Quality workmanship and detailing
Purcell for Durham Cathedral
Contract value: £5.26m
GIA: 1,705m²
Cost per m²: £3,086
Purcell has worked with Durham’s cathedral staff for more than seven years to insert new visitor spaces to showcase its collection of historic items, from medieval books and stonework to Anglo-Saxon artefacts, in the existing grade I-listed buildings. The architect has remodelled previously hidden spaces and created suitable environmental conditions for the differing needs of the collection.
Bronze stainless steel and glass lift shafts provide accessible routes throughout while new timber doors separate and secure the zones. This restricted palette of materials has been used against existing stone structures to provide a high-quality finish based on traditional craftmanship. The judges were particularly impressed by the quality of the workmanship and detailing, including the inclusion of lead-framed secondary glazing to enhance the structural performance without affecting its appearance.
Conservation Award
Building of the Year sponsored by Artifice Press