Sainsbury Laboratory named Britain's best building

The Stirling Prize is the UK's most prestigious architecture prize. It is awarded to the project built or designed in Britain "which has made the greatest contribution to the evolution of architecture in the past year."

The building was described as a "timeless piece of architecture" and an "exceptional building."

Judges highlighted the Laboratory's blending of private and public space, the flexibility of design that allows for evolving and changing scientific needs and its integration within the sensitive site of the University Botanic Garden.

Lord Sainsbury said: "I am delighted that Stanton Williams has won the RIBA Stirling Prize for the Sainsbury Laboratory, in competition with some outstanding buildings. I am also very proud to be associated with their inspiring building which sets a new standard for laboratory design and blends in beautifully with the historic Botanic Gardens."

The Director of Estate Management for the University, Michael Bienias, said: "I'm delighted that the Sainsbury Laboratory has received the prestigious Stirling Prize. It's testament to the excellent design skills of the architects Stanton Williams and truly reflects the support they received from the entire project team."

Project Team

Architect: Stanton Williams
Client: The University of Cambridge
Funder: The Gatsby Charitable Foundation
Strategic Project Manager: Stuart A. Johnson Consulting Ltd
Project and Contract Administrator: Hannah Reed
Project Management: University of Cambridge Estate Management
Main Contractor: Kier Regional
Civil and Structural Engineer: Adams Kara Taylor
Building Services Engineer: Arup
Cost Consultant: Gardner & Theobald
Landscape Architect: Christopher Bradley-Hole Landscape
Landscape Architect: Schoenaich Landscape Architects
BREEAM Assessor: Buro Happold Ltd

Town Planning: University of Cambridge Estate Management

Key Dates

Construction Start date: February 2008
Completion Date: December 2010
Date of Occupation: January 2011
Project Duration: June 2006 - January 2011
Planning phase: June 2006 - February 2008