The Royal Alexandra children's hospital

The Royal Alexandra children's hospital, Brighton, East Sussex, was opened in 1881 but in June 2007 it reopened at a new site, at the city's Royal Sussex county hospital, with three times the floor space of the old hospital and double the number of beds Photograph: Press Association

The hospital, known locally as the Alex, was selected from a shortlist of 21 projects – including bridges, a railway station and roads - to win the Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award Photograph: Press Association

Judges praised its nautical theme, with white concrete panels and bright bands of colour reflecting its seaside setting. Photograph: Press Association

At the heart of the building is a light-filled central atrium providing a bright reception Photograph: Press Association

The 100 patient beds are arranged in single, two-bedded and four-bedded units, each with a sea view. Even the operating theatre offers a view to the coast Photograph: Press Association