Lavenham Development Scoops Prestigious LABC Building Excellence Award
28th September 2026 – The Paddocks in Lavenham, a flagship development by Hartog Hutton, has been named East Anglia’s Best Medium Volume New Housing Development in the 2026 LABC Building Excellence Awards.
The 25-home development in one of Suffolk’s most historic villages, was nominated by the local council’s building control team, who recognised its unique design, the topographical challenges overcome, and the build quality.
“The dwellings are finished to an exceptional standard, showcasing excellent craftsmanship using local materials and local workers,” said Sarah Fanning, Area Registered Building Inspector at Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Council. “Thoughtfully chosen materials and finishes elevate each home, with every plot unique in design.”
The scheme was designed by local architects, Brown & Scarlett, who took inspiration from the nearby high street. There are nods to the village throughout the development with jetties, bright render in keeping with the village palette and rafter tails. Built on a sloped site, the road weaves up and though the development, where every plot differs from the last, emulating the high street.
28th September 2026 – The Paddocks in Lavenham, a flagship development by Hartog Hutton, has been named East Anglia’s Best Medium Volume New Housing Development in the 2026 LABC Building Excellence Awards.
The 25-home development in one of Suffolk’s most historic villages, was nominated by the local council’s building control team, who recognised its unique design, the topographical challenges overcome, and the build quality.
“The dwellings are finished to an exceptional standard, showcasing excellent craftsmanship using local materials and local workers,” said Sarah Fanning, Area Registered Building Inspector at Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Council. “Thoughtfully chosen materials and finishes elevate each home, with every plot unique in design.”
The scheme was designed by local architects, Brown & Scarlett, who took inspiration from the nearby high street. There are nods to the village throughout the development with jetties, bright render in keeping with the village palette and rafter tails. Built on a sloped site, the road weaves up and though the development, where every plot differs from the last, emulating the high street.
Lavenham was once a wealthy wool town and many of its medieval houses have been carefully protected and preserved. Any new development is therefore highly sensitive and needs to fit into the local style, whilst also embracing modern building techniques for efficiency and sustainability.
The Paddocks consists of two, three and four bedroom, terraced, semi-detached and detached houses and bungalows. Eight homes are allocated as affordable housing, including two and three-bedroom houses and one-bedroom flats. A pedestrian link connects the site directly to the hub of the village so residents can benefit from all the amenities.
A fantastic community has moved in with neighbours becoming friends, socialising together and arranging days out; all fostered from homes designed around their lifestyles and needs. Bill, one of the residents, said “The quality of the build has been fantastic. From the joinery to paintwork and even the shelving in our garage. Everything has been completed to the highest of standards.”