A HOUSING development on Portland has won a prestigious architectural award.

The Officers Field housing development, designed by HTA Design LLP architects, has won an RIBA South West Award 2014 from the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The former Olympics 2012 athlete’s village has been converted by Dorchester-based ZeroC Holdings into 58 angular houses merging into the backdrop of existing buildings climbing the hill in a range of sandy coloured forms.

The project also picked up the RIBA South West Project of the Year Award for being an exemplary housing scheme in the UK.

RIBA South West Awards recognise examples of innovative and outstanding new architecture within the region.

Simon Bayliss, Partner at HTA Design LLP said “It was a real pleasure to attend the RIBA South West and Wessex awards dinner and the HTA team were absolutely delighted to pick up an award for Officers Field, then go on to be honoured as the Project of the Year.

“The project was the result of a dedicated and visionary client, design team, and contractor working in close collaboration throughout and it was a great that the whole team were able to be there last night to hear from the judges such generous praise of the project’s many qualities.”

John Pardey, chairman of the judging panel, said: “Officers Field is a remarkable achievement. Since the war, there have been precious few low-rise housing schemes that could provide an alternative to ubiquitous developer-led estate.

“The developer should be congratulated for not settling on minimum space standards here and has worked hard to create generous living spaces that open out onto terraces or gardens so offering the chance to live outside as much as possible. Undoubtedly this is a great place to live.”

Jon Watkins, RIBA South West regional director, said: “The RIBA South West Awards always bring out the best in local and national architects across our vast region.

“It is delightful that Portland is a focus for local success and quality this year, and I commend clients and architects for their work in raising the profile of architecture across Dorset.”

RIBA South West Award winners will now be considered for a highly-coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence, which will be announced in June.