Not one, but two architects walked away with the coveted Geoffrey Bawa Award 2007/2008 for Excellence in Architecture, at a glamorous presentation held at the Galle Face Hotel recently. Lalyn Collure (winning submission - Boulder Garden Nature Resort), and Shyamika Silva (winning submission - Nalin Indrasena's House) each received the top award, while Nela De Soyza (Suzuki Maruti Complex) and Palinda Kannangara (An Estate Bungalow) received commendations for their work.

This elegant and special event, hosted by the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, saw architects of nine properties vying for this award, which models itself according to the principles of the world-renowned Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

According to Lalyn Collure, whose design for the Boulder Garden Nature Resort has been widely acclaimed by architects and the public alike, "the Boulder Garden Resort was an exciting opportunity to create something innovative and different, and I am honoured that the esteemed panel of jurists thought so highly of the project."

According to Shyamika Silva, whose winning submission - Nalin Indrasena's House - has been recognised for its minimalist design and contemporary elements, "to walk away with this prestigious award is a significant achievement for me, and this is made much more special since we were given an unparalleled compliment of being recognised at the inaugural award presentation."

The two architects were presented with the highly coveted trophy, the design of which was inspired by an obelisk placed on top of a gate post at Bawa's Lunuganga Estate. Made from solid Paramara wood and Ebony, the design emulated similar elements found in the great gardens of Europe - particularly Italy - for which Bawa had a particular fondness. The two winners also shared the one million rupee prize money that was awarded.

Meanwhile, Nela De Zoysa was commended for her design of the Suzuki Maruti Complex, a building conceptualised to showcase the exhibits in a hi-tech, yet minimalist surroundings. Also walking away with a commendation for his work was Palinda Kannangara, for an Estate Bungalow hideout designed to allow its owners to live amidst the green and enjoy nature to the fullest.

Heading the judging panel, Ms. Sunethra Bandaranaike, (Trustee - Geoffrey Bawa Trust and Chairperson - Sunera Foundation) added that choosing a single winner was an immensely difficult task. "Each of the 9 short-listed properties is very special in design, and technical expertise. The judges were highly impressed by the standards being adhered to. We are sure that Bawa himself would have been immensely proud to see how our young architects are now more conscious about the aesthetic beauty of a building."