Midhurst Rother College is located within the South Downs National Park on the outskirts of Midhurst, a fairly small rural community in West Sussex. Midhurst is a market town that has retained much of its mediaeval layout: its character formed by the varying architectural styles and historic building materials, and open spaces punctuated by lanes and passages. The site required a sensitive and sympathetic response, whilst simultaneously offering the opportunity to design a unique and exciting building. The new building gathers all visitors and users at a generous entrance, covered by a canopy, with the entrance itself further recessed into the building. Beyond this double height entrance are the key spaces such as dining, LRC and the theatre, all of which are publicly accessible for out of hours use, opening directly onto the triple height circulation and exhibition space at ground level.

Winner, ‘Best Community Building’, Sussex Heritage Trust Awards 2013.