Bath-based architectural firm Hetreed Ross’s work with a Wiltshire college for young adults with learning difficulties has landed it a prestigious national award.
The firm won the Best Community Building category in the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Awards 2013 for its designs for new educational and community facilities at Fairfield Farm College in Dilton Marsh, Westbury.
The college equips young adults with learning difficulties with practical skills in real world environments. 
Hetreed Ross developed a masterplan with the college to transform the previous assortment of agricultural buildings into a smart new campus.
The national award was for Phase One of the realisation of the project to create a shop, café and conference room as well as new teaching rooms, offices and common room. The café and shop, where the students train, have proved immensely popular with the local community.
Hetreed Ross had sweeping success at the LABC West of England regional awards this summer taking Best Community Building for Fairfield Farm College, Highly Commended for Best Conversion at Jamie’s Farm near Bath and being shortlisted in five other categories.
Hetreed Ross director Ann Ross attended the prestigious black-tie LABC awards dinner in London with architect Ellie Risius and Janet Kenward of Fairfield Farm College, pictured above. The event attracted more than 500 guests from the construction industry.
Ann said: “This is testament to the visions of an inspirational organisation as well as the team of talented architects in our office who work closely with the contractors, consultants and building control to realise these projects.
“With all our projects, be it the community building we are celebrating today or our private house extensions, we listen closely to our clients to combine inspiration and delight with practicality and sustainability to arrive at enriching architectural solutions.”
LABC chief executive Paul Everall added: “All our winners demonstrated how attention to detail and a positive working relationship with building control departments can achieve high quality and sustainable buildings fit for the future.
“Fairfield Farm College (pictured below) is a truly remarkable project, providing 36 young adults with learning difficulties with a fantastic learning environment and creating new community facilities in a building way above normal building standards. The planning and execution of this project has been first rate – even allowing the college to remain operating during the construction.”
