LABC Building Excellence Awards 2025 winner: Best Public or Community Building

LABC is delighted to announce that the WINNER of the Best Public or Community Building is The Hwb Arloesi (Innovation Hub), Llysfasi College, Denbighshire.

The Hwb Arloesi (Innovation Hub) at Llysfasi College is a landmark project that combines sustainability with cutting-edge design. Delivered by Read Construction, and designed by TACP Architects, the £10m, two-storey facility provides advanced educational spaces alongside wellbeing and recreational areas, supporting a significant increase in student capacity. Designed to achieve operational Net Zero Carbon, the building boasts an EPC A+ rating and exceptional energy performance through a fabric-first approach, air source heat pumps, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. Its thoughtful design blends seamlessly into the rural landscape while promoting innovation in agriculture and land-based education.

The Denbighshire County Council building control team worked closely with the contractor from the outset, holding regular meetings and site inspections to ensure compliance and quality. This partnership helped overcome challenges such as integrating complex building services within tight roof spaces and maintaining safety on a live college campus. Exceeding minimum standards, the project achieved outstanding thermal efficiency and embodied carbon targets, while proactive waste management and community initiatives, including tree planting and a time capsule, reinforced its sustainability goals. The result is a state-of-the-art facility that sets a benchmark for future public buildings in Wales.

The judges were impressed by how,

“This project exemplifies excellence in sustainable design and collaborative construction to deliver a carbon-neutral which integrates educational spaces with wellbeing and recreational facilities. Through enhanced insulation, airtightness and careful detailing, the project achieved superior thermal performances resulting in a significant reduction in primary energy use.” 

A range of categories celebrated on the night highlight the diverse portfolio of projects delivered within the industry alongside the project teams that are committed to delivering compliant and high-quality buildings for our communities.  

Full list of LABC Building Excellence Awards Grand Final award winners: www.labc.co.uk/awards