Auckland Castle walled garden shortlisted for Stephen Lawrence Prize

Auckland Castle’s Walled Garden, a Grade II-listed site in County Durham, is one of six projects in the running for the Stephen Lawrence Prize 2026, which celebrates emerging architectural talent.

The restored garden was brought back to life by MawsonKerr Architects in collaboration with landscape architect Pip Morrison.

The new space includes a Victorian-inspired glasshouse (Image: Oli Sturdy)

A citation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) praised the transformation and its thoughtful approach.

It said: “The Walled Garden at Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, has a rich and distinctive history.

“Its restoration by MawsonKerr Architects with landscape architect Pip Morrison strikes a compelling balance between sensitive repair and thoughtful reinvention.”

The glasshouse (Image: Dan Kerr)

Judges also commended the restored garden walls and the integration of new, functional elements.

The citation continued: “The Grade II-listed walls enclosing the garden have been meticulously restored and seem content to resume their role as a backdrop to a productive landscape after years of dereliction.

“MawsonKerr’s new-build interventions are small, precise, and beautifully executed.”

One of the key new additions is a maintenance block that blends into the bankside, designed with reclaimed and new brick and topped with a sedum roof.

The Walled Garden is central to the Castle’s transformation into a major visitor attraction (Image: Oli Sturdy)

According to the judges, this building “merge seamlessly with the surrounding landscape” and reflects the high level of care applied to the entire project.

The citation also highlighted the wider purpose of the site beyond its visual appeal.

It said: “These functional interventions ensure that the Walled Garden is more than a visitor attraction or productive plot.

“It now serves as a resource for education on seasonality and biodiversity, with produce grown on-site used in local restaurants and surplus donated to local charities.”

Staff wellbeing and volunteer engagement have visibly improved since the garden’s transformation, according to feedback from those working on the project.

The glasshouse was described as the “jewel in the crown.”

A distinctive ridge and furrow roof maximises morning and evening light (Image: Oli Sturdy)

Inspired by the “ridge and furrow” design of Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace, the new structure sits lightly on the footprint of the former pinery-vinery and supports the work of gardeners and volunteers.

The structure was developed in close collaboration with JC Consulting, and judges praised its lightness, both visually and structurally.

Budget constraints shaped the project, but the judges said its quality did not suffer as a result.

They concluded: “Through close collaboration with manufacturers, client, and contractor, they have created something genuinely special that could so easily have been ordinary.”

They also recognised The Auckland Project’s commitment to regeneration through culture, heritage, and high-quality design.

This is not the first time Bishop Auckland has been recognised for architectural excellence.

The glasshouse is now the third RIBA North East Award–winning project within a 100-metre radius.

Elsewhere on the Stephen Lawrence Prize shortlist are projects in London, Hertfordshire and Cornwall, including a new junior school, a converted department store, and an urban stables scheme.

The Auckland Castle Walled Garden is described as “a thriving hub for education and community wellbeing.”

Matthew Goldschmied, jury chair and managing trustee of The Marco Goldschmied Foundation, said: “Once again, the shortlist presented the jury with a diverse array of outstanding projects by early-career architects.

“Through excellence in community connection, regeneration of public spaces, education environments and ecological sensitivity, these projects collectively reassure us of the undoubted talent emerging into the profession.

“Those shortlisted have become part of the living memorial to Stephen Lawrence, and we are looking forward to visiting all projects and meeting the project architects and clients behind them.”

Chris Williamson, RIBA president, added: “This year’s shortlist is a powerful reminder of the talent, creativity and innovation emerging within our profession.

“From the sensitive restoration of historic buildings to the creation of new structures that support education, wellbeing and community, these projects demonstrate the enormous impact architecture can have when people and purpose are placed at its core.

“Not only are these emerging architects shaping the future of our built environment, but they are already delivering projects of exceptional quality and social value.”

The winner of the Stephen Lawrence Prize 2026 will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Old Billingsgate in London.