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Durham Cathedral Open Treasure

Quality workmanship and detailing

Durham Cathedral Open Treasure
Durham Cathedral Open Treasure Credit: Andy Marshall

Purcell for Durham Cathedral
Contract value: £5.26m
GIA: 1,705m²
Cost per m²: £3,086

Purcell has worked with Durham’s cathedral staff for more than seven years to insert new visitor spaces to showcase its collection of historic items, from medieval books and stonework to Anglo-Saxon artefacts, in the existing grade I-listed buildings. The architect has remodelled previously hidden spaces and created suitable environmental conditions for the differing needs of the collection.

  • Durham Cathedral Open Treasure
    Durham Cathedral Open Treasure Credit: Andy Marshall
  • Durham Cathedral Open Treasure
    Durham Cathedral Open Treasure Credit: Andy Marshall
  • Durham Cathedral Open Treasure
    Durham Cathedral Open Treasure Credit: Andy Marshall
  • Durham Cathedral Open Treasure
    Durham Cathedral Open Treasure Credit: Andy Marshall
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Bronze stainless steel and glass lift shafts provide accessible routes throughout while new timber doors separate and secure the zones. This restricted palette of materials has been used against existing stone structures to provide a high-quality finish based on traditional craftmanship. The judges were particularly impressed by the quality of the workmanship and detailing, including the inclusion of lead-framed secondary glazing to enhance the structural performance without affecting its appearance.

Conservation Award

Building of the Year sponsored by Artifice Press

​See other winners in the RIBA regional awards - North East 

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