RIBA Regional Awards 2014: East
High House Artists' Studios, Purfleet, Essex
HAT Projects for High House Production Park
Contract £1.8m. GIA 2,200m2
Acme Studios has supported the arts since 1972, and in commissioning this purpose-built, 39 studio and four live/work units in Thurrock, it is supporting architects too. Aspiring to be a world-class centre for technical skills, crafts and artistic production; High House Production Park is home to the likes of the off-site technical department of the Royal Opera House.
The scheme is a testament to HAT Projects’ skill in creating an materially and spatially elegant building despite financial constraints. The judges saw High House as a prime example of what a proactive client/architect relationship can yield.