Steven Docker Associates Wins Best Conversion or Alteration to an Existing Home | LABC Building Excellence Awards 2026 North West
We’re pleased to announce that Steven Docker Associates has won Best Conversion or Alteration to an Existing Home at the LAC Building Excellence Awards 2026, in the North West.
The award recognises our period property adaptation project, Meeting Complex Needs Through Thoughtful Design: A Bespoke Accessibility Journey, which transformed a 19th century home into a fully accessible, future-proofed forever home for a young client living with cerebral palsy and complex needs.
As a regional winner, the project is now shortlisted for the national award, with the LABC Grand Finals taking place on 22nd January 2027.
Being named a regional winner, and finalist, for a second year running reflects the standard our team sets on every project. In 2025, Oak Holt in Derbyshire won Best Individual New Home in the East Midlands, and Boarers Farm in Kent won Best Conversion or Alteration to an Existing Home in the South East, with both projects going forward to the Grand Finals in January 2026.
About the Winning Project
James lives with cerebral palsy following an injury at birth, and has complex needs that will continue to evolve. His family were clear from the outset that accessibility should be built into the fabric of the home rather than treated as a clinical add-on.
SDA were originally instructed in 2017, and our property finding team worked alongside the family, their legal representatives and their multidisciplinary team to identify a property capable of meeting James’ needs for the rest of his life.
The property was purchased in October 2022, with the design and delivery phase led by Architectural Designer and Project Manager, Greg Stanfield.
Project at a Glance:
- Property Type: Period property, originally built in the 1800s
- Client Need: Cerebral palsy, complex and evolving needs, and wheelchair user
- Key Adaptations: A ramped front entrance designed in keeping with the original 19th century stonework; a purpose-built orangery with glazing set at a height that allows a wheelchair user to take in the surrounding countryside; a through-floor lift running from the ground floor kitchen to the first floor; level thresholds, widened doorways, discreetly integrated grab rails and ceiling-mounted hoists throughout.
About the LABC Building Excellence Awards
The LABC Building Excellence Awards are the largest awards in the building control sector. They celebrate exceptional buildings, outstanding companies, and the individuals who go above and beyond to deliver safe, sustainable and high-quality construction.
The LABC network covers every local authority in England & Wales and is divided into 12 regions.