A “remarkable” retrofit of the historic Brighton’s Dome Corn Exchange & Theatre has been crowned the UK’s best timber building, beating out a competitive field to secure the Gold Award at the 2024 Wood Awards. Set within the Regency Gardens and adjoining Royal Pavilion, the historic Grade-I listed theatre has been thoroughly restored, strengthened, and remodelled, extending its life for another 100 years.
Designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the project repaired and restored the UK’s biggest single-span timber frame. Originally built as the stable block for the Prince Regent, the roof was stripped back and revealed to the public. Where necessary, repairs were made to the dormer roof arches and wall linings, while original decorative window linings were reinstated using specialist craft skills.
By re-analysing the whole structure and meticulously understanding every joint and size, the project team – led by R. Durtnell & Sons and Westridge Construction Ltd – brought the building up to modern design standards with a solution that preserves and enhances the original timber roof—repairing rather than replacing damaged parts. By matching old timber with new timbers – supplied by Neil Burke Joinery and Weitzer Parkett, the project team has created a stunning space with an inherent warmth in its colour, which acts as an ode to the UK’s timber heritage.
“This project highlights two key criteria for the Wood Awards,” said Jim Greaves, lead judge and Principal at Hopkins Architects, who visited all buildings shortlisted in the Awards. “Firstly, it has retained and carefully restored a historic structure; secondly, the new work has been sensitively designed to fit within it.”
“Every aspect of design has been considered within the interior of this building. The historic roof, stripped bare, sits atop a newly restored interior that recalls the earlier use of the building as a riding school. A space that historically was given over to the horses is now given over to the public.”
Jim Greaves, lead judge and Principal at Hopkins Architects on the Brighton’s Dome Corn Exchange & Theatre.
David Hopkins, the organiser for this year’s awards, said the theatre was one of 11 projects (across 14 award categories) celebrated at Carpenters Hall in London. “Timber—and retrofit—have crucial roles in decarbonising construction, and as an organisation, we spend a lot of time campaigning, promoting, and educating about the role of timber,” Mr Hopkins said, who is also the CEO of Timber Development UK. “All winners and shortlisted projects are incredible examples of British architecture and design. I know the judging gets more difficult every year – with so many wonderful timber buildings in the UK continuing to emerge.”
In addition to the theatre, HIAVEN, WorkStack, Clare College, Bough Terrace, and Rhodes House Garden Pavilion all won their categories and showcased the diversity and beauty of timber, from large workspaces to jewel-like pavilions. Haileybury SciTech and Uist House received the special Sustainability and Research & Innovation awards.
When it came to the furniture and object winners, Communion by Giles Tettey Nartey, the Ebworth Stools by the Sylva Foundation and National Trust, Endless Orbit by Oliver Spendley, and Karl and Rita by Alex Radivan each showed outstanding talent in British design using wood.
“We are seeing climate-conscious architects, engineers, and other designers increasingly choosing to use wood as the primary material in their projects – recognising its low-carbon nature, warmth, and beauty – which has so brilliantly been put on display this year,” according to Mr Hopkins, who added that “Every one of the entrants was remarkable, and we hope that the 2024 awards will inspire even more designers to work with wood.”
About the Wood Awards
The Wood Awards is the UK’s premier competition for excellence in architecture and product design in wood. Established in 1971, it recognises, encourages, and promotes outstanding wood design, craftsmanship, and installation. Through the Wood Awards, we aim to continually encourage British designers and manufacturers to aim ever higher in the design world and showcase some of their incredible achievements to a national and international audience.
Partners
American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC)
An international creative collaborator and invaluable material resource, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) is the global face of U.S. hardwoods, championing their performance, sustainability, and aesthetic potential in timber markets worldwide.
Carpenters’ Company
The Carpenters’ Company is a City of London Livery Company. It was originally established as a medieval trade guild to safeguard the welfare and interests of carpenters in the City of London. Today, charitable activities and support for the craft of woodworking through scholarships, competitions, and the Building Crafts College are the two cornerstones of its work.
Timber Development UK (organisers of the Wood Awards)
Timber Development UK was formed from the merger of two of the largest and longest-established organisations in the supply chain, the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA). Bringing these two associations together created the largest, most comprehensive supply chain body in the UK, spanning from sawmill to specifier and all points in between. We want to use this new organisation to capitalise on the growing interest in designing with timber and to act as an agent of change towards more sustainable, low-carbon forms of construction.
