East Midlands Opera House in Running for RIBA’s Best New Building

Nevill Holt Opera in Leicestershire, designed by Witherford Watson Mann Architects, has been shortlisted alongside five other buildings for the most prestigious prize in UK architecture, the 2019 RIBA (Royal Institution of British Architects) Stirling Prize.

This contemporary opera theatre, which has been inserted into a 17th century stable block has already won several regional awards. Witherford Watson Mann Architects were recipients of the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2013, for Astley Castle in Warwickshire.

The RIBA Awards jury has described the Nevill Holt Opera building as: “A project that looks effortless, yet we all know that this belies the truth. The modesty, craftsmanship, care and attention that have been applied here are exceptional.”

The other RIBA Stirling Prize-shortlisted projects are:
  • Cork House, Berkshire (Architect: Matthew Barnett Howland with Dido Milne and Oliver Wilton) – A carbon-neutral private house made almost entirely from cork.
  • Goldsmith Street, Norwich (Architect: Mikhail Riches with Cathy Hawley) – A large development of 105 highly energy-efficient homes for social rent.
  • London Bridge Station (Architect: Grimshaw) – A radical reconfiguration and development of one of London’s busiest stations
  • The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience, Moray (Architect: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners) – A high-tech visitor centre with an undulating grass-covered roof.
  • The Weston, Yorkshire Sculpture Park (Architect: Feilden Fowles Architects) – An exquisite new gallery nestled in the Yorkshire landscape.

Speaking today, RIBA President, Ben Derbyshire, said: “The RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist epitomises the enviable global reputation of UK architecture. These six buildings could hardly be more diverse in typology and scale – from a rustic stable block-turned-theatre to a vast national railway station.”

He continues: “But what they have in common – ground-breaking innovation, extraordinary creativity and the highest quality materials and detailing – sets them apart, rightfully earning them a chance to win the highest accolade in architecture.”

The winner of the 2019 RIBA Stirling Prize will be announced on Tuesday 8 October 2019 at the Roundhouse in London.

The Architects’ Journal is the professional media partner for the RIBA Stirling Prize. #StirlingPrize

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