Entries open for Cornish Buildings Group Awards in United Kingdom

The Cornish Buildings Group Awards recognise outstanding new builds and restorations in Cornwall that contribute to the quality of the built environment. Awards cover categories including new buildings, restorations, and projects within the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, with special recognition for small historic buildings. Applications close 31 March 2026 and require submission of entry forms, photographs, and supporting documentation, with shortlisted projects visited and judged by experts.

Overview

The Cornish Buildings Group Awards celebrate excellence in architecture and restoration in Cornwall, highlighting projects that improve the built environment while fulfilling the objectives of the client and architect or designer.

The scheme encourages high standards of design, restoration, and appropriateness for location, recognising projects of all sizes—from small structures like bus shelters to large housing estates or public buildings.

Award Categories

• Best New Building – For outstanding new construction

• Best Restoration – For exceptional restoration work

• Cornish Buildings Group / Cornish Mining World Heritage Site Award (Restoration) – Best historic restoration within the World Heritage Site

• Cornish Buildings Group / Cornish Mining World Heritage Site Award (New Build) – Best new build within the World Heritage Site

• Jenny Gason Award – Best restoration of a small historic building in Cornwall

Eligibility

• Buildings must be located within Cornwall

• Work must have been completed in the previous two years

• Any size of structure is eligible, judged on:

  • Contribution to the built environment

  • Appropriateness for purpose and location

How to Apply

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit:

• Completed entry form

• Photographs showing context, interior, and exterior

• Optional supporting material:

  • Plans and location map (A4)

  • Project note (up to two A4 sheets)

  • Drawings of elevations (if available)

  • Before-and-after images for restoration projects

Who Can Submit

• Project owners

• Architects or designers

• Third parties with no connection to the building (owner consent must be obtained)

Photographs

• Must illustrate context, setting, and views inside and outside where possible

• Quality:

  • Prints: 6” x 4” to A4

  • Digital: Minimum 300 dpi, A5 size or larger

Judging Process

1. Preliminary Review and Shortlisting – April to May 2026

2. Judging Visits – 13–14 June 2026

3. Notification of Shortlisted Entrants – Late June 2026

4. Awards Ceremony – July 2026

• Judges are members of the Cornish Buildings Group Council and invited experts

• Decisions are final; no correspondence regarding outcomes will be entered into

• Judges reserve the right not to make an award in any category

Awards and Recognition

• Delabole slate plaque for each award winner

• Certificates for projects receiving commendations

• Entries and photographs may be used in:

  • Award ceremony presentations

  • Travelling award displays

  • Publicity materials

Tips for a Strong Application

• Submit high-quality photographs that clearly show the building in its context

• Include a clear project note explaining design objectives and restoration approach

• Provide plans or elevation drawings if available to strengthen the application

• Ensure consent if entry is submitted by a third party

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to enter?

Any completed building project in Cornwall finished within the last two years, regardless of size, submitted by owners, architects, or third parties with consent.

2. What categories exist?

Best New Building, Best Restoration, World Heritage Site Restoration and New Build, Jenny Gason Award for small historic buildings.

3. What documentation is required?

Completed entry form, photographs, optional plans, project note, elevation drawings, and before-and-after images for restorations.

4. When is the deadline?

Entries close on 31 March 2026.

5. How are entries judged?

Two-stage process: preliminary shortlisting followed by on-site visits from the full judging panel.

6. Are photographs returned?

No; submitted materials may be used in ceremonies, displays, and publicity.

7. What awards are given?

Winners receive a Delabole slate plaque, and commendations receive certificates.

Conclusion

The Cornish Buildings Group Awards provide a prestigious platform to recognise excellence in architecture and restoration across Cornwall.

By submitting your project, you can highlight its contribution to the built environment, gain expert recognition, and showcase your work through ceremonies, displays, and publicity.