Caruso St. John’s Newport Street Gallery has won the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize.

Located in London's Vauxhall, the gallery was designed for artist Damien Hirst's private collection, including works by Francis Bacon, Tracey Emin and Pablo Picasso.

The Stirling Prize judges said the building was 'highly accomplished and expertly detailed' in their summation of the win.

‘It’s rare for architects to be given the opportunity to realize a personal vision of the quality of the Newport Street Gallery, and for that vision to have a generous public dimension,' Peter St.John noted. ‘We see the building as a palace for direct, intimate and luxurious encounters with contemporary art, and we are very pleased that this award will bring more people to see this extraordinary collection.’

Max Fordham designed the environmental engineering for the project, and performed the acoustics and lighting consultancy as well. The project included the refurbishment of three, listed, former theatre scenery workshops and the addition of extensive gallery space. 

The saw-toothed roof profile and listed status meant most of the mechanical and electrical plant had to be installed in a small, concentrated plantroom in the basement.

Services for the utilities were diverted to run below the pavement outside to ensure easy access for forklifts and trucks to transport artworks, some as heavy as 40 tonnes.

Natural daylight was prioritised over artificial lighting where feasible, and low-noise air-conditioning was installed to complement the serene intimacy of the gallery.