ENTER THE AWARDS > Judging Criteria

The Housing Design Awards are promoted by Communities and Local Government, NHBC, RIBA, the Royal Town Planning Institute, Homes and Communities Agency, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the London Development Agency and the Department of Health.

Awards are made at two stages; for projects of great potential where the scheme has detailed planning permission but is not yet finished and occupied; and for completed schemes of outstanding merit.

Developments may consist of private or public sector new build, conversion or renovation schemes in England, provided they are of four or more dwellings. Schemes including non-residential uses may be entered provided housing constitutes a major element.

Judging is carried out by an Awards committee, including the Chair of the sponsorship committee and representatives of each of the promoters. They consider:

• relationship to surroundings and neighbourhood
• response to site constraints and opportunities
• layout, grouping and landscaping
• planning of roads and footpaths
• handling of garages and car parking
• attention to safety, security and accessibility
• external appearance and internal planning
• sustainability in construction
• finishes, detailing and workmanship

Entrants are also asked to assess themselves against Building for Life, a matrix developed by CABE in partnership with Design for Homes for measuring urban design manners and public and private amenity in new housing.