Burntwood School by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris wins 2015 RIBA Stirling Prize

Following their July announcement of the shortlist for the 2015 Stirling Prize, RIBA announced the Burntwood School in Wandsworth London as the winning project. Now in its 20th year, the RIBA Stirling Prize is regarded as the UK’s most prestigious architecture prize.

Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), the practice that designed the all girls' school, is winning the coveted award for the first time.

AHMM was presented with the Stirling Prize trophy during an evening ceremony tonight, taking place at the RIBA headquarters in London.

Scroll down for more about the project.

"Burntwood School, a large comprehensive girls’ school in Wandsworth, London by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) has won the coveted RIBA Stirling Prize 2015 for the UK’s best new building."

"AHMM’s transformation of Burntwood School reimagines a 1950’s modernist secondary school campus for 2000 girls and 200 staff. The architects created six new faculty buildings and two large cultural buildings linking original buildings by renowned 1950s/1960s architect Sir Leslie Martin."

"Already a very sculptural building, AHMM worked closely with an artist to use large, colourful murals throughout the buildings – cleverly combining signposting with modern art."

"Every building is full of light and air with double height spaces at the end of each corridor to increase natural daylight and create well-framed views. It offers a range of teaching spaces from conventional classrooms to interactive open spaces."

Speaking at the award ceremony in London, RIBA President Jane Duncan said:  'Burntwood School shows us how superb school design can be at the heart of raising our children's educational enjoyment and achievement. Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, experienced school architects, have created a stunning campus. They have produced delightful, resourceful and energy efficient buildings that will benefit the whole community in the long term. With the UK facing a huge shortage of school places, it is vital we learn lessons from Burntwood. I am delighted to present architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris with the 2015 RIBA Stirling Prize.'

Paul Monaghan, Director, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris said: 'Schools can and should be more than just practical, functional buildings – they need to elevate the aspirations of children, teachers and the wider community. Good school design makes a difference to the way students value themselves and their education, and we hope that Burntwood winning the RIBA Stirling Prize shows that this is worth investing in.'

Helen Dorfman, Principal, Burntwood School said: 'The whole Burntwood School Community is delighted and proud that the scheme has been recognised as being worthy of the Stirling Prize. The Burntwood scheme is a testament to the power of strong, collaborative partnerships. These effective partnerships between the school, AHMM, Wandsworth Council and the contractor, Lend Lease, were sustained throughout the whole process from procurement to completion.

AHMM were particularly generous with their time and commitment to fully involving myself and other school representatives. Staff and students have said on many occasions that the new buildings have greatly improved the quality of their day to day experiences at the school and students comment that their commitment to learning has been enhanced.'