THE PATRON'S AWARD

THE PATRON’S AWARD

INTRODUCTION

HRH The Prince of Wales, Patron of the Almshouse Association, introduced an awards scheme to encourage the highest standards in almshouse developments. In making these awards, he is advised by an Awards Committee. The first year for consideration for an award was the year ending 31st December 2000.

An award (called the Patron's Award) is made to the Trustees of an Almshouse Charity considered to have completed an outstanding project in the previous calendar year. For the purposes of this award, completion is when the almshouses are occupied or other facilities brought into use. An extension of one year will be considered for projects completed towards the end of a calendar year.

There is no limit to the number of Patron's Awards that may be awarded each year.

PROJECTS

The following projects are eligible for consideration:

a. Restoration, improvement or modernisation of existing almshouses

b. Acquisition and conversion of buildings to almshouses

c. New almshouses development

d. Development of communal facilities

e. Adaptation of almshouses to support independent living

AWARDS COMMITTEE

An Awards Committee has been established. It comprises:

Chairman - A Vice Patron of the National Association of Almshouses

Two members of the Executive Committee of the National Association of Almshouses

Two members of the NAA's Panel of Consultants

A representative of The Prince's Foundation

It may co-opt other members as considered appropriate.

ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONS

This Committee will receive and study all submissions in order to draw up a short -list. It has been the practice for two/three members of this Committee to visit all short-listed projects, and this is likely to continue. Following final considerations, recommendations are submitted to the Patron and, subject to his endorsement, awards are announced at the National Association of Almshouses' Annual General Meeting in June (of the following year).

The format for visits to short-listed projects usually includes:

Presentation by the Trustees, based on the application (The architect and any other consultants should be present)

Tour of the project (with an opportunity to meet Residents)

Discussion with Trustees and consultants

STANDARD

The standard will be at the discretion of the Awards Committee. The Committee will be looking for excellence in every aspect of a project - architectural design and conservation (including craftsmanship and respect of old fabric). Projects should meet the standards outlined in Chapter 3 of "Support & Care for Residents" (Fifth Edition).

In the case of new developments, the Committee will be looking for attractive almshouses that sit well in their environment. They should be designed for the Residents; in the case of older people, they should be "homes for life".

For Listed almshouse buildings, the Committee will be looking for very high standards of restoration and conservation balanced with the need for them to be functional and affordable homes.

In the case of improvement and refurbishment of existing almshouses, the Committee will also focus on excellence but take into account the options available and any constraints that may be imposed by funding issues and the environment, design and layout within which the architect and Trustees may have to work.

The Committee will also take into account the fitness of the project for its intended purpose and the treatment of the context in which the project sits where this is a relevant consideration.

The criteria against which a project is likely to be judged is summarised as:

Practicality The overriding requirement is that the development achieves its objectives in a practical and useful sense. The public and private areas should be well organised and appropriately accessible for residents and visitors. The project should be cost effective; the dwellings comfortable and simple to use in terms of heating, lighting and ventilation. Spatial layout and accessibility should provide a welcoming and suitable environment. There should be attention to detail in fixtures and fittings, safety and security, storage space and maintenance. The access to local amenities should also be considered.

Architectural Merit The rich heritage of the almshouse movement lies in the many striking buildings that are still in use as almshouses today. A number of which are listed buildings. Modernisation should fulfil the practical requirements whilst preserving and enhancing the architectural beauty of the building. The design of new buildings is of equal importance, and their layout, quality and attractiveness should be key factors in assessing their worth within the community.

Durability Buildings should be capable of adaptation over time without compromising their solidity or robustness. High quality materials and workmanship not only contribute to architectural merit they are also important ingredients in proving durability. Factors such as life cycle and sound weathering properties, energy, efficiency and careful innovation based upon successful precedent should also be recognised.

TIME TABLE

Applications are to reach the Director of The National Association of Almshouses by 1st February of the year following the award year.

Announcements of the awards take place at the Annual General Meeting in June each year. Presentations will be arranged (where possible) when The Patron is visiting an almshouse charity.

Awards will be published in the Association's Annual Report, inThe Almshouses Gazette, and on the Association's website.

APPLICATIONS

Applications should be submitted by the Chairman of theTrustees to the Director of the Almshouse Association, who provides secretarial support to the Committee. A proforma submission has been introduced in order to make the process of application simpler and easier. The proforma is available electronically from the Almshouse Association.

Applications, together with supporting documentation and photographs, may be submitted electronically.

The application must consist of:

Statement by the Trustees (the objective, the difficulties and the achievement). Please include in this statement a little history of the Charity and why the project was considered necessary. The financial implications, how they were addressed, adn value or money should be included. Trustees must also include a statement on sustainability and energy savingmeasures which have been incorporated in the buildings.

A Design and Access Statement (or description of design parameters). To inlcude detailed drawings and Practical Completion Certificate. Planning and/or Listed Building drawings and any other relevant material including the feasibility study where one exists. There should also be a Context Plan 1:500 and a Location Plan. Also a relevant plan with section elevations at 1:100.

Please provide specific details of the cost of the project and how it was funded.

A selection of good quality photographs (general views to show environment, external ansd internal views - before and after a refurbishment project, and detailed coverage of specific features.) One photograph should be highlighted for use in Press Releases. Photographs are essential in assisting teh Committee to decide on a short-list of projects tobe visited. Please number photographs and state clearly their content.

THE AWARD

Where the Trustees have employed a consultant from the NAA's Panel of Consultants, he/she will also receive a Certificate. A symbol (the Association's logo) will be placed after the Consultant's name in the Association's Annual Report and on the website listing.

* See the "Publications" "Downloads" "Patron's Award" section of this website for guidance on submissions

"New Almshouse Development Projects - Set The Standards High"

Notes to Editors:

There have been almshouses in the United Kingdom for over 1,000 years. Today there are some 1,800 almshouse charities providing 35,000 dwellings accommodating around 40,000 people.

Thirty per cent of almshouse charities occupy listed buildings but there is also an increasing number of new almshouses incorporating the best of modern design.

The Almshouse Association assists trustees to promote good quality housing for needy people, promotes the welfare and independence of residents, preserves the historic tradition of almshouses and guides trustees in managing charitable resources as effectively as possible.