Upside-down houses in Salford and lightweight homes in Milton Keynes are just two of the winning designs recognised for providing high quality homes that will last, at this year's Housing Design Awards.

Now in its Diamond Jubilee, the awards demonstrate how strong designs can successfully reinvigorate and regenerate neighbourhoods and provide high quality homes to the highest environmental standards.

Housing Minister Caroline Flint, said: "These awards show the incredible results that can be achieved when strong partnerships are formed between local communities, planners, architects and developers.

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"The winners are testament to the creativity in the industry and demonstrate the possibilities for designing sustainable, low carbon housing that will last the test of time."

This year's winner, Chimney Pot Park in Salford, shows how outstanding design was used to refurbish hundreds of terraced homes using the innovative concept of moving the living accommodation to the top floor of the houses. The scheme is completely regenerating this part of Salford.

Communities and Local Government are lead sponsors of the awards in partnership with the National House Building Council, the Royal Institute of British architects, the Royal Town Planning Institute, the Housing Corporation, English Partnerships and CABE.

A committee of representatives from both the sponsors and supporters carried out judging. Judges viewed designs in relation to heir surroundings, constraints of site, layout and landscaping, planning roads and pathways, attention to safety, security and accessibility, design of garages and car parking, sustainability, workmanship and external appearance, and internal planning.

(JM)