L'Ecurie at Dorfold Hall, Cheshire

RIBA North West Award 2023
RIBA North West Building of the Year, sponsored by EH Smith

L'Ecurie at Dorfold Hall, Cheshire
Zoë Polya-Vitry for Dorfold Hall Events
Contract value: Confidential
GIA: 646m²

Sitting within the Grade I-listed Dorfold Hall estate in Cheshire, L' Écurie at Dorfold Hall resurrects a long-lost stable building that once stood on the derelict stable yard. Following historic research by architect Zoë Polya-Vitry, the new building reflects the scale of the original structure, now offering a venue space with flexibility for a wide range of events.

The new building has been conceived as a series of sculptural pitched roofs, derived from the silhouetted plan of the former stable buildings and the gabled section of the hall itself.

Consideration has been given to the building’s appearance from various long views across the wider site. The jury found that new and exciting parts of the design were revealed as they walked around the grounds of the estate. The venue looks inwards on itself, forming a secluded courtyard which feels private and sheltered for visitors.

The building’s command of space and light is fantastic, creating an enchanting setting for special events. During the visit the jury were presented with photographs that showed the venue in use, every image full of smiles. Its zinc facade runs seamlessly from the base to wrap the structure’s forms, only interrupted by clear and conscious entrance openings. Movement through the spaces is clear and inclusive.

The scale of this project and its attention to detail make for an elegant building which sits within its equally beautiful context, influencing every event it now hosts.

See the rest of the RIBA North West winners here. And all the RIBA Regional Awards here.

If you want to understand the whole RIBA Awards process visit architecture.com

RIBA Regional Awards 2023 sponsored by Gaggenau, EH Smith and Autodesk