Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Visitor Facilities, Hillsborough

Consarc Design Group for Historic Royal Palaces
Contract value: £17.1m 
GIA: 2,749m² 
Cost per m²: £6,233

This project encompassed restoration works to the castle, gardens and extended grounds as well as the construction of new facilities. Key concerns that needed to be addressed included access across the steep site and rerouting cars away from the local village. Use of local materials and delight in the craft of putting things together were important throughout. This approach is exemplified in the new visitor facilities by self-supporting masonry structures and exposed structural connections and the use of handmade bricks, natural slates and locally manufactured timber trusses. Massing and orientation have reduced the need for climate control, while air source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting and hydroelectricity powered by the existing Mill Race have been introduced across the estate.

See the rest of the Northern Ireland shortlist here. And all the RIBA Regional Awards shortlists here

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