Herefordshire Council today announced that sustainability architect Architype has won the competition to design the £2.9m St Katherine's Library in Ledbury, Herefordshire.The competition attracted a large number of entries including designs by Feilden Clegg Bradley, Richard Murphy, Davies Sutton and Panter Hudspith.
The competition attracted a large number of entries including designs by Feilden Clegg Bradley, Richard Murphy, Davies Sutton and Panter Hudspith. The project board scored the proposals based on their interpretation of the project brief and their understanding of the historical and conservation context. The final three were also displayed for public comment, and there was an overwhelming preference for the Architype scheme.
Located within a rare surviving example of an historic hospital complex founded in 1232, the winning proposal is for an overtly 21st century building with a strong connection to Ledbury's heritage. Designed as a modern re-interpretation of Ledbury's traditional timber frame, the new building will be constructed from Herefordshire grown oak and Douglas fir timber. Architype's scheme is highly sustainable and is aiming to be Ledbury's first "Passivhaus" standard building with radically reduced energy consumption.
In addition to the new library, the project also includes the refurbishment of one of the UK's only surviving examples of a 15th century pre-Reformation hospital Master's House. Architype is working in partnership with mediaeval timber specialists Butler and Hegarty Architects and Amey Consulting is providing other consultancies.
Architype, which has one office in Herefordshire and one in London, will now start preparing detailed designs for the new library; the design process will involve further consultation with users, local residents and English Heritage. Construction of the new library is due to start in 2010.
Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: "As a council we are fortunate that the process attracted so many quality expressions of interest. We particularly liked Architype's approach to both the site as a whole and how the new building can be built in a sustainable way".