Gold star: This under-fives centre in Walthamstow, northeast London, has been singled out by the government’s architecture watchdog as part of its guide Creating Excellent Ðǿմ«Ã½s, published this week.

Lloyd Park, designed by architect Cottrell & Vermeulen, was commended for securing funding while insisting on excellent design, one of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment’s 10 recommendations.

Other schemes praised by the guide included Peabody Trust’s Beaufort House development in Fulham, west London.