A Cumbrian developer of luxury retreats has been announced as a winner in the first ever Making Better Homes Awards, run by national builders’ merchant Jewson.
A Corner of Eden secured top place in the Best Sustainable Project category of the awards following a public vote – in which thousands of votes were cast – for its Harris Hideaway project – a Grand Designs-style holiday home on the remote Scottish Isle of Harris recognised for its outstanding eco-credentials and design features, as well as its consideration of the local environment.
A Corner of Eden took the top spot ahead of Greencore Homes, which took second place for its development of four private sale and eight affordable rental homes built in partnership with Hook Norton Community Land Trust (HNCLT) in Oxfordshire. The Holt Group took third place for the renovation and upgrade of a five-bedroom family home in the Hammersmith area, which was packed with eco-friendly features.
Debbie Greaves, co-founder of A Corner of Eden alongside husband Richard, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been recognised in the Jewson Making Better Homes Awards. We’ve worked so hard on this project over the last three years, so it means a lot. The awards are such a great way to showcase what can be done and let people know that you can build homes in a sustainable way.”
Richard added: “Winning feels like a great reward after all the hard work, effort, determination and planning. Hopefully the awards are a source of inspiration for others. We hope that we can show that you can build a beautiful home that’s sustainable, and a sustainable home that’s beautiful.”
Matt Handley, Category Innovation Manager at Jewson and a member of the judging panel, said: “Huge congratulations to Debbie and Richard, whose attention to detail and consideration of the local environment stood out amongst the entries in this category. The environmental credentials of Harris Hideaway blew each of the judges away, and clearly impressed the public too. Its intricate design features, combined with renewable technology and offset with such high quality finishings, mean Harris Hideaway stands out as a special project with local skill at its heart.”
