Solarcentury project MANCAT, North Manchester Sixth Form College and North City Public Library, has been named by The Royal Institute of British architects (RIBA) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) as the winner of the first prize at the inaugural RIBA/LSC Further Education Design Excellence Awards. Solarcentury is the UK's leading solar energy company, designing and installing solar energy products that integrate within the fabric of the buildings to generate clean, on-site electricity and hot water for commercial, residential, industrial and public sector buildings. The first prize of GBP5,000 was awarded to Walker Simpson Architects, who worked with Solarcentury to design the low carbon North Manchester Sixth Form College.

The project was commended as an effective and innovative learning environment in further education, designing a new style of learning environment for the 21st century.

The architects were awarded for building design which encourages and stimulates both teachers and learners and promotes the positive benefits of education and training.

The six short listed entries were judged on the innovation, excellence, adaptability, atmosphere, and 'feel good factor' they bring to the learning and skills sector.

Factors such as environmental efficiency, innovative use of materials and space, and support for IT facilities were considered by the panel of judges who convened to consider over 20 entries for the shortlist.

The vision for the building was one of quality, the architecture a defining statement of key investment in the regeneration of Harpurhey and North Manchester; raising the confidence of residents, students and investors in the area.

Jeremy Leggett, CEO, Solarcentury said: 'MANCAT is a superb example of what is possible with integrated photovoltaics'.

'We are exceptionally pleased this design has been recognised, the project shows the huge impact that innovative, low carbon buildings can have on the confidence of a community.' John Walker, of Walker Simpson said: 'We are delighted that the award for design excellence recognises a building with affordable sustainable and renewable energy features'.

'We feel greatly encouraged to continue to develop cost effective projects with integrated energy solutions.' Jack Pringle, RIBA President, said: 'The calibre of the short listed nominees was exceptionally high this year and it was a difficult decision to choose one winner'.

'All the designs reflected the quality and variety of work undertaken by RIBA members and but it was North Manchester Sixth Form College that really stood out from the others with the designs having the most positive impact on education and training'.

Peter Tavernor, Principal of MANCAT said: 'We are delighted to have won this prestigious award and its fantastic that Walker Simpson's innovative designs have been recognised as we are very proud of our building'.

'We have found that the investment in the college has created a stimulating environment that helps students to be more responsive, attentive and enthusiastic, which in turn improves their performance'.

Mark Haysom, Chief Executive of the LSC, said: 'These awards commend the excellent new education facilities across the country that are helping to enrich learning by providing stimulating and innovative environments'.

'The designs by Walker Simpson for North Manchester Sixth Form College create a truly inspiring world-class education building'.

'The architecture and atmosphere generate a fantastic 'feel good factor' for learners and staff.' This innovative design minimises solar gain in the summer and, secondly, encourages a 'thermal stack effect' which helps to draw air through the building spaces.

The position of the solar panels in relation to the main wall and a 'cladding void' helps to regulate the internal temperatures of the building.

This minimises the year-round energy demand of the development and helps keep the PV modules operating at their highest efficiency and so maximises the contribution of the PV to the building's energy requirements.

Solarcentury worked with Walker Simpson Architects to engineer an optimal design solution using solar modules.

The four-storey block is at the forefront of sustainable design, The photovoltaic cladding and roof panels have already generated enough energy to light a three-bedroom house for 53 years, and add to the building's distinctive appearance.

Inspired by the installation at the CIS Tower, the south facade of the building is clad in a striking monolithic array of solar PV modules.

Taking advantage of the building's flat roof, rows of PV modules crown the building providing further clean energy.