Two Stevenage developments have made it to the shortlist in the prestigious Hertfordshire Building Futures Awards, held every two years to salute exceptional design of public and private buildings which have improved their environments.

The Comet: The Warren in Knebworth Park has been nominated for recognition in the prestigious Building Futures Awards. Picture by Chau Lee & Ecovril LtdThe Warren in Knebworth Park has been nominated for recognition in the prestigious Building Futures Awards. Picture by Chau Lee & Ecovril Ltd (Image: Archant)

The teams behind work at The Warren in Knebworth Park and The Old Malthouse in Stevenage’s Old Town will find out whether they have taken top honours in a ceremony at Hatfield House next month.

The Warren provides the headquarters for the Earthworks St Albans horticultural charity and was designed by Ecovril Ltd to replace a previous structure that was damaged by fire.

The ‘off-grid’ building has an English oak frame to complemen the garden setting where trainees carry out horticultural activities.

It is fully equipped with solar PV powered LED lighting, solar thermal hot water and a wood burning stove.

The Comet: The Warren in Knebworth Park has been nominated for recognition in the prestigious Building Futures Awards. Picture by Chau Lee & Ecovril LtdThe Warren in Knebworth Park has been nominated for recognition in the prestigious Building Futures Awards. Picture by Chau Lee & Ecovril Ltd (Image: Archant)

The Old Malt House is a Grade II listed building which is part of the Thomas Alleyne Academy campus.

Conamar Building Services has transformed the space to create a new reception area, associated offices, technical hub and a drama studio. New internal walls, windows and insulation have been installed together with modern heating and lighting controls to support energy efficiency.

Organisers say there were a record number of entries this year – find out more at www.hertslink.org/buildingfutures.

The Comet: The Maltings in Stevenage Old Town has been nominated for recognition in the prestigious Building Futures Awards. Picture by Edward AshwoodThe Maltings in Stevenage Old Town has been nominated for recognition in the prestigious Building Futures Awards. Picture by Edward Ashwood (Image: Archant)