Burntwood School wins RIBA Stirling Prize 2015

Burntwood School, a large comprehensive school in Wandsworth, London, has won the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize 2015.

Architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHHM), who worked closely with Lend Lease, Wandsworth Borough Council and Burntwood School, developed the £40.9M project and collected the award.

The School was one of the final projects to be developed under the Building Schools for the Future scheme that was axed by the then Coalition government in 2010.

The construction was completed in three phases, with 85% of the original 1958 school buildings being rebuilt and the main hall and gym block also being refurbished.

Burntwood School (C) Timothy Soar

Burntwood School beat off competition from the other five building shortlisted for the award, Darbishire Place, Maggie’s Lanarkshire, NEO Bankside, University of Greenwich’s Stockwell Street Building and The Whitworth in Manchester.

The judges said of the School: “Burntwood School is the clear winner of the 2015 RIBA Stirling Prize. It is the most accomplished of the six shortlisted buildings because it demonstrates the full range of the skills that architects can offer to society.

“It encompasses great contemporary design and clever reuse of existing buildings as well as superb integration of artwork, landscaping and engineering. It is a genuine collaborative project. There was a wonderful working relationship between the head teacher and the architect: a true partnership of equals.”

RIBA President Jane Duncan commented: “Burntwood School shows us how superb school design can be at the heart of raising our children’s educational enjoyment and achievement.

“Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, experienced school architects, have created a stunning campus. They have produced delightful, resourceful and energy efficient buildings that will benefit the whole community in the long term.

With the UK facing a huge shortage of school places, it is vital we learn lessons from Burntwood.”

Burntwood School (C) Timothy Soar

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