Two talented students from South Thames College in Wandsworth were announced as the winners of a unique sculpture design competition run by London-based homebuilder Joseph Homes.

Laura Mathews and Rafael Fischer were announced as winners, after their entries impressed five specialist guest judges - Mark Davies (Futurecity), Helen Phelan (Artist), Chris Leigh-Cattrall (M3 Design Development), Zoe Green (landscape and urban designer for The Tramyard) and Morley Von Sternberg (Photographer).

The runners up, Cristina Rosculete and Rodrigo Branco, were also highly commended by the judges.

Entrants were invited to provide suggested designs for a sculpture at Joseph Homes’ current Balham development, The Tramyard, by creating a mood board with research and drawings.

Their designs had to encompass the values of Joseph Homes, as well as including the history of the site as London’s last working tram depot. The two winning designs will now be combined to inspire the final sculpture at The Tramyard.

Cllr Piers McCausland said: “It is a pleasure to announce the winners of the Joseph Homes sculpture competition. It is clear that the students have worked extremely hard on their projects, and I have had a fantastic time looking through all of their designs at the exhibition. Congratulations to all involved, and I look forward to seeing the finished product.”

Michael Bryn-Jones, Managing Director at Joseph Homes, comments: “I am delighted to present the prizes to Laura and Rafael for their inspired designs for the sculpture at The Tramyard.

"The standard of the work that all of the students presented was outstanding overall, and it was clear that they all put in a lot of hard work in to achieve their final designs. All of the projects demonstrated a very clear creative flare, and we would like to thank everyone for their participation and fantastically thought-out designs.

"Congratulations to Laura and Rafael – we are extremely excited to bring the sculpture to life, inspired by their exceptional winning designs.”

Cllr Ravi Govindia said: “These winning designs are of a very high standard and can I offer my congratulations to both Laura and Rafael and indeed all the students that took part.

"It is always very pleasing to see new talent coming through and I would like to thank South Thames College for hosting this excellent project which takes in the history of the Balham Tramyard and really brings it to life.”

Eddie Smith, Lecturer at South Thames College, said of the project: “The students thoroughly enjoyed the artistic challenge of designing the sculpture for The Tramyard.

"The project provided a valuable insight into the world of architectural design, helping the students to get involved in a real-life situation in which they had to work to a professional brief and deadline.

"This experience is unique, and will help them when they apply to universities. On behalf of the college and the students, I would like to express our extreme thanks to Joseph Homes for giving the students this one-of-a-kind opportunity, and for dedicating their time, expertise and enthusiasm to them.”