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Lambeth Palace Library

Wright & Wright's project creates a landmark tower in the gardens of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Grade I-listed home

Lambeth Palace Library.
Lambeth Palace Library. Credit: Nick Hufton

Wright & Wright Architects for Church Commissioners for England
Contract value: £23.5m
GIA: 5,400m2
Cost per m2: £4,352

Positioned in the gardens of the Grade I-listed home of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lambeth Palace Library is a new home for the Church of England's consolidated archives.

The library is thoughtfully located on the edge of the site to minimise its impact on the gardens, while still creating a landmark tower. At the heart of the building is the set-piece reading room. Other elements include the archive stores and at the very top, an events space with panoramic views over central London. 

The clarity of the key architectural moves and the sheer rigour and care that has gone into the exquisite detailing of the brickwork and composition of the elevations stood out for the judges. The result is a significant and compelling piece of civic architecture that reframes the centuries-old relationship between church and state. 

  • Lambeth Palace Library.
    Lambeth Palace Library. Credit: Nick Hufton
  • Lambeth Palace Library.
    Lambeth Palace Library. Credit: Nick Hufton
  • Lambeth Palace Library.
    Lambeth Palace Library. Credit: Nick Hufton
  • Lambeth Palace Library.
    Lambeth Palace Library. Credit: Nick Hufton
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