WILMSLOW'S grand designs are in the running for a top architecture accolade.
A swimmingly good pool extension in Alderley and a family home in Handforth have been singled out for the final of the 2007 Macclesfield Borough Design Awards.
They are among five buildings to appear in the final of the contest to celebrate great designs in the borough.
Out of 15 entries nominated by architects, developers and the general public for projects built in the borough in 2006, the judges have shortlisted five high-quality schemes.
The first scheme from this area to be in the running for the award is Mike and Mary Bishop's home in Handforth, which was completed this year.
Constructed off site in Germany by Huf Haus Properties, the house arrived on site and was put together in just three days.
Mike said: "We have wanted to build our own house for nine years. My wife spotted this style of house in a magazine and we went across to Germany where they are made, to see the factory and a show village and decided to order one."
With brilliant green credentials, the house is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, but the Handforth house remains only one of three built in the north west.
The Bishop's house will be competing against an Alderley Edge poll extension, designed by Handforth architects De Santis Philipson.
Completed last year, the pool was added to the side of Knight's Keep in Alderley and designed to blend into its natural surroundings.
James de Santis said: "The project creates a contemporary indoor pool with a changing area and a steam room attached to an existing traditional house.
"The pool compliments and contrasts with the existing dwelling extending the use of traditional materials in a contemporary style combined with modern minimalist materials.
"The curves of the design respond to the landscape and the materials reflect the natural features into the interior."
These two will go head to head with the three other finalists from Macclesfield and Knutsford.
They include a new-build super surgery in Macclesfield town centre, the renovation of an existing building and creation of homes in Bollington, and the renovation of an historic building with associated landscaping, Booths Hall in Knutsford.
An independent panel of judges, including a planner, urban design officer, conservation officer and several architects will choose one winner and can make up to three recommendations for commendations.
Organiser Alistair Yates, Macclesfield planning officer, said: "Following a day of site visits, the panel of judges will pore over which project should win and which should be receive a commendation.
"It's been another tough year in the competition but overall the aim is to celebrate great design ideas."
The winner and commendations will be announced at the Design Awards ceremony, attended by the Mayor of Macclesfield, Councillor Barry Burkhill in the Town Hall, Macclesfield, on Friday, June 29.
