Downland Gridshell wins Royal Institute of British Architects Award

The Downland Gridshell has won a prestigious architectural award at the annual Royal Institute of British Architects awards for the south east region.

The building has also been entered for the RIBA Stirling prize, which will go to the building thought to be the most significant of the past year.

It will also be entered for the RIBA Journal sustainability award, to be made to the building demonstrating the principles of sustainable architecture "most elegantly and durably."

The gridshell, designed by Edward Cullinan Architects was officially opened on June 24th and houses the Museum's collection of artefacts, and is the workshop for the repair and construction of the timber frames of the Museum's historic buildings and the venue for many of the Museums historic building conservation courses.

"This was an extraordinary building which was a joy to visit, a major work by a practice which has enriched the architectural culture of Britain over four decades," said a report by the RIBA awards jury.

"The building is inclusive, accessible, sustainable - and beautiful"

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The award-winning Weald & Downland Open Air Museum is England’s leading museum of historic buildings and traditional rural life.  Over 45 historic buildings represent the homes and rural workplaces of the past 500 years in South East England. The Museum, which is designated by the Government for the outstanding importance of its collections, runs a lively programme of courses in building conservation and rural crafts.  There is also a café using the Museum’s own produce and a shop with gifts and books on countryside and buildings themes.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Reporters and photographers are welcome at the Museum. Further information: contact Operations Director Gail Kittle
Tel: 01243 811481
Fax: 01243 811475
Email: gkittle@wealddown.co.uk.

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