Sainsbury Laboratory at the University of Cambridge has won the coveted RIBA Stirling Prize 2012 for the best building of the year. Now in its 17th year, the RIBA Stirling Prize is the UK’s most prestigious architecture prize, it was awarded to architects Stanton Williams. Susanna Heron collaborated with Stanton Williams on the Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge to make an extensive stone relief as a backdrop to the lecture theatre.

The RIBA Stirling Prize judges said: “The building uses fine materials expertly detailed; and beautifully integrates works of art commissioned from Susanna Heron, William Pye and Norman Ackroyd. The project’s profound sustainability is impressive, not only in terms of its excellent energy performance but also in terms of its long term flexibility and adaptability.”

Lord Sainsbury said: “I am delighted that Stanton Williams has won the RIBA Stirling Prize for the Sainsbury Laboratory, in competition with some outstanding buildings. I am also very proud to be associated with their inspiring building which sets a new standard for laboratory design and blends in beautifully with the historic Botanic Gardens.”

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