Two projects have been honoured at the St Albans Civic Society Awards.

A modern development of ten apartments and a penthouse in London Road and a house rebuild in Gainsborough Avenue, Clarence Park, were awarded prizes at the event which was held at the Abbey Theatre on October 30.

The society looks for projects that achieve the highest standards of architecture, planning, landscaping, and civic design.

The project in London Road was hailed for bringing a “refreshing” feel to the street. It was described as a “welcome contrast” to its very conventional neighbours. Its varied profile and “carefully detailed London stock brick” makes a “discrete and refreshing addition” to the street scene.

A green rebuild in Gainsborough Avenue was also recognised.

The house replaced a pre-war bungalow and is described as energy efficient with solar panels on the roof. The design uses the principles of passive solar design, the ground floor office, guest bedroom and two first floor bathrooms facing north, the main family areas: kitchen/dining/snug on the ground floor and the living room on the first floor facing south with solar panels on the roof above.

The Trevelyan Prize was awarded to The Crow in Fishpool Street for its renovation. The Trevelyan Prize recognises projects that achieve the finest quality in terms of conservation and restoration.

The late 16th century building has seen many changes in its lifetime and has been most recently turned into two homes and two apartments from three houses.

Certificates and plaques were presented by Cllr Brian Gibbard, deputy mayor of the district of St Albans.

He said: “St Albans is an attractive city with many beautiful and historic buildings so it is important to ensure that high design standards are maintained when it comes to development projects, however big or small.

“By acting as a city watchdog and commenting on these, St Albans Civic Society plays an important role in helping to preserve the character of our city and its architecturally-significant buildings. Its coveted awards also help reinforce high design standards by rewarding architecture and building projects that enhance our wonderful city.”

Commendations were also given to a reconstructed home in Folly Lane, a house renovation in Seymour Road, Bernards Heath, and an extension to the lower school at St Michael’s.