WITH award-winning designs by architects now on display in Worcester, the creative minds behind the plans have explained their concepts.

At the recent Worcestershire Architecture Awards, winners were announced in seven categories.

Designs entered for the awards, organised by the Worcester Society of Chartered Architects, are now on public exhibition at St Helen's Church, High Street, Worcester until Friday October 12, with free entry.

The display then moves to Henry Sandon Hall at Royal Porcelain Works, Worcester from Saturday October 13 to Sunday November 18.

The winning designs:

The Hop House by Vivid Architects won the Built Private House prize.

A spokesman from Vivid Architects said: "The design is based on Herefordshire hop kilns.

"There are large volume spaces for improved internal comfort, abundant natural light and ventilation. The rooflights track changing daylight and seasons."

The Ground, Mousehole by Glazzard Architects claimed the Unbuilt Private House award.

A spokesman from Glazzard Architects said: "This elevated and steeply sloping site sits at the edge of the town and provides dramatic views towards the harbour and sea.

"The proposal involves the construction of a part earth-sheltered, single storey dwelling in the same location as an existing asbestos 'Nissen hut'."

Malvern Evangelical Church, also by Glazzard Architects, took the Built Project in Worcestershire prize.

A spokesman from Glazzard Architects said: "Situated along a busy, non-descript suburban street in Malvern, the new church building now acts as a beacon and focal point to the area. The design focused on positioning the 'heart' shaped church hall to the forefront of the site, nestled between the Pastors House and a persevered Beech tree."

Henwick Road by DJD Architects won the Unbuilt Project in Worcestershire title.

A spokesman from DJD Architects said: "The new building draws from the existing to inform its palette of materials and detail elements, in order to create a harmonious relationship and avoid stark contrast while

at the same time avoiding direct replication or pastiche."

Trent Valley Crematorium by Howl Associates scooped the Built Project outside Worcestershire award.

A Howl Associates spokesman said: "The use of slatted cedar boarding to the underside of the roof and ceilings creates a warm and unifying character to the design and helps address acoustic requirements within the building.

"Water forms a key element within the design and provides a tranquil setting for the pedestrian routes to and from the main car park."

Bespoke Headquarters by KKE Architects was the winner of the Unbuilt Project outside Worcestershire title.

A KKE Architects spokesman said: "The concept embraces a ‘fabric-first’ design rationale, with a thermally efficient building envelope and utilising solar passive technology. The water source heat pumps use the adjacent nature reserve lake to supply low carbon heating."

Victoria Road by Ben Cunliffe Architects Ltd won the People’s Choice Award, which saw the winner decided by a public vote by Worcester News readers.

A Ben Cunliffe Architects Ltd spokesman said: "The brief was to create a contemporary, spacious and sustainable home for a young family. The design allows for easy living for the whole family and eneraing on a large scale and a more intimate gatherings."