The Salford project, designed by Manchester-based Hodder + Partners, has been named North West Building of the Year by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
The RHS Bridgewater Welcome Building was praised by judges for “putting landscape renewal and sustainability at the center”. They also said the building “embodies post-pandemic offerings for social engagement and wellbeing through an intelligently delivered facility solution”.
The Welcome Building was chosen for the highest regional honor from a list of six prized projects, including OMI Architects’ work on The Old Library in Liverpool and Feilden Fowles’ transformation of The Fratry into Carlisle Cathedral.
Inside the Hodder+Partners welcome building. Credit: Peter Cook
RHS Bridgewater was a team effort, with BAM Construct as the main contractor. RoC Consulting was the structural engineer for the project and Hoare Lea was the environmental and M&E engineer.
Tom Stuart-Smith was the landscape architect, while Arcadis provided both quantity measurement and project management services.
“Winning a regional award for Building of the Year is a major achievement,” said RIBA President Simon Allford.
“Projects across the country have been selected for this award because they represent the very best in innovative, intelligent and beautiful design.
“The results of a positive collaboration between architect and client, and design team and contractor, show that high-quality, sustainable architecture can positively impact the lives of the people who interact with it.”
The Hodder+Partners welcome building. Credit: Peter Cook