The Norwich-based architect behind a "landmark" city building has won a top national award.

Norwich University of the Arts’ accommodation at Duke Street was named Best Higher Education Building at the prestigious Architects’ Journal Awards.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich University of the Arts’ residences Duke Street Riverside was named Best Higher Education Building at the prestigious Architects’ Journal AwardsNorwich University of the Arts’ residences Duke Street Riverside was named Best Higher Education Building at the prestigious Architects’ Journal Awards (Image: Joakim Boren)

The flagship building for NUA, on the banks of the Wensum, was designed by Norwich-based Hudson Architects.

This building has opened up a previously inaccessible stretch of the river to create a new public space for the public to enjoy, replacing a disused 1970s student housing block and car park.

Norwich Evening News:  Norwich University of the Arts’ residences Duke Street Riverside was named Best Higher Education Building at the prestigious Architects’ Journal Awards Norwich University of the Arts’ residences Duke Street Riverside was named Best Higher Education Building at the prestigious Architects’ Journal Awards (Image: Joakim Boren)

The Architects Journal Awards judges were impressed by how Hudson Architects and NUA have brought student accommodation and learning spaces together in a way that is “restrained, contained and respectful". 

They added it is "a good, calm piece of civic architecture.” 

Anthony Hudson, director at Hudson Architects, said: "The award is a great boost for our practice and a testament to NUA’s commitment to creating great buildings for students, staff and the wider community in Norwich.”

Norwich Evening News: Norwich University of the Arts’ residences Duke Street Riverside was named Best Higher Education Building at the prestigious Architects’ Journal AwardsNorwich University of the Arts’ residences Duke Street Riverside was named Best Higher Education Building at the prestigious Architects’ Journal Awards (Image: Joakim Boren)