A SUSTAINABLE family home in Abergavenny has been shortlisted for a leading award, against much bigger projects.

Un y Berllan in Llanfoist, designed to use no fossil energy, is one of ten building projects in the running for the National Eisteddfod of Wales’ Gold Medal for Architecture.

Its rivals include the £28m Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone and the newSt David’s Hospice in Newport.

Within the home, natural materials are used wherever possible, including Welsh oak and slate, with curved internal walls to help maximise the flow of natural light.

Seating in the dining area is made from pews salvaged from a local chapel.

A log burner and wind power provide heating and hot water throughout the year.

The home was designed by Abergavenny architects Catherine Roberts and Steven Harris.

They learned that the home has been shortlisted at a reception hosted by Design Commission for Wales last Friday.

Its chief executive, Carole-Anne Davies, said: “The finalists represent a cross-section of work across a range of projects from large health and education projects from the public sector to private dwellings and grassroots initiatives.”

All ten shortlisted projects will be included in the Architecture in Wales exhibition at the National Eisteddfod of Wales from August 3-10.