SOME of Suffolk's brightest new buildings will pick up prestigious design awards at a high-profile ceremony next week.The Civic Trust awards celebrate outstanding examples of architecture and environmental design throughout the UK and the county has been lucky enough to have five of its buildings honoured.

SOME of Suffolk's brightest new buildings will pick up prestigious design awards at a high-profile ceremony next week.

The Civic Trust awards celebrate outstanding examples of architecture and environmental design throughout the UK and the county has been lucky enough to have five of its buildings honoured.

The Sutton Hoo Visitor Centre and Lowestoft waste water treatment centre both received commendations, while the new Cedarwood Primary School in Kesgrave, the classroom extension at Bawdsey Primary School and the Boxted and Hartest Institute repair and restoration project also received awards.

Representatives from each of the projects will be presented with their awards at a ceremony at the Sutton Hoo Visitor Centre on Monday night.

Kesgrave headteacher Doug Stroud said: "Everyone is absolutely delighted with this award – it is a smashing school and very well deserved."

Opened in 2001, the building, in Ropes Drive, incorporates many aspects of environmentally friendly and hi-tech design. The walls are clad in warm, reddish cedarwood, which has given the school its name, and most of the building is built of timber chosen because it is a highly renewable material.

Recycled newspapers have been mulched to create an insulating effect throughout the walls helping to create a very heat efficient building. The overhanging eaves will help to stop excessive heat during the summer and the unusual grass roof covered with a sedum blanket will also help to keep the school cool.

"The school is very well designed. It has been easy to fit into and our heating bills are extremely low."

The school is now hoping to begin the second phase of work, doubling student numbers to more than 400.

"This award focuses on good design for children's education and it draws attention to the importance of environmentally-friendly design."

The ceremony will be hosted by Suffolk County Council and the awards will be presented by Helen Whitworth, chairman of the county council.

There were nearly 600 entries for this years awards – meaning competition was particularly tough and high standards needed.

The Civic Trust Awards have been running for 43 years and are given to outstanding examples of new architecture, restorations, town planning, landscapes and public art.

Judges not only look for design excellence, but also projects that benefit their local communities or environment.

WEBLINK: www.civictrust.org.uk