South-east London based Surman Weston has beaten five other practices to win the 2022 Stephen Lawrence Prize for its Hackney School of Food project.

The practice’s retrofit of a derelict school-keeper’s house and garage also beat one of its other schemes – Surbiton Springs – as it had two entries on the shortlist for this year’s up-and-coming-talent prize for projects with a construction budget of less than £1m. (See box below)

Budget constraints and limited space prompted Surman Weston’s choice to retain the buildings on site for Hackney School of Food, which is designed to be an inspiring place to teach children how to grow, cook and eat food, as well as serving as a community hub.

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