THERE was double success for Hopkins Homes, East Anglia's largest independent house builder, at the national What House? Awards 2008 in London.The awards were revealed at the Grosvenor Hotel when the house building and developing industry professionals gathered in large numbers, despite the problems the industry is facing in the economic downturn.

THERE was double success for Hopkins Homes, East Anglia's largest independent house builder, at the national What House? Awards 2008 in London.

The awards were revealed at the Grosvenor Hotel when the house building and developing industry professionals gathered in large numbers, despite the problems the industry is facing in the economic downturn.

Suffolk based Hopkins Homes received two awards amid tough competition from across the country.

The company was awarded bronze in the Best Medium Housebuilder category, which was won by south Essex-based Weston Homes, who received gold.

And Hopkins Homes also took bronze in the Best Development category for St Giles View at Risby, five miles from Bury St Edmunds.

James Hopkins, executive chairman of Hopkins Homes, said: “The What House? Awards are the most highly respected symbols of prestige and excellence in the housebuilding industry and to win two is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the commitment that everyone at Hopkins Homes has to achieving the very highest of standards in everything we do.”

In their report, for the Best Medium Housebuilder category, the What House? Judges said: “Hopkins Homes has competed in the What House? Awards for many years with conspicuous success.

“The firm has always at least maintained standards, year on year, usually setting new ones in its geographical stronghold and now, in property terms, very much part of the East Anglia fabric. Hopkins is planning to extend its reach shortly into neighbouring Cambridgeshire and Essex.

“The firm can do both brownfield regeneration and rural distinction, always making the best use of location, stylish use of internal space and staying true to local vernacular. Suffolk sophistication, and a regional champion for the country.”

The judges also had praise for the St Giles View housing scheme in Risby.

They said: “The judges liked the cohesiveness and strength of design in this scheme. Hopkins Homes has taken traditional references, and interpreted them in an original style.

“There is also real attention to detail in the landscaping, architecture and individual layouts. Of the 19 dwellings, there are in fact 12 different types and this is an illustration of the effort the developer and designer have put in.”

Hopkins Homes is currently building homes in Suffolk and Essex including the Tibby's Triangle scheme in the heart of Southwold.

Also under construction are homes in Albany Place, Ipswich and houses and apartments at Melton Grange, Woodbridge, and also homes at Elmside Lea at Walsham-Le-Willows.