UK’s most prestigious architecture prize will be visiting Astley Castle.
Astley Castle, a groundbreaking modern holiday home inserted into the crumbling walls of an ancient moated castle in Warwickshire by Witherford Watson Mann Architects, won the coveted Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize 2013 for the best building of the year.
Now in its 18th year, the RIBA Stirling Prize the UK’s most prestigious architecture prize will be visiting Astley Castle in an event first, on the 13th June 2014 with RIBA’s Chief executive Harry Rich, for an exclusive tour led by Witherford Watson Mann Architects.
The presentation of the RIBA Stirling Prize trophy to Witherford Watson Mann Architects took place at a special ceremony on Thursday 26 September at Central Saint Martins, King’s Cross, London.
Astley Castle is a 12th century fortified manor which had been lying in ruins since a fire gutted it in 1978. When the architects came to work on the building it was in a state of collapse and on the Heritage at Risk Register. What has been built is no straightforward restoration, the building had seen additions and revisions carried out in almost every century since Medieval times, so knowing which period to emulate would have been impossible. The architects solution was to stabilise the ruin and create the next layer of the building’s history. The result is a highly complex and original new house giving the castle’s visitors a truly unique experience.
Astley Castle is fully booked up until 2016, although the tour is open to all and booking for this event is essential by contacting RIBA West Midlands regional office on 0121 233 2321 or email [email protected]
The event is part of Love Architecture Festival, a range of events taking place across June by RIBA West Midlands. The festival aims to celebrate architecture and the built environment whilst inspiring, informing and exciting people of all ages about the built environment. Festival activities will celebrate the amazing architecture and the buildings, streets and neighbourhoods all around us. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun through a range of action-packed events for all ages including: walks, bike rides, talks, tours, competitions, exhibitions, films and family events.
