The competition was launched to create a new east wing on Maidstone Museum which was won by Hugh Broughton Architects. The award-winning scheme elegantly links the two buildings together, which improves the visitor facilities and storage whilst upgrading the exhibition spaces.

The design softens the extension’s contemporary aesthetic. The colour of the copper alloy suggests the preciousness of the objects exhibited and balances the original palette of brick and Kentish ragstone.

The timber floor selected for public areas and galleries ensures visual flow with existing floors and hardy floor finishes in education and back-of-house areas minimise maintenance.

Awards:

• RIBA Downland Award for Architecture 2012
• Elle Deco British Design Award Finalist 2012
• Civic Trust Awards Commendation 2013
• AJ Retrofit Awards 2013 'Cultural Building of the Year'
• AJ Retrofit Awards 2013 'Heritage'