Smaller projects recognised in RIBA’s 350 Award

The Royal Institute of British Architects has announced this year's finalists for the 350 Award, a celebration of architecture projects under £350,000.

Belinda Irlam-Mowbray, Director of the RIBA North West, said: "We are really excited about the buildings that have been short-listed for this year's 350 Award and that the winner will be chosen by the public. We really want people to come along to visit Architruck and have their say on what they think is good architecture by voting for their favourite building from the '350 Award' shortlist."

The '350 Award' is the centrepiece of the RIBA's Architecture Festival 2010 which is the very first of its kind for the North West. The RIBA has lined up some fantastic events, from guest lectures given by some of the country's finest structural designers, guided walking tours highlighting some of the best architecture in the region, to a travelling interactive exhibition called the 'Architruck.'

Two of Manchester's finest architects are among those who have been short listed for the RIBA '350 Award.' OMI Architects have been nominated for The Bridge of Discovery, for Creswell Crags Museum & Heritage Centre in Nottinghamshire. The Bridge of Discovery acts as a prelude to the Crags, inviting visitors to stop and orientate themselves whilst gaining glimpses of riverbank life.

Aidan Simpson Architect, also from Manchester, has been nominated for a private commission, built in Mereclough near Burnley. The brief that Aidan Simpson was given was to create a single story dwelling, that gave the maximum amount of space and light and was very energy efficient, but more importantly, gave a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

Liverpool based architects Studio Three, is included for its design for the St Anselm's College Food Hub in Birkenhead, Wirral. The Food Hub Design Cube is a self contained food technology block, the design of which was generated with sustainable thinking in mind. The students at the school were deeply involved throughout the design process, which delivers a space that is superb for students to study, grow and develop.

Honey Architects based in Barrow in Cumbria makes the list for their design for the Fisherman's Bridge in Ulpha, The Lake District National Park (pictured). The bridge was completed on a tiny budget of £18,000; yet, working in collaboration with local contractors and fabricators, as well as a close working relationship with the local planning authority, the bridge delivers a graceful walkway set to the timeless backdrop of The Lakes.

Lancashire-based Harrison Pitt Architects were nominated for their extension to a private house that was originally a stable block in Lancaster. The designers were tasked with improving many aspects of the house, which greatly improved the interior living space, the external facades, as well as optimising the views from every possible interior angle; something they were very successful in achieving, the judges said.

Stanton Andrews Architects, based in Clitheroe in Lancashire, was nominated for the 350 Award for the renovation of a 1980s 'estate' house in Bolton. The firm was asked to restructure and extend the ground floor living accommodation, interlinking the space and improving the views from every room, whilst not compromising the character of the original house.

The RIBA 350 Award is part of the Architecture Festival 2010 taking place across the North West. AF2010 is a celebration of some of the most outstanding architecture to be found in the region and a way people can have their say on what is good architecture by voting for their favourite building. The winner of the RIBA 350 Award will be awarded the People's Choice Award at a glittering ceremony to be held on 26 June.

Irlam-Mowbray continued: "Many people think architecture is something that involves huge developments and massive budgets, but what is at the heart of architecture is how a well designed space can enhance the overall experience of a building. The 350 Award is all about celebrating smaller, more personal projects and shows how architecture can be fun, functional, affordable and beautiful."

People who wish to attend any of the events RIBA have organised for AF2010, simply log onto http://www.af2010.org/ and find the full listings for the festival. The site will also contain the full shortlist for the 350 Award where people can vote for their favourite building where they will be entered into a prize draw to win a Panasonic Lumix SLR camera.