Judges go wild for Peppa Pig World cafe in design awards

A WILDFLOWER-roofed building at Peppa Pig World in Paultons Park has won a green building prize in the New Forest National Park Building Design Awards.

The prize was among those handed out by the NPA to recognise quality construction work and the best new developments.

The Best Green Building award was given for the first time this year and was for a themed indoor play area, including Daddy Pig’s Big Tummy Café, designed by Totton-based HPW Architecture.

It features a flower roof containing 30 species of plants, along with wind-catchers and a sustainable drainage system.

NPA policy manager David Illsley said: “The judging panel was impressed with the development and its green credentials.

“Now the building has been operational for a number of years, we can see the green features have performed as projected.

“The building is clad in locally-grown, forested and sawn Douglas fir that comes from within 10 miles of the Paultons Park site and has saved substantial carbon and transportation costs.”

He added: “Capturing rainfall and run-off has helped to reduce the watering of both the roof and landscaping. Over 30 species of locally-grown indigenous grasses and wildflowers provide a resilient and beautiful green roof to the building.”

The Best Residential Scheme was awarded to architects Ben Pentreath Ltd for Little Marsh Lodge in Beaulieu. The panel commended the proportions of the dwelling and the architects’ attention to detail.

The Best Non-Residential Scheme was awarded to the new gallery space created next to the listed clock house on the Beaulieu Estate.

Designed by Hampshire-based Plum Architects, it features a light internal gallery and, according to the judges, “fits well in a sensitive scheme”.

Mr Illsley said he believed the quality of the winning buildings proved that developers were mindful of the surroundings to their buildings.

He said: “We receive around 1,000 planning applications within the New Forest National Park each year and approve more than 80% of these.

“As the planning authority, we are pleased to be rewarding high-quality new developments and the contribution that good design makes to the New Forest’s character.”