In a virtual ceremony hosted by Romesh Ranganathan, the developer lifted the silver award for Best Large House Builder of the Year in recognition of its focus on placemaking and the environment, and investment in customer service.

Places for People’s approach to design was also applauded by the judges. Tornagrain near Inverness, a partnership with landowner Moray Estates and Zero C, part of Places for People, received Best House (Bronze) award for the Gifford show home, and Best Exterior (Silver) award for the development’s ‘strong sense of timeless quality’ against stiff competition from all corners of the UK.

Architect Ben Pentreath is also behind Zero C’s sought-after developments at Longniddry Village in East Lothian and Chapelton near Aberdeen.

55 Degrees North, a development of 101 modern homes creating a diverse community at Edinburgh’s waterfront designed by local architect CDA, also received the Best House (Bronze) award.

Willie Lockhart, regional managing director – Scotland at Places for People, said: “This is a tremendous achievement for the group, and well-deserved recognition of the talents of everyone involved, including our landowner partners who share our vision for building places where people will want to live.

“To win two major accolades for design for Tornagrain is fabulous news as we launch our latest development of modern country homes by the same architect at Longniddry in East Lothian. We are proud to be part of a group that has been recognised for placemaking, putting people first and sustainability to win one of the biggest prizes in the new homes industry.”

What House 2020 – Judges report highlights include:

Best Large Housebuilder of the Year (Silver) – Places for People

A formidable all-rounder, Places for People is growing its position and prestige in the housebuilding sphere with an infinite variety of product, focused firmly on placemaking and the environment, aiming to deliver net zero carbon homes on all its new developments from 2025.

Places for People is committed to energy-efficient building solutions and has launched the Innovation Lab with European partners, looking to identify innovative technologies. Customer service is an investment too, with Places for People developing a People First strategy around the homebuying process and interaction with customers.

Best Exterior (Silver) – Tornagrain

The overall sense of place and the careful attention to traditional detailing gives this scheme a strong sense of timeless quality. Materials have been carefully chosen, and the attention to well-articulated window reveals and glazing bars and varied traditional forms have created a sequence of streets that are entirely convincing with a sense of timeless belonging that is rare in a new development.

The commitment of the entire design and development team to a high quality traditional scheme is apparent in the completed build and is to be commended.

Best House (Bronze) – Tornagrain

Tornagrain is a well-proportioned, new housing development of 66 terraced, semi-detached and detached houses located eight miles east of Inverness.

Gifford is one of an exclusive collection of luxury four-bedroom houses set within this unique and stunning landscape where the architect, Ben Pentreath Ltd, has drawn inspiration from traditions of the Highlands and the rest of Scotland. The properties have been carefully planned to provide modern country living with high-quality finishes.

Best House (Bronze) - Waterfront Avenue Townhouse, Edinburgh

55 Degrees North is an interesting development of 101 modern new homes varying in style, creating a diverse community. Local architect CDA has created an urban solution by building on formerly used industrial land, forming a ‘square’ by positioning the Waterfront Avenue townhouses into two rows and creating an enclosed sheltered space.