The RIBA North East Awards 2024 winners have been revealed, showcasing exceptional design at a range of scales, from the urban (Auckland Castle, Tower and Faith Museum) to the smallest garden sites (Percy Cottage). They demonstrate how we can enjoy the North East through large communal activities (Fire Station Auditorium) or in very private woodland settings (Raven Tower).
Presented since 1966, the RIBA Awards set the standard for great architecture across the country.
The North East 2024 Awards were announced at a ceremony this evening, at which Auckland Castle, Tower and Faith Museum was named as winner of RIBA North East Building of the Year Award 2024 (sponsored by EH Smith). The judges said that the project constitutes “a valuable extension to the town, offering visitors and locals moments of amusement, reflection, and education while supporting the longevity of the built heritage.”
The 2024 RIBA North East Award winning projects are:
● Auckland Castle, Tower and Faith Museum by Níall McLaughlin Architects & Purcell
A series of urban and historic interventions for the restoration of a 900-year-old Grade I listed Castle
● Fire Station Auditorium, Sunderland by Flanagan Lawrence Architects with delivery architect Howarth Litchfield
This new auditorium is designed to accommodate audiences in a variety of layouts, with a very quick turnaround time
● Percy Cottage by Elliott Architects
The creation of additional wings tucked behind a garden wall, with the Grade II listed cottage beyond
● Raven Tower by NEWTON ARCHITECTS with s h e d STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
A slender tower provides holiday accommodation which recalls local history
The four projects were selected by the expert jury, who visited all shortlisted projects.
RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki, said:
“This year’s RIBA Award winning schemes showcase the true value of quality architecture, and the positive impact it has on people’s lives. While carefully considering the needs of the environment, these truly remarkable places and spaces deliver for communities, for residents, for visitors, and people of all ages up and down the country. They are pinnacles of design excellence, and show what can be achieved when architects and clients collaborate successfully.”
RIBA North East Jury Chair, Emily Posey said:
“From Pele Towers to Siege Towers this year’s RIBA North East winners delivered historical conceptual responses to the briefs in varying scales, from small interventions to generous public offerings, heeding the local histories of the area in a playful style. The use of local materials and craftsmanship was a common thread in the projects, demonstrating that well-crafted design can be achieved at any scale. Each project found its own way to add tactility and joyful moments to the architectural experience, enriching their locality whether for visitors, local communities, or domestic life.”
Full list of the regional special awards announced this evening:
● Auckland Castle, Tower and Faith Museum - RIBA North East Building of the Year 2024 (sponsored by EH Smith), RIBA North East Conservation Award 2024
● Percy Cottage (Alex Maxwell-Davies) - RIBA North East Project Architect of the Year 2024
● Fire Station Auditorium, Sunderland (MAC Trust) – RIBA North East Client of the Year 2024
● Raven Tower - RIBA North East Small Project of the Year 2024
RIBA North East Award 2024 winners will now be considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence, which will be announced on 11 July. The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best building of the year will be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning projects later in the year.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- For further press information please contact
Bobby Jewell| bobby@bobby-jewell.com | 07915 566640
Robert Fiehn| rob@robert-fiehn.com | 07814 078946 - High resolution images and jury citations: https://riba.box.com/RIBANorthEastWinners2024
- RIBA Special Awards are sponsored by EH Smith and Autodesk.
- The RIBA Awards have been running since 1966 and are judged and presented locally. No matter the shape, size, budget or location, RIBA Award winning schemes set the standard for great architecture all across the country. RIBA Awards are for buildings in the UK by RIBA Chartered Architects and RIBA International Fellows.
- Entries are submitted to the region or nation in which the building is situated. Projects are judged first for RIBA Regional Awards, then RIBA National Awards; the RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist is selected from winners of the RIBA National Awards.
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
