Two of our projects are vying for the RIBA Stirling Prize!

The RIBA have announced the long-awaited shortlist for the coveted Stirling Prize, the UK’s most prestigious architecture award. The award is given to the architect of the building thought to be the most significant of the year for the evolution of architecture and the built environment.

Following four National Award wins, two of our projects are now vying for the Stirling Prize alongside four other shortlisted projects: the New Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, and Sands End Arts and Community Centre.

The new three-storey building for Magdalene College in Cambridge replaces the college’s current library facilities, and contains an archive facility and picture gallery.

The RIBA praised the project for presenting exceptional engagement with environmental design principles, stating that its predicted energy performance as a result exceeds the RIBA 2030 benchmark to be one of the best performing buildings of this year’s submissions. The project is also one of the top submissions in terms of whole-life carbon considerations, and has addressed the RIBA 2025 benchmark. 

Working alongside Niall McLaughlin Architects, we provided M&E Engineering and Acoustics for this project.

"The clever natural ventilation system, as well as the thermal mass of the load-bearing brick walls, means it should stay cool enough, without reaching for the air-con switch." - The Guardian 

 

 "It's a great example of a building being designed to last. The library makes use of natural ventilation and good daylighting to create a comfortable space without the need for energy intensive air conditioning. In the recent hot weather, the building performed really well, keeping the internal temperature down at 31°C on the top floor and 25°C on the lower floor despite the 40+ degrees externally. It shows that with good design, passively cooled buildings can work in our changing climate." - Ben Sellars, Principal Engineer and Partner at Max Fordham

Providing spaces for art exhibitions and community events with an ancillary café and children’s day nursery, Sands End Arts and Community Centre is a new multi-purpose building complex located a stone's throw from the Parson's Green conservation area.

The RIBA stressed the project's significant contribution to its community, and highlighted its sustainable features, such as its natural ventilation, the whole centre being powered by one domestic boiler, and PVs contributing to the energy supply.   

Working alongside Mae Architects, we provided M&E Engineering and Lighting Design for this project.

"Built from cross laminated timber, stained a warm green on the inside, these naturally ventilated rooms are a model for light-touch, low-carbon design, developed in close collaboration with the community." - The Guardian 

"This project was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate again with the team at Mae, Elliot Wood, Charles Moran, and Ikon. London Borough of H&F was very supportive and held strong to the high aspirations for sustainability, quality in materials, and the commitment to timber structure. The strategy for the services were to keep them simple, discreet, low-energy and easy to maintain. As well as the new CLT building, we're really proud of the understated refurbishment of the existing lodge house." - Scott Crease, Residential Leader and Partner at Max Fordham

The winner will be announced on 13th October.