Winners - Sustainability and Community Benefit - Hobcroft Barn & Spring Gardens, Buxton

DHBT Architecture Awards 2025

Sustainability

Community Benefit

Celebrating two worthy winners that highlight the depth, range and quality of heritage work taking place across Derbyshire this year.

Sustainability Award – Hobcroft Field Barn, Warslow

Evans Vettori Architects Ltd (top photo)

Set within the sweeping upland pastures of the Peak District, Hobcroft Field Barn exemplifies how quiet, careful rural conservation can deliver genuine environmental benefit.

Evans Vettori Architects led a sensitive repair programme using traditional materials, breathable construction methods and restrained detailing, returning the barn to robust working order while maintaining its simple vernacular character.

Judges praised the project for its craftsmanship and low-impact sustainability.

@peakdistrictnationalpark

Community Benefit – Spring Gardens, Buxton (Nos. 6–8 & 10–12)

Bench Architects

On one of Buxton’s busiest commercial streets, this Heritage Action Zone project has brought renewed architectural coherence to two prominent historic buildings.

Bench Architects reinstated period-accurate shopfronts, carried out extensive stone and façade repairs, and restored the rhythm of the upper elevations using historically appropriate detailing and glazing.

Judges highlighted the project’s clarity, quality and confidence, noting how the work strengthens an important part of the town centre while respecting its established character.

@bencharchitects