The winner of this category Leigh House Adolescent Psychiatric Unit has successfully avoided an institutional feeling with mellow red rick and large amounts of timber, giving the complex a contemporary interpretation of the rural buildings in the area. The design has been developed to give a light, airy feeling and maximises the use of natural light and views, with the four buildings on the campus linked by sweeping pathways and spine walls.

Recreational areas are designed to achieve maximum flexibility with activities such as television and music in 'L' shaped lounges, which are part room, part conservatory. The 20-bed campus provides privacy, dignity, comfort and safety without creating a custodial or threatening environment.

Highly commended was Sevenacres Mental Health Unit, designed by Nightingale Associates, for successfully addressing flaws that so often characterise mental health facilities. The new unit is located on sloping ground to the east of the main hospital complex. On entering the unit the immediate impact is of openness and natural light. The atrium is the hub of the unit and artwork features throughout, with a strong theme of local interests. All bedrooms and support accommodation open onto circulation areas with communal sectors in the centre.

Also highly commended was Meadowfield, Worthing (also designed by Nightingale Associates). Designed to provide inpatient care for 48 patients in a modern therapeutic environment, this is another innovative mental health unit.

The clinical accommodation is on one level and each ward features a central area with diffused high-level natural lighting and curved walls of glass blocks.

Privacy and dignity have been carefully considered. Patients have control over their own environment and can control the dimmable lighting and individually set the temperature.

Outdoor spaces are accessible from each patient area with courtyards and secure gardens providing quiet, safe areas.