The Scott Brownrigg-designed Activity Centre for St George’s, Weybridge has been shortlisted for the RIBA Regional Awards, South East 2020.

For 50 years the RIBA awards and prizes for buildings have championed and celebrated the best architecture in the UK and around the world. The Regional Awards recognize UK buildings for their regional importance as pieces of architecture.

Sitting alongside a diverse selection of 19 shortlisted projects, the Activity Centre at St George’s is a 4,000 sq m, three-storey building that supports the School’s ambitious sporting vision. It provides an inspirational environment for students and community participation and engagement, supporting a project vision that delivers ‘activity for all’.

Located on Green Belt land, the building’s design uses the natural topography - an 8 metre level change to blend seamlessly within the landscape.  The renewably-sourced freeform Glulam roof structure and CLT deck pushes the limits of structural timber to create a gentle ‘wave’-like form.  Internally, a professional staircase at the heart of the building provides a visual connection between the spaces and was a fundamental driver.

Designed with a fabric-first approach to sustainability, the Activity Centre represents the importance both client and architect place on sustainability. This ensured that the form of the building was optimized before employing renewable technology; natural ventilation terminals on the roof combined with underfloor heating create a low-energy environment, which are supported by optimum levels of insulation and efficient use of roof form.

The shortlist has been published in a special edition of the RIBA Journal, whilst the judging visits remain postponed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.