A new science teaching lab and a Jewellery Quarter factory conversion have been named among the West Midlands' top architectural projects.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has crowned the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory at the University of Birmingham and the Squirrel Works apartment block winners at its annual awards.

The two projects, along with five other West Midlands winners, will now go forward to be considered for a national RIBA Award and possibly the coveted Stirling Prize.

The Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, which opened last October, was designed by Sheppard Robson and houses a range of science and engineering departments.

It forms part of a much wider regeneration of the University of Birmingham's Edgbaston campus which has already seen new halls of residence, a library and sports centre with 50m pool completed.

Squirrel Works has been named a RIBA West Midlands winner
Squirrel Works has been named a RIBA West Midlands winner

Squirrel Works, designed by Sjölander da Cruz Architects, is a small, residential complex in the Jewellery Quarter which saw grade II-listed former silversmiths converted into loft apartments and office space.

Birmingham-based practices K4 Architects and BPN Architects also won for their work on projects based outside the city.

The other winning West Midlands buildings were:

- Barn House, Herefordshire, by Stolon Studio

- Beech Gardens, Ludlow, by K4 Architects

- Middle Hunt House Bridge, Herefordshire, by Michael Crowley Architect

- The Ghost House, Stratford-upon-Avon, by BPN Architects

- Wrekin College Business School, Telford, by Baart Harries Newall Architects

Deborah Walsh, RIBA's regional director for the West Midlands, said: "This year's winners demonstrate the wealth and breadth of architectural talent in our region.

"All winning buildings have been awarded because of the way they carefully and thoughtfully respond to the brief of a client, the delight they bring to their users and the positive impact they have on communities.

"I am sure they will continue to improve the lives of many for years to come."

RIBA also gave special awards to a series of projects with the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory taking home three categories.

Alex Smith, associate partner at Sheppard Robson, was named project architect of the year while the development was also handed the sustainability award and overall building of the year.

Squirrel Works took home the conservation category.

The award ceremony was held at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.