11 October 2007
Contact: Tessa Kordeczka, 020 7070 6769
Dalby Forest Visitor Centre in North Yorkshire has won this year's Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award. Commissioned from White Design by the Forestry Commission, it came top of a strong shortlist of 18 projects. The judges hailed in particular its uncompromising commitment to sustainability.
Opened in April, Dalby Forest Visitor Centre is part of a major regeneration project in Dalby Forest and the North York Moors National Park which will bring new business and employment to the region. Through sympathetic design and use of local natural materials, the building fits seamlessly into its surroundings, and is designed to be highly energy efficient.
CABE chair John Sorrell said:
'Dalby Forest Visitor Centre is everything that we should expect from a new public building. It inspires those using and visiting it. It adds to the enjoyment of the places and spaces around us. It brings new business opportunities. And it shows how great design lies at the heart of our response to climate change.'
Construction and use of public buildings contribute at least a third of all carbon emissions. Dalby Forest Visitor Centre, however, demonstrates the potential impact of sustainable design and building techniques.
Materials, machinery and labour used in construction were sourced locally. The building is clad in larch grown and milled in the forest; the water supply comes from the local village spring; and rainwater is used to flush the toilets. A biomass boiler powered by woodchips from the forest, solar panels and wind turbines mean that nearly all energy comes from renewable sources. The roof covering is made from recycled tyres and inner tubes; and the reception desk incorporates recycled mobile phones, yoghurt pots and Wellington boots.
Presenting the award, Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said:
'Each of the finalists for the Prime Minister's Award show what excellent design and procurement can bring to local communities and the environment. Dalby Forest Visitor Centre is a stunning example of this, setting high standards for the future. This is especially important now, at a time when our design and construction industries must respond urgently to the threat of climate change.'
The Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award is part of the British Construction Industry Awards and is sponsored jointly by CABE and the Office of Government Commerce (OGC).
Nigel Smith, OGC chief executive, said:
'The Prime Minister's Award is unique. It recognises high-quality design - essential for a good public building - but also efficient procurement; good teamwork between client, designer, contractor and specialist; sound financial management and whole-life value for money; and sustainability. I would like to see all publicly funded building projects setting their sights this high.'
Alan Eves, forest management director, added:
'Located at the heart of the Great Yorkshire Forest, the new visitor centre is the flagship of the latest Dalby developments. It showcases green technologies and provides a focus for rural regeneration, with opportunities for local businesses to share in its success. The week after the centre's opening was the busiest in the forest's 85-year history.'