A Belfast building designer has lifted two prizes at the prestigious RIBA Regional Awards.

Architectural firm Twenty Two Over Seven was the main Northern Ireland winner, at the regional heats, for its design of The Meter House and a private residence.

Other Ulster winners included Stranmillis University College's renowned Orchard building, designed by Scott Wilson; the Spire of Hope at Belfast city centre's Saint Annes Cathedral, installed last year and designed by Colin Conn Architects and Robert Jamison Architects; and Strule Arts Centre in Tyrone, which was envisaged by Kennedy FitzGerald & Associates.

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In the commercial category, at the British awards, recognition was given to St Pancras International station, designed by Alastair Lansley and Union Railways; and the controversial Terminal 5 at Heathrow, the terminal designed Roger Stirk Harbour & Partners was plagued by systems errors after its launch, which arguably deflected attention from its impressive design style.

The awards have came under criticism by classicists including Terry Quinlan and Robert Adam, who accused the RIBA of neglecting traditional architecture. They believe the winners should reflect all styles of architecture in Britain.

Regional Award winners will be considered for the Institutes national awards on June 27.

(PR/JM)