helped restore The Commissioner's House when it won a top international award.

The Dockyard construction -- thought to be the world's first prefabricated cast and wrought iron house -- has won a conservation award from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

The Bermuda Maritime Museum took over the site in 1975 and started restoration following years of decay after the Royal Navy abandoned it in 1952.

Its Director Dr. Edward Harris and Chairman of the Trustees Paul Leseur received their award from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales at a ceremony in London last night.

Dr. Harris told The Royal Gazette : "It's a very prestigious award -- it's a mark of the years of work by museum staff, contractors and architects and the support of donors.

"It feels marvellous -- it's a wonderful building.'' Ian Davidson, who is Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the museum, said: "It's very exciting for not just the museum but everyone in Bermuda. We have won this international award.

"It's thrilling to the board and staff both past and present -- it's been a long struggle. It's been 25 years since we started to restore the house.

`It's more inspiring to win an international award than something that's local and to be selected from a much bigger group.'' The restoration of the Commissioner's House has been the largest such project undertaken on the Island and has proved a draw for tourists.

RICS President Jonathan Harris said: "Without the efforts of the Museum the buildings would probably have been demolished and lost for future generations.

"The Awards recognise this achievement in the conservation and enhancement of a significant historic building.'' "The RICS is committed to the promotion of environmental improvement and sustainable development and the Awards scheme is one of the most visible ways in which we discharge our duty. "My congratulations go to all those who were involved in this successful project.'' Landmark wins recognition Since opening up again last May the versatile building -- originally built for the navy commissioner who oversaw work at the dockyard -- has proved a big hit.

Dr. Harris said: "Business people use it for conferences and we have had a wedding there.'' "Everyone loves it -- people come out of their shells. People use it for evening events and it's had rave reviews.'' Currently there are exhibits on slavery from the maritime perspective and on the contribution of Portuguese and Azorian Bermudians.

Dr. Harris added: "It's full steam ahead with other plans. We are decorating the whole place and later this month we are opening a Royal Navy HMS Malibar dining room and a US Navy dining room.'' Award-winning look: The restored Commissioner's House in Dockyard