A Kier-built project has been awarded the most prestigious accolade in British architecture.

The multi-award winning Sainsbury Laboratory won the 2012 RIBA Stirling Prize on 13 October.

The building, designed by architects Stanton Williams for client the University of Cambridge, is situated on the northern edge of the University’s Botanic Gardens.

The RIBA Stirling Prize is presented to the architects of the British-built or designed building that has made the greatest contribution to the evolution of architecture over the past year.

An architectural promenade forms the heart of the Sainsbury Laboratory, which celebrates botanical research through interaction, communication and a connection with nature. From the front to the back, the building progresses from a grand, colonnaded façade to an open balcony and glazed public café, set within a botanic garden.


At ground level the entrance gently ramps down through the auditorium and meeting areas. At the upper level the scientists work on illuminated stages, with research and write-up areas forming the ends of two promenades, flanked by small spontaneous brainstorming spaces.

Sustainability through flexibility in long-term use is achieved through an adaptable façade behind the limestone pillar façade, enabling the research spaces to grow and change as required by the scientists. Despite the high energy demands of laboratories, the building has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating, aided by 1,000sq m of photovoltaic panels and extensive natural lighting even in the laboratories. These top-lit labs are arranged on one floor in an L-shape, encouraging interaction between scientists.

(CD/GK)