Pixel Penzance wins the first ever BCO Judges’ Choice award

The award recognises projects that have made an exceptional impression beyond the established categories.

Last spring, we celebrated the moment Pixel brought a regional BCO award home to Penzance.

Today, our celebration is sounding out across the country, as Pixel has become the first project to win the national Judges’ Choice Award.

A revival, recognised

The Judges Choice award ‘gives the national judging panel the opportunity to recognise a project that has made an exceptional impression beyond the scope of the established award categories.’

To win it validates the multiplicity of impact at the heart of Pixel’s design — its power to invoke a better future by evoking the town’s rich history. Its capacity to connect Penzance’s people by championing the creative spirit that charges its sea breeze — whether that demands a keyboard, or a kiln.

Because Pixel isn’t just a workplace. Its striking glass façade has become the face of the town’s transformation — a BREEAM Excellent anchor at the head of its high street that draws life and business back to local independents.

Pixel delivers a transformative, design-led response to high street decline, creating a landmark creative hub that blends innovation with heritage. This project shows how corporate investment in close partnership with the local council can revive communities, champion sustainability and nurture business ecosystems.

Judges’ Comments

This win belongs to everyone in Penzance. As local designer, Poppy Treffry said during our Inhabitant interview series, “the positive momentum is coming from the people of Penzance who want to make it better.” Congratulations to the team, and our partners at Forward Space.

If you’re eager to learn more about the process behind Pixel’s design, read our full sit-down interview with lead architect, Ed Houlton