This historic Elizabethan mansion was once the military headquarters of Charles I - musket balls from the Second Battle of Newbury have been found embedded in the brickwork.
Despite its Grade I listing, Shaw House fell into dereliction, and the practice was commissioned to bring it back into use. The brief had three key requirements: to make the building fully accessible, to allow the House to inform how it should be adapted and used in the future, and to secure £5m of Heritage Lottery Funding.
The practice carried out substantial but sensitive repairs along with careful modern interventions, including two new passenger lifts with associated towers and fire resistant screens. The modern interventions were clearly articulated and designed to be reversible. The works have enabled the buildings to provide a range of uses, from weddings to conferences. The historic house is also open to the public.
The practice's work at Whittington Castle in Shropshire was also singled out for special recognition by the National Panel for its strong community initiative and positive impact. The awards ceremony will be held at St. George's Hall in Liverpool on Friday 12th March. St. George's Hall was an award-winning project for the practice in its own right. The £25m regeneration of the Hall was recognised with a Civic Trust 'Special City of Culture' Award in 2008.