Three impressive buildings in Kent have received awards for their unique designs.

They are among eight winners in the South East part of the competition by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

One winner is Folkestone’s multi-million pound F51 skate park – a world first which boasts suspended concrete bowls and three stacked floors dedicated to all types of skateboarding and BMXing.

The centre, at the corner of Tontine Street and Dover Road, was designed by the Hollaway Studio and funded by local philanthropist Sir Roger De Haan.

The citation from RIBA said: “It provides a space for nurturing young people through sport on their own terms.

“Appearing on approach as a shimmering aluminium vessel with glimpses of the tangerine-orange structure within, F51 looks like nothing else.

“Home to three floors of skating, a climbing wall and a boxing club as well as the social and multi-functional spaces, there is a tangible buzz here.”

The centre was first proposed in 2015, but only opened in 2022 following delays due to its complex design, the pandemic, escalating costs and issues with cladding.

Over the years, it has received celebrity endorsements from American rapper MC Hammer and pro-skater Bam Margera.

Also winning was Upper Maxted, in Maxted Street, in the hamlet of Elmsted in the Folkestone and Hythe district.

The Grade II listed farmhouse dates from the 18th century and has had a recent extension, also designed by the Hollaway Studio.

The citation said: “The client’s brief required the rethinking of the ad-hoc extensions that had accumulated on the rear façade of the original house and the provision of a modern family kitchen and dining space.”

The third county winner was Waterfield House, in Goudhurst, Tunbridge Wells district, designed by pH+ Architcts.

The RIBA citation says this is a new house thst has been “carefully placed within the landscape to both address the impressive view down the valley and create a new sheltered entrance court to the south”.