Kenilworth Castle Visitor Centre Wins Awards
The new Kenilworth Castle visitor centre has been praised by the judges of two prestigious design awards. The building has been named New Build of 2006 by the Warwick District Design Awards, and “highly commended” by the judges of The Wood Awards.
The low green-oak framed building, designed by Richard Griffiths Architects, was completed in Spring 2006 and forms part of the £2.5million investment programme which has transformed the visitor experience of the historic site. The demolition of the old ticket office, a prefabricated 1950’s structure, opened up stunning vistas similar to those that would have greeted Elizabeth I on her visit to the castle in 1575. The location of the new visitor centre recaptures the site’s turbulent past – it marks the spot of a former barbican which guarded a causeway traversing the defensive mere, whilst its vernacular design draws inspiration from the varied traditions of timber buildings that would have been a feature of the site.
The Warwick District Council Design Awards invites nominations from the public to celebrate good design and architecture in the District. The awards are made to those entries which the judges felt most added to the quality of environment and the enjoyment of the people living within, and visiting, the District.
The Wood Awards is the premier award for wood in buildings and furniture and exists to recognise, encourage and promote outstanding design, craftsmanship and installation in wood. Of 106 entries, a mere 33 projects were shortlisted, and the castle’s new visitor centre was praised by judges for being, “deceptively simple and exquisitely performed.”
The judges added: “the building combines robustness and elegance in very high quality detail design. The structure is a very well considered response to an amazingly sensitive site.”
Steve Bax, Head of Visitor Operations for Kenilworth Castle, said: “We’re delighted for everyone who has been involved in this project. Kenilworth Castle is one of the most inspiring and dramatic historic sites in the country and there was no “off the shelf” design to create a truly world class visitor facility that would be sympathetic to its unique setting. Recognition by these awards reflects the thoughtful approach that has been taken in the design of this building - it has certainly made its mark”.
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