2013 RIBA stirling prize winner - astley castle, warwickshire

2013 RIBA stirling prize winner – astley castle, warwickshire
image © hélène binet

the 2013 RIBA stirling prize winner is ‘astley castle’ by witherford watson mann architects. the project (which designboom covered extensively here) saw the preservation and conservation of the 12th century structure in nuneaton, north warwickshire, originally owned by the astley family. the london-based firm was commissioned by the landmark trust to reinvigorate the historic fortified manor–damaged in a 1978 fire–by restoring it with 21st century with modern constructions, re-instituting the spaces to their original programming, offering guests of the thousand-year-old castle a unique experience while staying within its walls. transforming the ancient moated construction into a modern holiday home, witherford watson mann architects decided to position the bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor, with communal spaces above, into the crumbling walls of the fortress with the striking tudor and jacobean ruins in view.

now in its 18th year, the 2013 RIBA stirling prize was presented on september 26th, at central saint martins, king’s cross, london, and is considered to be the UK’s most prestigious architecture prize.

see the full 2013 RIBA stirling prize shortlist on designboom here.

a modern holiday home is inserted into the crumbling walls of the castle
image © hélène binet

the 12th century fortress has been restored with 21st century modern constructions
image © hélène binet

the castle has been restored into a modern holiday home
image © hélène binet

the restoration projects sees the blending of old and new
image © hélène binet