A CIRCULAR home made from straw bales, a ‘floating’ glazed courtyard within a Grade 1 listed restaurant, and a ‘model’ scheme for future rural housing were among the projects celebrated at the Mid Sussex Design Awards ceremony.

The Mid Sussex Design Awards celebrate the best new architectural projects in the area and acknowledge the important role that high quality design plays in enhancing the distinctive character of Mid Sussex.

At the awards ceremony, which took place at East Court in East Grinstead, the presentations were given by Cllr Andrew MacNaughton, Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet Member for Planning.

The Award winners were:

Residential Extension and Small Works Award – Sussex Bungalow, Ardingly

Small Residential Schemes Award – Tobias Green houses, East Grinstead

Large Residential Schemes (Greenfield) Award – Woodside, Haywards Heath

Large Residential Schemes (Brownfield) Award – Beacon Heights, Haywards Heath

Non-Residential Schemes Award – Gravetye Manor Hotel, West Hoathly

Conservation and Heritage Award – Old Pest House, East Grinstead

Sustainability Award – Strawdust, Bolney

People’s Choice Award – Beacon Heights, Haywards Heath.

Councillor MacNaughton said: “These Awards not only send a strong message of what can be achieved but they also demonstrate the importance that the district council places on design.

“Achieving good design involves a multitude of different considerations.

“Sympathetic integration and place-shaping are key.”