A RECEPTION made of yoghurt pots, a roof covering made from old tyres and running water from a nearby spring - it doesn't sound much like a modern design.

But this eco-friendly visitor centre has just been named 2007's best public building.

Dalby Forest Visitor Centre, near Pickering, has won this year's Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award, beating 17 other strong contenders to the finishing line.

Opened in April, the visitor centre - part of a major regeneration project in Dalby Forest and the North York Moors National Park - uses almost solely local natural materials to fit seamlessly into its surroundings.

All the centre's materials, machinery and labour are sourced locally. The local village spring supplies its water, while panels and wind turbines also mean all its energy comes from renewable sources.

The roof covering is made from recycled tyres and inner tubes, and the reception desk incorporates recycled mobile phones, yogurt pots and Wellington boots.

John Sorrell, the chairman of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), said: "Dalby Forest Visitor Centre is everything that we should expect from a new public building.

"It inspires those using and visiting it. It adds to the enjoyment of the places and spaces around us, and shows how great design lies at the heart of our response to climate change."

Presenting the award, Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said: "Each of the finalists for the Prime Minister's Award show what excellent design and procurement can bring to local communities and the environment.

"Dalby Forest Visitor Centre is a stunning example of this, setting high standards for the future.

"This is especially important now, at a time when our design and construction industries must respond urgently to the threat of climate change."

The Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award is part of the British Construction Industry Awards, and is sponsored jointly by CABE and the Office of Government Commerce (OGC).

Nigel Smith, OGC's chief executive, said: "The Prime Minister's Award is unique. It recognises high-quality design, but also efficient procurement. I would like to see all publicly-funded building projects setting their sights this high."