Cornwall's 'greenest' building, Jubilee Wharf, has earned Midas and its project partners, the FBE Annual Award for 2007 (Devon and Cornwall) - its second construction commendation in the past month.

Midas recently collected the prestigious award at the 'Drake Lecture' event in Plymouth's Holiday Inn for the 'outstanding' design and construction of one of the region's most recognisable eco-buildings. The project also recently received commendation in the 'Green Small Project of the Year' category in the Green Construction Awards organised by leading trade magazine Construction News.

Jubilee Wharf, which was constructed by Midas and designed by Bill Dunster, one of Britain,'s foremost 'green' architects, was completed at the end of last year. The mixed-use eco-development includes 12 workshops, 6 maisonettes, a crèche, café and community space. At the heart of the design was the aim to create a fully functional building that runs on low fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, through utilizing on site wind turbines, solar panels and thermal insulation.

Graham Mathews, Midas Director who collected the award on behalf of the project team said: "I was very honoured to collect this award; it's a rewarding recognition of the team effort that went into delivering the sustainable aspects of the building. We are really pleased to have been involved in constructing one of Cornwall's most innovative signature buildings and it certainly set the standard across the South West."

Environmental features and construction methods used at Jubilee Wharf, which caught the judges' eyes, include: super insulation which reduces energy consumption to less than half a conventional building, natural ventilation and heat exchangers which recover up to 70% heat loss, solar panels, under-floor heating and hot water from a wood pellet boiler, wind turbines, low flush toilets and aerated taps.

The building's construction and day-to-day management was carefully planned to use minimal fossil fuels and as much local materials as possible. The building utilizes local reclaimed materials including old floorboards and granite. Cornish cedar cladding and larch soffits are also featured.

Jubilee Wharf architect, Bill Dunster said: "Jubilee Wharf shows how a significant reduction in carbon emissions can be achieved while using fresh building forms that express the forces of sea, sun and wind that are unique to that part of Cornwall."

The (FBE) Annual Award for Devon and Cornwall is designed to recognise buildings or construction projects that display qualities such as: outstanding design, contribution to the local economy, environmental impact and radical approach to construction or use of materials.