns AONB Boundary Review – Project Update
The Chilterns AONB boundary review is well underway having progressed the technical assessment of natural beauty and engaged with stakeholders.
Chinnor housing proposal rejected
A recent planning appeal decision for up to 150 dwellings on the northern edge of Chinnor has been refused.
Getting help with planning
Chilterns AONB Management Plan
