Derngate Northampton England

22 May 2009 John McAslan + Partners wins RIBA Award John McAslan + Partners' has won a 2009 RIBA Award for extending the Charles Rennie Mackintosh arts facility in Northampton by conserving and adapting a Grade II Georgian building. Derngate photos : www.arcaidimages.com.richardbryant 82 Derngate forms the third phase of a multi-functional arts facility occupying nos. 78-82 Derngate. The scheme provides a range of visitors' facilities including a café and bookshop, as well as education, office and exhibition spaces. John McAslan + Partners has also created a new main entranceway, located at No. 82, together with an external glazed link at the rear. The scheme to conserve and adapt the Grade II Georgian building was funded by the No. 78 Derngate Northampton Trust. The Trust has described the award winning project as "a stunning combination of Regency grandeur and ultramodern efficiency." No 78 Derngate was Charles Rennie Mackintosh's last commission and the only project he completed in England. 82 Derngate photo : James BrittainVIEW_www.jamesbrittain.co.uk The aim of the project was to link disparate functions, incorporate changes in levels and ensure that visitors could easily navigate through the three houses and their gardens. The scheme respects the significant aspects of the building, maintaining the main rooms of the original layout and conserving noteworthy Regency features. The form and materials of the modern glazed link were inspired by the rectangular balcony extension designed by Mackintosh for the rear of No 78, which John McAslan + Partners restored in 2007 along with the remodeling of No 80, a previous RIBA and prestigious Europa Nostra Medal Winner. 82 Derngate photos / information received 220509