Castle’s towering success at region’s RIBA awards
ABUILDING at a County Durham castle has been named as the region’s best new building in a competition which also singled out a country cottage, a former fire station and a modern glamping tower.
The renovated Tower and Faith Museum at Auckland Castle took the top prize at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) North East Awards 2024, held to recognise exceptional design in all size of buildings.
The North East 2024 Awards were announced at a ceremony in Newcastle, where Auckland Castle, Tower and Faith Museum won North East Building of the Year Award 2024 after judges said the project constitutes “a valuable extension to the town, offering visitors and locals moments of amusement, reflection, and education while supporting the longevity of the built heritage.”
The renovation of Auckland Castle was led by Niall McLaughlin Architects & Purcell, transforming the historic home of the Prince Bishops into a faith, art and heritage destination.
The architects designed two parts – the Welcome Building and, in collaboration with Purcell, an extension to the Scotland Wing to contain the Faith Museum.
Earlier in the evening, the building also won the North East Conservation Award 2024.
Other winners on the night were the Fire Station Auditorium in Sunderland by Flanagan Lawrence Architects and Howarth Litchfield, which won RIBA North East Client of the Year 2024, and Percy Cottage by Elliott Architects which scooped RIBA North East Project Architect of the Year 2024.
Meanwhile, Raven Tower holiday accommodation, by Newton Architects and Shed Structural Engineers, won RIBA North East Small Project of the Year 2024.
RIBA president Muyiwa Oki said: “This year’s RIBA Award winning schemes showcase the true value of quality architecture and the positive impact it has on people’s lives.
“While carefully considering the needs of the environment, these truly remarkable places and spaces deliver for communities, for residents, for visitors, and people of all ages up and down the country.
“They are pinnacles of design excellence, and show what can be achieved when architects and clients collaborate successfully.”
RIBA North East jury chair, Emily Posey, said: “From Pele Towers to Siege Towers, this year’s RIBA North East winners delivered historical conceptual responses to the briefs in varying scales, from small interventions to generous public offerings, heeding the local histories of the area in a playful style.
“The use of local materials and craftsmanship was a common thread in the projects, demonstrating that well-crafted design can be achieved at any scale.
“Each project found its own way to add tactility and joyful moments to the architectural experience, enriching their locality whether for visitors, local communities, or domestic life.”
The regional winners will now be considered for a RIBA national award which will be announced on July 11.
The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best building of the year will be drawn from the national winners later in the year.
This year’s RIBA Award winning schemes showcase the true value of quality architecture and the positive impact it has on people’s lives Muyiwa Oki